Meet Our Women Wealth Advisors
Alisha Rosenthal, CFP®, CRC
Partner, Managing Director
Alisha is a partner and managing director of Beacon Pointe’s Fort Worth office. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Alisha was a senior financial advisor with Rosenthal Retirement Planning for over 12 years. Prior to joining the Rosenthal team in 2006, Alisha held positions in the staffing industry as well as the financial services industry. Alisha has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification and the Certified Retirement Counselor certification, and she received her degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin. She has served as a volunteer with the Junior League of Fort Worth, an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Additionally, through her passion to help and support women, Alisha is an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. Alisha, a lifelong Texas native, was born and raised in Houston and relocated to Fort Worth in 2006. In addition to advising clients, Alisha enjoys spending time with her husband, Burk, their two rescue dogs, Stanley and Cleo, as well as traveling, exercising, playing the piano, and has most recently taken up golf.
Allison Kvikstad, CFP®, CDFA®
Partner, Managing Director
Allison is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With almost 30 years of professional investing experience, Allison focuses on managing wealth for high-net-worth individuals, families, and private foundations. She has a Masters degree in Finance from Golden Gate University, holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designations, and has previously guest lectured at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, Stanford, and UC Davis. Allison is a long-time advocate of financial literacy and has held board positions at Dress for Success in San Francisco and the First Tree of Oakland. Outside of the office, Allison volunteers and leads financial literacy programs periodically at Girls, Inc. of Alameda County, CB Seeds.org (Memphis, TN), and various women’s groups within public and private companies.
Carrie Gallaway, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Carrie is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With over 20 years of experience, Carrie is focused on helping clients plan for a secure financial future. Many of her clients are women who have experienced a recent life event, such as losing a job or a loved one, which forces their financial affairs to become a top priority. She works closely with clients in developing, implementing and monitoring retirement, education, investment and income plans for individuals and families. Carrie began her career as a Registered Client Service Associate with DLJDirect before pivoting to work at Morgan Stanley for 15 years, eventually rising to the role Senior Vice President. She then went on to co-found YorkBridge Wealth Partners in 2016 (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Carrie graduated from Lehigh University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Carrie currently lives in Hoboken, New Jersey with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys downhill skiing, tennis, volunteering in the local community, and cheering for her children at their sporting events.
Commie Stevens, JD
Chief Practice Officer
Commie designed and oversees the firm’s approach to financial and estate planning. She works closely with individuals and their families to best utilize their wealth to meet their lifetime and legacy goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Commie practiced as an estate planning attorney at Albrecht and Barney and served as the Director of Estate Planning for Pacific Life Insurance Company. She earned her Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law, her BA in Economics from the University of California at Irvine, is a member of the State Bar of California and an Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65). She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, The Street, Financial Advisor IQ, The National Financial Educators Council, The Journal of Practical Estate Planning and The University of California, Irvine’s Wealth Management Frontier Journal. Commie is passionate about financial education and regularly speaks on a host of financial and estate planning topics and has been a guest lecturer at The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California at Irvine and Stanford University. She is also is a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Commie has served as the Governance Chair for Hi Hopes Identity Discover Foundation. Commie enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and resides in Laguna Niguel, California.
Crystal Garner
Principal, Senior Wealth Advisor
Crystal is a Senior Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Florida office and, with over 20 years of experience, has earned a reputation for her broad level of expertise, as well as for the exceptional level of care & guidance she provides. Crystal graduated Cum Laude from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida with a BA in Organizational Communication; and she remains involved, as an alumnus, in volunteer efforts. She is a member of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and recently completed her term as past-President and board member of Orlando Rowing Association (ORA), where she integrated challenged student-athletes into positive peer groups and mentoring programs. Crystal enjoys the outdoors, fitness, horse-back riding, traveling, and any activity spent with family and friends.
Georgia Bennicas
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Georgia is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor for Beacon Pointe’s Portola Valley office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. With over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Georgia has comprehensive expertise in designing personalized securities portfolios, formulating retirement plans, implementing tax strategies and estate objectives, and analyzing real estate investments for clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Georgia founded Bennicas and Associates (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Georgia earned her bachelor degree’s in both Economics and Business Administration from Notre Dame.
Heather O’Neill Fairbanks, CFP®,…
Partner, Managing Director
Heather O’Neill Fairbanks is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors. With 35 years of experience, Heather has focused on retirement planning and building trust and confidence in her client relationships, while providing personalized service based on each client’s needs. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Heather founded Midwest Financial Advisors Group, a full-service planning and investment advisory firm (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). In addition to managing the firm, she played an integral part in the investment research process and creating customized planning solutions for each client. Heather graduated with a business degree from Western Michigan University, is a Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) and has been a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional since 1995. She is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and Financial Services Institute (FSI) and has served on the Investment Advisory Council, National Education Task Force and Advisory Board for FSC Securities Corporation. Heather served on the first AIG Advisor Group Women’s Advisory Board, which began in 2013. Her board commitment focused on serving women in mentorship, leadership, community outreach & development. Heather will help launch the inaugural WAI (Women’s Advisory Institute) Mentorship program at Beacon Pointe in 2025. The goal is to create a community in which our women wealth advisors can thrive and provide service of excellence to their respective clients. Outside of the office, Heather’s focus is her family.
