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 Geiger, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Allison is a Partner and Managing Director based in Dallas, TX, bringing over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. She provides comprehensive financial planning services to individuals and families, helping clients navigate the complexities of wealth management through a personalized, relationship-driven approach. Allison began her career as an international tax consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she specialized in preparing expatriate and foreign national tax returns. She previously led Heritage Financial Planning as a Partner, which joined Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2025. Prior to Heritage Financial Planning, Allison was a senior financial planner at one of the largest NAPFA fee-only wealth management firms in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, where she advanced through multiple roles over a decade of service. Allison holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a minor in Spanish from Texas A&M University and is a graduate of the Financial Planning Program at Southern Methodist University. She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional and a member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. Outside of the office, Allison enjoys running, cheering on her Texas A&M Aggies during football season, and spending time with her husband, son, and two daughters. She and her family are also active members of the Dallas-Fort Worth community.
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.
Annette Brinton, CFP®
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Annette Brinton is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor for the Beacon Pointe Mill Valley, CA office, bringing over three decades of experience as a finance professional to the clients she serves. She is passionate about helping people gain clarity over their financial situation and managing their wealth to provide for a fulfilling life.
Prior to co-founding Waypoint Wealth Partners, which joined Beacon Bointe Advisors in 2025, Annette had her own firm and worked as a Client Advisor for two independent wealth management firms in the Bay Area. Annette started her career in the early 90’s with Ernst & Young, doing both audit and individual tax work, and subsequently spent over 10 years working in corporate finance and operations. She has worked extensively in over 20 countries around the world including a year in Hong Kong and China and three years living in London.
Annette holds a B.A. in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a graduate certificate in Personal Financial Planning from UC Berkeley. She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), an active member of the Financial Planning Association, and a leader within Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. Outside of the office, Annette is deeply involved in the Sausalito community. She serves on the Board of Literacy by the Bay and is a long-standing member of the Sausalito Women’s Club, where she chairs the Fiscal Advisory Board and sits on the Scholarship Board. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, snowboarding, traveling with her husband Adrian, and sharing good food with friends.
Brianna Mariolle, CFA®
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Brianna is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Campbell office who specializes in providing comprehensive wealth management advice to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. With over a decade of experience, her approach combines a deep understanding of complex financial entities with a focus on multi-generational, long-term growth. She works closely with clients to navigate the intricacies of estate planning, tax strategies, wealth transfer, investment management, and risk mitigation in order to create tailored recommendations for each client. Her goal is to build strong, lasting relationships, while ensuring that clients not only achieve their financial goals but also feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Brianna earned her B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, with a triple concentration in Finance, Risk Management, and Operations & Information Management. She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and a member of the Bay Area chapter. Brianna currently resides in Redwood City, CA, with her husband and dog, where she serves on the board of the Redwood City Improvement Association. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, following current events and financial markets, and trying new culinary experiences.
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 Wealth Planning Officer
As Chief Wealth Planning Officer, Corporate Secretary, and member of the Beacon Pointe, LLC Board, Commie is passionate about improving the client and advisor experience. She originated our allWEALTH® approach and is focused on the development of life and legacy solutions and tech-enabled systems that make it easier for advisors to provide proactive, personalized advice and be advice-ready as life changes. Commie also oversees the firm’s approach to financial, estate and legacy planning and is a proud founding member of Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and co-author of Your Dollars, Our Sense: A Fun and Simple Guide to Money Matters. Before joining Beacon Pointe Advisors, Commie practiced estate planning 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. 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. She regularly speaks on 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. Commie resides in Laguna Niguel, California and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters and learning to play tennis with friends.
Courtney Hutchinson, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Courtney is a Partner and Managing Director for the Beacon Pointe Mill Valley, CA office, bringing over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe through the 2025 acquisition with Waypoint Wealth Partners, Courtney spent more than 10 years advising clients at Barclays Wealth, Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and Ashfield Capital Partners and served as the Chief Operating Officer at Waypoint. She began her career in client service and advisory roles, with a strong focus on holistic financial planning for high-net-worth individuals and families. Courtney earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in French Literature from the University of California, San Diego. She holds a graduate certificate from the UC Berkeley Personal Financial Planning Program and is a graduate of both the Schwab Executive Leadership Program and the G2 Leadership Institute. She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional and an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. Outside of the office, Courtney enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends in the beautiful Bay Area. She and her husband stay busy with their two daughters, who love exploring hiking trails and beaches.
