Jonathan P. Harris Sr. / President CEO / Sr. Mortgage Originator NMLS*19222*

Jonathan Harris, originally from Mt. Vernon, New York, has lived in the Baltimore Washington Metropolitan Area since 1986. He is a loving husband and father of 4.

He attended Bowie State University for both Undergraduate and Graduate studies, graduating with a BA in Business Administration in 1991 and a MA in Administrative Management / Finance in 1994.

After obtaining years of valuable managerial experience, working in financial services for companies such as Banc One and American General Finances, Inc., Mr. Harris founded 1st Step Financial Services, Inc. in 1997, a Mortgage Brokerage, currently based out of Largo, MD.

Mr. Harris has worked as a licensed Realtor since 2003 and has worked as an active real estate investor since 1994. His years of experience in financial services and real estate, has proven to be a successful mix. As a result, Mr. Harris has received numerous awards and accolades and he is held in high regard among his peers within the local business community.

With 13 years of Accounting experience, he was approved to sit for his CPA Certification in 2013 after meeting all of the requirements for candidacy. His philanthropic work, for the past 5 years, has been mostly in the areas of finance and accounting with CSI.

Jessica Yirenkyi / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2683459*

Jessica Yirenkyi is a licensed Realtor and Mortgage Loan Originator with 1st Step Financial Services, Inc., serving clients in a dual capacity as a M.O.R.E. — a Mortgage Originating Real Estate Expert. This unique 1st Step Financial approach allows her to seamlessly guide clients through both the home buying and financing process with clarity, efficiency, and confidence.

Licensed in real estate since 2017, Jessica brings years of market experience combined with lending insight to support buyers, sellers, and investors from pre-approval through closing. Her integrated expertise helps minimize delays, improve communication, and create a more cohesive transaction experience.

A creative at heart, Jessica’s background in visual design and storytelling shapes her belief that real estate is about more than property—it’s about people, place, and possibility. She is actively involved with nonprofit and community-based organizations focused on access, equity, and long-term stability. Outside of work, she enjoys live music and concerts, creative projects, and is an avid football fan, bringing the same passion and energy to her professional relationships that she does to the things she loves.

Cory Hudson / Commercial Loan Originator NMLS*204295*

Cory Hudson a Commercial Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Cory's own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals. Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Cory is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Melvin Pannell / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2108133*

Melvin Pennell a Mortgage Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Melvin’s own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Melvin is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Bernard Pugh / Commercial Loan Originator NMLS*204295*

Bernard Pugh a Commercial Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Bernard's own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals. Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Bernard is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Valerie Cooper / Commercial Loan Originator NMLS*204295*

Valerie Cooper is a Commercial Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Valerie's own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Valerie is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Marcella Jackson / Commerical Loan Originator NMLS*204295*

Marcella Jackson is a Commercial Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Marcella's own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Marcella is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Cornelia Baines / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2558976*

Cornelia Baines is a Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Cornelia’s own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, she works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Cornelia is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Ian Baylor / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2124836*

Ian Baylor is a Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Ian’s own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Ian is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Delilah Calvert / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2333649*

Delilah Calvert a Mortgage Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Delilah's own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals. Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Delilah is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Chemine Coleman / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2575165*

Chemine Coleman is proud to be dual licensed as a Mortgage Loan Orginator here at 1st Step Financial and a Real Estate Agent with Own Real Estate , where the mission is to help clients BUY with confidence and SELL with success. Chemine works with brokers that uphold a reputation of top producing agents built from a foundation of strong work ethics, support, and extensive training. She is genuine, passionate, and focused on helping others achieve their dreams and goals in real estate. Our clients are the top priority and the goal is to make every transaction a smooth and pleasurable experience throughout the buying or selling process. We pride ourselves in providing outstanding quality customer service in every working relationship to gain trust, referrals, and repeat business. Contact Chemine for All your real estate needs.

Ola Fakinlede / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*1948555*

Ola Fakinlede is a Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Ola’s own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Ola is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Stefan Fields / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2152214*

Stefan Fields is a Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Stefan’s own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Stefan is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Amar Greene / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2650703*

With 18 years of experience in the staffing industry, Amar Greene has become a trusted expert in talent acquisition and workforce solutions. Throughout his career, Amar has successfully navigated the ever-evolving landscape of staffing, building strong relationships with both clients and candidates. His deep understanding of various industries allows him to match the right talent with the right opportunities, ensuring long-term success for all parties involved.

Amar’s approach to staffing is driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping businesses grow by identifying top talent. Over the years, he has gained extensive knowledge in recruitment, team building, and strategic workforce planning, allowing him to deliver results that make a significant impact.

Whether working with startups or established enterprises, Amar is dedicated to providing exceptional service, cultivating a positive candidate experience, and ensuring client satisfaction. His expertise, combined with a personal touch, has earned him a reputation as a leader in the staffing sector.