Helen Goldstein, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Helen Goldstein, CFP® has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, beginning her career in commercial lending and moving into money management before founding her own company. She graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Economics and Finance and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. As a member of the prestigious Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Program early in her career, Helen was introduced to numerous community organizations and charities with whom she served in many capacities as a committee member, board member and President. As a volunteer consultant, Helen helped to establish and grow numerous community Endowment Funds and revised and revamped financial models for these organizations. In doing this work she fulfills a personal goal of helping better the lives of people through the creation of sustainable financial models for these important community agencies. Helen is also a member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute and is the founding member of the Indiana Women’s Presidents Organization and has been involved in the National Association of Women’s Business Owners (NAWBO) and the Financial Planning Association. She has served on the Board of her synagogue, was President of the Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis and has raised funds totaling in the millions for the JCC the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, among other organizations.
Indya Yuill
Partner, Managing Director
Indya is a member of the Beacon Pointe Board of Advisors and is part of the firm’s management team setting strategic direction for the firm and its nationwide initiatives. She also oversees Beacon Pointe’s Los Angeles regional office, providing customized wealth management solutions to corporate executives, professionals and their families. Through comprehensive planning and investment management, Indya develops strategies to help clients meet their financial goals. Previously, Indya worked as a Regional Vice President and Portfolio Specialist at Guggenheim Investments, in Institutional Sales at Citigroup in Sydney, and as a Credit Analyst at Macquarie Investment Bank in New York. Alongside female peers and fellow Beacon Pointe financial professionals, she is passionate about empowering women, both personally and professionally, and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. Indya is a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business.
Jacqui Friedrich, CFP®
Principal, Senior Wealth Advisor
Jacqui Friedrich is a Senior Wealth Advisor for the Beacon Pointe Asheville, North Carolina office, and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Jacqui has been in the financial services industry for over three decades and excels at serving high-net-worth individuals with personalized advice, comprehensive strategies, and goals-based planning. She is also known for the care she shows her clients and her dedication to building strong, lasting relationships. Jacqui graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®). Jacqui was the co-founder of the Financial Planning Association of Western North Carolina and served at the national level of the Financial Planning Association as a Chapter Leadership Resource Council member liaison for five states in the Southeast. Jacqui is passionate about educating women so they can learn how to manage their finances and make empowered decisions and is an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. She is also active in her community and has served locally on many nonprofit boards, including OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling, YWCA, Leadership Asheville Forum, and many local animal welfare organizations. She is currently the chair of the Asheville Humane Society, Chair of the Investment Committee for Pisgah Legal Services, and Treasurer of Heart of Horse Sense, and serves on the Safe Haven Committee for Helpmate. Outside of the office, Jacqui loves to ride her horse, hike, bike, and spend time with family and friends.
Jennifer Beyl-Lee, CFP®
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Jennifer Beyl-Lee is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over a decade of wealth management experience helping business owners, families, and individuals develop a financial strategy based on their goals and values. Jennifer is passionate about advising clients on their retirement planning, investments, and estate strategies so they can enjoy the life they have built. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Jennifer is committed to high ethical and professional standards. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where her son, Ethan, is currently a student. Go Gophers! Jennifer is a member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute, is a Board Member of Support Our Troops Haunted House, and is a Lifetime Auxiliary Member of the Cannon Falls VFW Post 4452. Jennifer and her husband, Skipp, currently reside in Cannon Falls, MN. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, competing in reigning horse shows, cheering on the MN Wild, and volunteering.
Jill Steinberg, CDFA®, MBA
Partner, Managing Director
Jill Steinberg brings over 30 years of investment advisory and banking experience and joined Beacon Pointe Advisors as a Managing Director and Partner. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Jill founded Walden Capital Advisors in 2006 to provide high net worth women and men comprehensive investment advice to help them achieve their financial and life goals. She is very passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. Jill serves on boards and investment committees for several local Philadelphia non-profits (including Live Like Blaine, a nonprofit founded in her daughter’s honor). Jill graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in Economics and earned an MBA with distinction in Finance and Real Estate from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and holds Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation.
Leigh Bivings, PhD, CDFA®, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Leigh Bivings is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors who is passionate about providing ethical, high-quality service to clients and is dedicated to her client’s financial well-being. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Leigh founded Artemis Financial Advisors (which joined Beacon Pointe in 2024). Before Artemis, Leigh was a managing director at Stax, Inc., a private-equity-focused investment research firm, and a partner at the Monitor Group, a global strategy advisory firm. Her international experience spans Latin America, where she was a Peace Corps volunteer and conducted her doctoral work. She has also worked in Canada, Latin America, and Europe and has traveled widely internationally. Leigh has a Ph.D. in applied economics from Stanford University, an M.A. in International Trade and Finance from the University of Sussex, and an A.B. in International Relations from Pomona College. Leigh has received a variety of awards, most notably the AAEA National Prize for Most Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation in 1993. Leigh is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) and has completed specialized training in the financial issues of divorce. Leigh is very active in the community and is currently a volunteer at the International Institute of New England (IINE), helping to resettle refugee families. She is also a member of the Boston Economic Club (BEC), National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), and the Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA). Outside of the office, Leigh enjoys tennis, biking, traveling, and reading history.