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.
Eileen O’Connor, MBA, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Eileen is a Partner and Managing Director in the Beacon Pointe Falls Church, VA office. Eileen works closely with clients to provide holistic, comprehensive financial planning and wealth management solutions, and she is passionate about changing the outcome of her clients’ lives by helping them make smart decisions about money. She founded Hemington Wealth Management, which joined Beacon Pointe in 2025, and brings over 35 years of experience in financial services. She specializes in advising highly successful executives, while her other role as wife and mother of 5 means she understands the importance of holistic planning for the family. Eileen is a speaker and writer on various wealth management issues, particularly those affecting women of wealth. She has co-authored several studies on women and money and is committed to raising the bar for women investors.
Eileen earned an MBA from Harvard University, a B.S. in Finance and Management Information Systems from the University of Virginia, and a Certificate in Financial Planning from Georgetown University. She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional. Recognized as a leader in the industry, she was named an Investment News “Woman to Watch” in 2016 and, in 2023, entered the Washingtonian Magazine Advisor Hall of Fame, honoring the region’s top advisors and financial professionals consistently ranked among the best by their peers.
Outside of the office, Eileen is active in the Harvard Business School Women’s Circle and the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. She resides in Great Falls, Virginia, with her husband and five children. In her spare time, Eileen enjoys traveling, reading, and cheering on her favorite college lacrosse and football teams.
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.
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.
Jeanette Ng (Urrutia), CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Jeanette is a Partner and Managing Director for the Beacon Pointe Pleasant Hill office, bringing over a decade of experience in financial planning and a relationship-focused, collaborative approach to helping clients manage and grow their wealth. She works closely with individuals and families through a comprehensive, ongoing planning process that includes retirement planning, investment portfolio management, estate and tax strategies, risk analysis, college funding, employee benefits review, and debt management. Jeanette began her career as a financial analyst at PG&E, where she spent five years before transitioning into the wealth advisory space. She holds a BA in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara, earned her FINRA license in 2015, and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Financial Planning from Golden Gate University. She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional. Outside the office, Jeanette enjoys travelling and other leisurely activities.
Jen Dawson, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Jen Dawson is a Partner and Managing Director in the Beacon Pointe Chicago, IL office. She helps clients get crystal clear about what’s most important in life and then helps them feel confident and connected to the financial plan that supports their vision. Jen asks questions and creates space for critical conversations that are often neglected by busy professionals. She advises clients well beyond portfolio management, with a focus on financial freedom scenarios, college funding tactics, tax reduction strategies, and proactive planning for worst-case scenarios, such as death or disability. For almost twenty years, Jen has been helping clients have a great relationship with their money, offering a unique blend of financial expertise and a sensitivity to the emotion and complex undercurrents linked with money conversations.
Jen was responsible for Hemington Wealth Management’s expansion in Chicago, prior to joining Beacon Pointe in 2025. A valuable resource for Chicago’s legal community, she co-authored Hemington’s white paper, What Do Breadwinner Women Lawyers Want? She is on a personal mission to bring more financial peace of mind and joy to lawyers, a group of professionals who are under huge amounts of stress, professionally and personally. A dedicated advocate for women, Jen is active in Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute, regularly hosts events focused on financial education and empowerment, and has served as Board President for Girls on the Run Chicago. She is also a co-founder of the Women’s Initiative Mentorship Program for The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Mathematics from University of South Carolina’s Honors College, where she was an Academic All-American and captain of USC’s NCAA National Championship Track & Field team. She earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation through Northwestern University and is a member of the Chicago Estate Planning Council, a 10-time winner of the 5-Star Wealth Manager award and a Forbes Best-in-State Top Women Wealth Advisors (2025).
Jen lives in Bucktown, Chicago, with her husband and sons. On any given weekend, you can find her running on the 606, squeezing in a yoga class, or planning their family’s next travel adventures.
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 reining horse shows, cheering on the MN Wild, and volunteering.
Jennifer Ceccarelli, CRCP
Managing Director
Jennifer is a Managing Director in the Beacon Pointe Larkspur, CA office. She brings decades of operations and leadership experience to her role, helping to guide the firm’s internal systems and service model with a thoughtful people-focused approach. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe through the 2025 acquisition of Litman Gregory Wealth Management, Jennifer joined Litman Gregory in 1994 and became a principal in 2011, ultimately serving as Chief Operating Officer for the firm. Earlier in her career, she worked as a mutual fund accountant for Robertson Stephens & Company and, before that, for a private fund manager in San Francisco. Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in business communications from Bentley College and holds the Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP) designation. Outside of the office, she enjoys celebrating life’s moments with family, renovating and decorating spaces, and encouraging others by recognizing and elevating their personal strengths.
