Meet Our Advisory Team
Connect with one of our trusted Financial Advisors in the Coachella Valley. We are here to be a partner with you on your financial journey and help you make well-informed, important life decisions related to your wealth. Please contact our Palm Desert, CA advisory team if we can be of service.
Connect with Us
We recommend Beacon Pointe as a great source of financial knowledge and retirement advice.
We recommend Beacon Pointe as a great source of financial knowledge and retirement advice.
Alicia Ford
Senior Client Service Associate
Alicia is a Senior Client Service Associate at the Beacon Pointe Palm Desert office. Her responsibilities include account administration, scheduling and assisting with client meetings, processing new and existing account paperwork, and communicating with clients to provide the highest levels of service. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, taking trips to the beach, and exploring new places.
Amber Lembo
Associate Financial Planner
Amber supports the Retirement Plan Services team within the Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors Palm Desert office. Her responsibilities include a wide range of daily client service, onboarding new clients, scheduling and assisting with client meetings and document preparation for new and prospective clients, verification and processing functions related to 401(k) accounts and direct business. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, Amber worked at Integrated Wealth management for six years as an Executive Client Service Associate with the Retirement Plan Services team. In 2008, Amber entered the financial/lending industry as a Loan Assistant and Loan Operations and Documentation Specialist at Canyon National Bank/Pacific Premier Bank. Amber is also a Notary Public. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active, spending time with her friends, family and her dog Trigger.
Brandt Kuhn, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Brandt is a Partner, Managing Director in the Beacon Pointe Palm Desert office, bringing extensive experience in comprehensive financial planning and a client-first, collaborative approach to helping individuals and families manage and grow their wealth. He works closely with clients to create personalized, financial plans through identifying and setting goals for wealth accumulation and future needs, as well as establishing financial priorities, take advantage of tax laws, and utilize investments to their benefit.
A Southern California native, Brandt graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a concentration in Financial Management. Following graduation, he returned to the Coachella Valley to build his advisory practice and raise his family. Brandt is deeply committed to his local community, currently serving on the board of the Desert Cancer Foundation. His previous board service includes the Desert Recreation District Foundation, The First Tee of the Coachella Valley Advisory Board, and the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce. Brandt is also a graduate of the Leadership Coachella Valley program (2011). His professional accomplishments include being honored by InvestmentNews as a 2019 ’40 Under 40’ financial advisor and Palm Springs Life’s ’40 Under 40’ (2010).
Outside of the office, Brandt enjoys playing competitive golf and spending time outdoor with his wife, Erin, and their two sons, Brooks and Owen. Together, they enjoy traveling in their Airstream trailer, visiting national and state parks, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.
Michele Sarna, AIF®, AWMA®, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Michele is responsible for the development of financial plans that help clients identify and set goals for wealth accumulation and future needs, as well as establish priorities, leverage tax laws, utilize financial products to their benefit, among other savvy financial services. In addition to the services highlighted, Michele specializes in qualified retirement plans, including plan design, implementation, and management that help employers and employees reach their retirement savings goals. Michele has extensive experience in investment management and the brokerage industry. Michele took a hiatus from the finance industry when she moved to the desert to help her husband run and manage a construction business. However, a few years later, she decided to go back to her passion in financial services. Michele is also passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. She holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Finance from California State University, Long Beach. Michele holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary™, and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®) designations. Over the years, Michele has garnered several industry recognitions including:
- 2020 ‘401 Top Retirement Plan Advisor by State’ from Financial Times
- 2022 ‘Top Retirement Plan Adviser’ from PLANADVISER
- 2023 ‘Top Retirement Plan Adviser’ from PLANADVISER
Outside of the office, Michele likes to spend time with her family, read, exercise, and participate in races benefiting non-profit organizations.
Palm Desert Financial Services
Our process and attention to detail ensure your wealth plan allows you to make smart choices about your financial future through informed decisions.
Wealth Management
Our team uses their expertise to design a tailored financial solution for your family and assets.
Retirement Planning
We help clients achieve their best retirement by making smart, informed choices now.
Estate Planning
We’ll help ensure you have the necessary documents in place to protect your family and legacy.
Investment Advisor
Our team is well-versed at integrating tax strategies across your portfolio and financial plan.