Leslie Reynoso, CFA®, CFP®
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Leslie Reynoso is a partner and a senior wealth advisor for the Beacon Pointe Dallas office. Leslie develops customized strategies to help individuals and families meet their financial goals. She is also an advisor for the Dallas retirement plan clients and serves as the liaison between the company plan sponsors, third-party administrators and Beacon Pointe, to provide a seamless service experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Leslie spent the last 10 years as a wealth management advisor for Wealthstreet Investment Advisors, LLC and its predecessor firm Gerald L. Ray & Associates, Ltd. Leslie graduated with honors from Southern Methodist University, earning both a B.B.A. in Finance and B.A. in Spanish. She is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designations. In her free time, Leslie enjoys hiking, running, traveling, home projects, and spending time with her friends and family.
Lynette Heil, CPA
Partner, Finance Director
Lynette brings an extensive financial and compliance background and oversees operations for Beacon Pointe’s Dallas office. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, she was a partner with Wealthstreet Investment Advisors, LLC and its predecessor firm Gerald L. Ray & Associates, Ltd., where she served as CFO and CCO for 10 years and was active in all aspects of strategic leadership. Prior to joining Wealthstreet, Lynette was a director in both the Sarbanes-Oxley and financial consulting practice of Tatum, LLC. There, she worked with private equity firms, providing project leadership for large scale projects and serving as interim CFO for firms in transition. Prior to that she served as CFO for several quickly growing start-up firms in the Dallas area. She earned a B.B.A. in Accounting from Texas State University, started her career with KPMG, and is a Certified Public Accountant. Lynette is an avid reader, enjoys traveling, socializing, and spending time with her husband Mark and their four adult children.
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 and is also a Notary Public. 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.
Paige Goll
Principal, Sr Strategic Investment Advisor
Paige is a Senior Strategic Investment Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors and works closely with the Managing Director in developing strategies to grow the Florida office. She is responsible for developing and implementing investment strategies for the firm in addition to conducting extensive market research, fund and manager due diligence. She has a deep understanding of sophisticated wealth management practices and financial planning services and works closely with select private clients. In addition to her advisory role, Paige is a member of Beacon Pointe’s manager research, macroeconomic and asset allocation investment sub-committees.
Before joining Beacon Pointe, Paige was the Director of Research and Senior Portfolio Manager at Ferrell Wealth Management in Winter Park, Florida. Prior to that she held the role of Associate Vice President at Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management in New York City. Paige received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a Minor in Business at Tulane University, in addition to obtaining her Master of Finance from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.
Paige is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) certified therapeutic riding instructor. Outside of the office, she enjoys volunteering for Freedom Ride, an organization dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding and related activities to individuals with disabilities in the Central Florida area. She successfully completed the Leadership Winter Park program and is an active member of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. Paige is from Villanova, Pennsylvania and currently lives in Maitland, Florida with her husband and daughter.
Stephanie Mackara, JD
Partner, Managing Director
Stephanie Mackara is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors with decades of wealth management experience, empowering family-oriented and purpose-driven leaders to build generational wealth. Stephanie’s diverse academic background helps her connect to individuals, families, and business owners to create big-picture wealth strategies and help them gain confidence as they work together to create a secure financial legacy that meets their unique goals. Stephanie founded Charleston Investment Advisors in 2014, which joined forces with Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2024, Stephanie holds degrees in Psychology from West Chester University and a Juris Doctorate from Widener Law School. Stephanie’s personal finance experience in raising her son, along with lessons learned from her clients, inspired her to write a book in 2020, Money Minded Families. Her goal was to combine academic research from finance and psychology to inspire and help parents learn how to leverage teachable moments to instill financial literacy and well-being in their children, leading them on a path of financial freedom and independence. Stephanie was also selected to be a TedX Charleston presenter in 2024 on the topic Rethinking Money: A pathway towards financial wellness. Stephanie is a member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and is a board member of Bridges of Hope. She also frequently volunteers to teach financial literacy in schools, as a Reading Partners volunteer where she resides in Daniel Island, SC. Outside of the office, Stephanie enjoys cooking, gardening, exercising, and traveling with her husband Bernie, son Jacob, and dog, Cooper, as well as spending time at the baseball and football fields with family and friends.
Vanessa Burnett, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Vanessa Burnett is a Partner and Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over a decade of professional experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families. Vanessa launched her career in 2008, just before the Great Financial Crisis. Rather than being deterred, Vanessa saw this event as her calling, proving that with a solid plan and the right team, success was achievable. She is passionate about serving her clients, helping them achieve their financial goals, and mentoring her team to do great things both in and out of the office. Vanessa graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. She holds the California Life, Health, and Disability insurance license and has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) since 2011. Vanessa is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute and currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Elizabeth House, a shelter for pregnant women and their children experiencing homelessness in Pasadena, California. Outside of the office, Vanessa spends time with her family and enjoys staying active in any way possible – be it solo on the Peloton or the trampoline with her kids.
Meet Our Senior Wealth Advisors
Alisa Garnek, CFP®, CDFA®
Assoc. Dir., Financial Planning
Alisa Garnek holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation as well as the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation and is responsible for working with the firm’s clients to determine the best strategies to meet their financial goals. Alisa also holds the National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®) designation and is the Social Security specialist for Beacon Pointe nationwide. Alisa brings 20 years of experience in financial planning, wealth management, financial services, tax preparation, accounting services, and retirement planning strategies. Alisa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of Delaware. She also holds a Master of Science in Taxation and Financial Planning from Widener University.