Jesse Shore, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Jesse is a Partner and Managing Director for the Beacon Pointe Mill Valley, CA office. With nearly a decade of financial planning experience, her client-centered approach helps individuals and families achieve their financial goals. She began her career in corporate finance at Gilead Sciences before transitioning into wealth management in 2016. Jesse joined Waypoint Wealth Partners, which was subsequently acquired by Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2025, and became a partner in 2023.
She holds a B.A. in Economics (minor in Corporate Finance) from Claremont McKenna College and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional. Jesse is also an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute.
Outside of the office, Jesse and her husband, Matthias, divide their year between New Orleans (fall through spring) and Portland, Oregon (summer). In June 2024, they welcomed their first child, Matilda. The family is planning to move back to the Bay Area to be closer to family and friends. When they’re not working or traveling, you can usually find them at local parks, socializing with neighbors, or splashing in the pool.
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.
Kate Fries, CFP®, CDFA®
Partner, Managing Director
Kate is a Partner and Managing Director in the Beacon Pointe Bethesda, Maryland office, where she works with clients to help them set and achieve their financial goals through comprehensive planning. With a particular focus on cash flow management and the behavioral aspects of money, Kate helps individuals and families create personalized strategies that align their resources with their values and long-term objectives.
Kate discovered her passion for financial planning during her senior year at the University of Texas (UT), where an Introduction to Financial Planning course sparked her interest in the field. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication from UT, followed by a degree in Financial Planning from the University of Alabama. Her career began with a fee-only financial planning firm in Birmingham, AL, before joining The Family Firm (which was acquired by Beacon Pointe in 2025), where she served clients for over a decade. Kate is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and is committed to helping clients navigate life’s financial complexities with clarity and confidence. She resides in San Diego, CA, with her partner, Jeff, her son, Wyatt, and their pets. Outside of the office, Kate enjoys reading, experimenting with new recipes, and tinkering with spreadsheets for fun.
Kimberly Waldman
Managing Director
Kimberly is a Managing Director in the Beacon Pointe Flint, MI office, and ensures excellence across all aspects of client service and business operations, bringing a thoughtful and solutions-oriented approach to supporting clients and the advisory team. Prior to Stephens Wealth Management Group joining Beacon Pointe in 2025, Kim spent nearly two decades in management consulting, serving as Vice President responsible for developing and overseeing an organizational performance business line for federal and commercial clients. Earlier in her career, she owned a small business and served as COO for a Tier II automotive supplier. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Organizational Development from Pepperdine University, as well as an Organization Development and Change Management Certificate from Georgetown University. Originally from the Plymouth-Canton area and now residing in Milford, Kim enjoys traveling, spending time with family and her Bernedoodles, Cooper and Theodore, and playing pickleball.
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.
Lesley Cannan, CFP®, CPWA®, AIF®, CDFA®
Partner, Managing Director
Lesley is a Partner and Managing Director in the Beacon Pointe Larkspur, CA office. She specializes in providing comprehensive wealth planning and investment advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, multi-generational families, foundations, and endowments. Lesley joined Beacon Pointe in 2025 through the acquisition of Litman Gregory Wealth Management and brings more than a decade of experience delivering thoughtful, client-focused guidance. Prior to her tenure with Litman Gregory, Lesley served in advisory and investment roles at Fidelity Investments and Core Asset Management. She has pursued advanced professional education through the University of Montana, San Francisco State University, and the Yale School of Management, and she holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designations. Outside of the office, Lesley enjoys spending time with her family, exploring local beaches and trails with her dogs, attending community lecture events, and planning her next travel adventure.
Leslie Reynoso, CFA®, CFP®
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Leslie Reynoso is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Dallas, Texas office. Leslie develops customized strategies to help high-net-worth individuals and families. 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, Leslie spent a decade 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 a B.A. in Spanish. She is a holder of the CHARTERED FINANCIAL ANALYST® (CFA®) designation. The CFA Charter is a globally recognized designation that attests to success in a rigorous and comprehensive study program in the investment management and research industry, as well as a commitment to ethical conduct. She also holds a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification. The certification is the standard for financial planning. CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training, and ethical standards, and are committed to serving their clients’ best interests today to prepare them for a more secure tomorrow. In her free time, Leslie enjoys hiking, running, traveling, volunteering, home projects, and spending time with her family and friends.
