From my research, this will subject me to short term capital gain taxes, especially in the short term until I hold at least some of the stock for a year. Since this can be upwards of 25%, does anyone have suggestions how I might be able to 'shelter' some of this tax money (and lower my percentage of taxes?)

Aside from waiting to begin your sales until you have some long-term shares to sell, there isn't any way to avoid the short-term treatment. What you do with the proceeds doesn't affect the taxation of the gain.

Phil