Bo Lee, CFWA
Senior Wealth Advisor
Bo is a Senior Wealth Advisor based in the Beacon Pointe Seattle office with over two decades of experience as a wealth advisor to families, individuals, and institutions in the Pacific Northwest. Bo works directly with clients to provide a full complement of advisory services. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Bo held senior wealth advisory and leadership roles for fifteen years at BNY Mellon Wealth Management and nine years at Morgan Stanley in Seattle. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with a minor in Art History at the University of Washington. Bo is a Certified Family Wealth Advisor and is a member of the Family Firm Institute. She was selected as the Puget Sound Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under 40 in 2017 for her contribution to the business industry and the community. Bo is actively involved in the local community as a Board of Trustee of the United Way of King County, a member of the Finance Committee at the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, and a member of the Professional Advisory Committee at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. In her spare time, Bo enjoys traveling, cooking, and playing pickleball.
Brittany Mangrum, CFP®
Senior Financial Planner
Brittany Mangrum is a Senior Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for working with the firm’s clients to determine the best strategies to meet their financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Brittany spent five years working for various RIAs, financial planning for individuals in the entertainment industry, and top executives. She also spent two years preparing income tax returns for high-net-worth individuals, partnerships, S-Corps, and non-profits. Brittany graduated from California State University Northridge with a concentration in Financial Planning and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®). She also earned her Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degree from California State University Northridge focusing on the taxation of partnerships, corporations, estate taxation and planning, income taxation of estates and trusts, tax aspects of charitable giving, and the taxation of real estate. Outside of the office, Brittany enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and chasing around her fearless toddler son.
Candice Armstrong
Senior Tax Advisor
Candice offers tax planning, preparation, and full accounting services for the Beacon Pointe South Carolina office. Being an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service and a licensed attorney in the state of South Carolina affords her the ability to remain up-to-date on the latest tax laws and updates, all the while keeping clients compliant. Prior to working at Beacon Pointe, Candice had more than fifteen years’ combined experience in the private and public accounting sectors, specializing in small business formation, accounting, planning, and tax preparation. In her free time, Candice enjoys traveling with her family and staying active through yoga practice.
Debra Curry, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Debra Curry is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe, where she collaborates with the investment and financial planning teams to create tailored solutions that help clients achieve their financial objectives. With over 30 years of wealth management experience, Debra specializes in advising high-net-worth individuals and families. She is particularly passionate about empowering women investors, especially those navigating significant life transitions, to make informed financial decisions. Her experience extends to addressing the practical and financial challenges associated with caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Debra served as a senior wealth advisor at Bridge Advisory for many years, which was acquired by Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2024. She has held the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation since 2008 and actively contributes to the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. Outside of the office, Debra enjoys spending quality time with family, seeing live shows, and taking road trips or staycations to her favorite local spots.
Emerald Ward, CFP®
Senior Financial Planner
Emerald Ward is a Senior Financial Planner and is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Emerald holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation and received a master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning and a graduate certificate in Tax from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Emerald spent five years working for various RIAs, building and developing custom financial plans for individuals. Outside of the office, Emerald enjoys spending time outside, running, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
Erica Wu
Senior Wealth Advisor
Erica Wu is responsible for advising and providing customized wealth management solutions for clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors, Erica worked for JP Morgan, TD Ameritrade, and HSBC Bank. Erica graduated from the University of Miami, Florida where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Erica continued her education and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University, with a master’s degree in business administration. Erica resides in San Jose, California where she enjoys traveling and spending time with her three dogs.
Jade Goodman, MBA, JD, LL.M.
Director, Strategic and Legacy Planning
Jade helps individuals and their families to best utilize their wealth to meet their lifetime and legacy goals. She works with advisors and clients to provide and coordinate customized strategies to preserve and transfer wealth through charitable, business, financial, tax, and estate planning solutions. Jade has been featured on CNBC and presents on various tax planning topics at industry and partner events. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Jade practiced as a Trusts and Estates Attorney focusing on all aspects of estate planning and administration. She advised individuals and families as to overall wealth and estate planning, including gifting strategies and gift tax compliance, and counseled individuals and banks acting in fiduciary capacities in matters of estate and trust administration. Before private practice, Jade served as a Trust Officer/Administrator at U.S. Trust/Bank of America Private Bank and City National Bank, providing a coordinated approach to trust and estate administration and investment management. Jade obtained her Master in Laws degree (LL.M.) in Taxation, with an emphasis in High Net Worth/Private Client, from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. She previously earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School, completing a concentration in Tax Law with honors. Prior to law school, Jade earned her M.B.A. at Campbell University in North Carolina, as well as a B.S. in Business Administration, cum laude, in Trust and Wealth Management, a dual concentration in Accounting, and a minor in Financial Planning. Jade is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute (“WAI”). She resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband and son.
Jennifer McCosley, CAP®, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Jenny McCosley is a Senior Wealth Advisor based in Beacon Pointe’s North Carolina office and is responsible for partnering with the Beacon Pointe investment, operations, and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Jenny began her financial planning and investment management career in 2008 and has gained valuable experience working in community banking, private trust, and registered investment advisory firms. Jenny finds the people she works with as fascinating as finance, and she enjoys helping individuals and couples bring to life their retirement goals. Her appreciation for families comes from her own upbringing as the second oldest of eleven children, with three sisters and seven brothers. Nine of Jenny’s ten siblings are adopted, and three of those nine are special needs children. Jenny brings her lived experiences and technical expertise together when working with families of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) and is currently pursuing the Chartered Special Needs Consultant® designation. Jenny was named to the Triad Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2022. She is a Campbell University alum and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designations. Outside of the office, Jenny devotes her spare time to her family and the Peacehaven Community Farm, where she serves as the Board Chair.