Charles Heyward / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2568268*

Born in Atlanta, GA, and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, Charles is a self-described 'country boy with a city boy flare'. Growing up, he was always involved with extracurricular activities through school and church. After graduating from Harriton High School in Rosemont, PA, he would graduate from Howard university school of business with a degree in business finance. In addition to being very passionate about helping others, his biggest joy in life is being the father of four outstanding young gentlemen. A member of Omega PSI PHI Fraternity, Inc and Benderson Memorial Lodge #3 (AASRM), his hobbies include training dogs, martial arts, and volunteering with various youth programs and organizations.

Charles is a former wall street stock broker who spent his first years out of college working with Goldman Sachs, SLK as a specialist trading clerk on the floor of the New York stock exchange. After several years he decided to move his talent for investing away from the institutional side and dedicated his life to helping individuals and small businesses create wealth and financial success. Moving to UBS, PaineWebber as a financial advisor was a natural step, however, the passion for the equities market had faded. Already highly interested in real estate, he began investing, and wholesaling residential property in 2002, quickly moved to gain his real estate agent's license, and quickly became a top producer in the first office he joined. Since that time, Charles has "Helped make dreams a reality, one home at a time.

David Ingram / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2331026*

David Ingram a Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with David’s own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, David is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Cainan Howard / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2794821*

Cainan Howard is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over 20 years of service, including deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as humanitarian missions in Liberia and Djibouti, Africa. Throughout his military career, he earned multiple honors, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Humanitarian Service Medal, recognizing his dedication, leadership, and commitment to service.

Through his military experience, Cainan developed strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage complex operations and deliver results in high-pressure environments. These qualities now serve as the foundation of his work in the financial services industry.

At 1st Step Financial, Cainan is committed to helping clients navigate the lending process with clarity and confidence. He takes a client-first approach, ensuring that individuals and families understand their options and are positioned to make informed financial decisions that align with their goals.

With a focus on integrity, communication, and service, Cainan strives to build lasting relationships while helping clients take meaningful steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Shaina Mowatt / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2271823*

Shaina Mowatt is a dual-licensed real estate professional--Realtor with EXIT Deluxe Realty Group and Mortgage Loan Originator with 1st Step Financial Services. With a heart for educating and a deep understanding of both real estate and financing, Shaina is dedicated to "Building your legacy, one home at a time." Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, Shaina is here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to take the first step? Let's build your legacy together.

Tyesha Williams / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2480124*

Tyesha Williams is a Mortgage Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Tyesha's own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Tyesha is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Kia Smith / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2664751*

Kia Smith is a Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Kia’s own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, she works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Kia is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Alan Upshur / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*1880999*

Alan Upshur is a Commercial Loan Originator at 1st Step Financial, dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. The company’s mission is to provide expert guidance with integrity and care aligns seamlessly with Alan's own professional values. With a focus on personalized service and transparent communication, he works closely with each borrower to find the right financing solution for their goals.  Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or refinancing, Alan is excited to continue helping people take confident steps toward homeownership and financial stability.

Jovanta Verdun / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2260338*

My name is Jovanta Verdun and I am a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer in Virginia, Licensed Realtor and Mentor.

Starting my career I didn't have the best of luck getting deals , My first few months weren't exactly what I expected. I learned through what I didn't do and what I could improve on. I Tried multiple avenues until I found the right path for myself to take and have been prospering since. Along the way I had a great mentor Mark Price who taught me so much and only asked in return "I pay it forward for the next generation of realtors."  Present day I've had the pleasure of Mentoring 4 mentees and intend to spread my book of knowledge to so many more ambitious starting Realtors & Lenders.

I personally don't think there is any secret key to success in this business. Everyone's path will be different but us finding yours and emphasizing it over time will be my goal. Becoming a successful realtor can be one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. I hope to hear from you soon so we can get you started!

Jamel Wilmore / Mortgage Originator NMLS*2125691*

I'm an expert Mortgage Loan Originator with 1stStep Financial Services. Serving all of the DMV providing home-buyers Realtors with professional, responsive and attentive mortgage services. 

Want a Loan Officer who'll really listen to what you want in a loan? Need an LO who knows how to effectively navigate your loan process to closing? My goal is to assist my community with starting andprotecting generational wealth.

It is more than a loan to me, we are working together tosecure your family's future. Give me a call! I'm eager to help and would love to talk to you.

Kevin Wilmore / Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS*2235012*

Recently "retired" from the Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory, after 29.5 years of service. I have a 36.5 year background in Systems Engineering for Navy Combat Systems, Weapons Control Systems (WCSs) and Sensor/Radar Integration. My experience includes being an Assistant Program Manager (3.5 years), the Sea-Based X-band radar (SBX) Software Lead (5 years), SBX Systems Engineering Lead (2 years), SBX Subject Matter Expert (12 years), leading major weapon system development/testing efforts (20+ years).

I've embarked on a new career path as a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS #2235012), with 1st Step Financial. So if you're in the market to purchase a home or need to refinance your current mortgage, please contact me. 1st Step Financial provides an array of mortgage loan products tailored to our clients unique needs and desires.

I'm also a Commissioned Maryland Notary Public, and a Licensed/Certified Notary Loan Signing Agent.