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. 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.
Monica Muñoz, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Monica is a Partner and Managing Director in the Beacon Pointe Larkspur, CA office, providing comprehensive wealth planning and investment advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations for nearly 20 years. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe through the acquisition of Litman Gregory Wealth Management, Monica held roles at Paul Financial, LLC, and Alders Financial Solutions. She enhanced her financial expertise through the Personal Financial Planning program at U.C. Berkley Extension and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Sonoma State University. Monica is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional and an active member of the Financial Planning Association. Her industry recognition includes Working Mother’s 2021 Top Wealth Advisor Moms List, Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State (2022-2025), and Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor lists (2022-2025). A Northern California native, Monica enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, perfecting organizational projects, and cheering on the Golden State Warriors.
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.
Sally Ng, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Sally is a Partner and Managing Director for the Beacon Pointe Pleasant Hill office, providing wealth management services to clients for over 30 years. Sally is a veteran in the field who draws on her extensive academic background, practical business experience, and zest for life to guide clients toward a confident financial future—offering a planning approach grounded in creativity, integrity, and a true partnership built for long-term success. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sally served as a Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor at The Wealth Consulting Group, following more than a decade as an accountant and financial consultant in the industry. She holds an MBA in Finance from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BA in Accounting from California State University, San Francisco, and has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) practitioner since 1991. Born and raised in San Francisco, Sally’s family owned and operated a small grocery store where she developed an entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic, and deep appreciation for close family ties. Alongside her husband, Sally is an avid traveler who has explored over 70 countries to date, and she also enjoys playing golf and spending quality time with her extended family.
Sherri Stephens
Partner, Managing Director
Sherri is a Partner and Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Flint, MI office. With more than four decades of experience as a trusted advisor, Sherri specializes in guiding businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and multi-generational families through complex and comprehensive wealth management needs. She began her career as an intern at Stephens Wealth Management Group, where she built a trusted team, quadrupled the size of the practice, and ultimately became the owner of the practice in 1994. SWMG was acquired by Beacon Pointe in 2025. Throughout her career, Sherri has earned national recognition as a leader in her profession, played an active role in mentoring women in finance, and served in key governance and philanthropic roles across the Flint community. She is a trustee and Investment Committee chair for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and has previously served as board chair. She also sits on the advisory board for the University of Michigan-Flint School of Business and sponsors a scholarship supporting aspiring financial professionals. Additionally, she serves on the board of McLaren Hospital and is a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Alliance, whose mission is to attract, develop, and engage tomorrow’s promising women leaders in order to grow and strengthen the financial advisory profession. Sherri holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. Her accomplishments have been recognized through numerous industry and community awards, including the UM Flint School of Management Outstanding Alumni Award (2025) and repeated national rankings by Forbes, Barron’s, and the Financial Times. Outside of the office, Sherri enjoys traveling, running, biking, boating, and spending time with her family.
Stacy Bakri, CFP®, CDFA®
Partner, Managing Director
Stacy is a Partner and Managing Director in the Beacon Pointe Bethesda, Maryland office, where she works with clients to help them achieve financial security and design plans for living the life they envision. She has extensive knowledge in guiding individuals through the financial complexities of divorce, helping them make informed decisions during periods of transition. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe through the acquisition of The Family Firm in 2025, she was a financial advisor, serving as a team leader and mentor, overseeing the firm’s internal training program for paraplanners. Earlier in her career, she worked as an investment consultant for Charles Schwab & Co., advising clients on portfolio management and retirement planning. Stacy also spent time in the Middle East working for an international exchange and development non-profit organization.
Stacy is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), and is a member of the Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA). She holds a degree from Penn State University. Outside of the office, Stacy enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, watching football, biking with her family, and planning her next travel adventure.
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.
Vikki Lenhart, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Vikki is a Partner and Managing Director overseeing the Beacon Pointe Amherst office with a comprehensive background in wealth management and financial planning. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Vikki was part of Hart & Patterson Financial Services, which joined Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2025, where she served clients after beginning her career with an independent investment management firm. Vikki is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), is a member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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Kelly DiGonzini, CFP®, MST
Senior Director of Insurance, Tax and Retirement Services
Newport Beach, CA
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Alisa Garnek, CFP®, CDFA®, IRMAACP, MSTFP, NSSA®
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®), completed the IRMAA Certified Planner course, 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.