Julia Cummings
Senior Wealth Advisor
Julia is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for client service and new client development. Julia began her career at Bernstein Wealth Management and then JP Morgan, before transitioning into the independent RIA space. Most recently, Julia worked as an advisor with ultra-affluent clientele at Advice Period, a boutique financial planning firm in the Los Angeles area. Julia has extensive knowledge of investments, financial planning and estate planning. Julia is a Los Angeles native and graduated from Amherst College in Massachusetts where she was a dual-sport athlete playing varsity soccer and softball.
Julie Johnson, CDFA®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Julie is responsible for client servicing and management in the Private Client Services Group at Beacon Pointe. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Julie was a Retirement Income Specialist with AIG Sun America and prior to that with MetLife. She is very focused on helping clients meet their retirement goals and working through major life transitions. Julie earned her BS in Marketing from San Diego State University. She is a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Julie also received the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation. Outside of work she enjoys running, playing golf, and spending time with family. Julie and her husband live with their two children in Ladera Ranch, California.
Karen (Sarten) Reifel, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Karen earned her BA in Finance with honors from California State University, Fullerton and maintains the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Beginning with a college internship, she has spent her entire professional career in the financial services industry and joined Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2011. As a Senior Wealth Advisor, Karen is responsible for managing client relationships for Beacon’s Private Client Group. Along with Beacon’s Investment Committee Members and Financial Planning Department, as well as other key professionals, Karen is tasked with coordinating all areas of investment and finance to create and implement cohesive life plans for her clients. She serves as Board Director for the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Karen is also the co-host of Beacon Pointe’s financial planning podcast Dollars & Sense, helping listeners navigate various life moments and major life events through the lens of personal finance. Karen resides in Southern California with her husband and two sons.
Kelly DiGonzini, CFP®, MST
Director of Financial Planning
Kelly is responsible for leading the firm’s financial planning and tax planning services as well as helping private clients determine and meet their financial and tax planning goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Kelly spent four years doing financial planning at MetLife for individuals and small business owners. She graduated from Gonzaga University School of Business with a concentration in Business Law, and earned her Master of Science in Taxation (MST) degree from William Howard Taft University focusing on the taxation of partnerships, estate taxation and planning, income taxation of estates and trusts, tax aspects of charitable giving and the taxation of real estate. Kelly received her Personal Financial Planning certification from the University of California Irvine, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®). Kelly is very passionate about financial education. She currently serves on the Women’s Initiative Council (WIN) at the CFP® Board Center for Financial Planning. The WIN Council advises the Center on creating initiatives and supports efforts to increase the number of women entering the financial planning profession, including the number of women CFP® professionals. Kelly is also a founding member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-authored Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters, an international best-selling book that has ranked #1 in six different business/finance categories. Kelly’s writing about various tax and financial planning topics has appeared in multiple publications including CNBC, Martha Stewart Weddings, Worth Magazine, Financial Planning Association, MainStreet!, and Financial Advisor IQ. She is a past board member of the Financial Planning Association of Orange County and volunteered for WomenSage. Kelly spends her free time chasing her three children and resides with her husband in South Orange County, California.
Kimberly Arnesen, ChFC®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Kimberly is a Senior Wealth Advisor based in Beacon Pointe’s Seattle office serving clients ranging from families to business owners and non-profits. She helps provide clarity to complex and often unique financial and investment needs of her clients. Kimberly started her career in wealth management in 2007 and has developed a deep, holistic approach to financial planning where she is passionate about guiding her clients through various transitions and seasons of life with minimal disruption. She is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and has also passed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) exam as well as an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. In her spare time, she loves running, kayaking, and anything that involves exploring the great Pacific Northwest with her husband and daughter.
Merriweather Mulé, CDFA®, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Merriweather Mulé is a Senior Wealth Advisor for Beacon Pointe’s Charleston office, serving clients ranging from families to business owners. She helps provide clarity to the complex and often unique financial and investment needs of her clients. Merriweather started her career in the finance industry over 15 years ago and has developed a specific approach to integrated financial planning, focusing on tax planning strategies to help clients achieve their long-term life and legacy goals.
Merriweather graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designations, and completed Level II of the CFA exam in 2012. Merriweather is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute and sits on the Board of Directors for Communities In Schools of South Carolina. Outside of the office, Merriweather enjoys beach days, tennis, and traveling with her husband and two young children.
Merriweather is the 2023 winner of The Post and Courier’s Charleston’s Choice for Wealth Management. For more information, please see https://www.postandcourier.com/charlestonschoice/.
Robyn Gerke, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Robyn Gerke, CFP® is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors (BPWA) Arizona. She is responsible for asset allocation implementation and client servicing for Beacon Pointe’s private clients. Incorporating a holistic wealth management approach, she assists clients in identifying financial goals and establishing an appropriate investment strategy while taking into consideration income tax impact and risk management needs. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Robyn worked for 14 years at Stoker Ostler Wealth Advisors. Robyn is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and she received a BA degree in Finance and a Certificate of International Business from the University of Northern Iowa. She also received a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning. Robyn serves on the Board of Directors for the Financial Planning Association of Greater Phoenix and is a member of FPA NexGen. In her free time, Robyn enjoys hiking, triathlons and traveling, in addition to providing financial literacy for women.
