Aaron B. Kershaw

er & CEO, BuildingBlocs Literacy | Creator of BRIGHTPath Academy | Author | Veteran | Systems Builder

Aaron B. Kershaw is a visionary entrepreneur, trauma-informed strategist, and U.S. Marine veteran whose mission is to transform how individuals and institutions approach education, healing, and leadership. As Founder and CEO of BuildingBlocs Literacy LLC, he leads a bold movement integrating financial literacy, social-emotional learning (SEL), and trauma recovery into scalable systems that serve communities often left behind.

Aaron is the creator of The BRIGHTPath Academy, an educational ecosystem offering books, online courses, live workshops, and certification tracks for adults, youth, families, and organizational teams. Under his leadership, BuildingBlocs has expanded far beyond its original focus on financial literacy, now producing over 100 original works and toolkits spanning topics like trauma healing, reentry education, emotional regulation, legacy planning, business development, and team leadership.

Aaron’s work centers on real-world transformation. From developing the “Free Inside” series for justice-impacted individuals, to trauma-focused learning systems for veterans, churches, and school districts, his content and platforms help people reset their nervous systems, rebuild identity, and reclaim personal agency. Every course, workbook, and initiative is grounded in lived experience and designed to meet people exactly where they are, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.

His trauma-informed framework combines neuroscience, SEL methodology, and practical resilience-building strategies, used in prisons, schools, churches, and corporate wellness programs nationwide.

A Marine Corps veteran and former financial advisor, Aaron brings deep expertise in financial systems and operational structure. At Ameriprise Financial, he helped manage $600M in assets, led compliance marketing, and streamlined high-level planning systems. Today, he uses that same strategic insight to build equitable, AI-integrated financial education tools under the SmartPlanHQ brand, delivering smart, accessible planning tools to everyday households.

Aaron’s personal experience with service-connected disability fuels his ongoing advocacy for trauma-responsive education, particularly for veterans and reentry populations.

Aaron is also a pioneer in media and message delivery. From launching one of Westchester County’s first community websites in the 1990s to producing early radio livestreams for WVOX and hosting public affairs programs on WRTN FM, he has consistently been ahead of the curve in using technology for public impact. His current publishing catalog spans Amazon bestsellers, classroom-ready curriculums, children's books, and coaching guides, all infused with humor, grit, and real-life experience.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with concentrations in Economics, Finance, and Human Resources from Manhattanville University. A lifelong learner and teacher, he mentors others in building purposeful lives, healing from past wounds, and navigating systems with clarity and courage.

Whether in a boardroom, a classroom, or a prison classroom, Aaron brings the same message: You are not your past - you are your possibility.

His work continues to inspire individuals, families, and institutions to grow from the inside out.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Aaron's contributions to his field and community have been acknowledged through several prestigious awards:

• BCW Rising Star - 40 under 40: Celebrated for his innovative impact in media and community service.

• Certificate of Merit - New York Senator Nicholas Spano Commended for his entrepreneurial spirit and significant community impact.

• Westchester County Board of Legislators - Certificate of Achievement 

• New Rochelle Chamber - (4) Certificates of Appreciation: Recognized for extensive volunteer work across multiple years .

• Disabled  American Veterans (DAV) - Certificate of Appreciation

• Westchester County Service Award: Honored for his distinguished service during Desert Storm.

•  Joint Task force Bravo - Certificate of Achievement

• Bachelor of Science in Business Management 

                    Manhattanville University, Purchase, NY

• Licenses:
  • Series 7 
  • Series 66 
  • New York Life & Health
  • Property and Casualty Insurance
  • AHIP/Medicare Certified 2024

A Legacy of Empowerment

Aaron B. Kershaw’s philosophy—"Many people just need a nudge in the right direction with new information. I love seeing that spark of understanding in their eyes"—fuels his ongoing dedication to financial education and empowerment. 

Through his diverse skill set and unwavering passion for community service, Aaron continues to forge a lasting legacy that extends beyond his military and professional accomplishments, aiming to transform lives through education and opportunity.