Anna Larina, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Anna is a Senior Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Andover, MA office. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate their financial lives with clarity and confidence, offering thoughtful guidance rooted in long-term planning. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe through the 2026 acquisition of The Financial Advisors, LLC., Anna began her career at The Financial Advisors in 2007. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts. Anna resides in Andover, MA, where she enjoys spending time with her two children and pursuing her creative art projects.
Bo Lee, CFWA
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Bo is a Partner, 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®, MST
Senior Tax Planner
Brittany Mangrum is a Senior Tax Planner and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s wealth advisors to provide effective tax planning strategies to help clients meet their current and long-term tax and 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 Manager
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.
Haley Rodriques, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Haley is a Senior 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.
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.
Janet Choquette, EA
Senior Tax Advisor
Janet is a Senior Tax Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Andover, MA office. As an Enrolled Agent specializing in trust, estate, and individual taxation, she helps clients navigate the complexities of tax reporting and planning as a key component of their overall financial strategy. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe through the 2026 acquisition of The Financial Advisors, LLC., Janet spent more than 30 years in public accounting throughout the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. A graduate of Merrimack College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Janet discovered her passion for taxation through the school’s Cooperative Education Program, which allowed her to gain hands-on experience in the Greater Boston area. She has been an active volunteer and treasurer for several community organizations, including SHS Parents Music Club, Family Promise of Greater Rockingham County, Pack 160, and Troop 267. Janet resides in Salem, New Hampshire, with her husband and their two sons.
Janet Rhodes Friedman, CFP®, CDFA®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Janet is a Senior Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Newton, MA office. She specializes in guiding individuals and families through clear, goal-oriented financial planning, helping clients understand their finances and build plans that support their long-term aspirations. She has a particular passion for supporting women with limited financial literacy or those navigating divorce, earning the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation to deepen her expertise in this area. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe through the 2025 acquisition of Financial Planning Solutions, LLC., Janet built a diverse career across the banking and financial services industry. Her early professional experience includes roles in bank management and lending in the Southeast, followed by earning her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. She later served in leadership positions at KPMG and Fidelity Investments before discovering her true calling in personal financial planning. Janet holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation and has been an investment advisor since 2009. Originally from Pittsburgh, Janet was inspired by her mother’s passion for investing and finance, which ultimately shaped her own career path. Outside of the office, Janet enjoys playing tennis, exploring Callahan State Park with her rescue dog, Baron, adventure travel, and attending sporting events.
Jennifer McCosley, CAP®, CFP®, ChSNC®
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). Jenny is a Campbell University alum and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) and the Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) designations. Outside of the office, Jenny devotes her spare time to her family and to the Peacehaven Community Farm, where she serves as the board (Chair 2023-2024).
Jill Carr, CPA, CFP®, CEPA®, CPFA®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Jill is a Senior Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Flint, MI office. She specializes in empowering individuals and families through comprehensive financial planning, drawing on deep expertise in taxes, estate planning, and personal finance. Jill is passionate about helping clients build confidence in their financial lives, prioritizing education and thoughtful, client-centered guidance. Prior to Stephens Wealth Management Group joining Beacon Pointe in 2025, Jill led financial planning strategy, contributed to investment committee initiatives, and supported retirement plan services. Jill holds a Bachelor of Scientific and Technical Communication from Michigan Technological University and a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Michigan-Flint. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Michigan, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA®), and an Investment Management Consultant through the Raymond James Institute of Investment Management Consulting. Deeply rooted in the Flint community, Jill serves on several boards of non-profits in the area. She is also a member of the Flint Women’s Forum and the Junior League of Flint. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and staying up to date on the latest TV shows.
Julia Cummings
Senior Wealth Advisor
Julia is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe, where she focuses on fostering strong client relationships and driving new client development. With a career spanning Bernstein Wealth Management, JP Morgan, and AdvicePeriod—a boutique financial planning firm serving ultra-affluent clients—she brings deep expertise in investments, financial planning, and estate strategies to her role as a senior member of the firm. Leveraging her robust experience, Julia delivers customized solutions for clients and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute.
A Los Angeles native, Julia graduated from Amherst College in Massachusetts, where she was as a dual-sport varsity athlete in soccer and softball, earning NESCAC All-Academic honors in 2006 and 2007. She later served as secretary of the Amherst Alumni Association from 2016 to 2018. Splitting her time between Arizona and Los Angeles, Julia guides clients to financial success while growing a family with her two-year-old son.