Stephanie Rumold, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Stephanie Rumold, CFP® is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for advising and providing customized wealth management solutions for clients. With over 20 years of experience in the finance industry, Stephanie has extensive experience in retirement planning, investment management, insurance, charitable planning, and tax planning. Stephanie is passionate about empowering women around personal finance and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Stephanie was a Managing Director at First Republic Private Wealth Management and a Vice President and Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab. Stephanie is a member of the Financial Planning Association and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®).
Meet Our Wealth Advisors
Alicia Langdon, M.S., CFP®
Wealth Advisor
As a wealth advisor for Beacon Pointe, Alicia is responsible for assisting clients and helping to align their life and wealth with what matters most. In addition to providing comprehensive financial solutions to her clients, she brings experience in tax planning, qualified retirement plan development, and charitable giving strategies. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Alicia worked with high-net-worth clients and business owners at a Texas-based Registered Investment Advisory. Alicia is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in University Studies focusing on Personal Financial Planning, a master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning, and a Graduate Certificate in Charitable Financial Planning. Alicia lives south of Fort Worth, TX with her husband, Jonathan, two children, Wade and Millie, and two dogs, Presley and Pepper. She enjoys spending time outside with her family, camping, and road-tripping.
Amy Lynn Hammock, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Amy Lynn is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Fort Worth, Texas office. Incorporating a holistic wealth management approach, she assists clients in identifying financial goals and establishing an appropriate investment strategy while taking into consideration income tax impact and risk management needs. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Amy Lynn was a financial advisor at Rosenthal Retirement Planning. She graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Texas and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. She currently resides in Houma, Louisiana and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family, boating and fishing.
Callie Renner, CDFA®, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
As a Wealth Advisor with Beacon Pointe, Callie’s driving passion is helping clients achieve their financial goals in each stage of life. Callie specializes in working with clients to develop customized strategies for their investments and financial planning needs. Some of her specialties include retirement planning, strategic tax & estate planning, life changes & milestones, values-based & impact investing, education planning, and insurance planning. Callie is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and holds the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation. Callie has nearly a decade of experience in the wealth management industry through Beacon Pointe and her previous role at a registered investment advisory firm in Northern New Jersey. Callie earned her B.A. in Economics with a minor in Global Business from Mount Holyoke College, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Outside of the office, Callie enjoys surfing, camping, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Carolyn Sheu, CFP®
Regional Director, Wealth Advisor
Carolyn is a Regional Director, Wealth Advisor for Beacon Pointe, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®). She is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions for clients with a personalized wealth management experience. Among her duties are investment strategy implementation, portfolio performance reporting, and asset allocation modeling. Carolyn has over two decades of expertise advising global private clients, holding roles previously at Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Charles Schwab, and J.P. Morgan. Carolyn is passionate about helping families navigate cross-border complexities, especially at the multinational level. Outside of the office, Carolyn enjoys walking her dogs, hiking, working out at the gym, and trying new hobbies.
Cassandra Thornock, CDFA®, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Cassandra (Cass) is a Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional. She is responsible for providing clients with a comprehensive financial planning experience including estate, retirement, tax, and risk management planning, along with investment management. Cass is passionate about building relationships with her clients and works to help them achieve their life goals and develop a successful long-term financial plan. Cass has been in the financial services industry for over a decade, and has previously worked for Stoker Ostler Wealth Advisors, Edelman Financial Services, and Vanguard. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, alongside an International Business Certificate from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, and also holds the Certified Financial Divorce Analyst designation. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering in the community and being active with her husband, son, and chocolate lab.
Cathy Jenson, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Cathy Jenson is a Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors, where she collaborates with the firm’s investment and financial planning teams to deliver tailored solutions that help clients achieve their financial objectives. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Cathy worked as a wealth advisor at Landmark Wealth Management Group (which joined Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2024), and prior to that, she gained extensive experience as an advisor with Thrivent Financial. Cathy is deeply committed to giving back and has participated in numerous mission trips, leading efforts to drill water wells, build homes, and construct schools in remote Central American communities. Additionally, Cathy is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute and frequently speaks at local women’s events, sharing personal stories and life lessons. Cathy is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and earned her marketing degree with a business communications certification from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her husband, Kyle, their four daughters, sons-in-law, and grandson. She loves creating new memories and sharing experiences with family and friends.
Christina White, CFP®
Financial Planner
Christina (Christy) is a Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors with over 14 years of industry experience and is responsible for helping clients develop, execute, and maintain a strategic financial plan in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. Christy enjoys working with clients at every stage in their lives, from early career and starting a family to preparing for retirement and beyond. Christy graduated from the University of Maryland College Park, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Christy and her husband, Tom, enjoy spending their free time with their daughter Alexis and visiting with family and friends.
Courtney McCutchan, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Courtney McCutchan is a Wealth Advisor who works closely with her clients to first identify their unique financial goals and then develop and implement a customized roadmap that is tailored to meet their specific needs and aspirations for their wealth. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Courtney was a Wealth Advisor at Bridge Advisory and previously a VP Wealth Planner for the Southern California region at Union Bank. Having earned a full scholarship to play Division 1 volleyball at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, Courtney made the most of her four years there, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Economics, a double major in Finance and Marketing, and a minor in Communications. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and resides in Glendale with her fiancé, Sierra, and their two dogs, Beasley & Barkley. Outside of the office, Courtney enjoys working out, going out to dinner with friends, and spending time with her family in Newport Beach, CA.
Erica Smith, CFP®
Financial Planner
Erica Smith is a Financial Planner at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for facilitating and ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly. Erica is passionate about developing comprehensive financial plans for clients to meet their financial goals based on their unique values, timelines, and histories. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Erica was an Associate Financial Planner at Charleston Investment Advisors, which joined Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2024, supporting clients with college funding, retirement, savings, and an overall long-term approach to financial well-being. Erica earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Marketing and Management from the University of South Carolina and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. She previously worked with the College Transition Connection (CTC), a non-profit organization founded to assist colleges and universities in creating programs for young adults with intellectual disabilities to attend college, and collaborated on the book LIFE Learning Is For Everyone, highlighting the story of how and why CTC was established in South Carolina. Outside of the office, Erica enjoys traveling, antiquing, and interior design projects. She also enjoys fostering dogs for a local rescue and spending time with her Great Dane, Garth.
Haley Rodriques, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Haley is a Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for partnering with advisors in the Plano office to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to Beacon Pointe, Haley joined D.R. Saur Financial as the Director of Practice Operations, and before that, she served as a Deposit Operations Clerk at Vista Bank and as a junior Financial Advisor and Client Services Manager at Efficient Wealth Management. Haley graduated from Texas Tech University with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in personal financial planning and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Haley lives in Wylie, Texas with her husband and two young boys. In her free time, she and her husband like to golf, cheer on the Dallas Stars, and take on home renovation projects.
Kate Pettee Hickey, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Kate is a Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe Advisors Philadelphia office. Through a holistic approach to wealth management, Kate develops strategies to help clients identify and meet their financial goals. Kate is also responsible for asset allocation implementation and client servicing for Beacon Pointe’s private clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kate worked for J.P. Morgan Asset Management in New York, in client development for J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives. In 2021, Kate was named to InvestmentNews’ prestigious 40 Under 40 ranking, one of the youngest advisors named to the class of 2021. Kate is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with majors in Finance and International Business and a minor in Business Law and Corporate Governance from Villanova University where she was also a member of the Women’s Tennis Team. Kate is passionate about providing financial literacy for women through Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute and is a specialist in values-based Investing. Outside of the office Kate enjoys skiing, practicing yoga, and traveling. She currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Lauren Meixel
Director of Operations, Wealth Advisor
Lauren Meixel serves as Director of Operations and as a Wealth Advisor. She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day client service needs, implementing business policies and best practices for the Beacon Pointe Advisors office in Newport Beach. She is also responsible for partnering with the firms’ advisors to assist in client meetings, document preparation and long-term planning, creating deeper client relationships and contributing to the overall growth of the office. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, she spent the last six years working at Fidelity Investments and Merrill Lynch where she held roles of increasing responsibility in client services, operations, and compliance. Lauren received her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from California State University, Fullerton. In her free time, Lauren enjoys cooking, running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Leah Brooks, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Leah Brooks is a Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for partnering with the Beacon Pointe investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. She works closely with clients who are nearing or transitioning into retirement, as well as individuals who are seeking to ensure they are on the right track for retirement. Leah is passionate about creating customized financial strategies to meet clients’ personal goals and values so they may live confidently and abundantly, and she specializes in retirement income distribution strategies and estate planning. Leah is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and earned her Finance degree from Bethel University while competing on the collegiate golf team. Outside of the office, Leah enjoys spending time with her husband, Andrew, while also making time to be outside golfing, running, or gardening.
Lexi Schmidt, CDFA®
Wealth Advisor
Lexi is a Wealth Advisor within the Beacon Pointe Denver office and is responsible for partnering with firm’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. She is dedicated to providing her clients with individually tailored solutions and strives to achieve the optimal alignment between their wealth, values and goals. Lexi began her career in product marketing before entering the financial services industry. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, she was a Client Service Associate for Northstar Investment Advisors. Lexi holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida State University and holds the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation from the Institute for Divorce Financial Analyst. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, hiking with her dog, traveling with family, and creating art and culinary masterpieces.
Maria Faleyev
Strategic Investment Advisor
Maria Faleyev is a Strategic Investment Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for developing and implementing investment strategies for clients, conducting market research, and fund and manager due diligence. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, she was a Portfolio Associate for Artemis Financial Advisor, which was acquired by Beacon Pointe in 2024. Maria has a B.S. from Bentley University in Economics-Finance, where she was a part of the Center of Women’s Fellowship. She is a previous winner of the American Fine Arts Music Festival and is fluent in Russian. Maria is currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) certification and is a Level III CFA Candidate. Maria currently resides in Somerville, MA. Outside of the office, she enjoys reading, going on walks, and spending time with friends.
Mary Margaret Kiser, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Mary Margaret is a Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional. Mary Margaret serves as a liaison to firm professionals and client service associates to help guide clients through financial planning, investment management, investment strategy implementation, and asset allocation modeling. Additionally, she serves as the marketing liaison for the Beacon Pointe Asheville and Charlotte offices and is an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Mary Margaret was the Marketing Director and Client Service Administrator for Altavista Wealth Management, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022. She graduated from the University of the South: Sewanee where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. A native of western North Carolina, Mary Margaret enjoys exploring trails with her husband and two dogs, however, most of her free time is spent chasing after her young daughter.
Megan Cochran
Dir. of Operations, Wealth Advisor
Megan Cochran serves as a Wealth Advisor and the Director of Operations at the Beacon Pointe New Orleans office. Since beginning her career in 2009, Megan has developed a comprehensive skill set in various areas, including retirement plan design and implementation, fiduciary services, fee analysis, and individual financial planning. Her approach focuses on providing holistic and personalized financial solutions tailored to meet the unique goals and objectives of her clients. Megan works closely with individuals and plan sponsors, ensuring their needs are addressed efficiently and effectively through collaborative efforts.
Megan’s journey into finance began early in life, influenced by her parents’ exposure to the financial aspects of running a small business. This exposure sparked her interest and eventually led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from Loyola University New Orleans. Following her academic pursuits, Megan embarked on her professional journey, initially joining a national bank where she held various roles. However, her desire for a more localized, family-oriented, and client-focused environment ultimately led her to CBD Wealth Management (CBD), which merged with Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2020. Outside of the office, Megan remains connected to her community and is very involved with the John Curtis Christian School. She prioritizes quality time with her family, enjoying moments with her husband, Joe, and their two daughters, Elle and Zoe.
Melisa Dobraca Iacono, CDFA®
Wealth Advisor
Melisa is responsible for assisting the wealth advisory team in financial planning, investment management and administrative aspects of client service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Melisa worked for Windrose Advisors, LLC as an operations associate. She graduated from the University of Vermont, majoring in Finance and minoring in Spanish. In her free time, Melisa enjoys running and spending time with family and friends.
Melissa Gerckens, CDFA®, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
As a Wealth Advisor at the New Jersey Tri-State Office, Mel strives to help her clients meet their personal financial goals by aligning their life and wealth through customized integration of portfolio management and comprehensive financial planning. Mel is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute, and is a member of the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce. Mel has dedicated her career to serving clients in need of specialized and comprehensive financial planning and has a passion for engaging and empowering her fellow female investors. She currently resides in Cranford, New Jersey, with her wife, their two sons, and Shiba Inu. She enjoys spending time with her family, day trips to the beach, and weekend trips to the lake.
Mollie Taylor, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Mollie Taylor is a wealth advisor in Beacon Pointe’s New Orleans office and is passionate about providing integrated goals-based financial planning to help executives, professionals, and families achieve their wealth aspirations. Before Beacon Pointe and CBD Wealth Management, Mollie served in several positions in the financial and banking industries with Sterne Agee, Stifel Financial Corp., and Capital One Investing. She holds a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Accounting from Loyola University New Orleans. In addition, she holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Mollie is an active volunteer with many local schools and charities and serves on the St. Catherine of Siena Finance Committee. In her free time, Mollie enjoys spending time outside the office with her husband and two children. She is also a proud member of the Mardi Gras Krewe of Iris.
Rebecca Smith
Wealth Advisor
Rebecca (Beckie) Smith is a Wealth Advisor and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Beckie gained experience in brokerage services and retirement planning at Charles Schwab, financial and insurance planning at USAA Investment Co. and most recently client service management at UBS Financial Services. Beckie graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. In her free time, Beckie enjoys hiking, yoga, traveling and spending time with her husband and their boys.
Rebecca Thompson, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Rebecca is a Wealth Advisor and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to develop and implement customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. With over two decades of industry experience, Rebecca is a seasoned financial professional dedicated to creating tailored strategies to help her clients align their wealth and values. Rebecca graduated from Villanova University with a bachelor’s degree in leadership development and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. She is also an active member of The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Rebecca and her husband live in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, where she serves on the Board of Manna on Main Street, a local food pantry and resource center for people experiencing food and financial insecurity. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, working out and tending to her extensive plant collection.
Summer Ramos, CEPA, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Summer is a Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) as well as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). She specializes in comprehensive financial planning, including business exit strategy, as well as investment management. With a background in Impact and ESG Investing, she offers a unique perspective to her clients. Summer holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Davis and is based in our Marin County/Larkspur office. When she is not helping clients, Summer enjoys exploring her San Francisco neighborhood, spending time with friends, and returning to her Marin County roots for outdoor activities and family visits.
Tammie Mark, RICP®
Wealth Advisor
Tammie Mark is a Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors. She is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams, and through her life experience of managing and being a business owner, is able to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals and be wise with their money. Tammie and her husband, Rick, are members of Shepherd of The Desert Lutheran Church and are involved in Christian ministries and programs for the homeless. She has three children who are married and loves being “Gammie Tammie” to her six grandchildren. When they’re not busy with work and community, Tammie and her husband enjoy snow skiing, exploring nature through hiking, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
Tiffany Bodell
Wealth Advisor
Tiffany Bodell is a Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Tiffany is passionate about building personal and meaningful relationships with her clients to ensure they reach their goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Tiffany was the Director of Operations and Wealth Advisor at Ailsa Capital (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Her previous experience includes Merrill Lynch Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Hightower Advisors. Tiffany earned her Bachelor of Economics from the University of Utah and currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. She enjoys golfing, being outdoors and spending time with her husband and two children.