Julie Johnson, CDFA®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Julie Johnson is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe, where she serves as a trusted partner to her clients, guiding them through all aspects of their financial lives. With a comprehensive approach that includes estate planning, financial planning, tax strategy, and retirement planning, Julie is committed to helping individuals and families navigate every stage of life with clarity and confidence.
As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), Julie brings a unique depth of expertise to clients experiencing major life transitions, particularly divorce, helping them make informed decisions during emotionally and financially complex times.
Julie joined Beacon Pointe in 2010 and is a founding member of the firm’s Women’s Advisory Institute (WAI), a pioneering initiative focused on empowering women through financial education and planning. She is also the co-author of the international best-selling book Your Dollars, Our Sense, which offers straightforward, practical financial advice for readers at all life stages.
Recognized for her leadership and excellence in wealth management, Julie was named to the Forbes Top Best-in-State Women Wealth Advisors list in both 2024 and 2025.
Julie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from San Diego State University. She lives in Ladera Ranch, California, with her husband and two children. Outside of work, she enjoys playing golf, staying active on her Peloton, and spending quality time with her family and pets, and she is a blue belt in Taekwondo.
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
Senior Director of Insurance, Tax and Retirement Services
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.
Laura Williams, CFP®, ChSNC®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Laura is a Senior Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Waltham, MA office. She specializes in helping clients build comprehensive financial plans tailored to their unique goals and circumstances, with particular expertise in planning for families with special needs. Laura joined Sensible Financial Planning in 2014, which was acquired by Beacon Pointe in 2025, working closely with clients to develop financial plans. Prior to that, she interned at RBC Wealth Management, assisting financial advisors in creating investment plans. Laura earned her B.S. in Finance from Bentley University and obtained her Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional, a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), and holds the Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) designation from The American College of Financial Services. She resides in the Boston area, where she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. A devoted Buffalo Bills fan, Laura also enjoys following her team each season.
Merriweather Mulé, CDFA®, CFP®, FCEP
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®), Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), and Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning (FCEP) designations, and completed Level II of the CFA exam.
In 2025, InvestmentNews, a national finance publication, named Merriweather an Excellence Awardee for Financial Literacy at its annual Women to Watch Awards. In 2024, Merriweather was named Beacon Pointe’s WAI Advisor of the Year, she received Charleston Regional Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40”, and she was honored as a winner and finalist in The Post & Courier’s Charleston’s Choice for Wealth Management and Financial Planner categories in 2024, 2023, and 2022.
Merriweather enjoys giving back to the community through service projects with the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston, as a Board Member of Communities in Schools of South Carolina (CISSC), and as an appointed Commissioner for the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission. In her free time, Merriweather enjoys boat days with her husband and children, tennis, reading, and not cooking.
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®).
Stephanie Salmon, CPA
Senior Tax Advisor
Stephanie is a Senior Tax Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Bellevue, Washington office, where she supports high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners with advanced tax planning, real estate transactions, and financial reporting. With over three decades of experience, she is dedicated to identifying tax-saving opportunities and tailoring accounting strategies that align with each client’s goals. Stephanie began her career as an auditor and tax preparer before joining Moser Wealth Advisors in 1991, which later merged with Beacon Pointe in 2025. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Washington state and holds a B.A. in Accounting from Abilene Christian University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Washington Society of CPAs (WSCPA). Outside of the office, Stephanie can be found supporting her four children and husband’s many sporting endeavors or playing with the many animals on Lisa’s mini-ranch. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her family golfing, hiking, and traveling.
Tori Boswell, MBA, CIMA®
Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Tori is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Tampa, FL office. With more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry and more than ten years advising clients directly, Tori works with individuals and families nationwide, offering strategic investment guidance rooted in deep industry expertise. As a Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), she helps clients build thoughtful investment strategies aligned with their long-term goals. Prior to Stephens Wealth Management Group joining Beacon Pointe in 2025, Tori began her career as an options trader on the Chicago Board of Trade. She later served as a regional investment consultant with Raymond James and Bank of America, followed by a role as Regional Vice President at Eagle Asset Management, where she provided research, analysis, and investment strategy recommendations to financial advisors, high-net-worth clients, and institutions. Tori is actively involved in her community, serving on the Alumni Advisory Committee for the Pi Beta Phi sorority at the University of Tampa. She holds an MBA from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Alabama. A Tampa native, Tori enjoys travel, golf, boating, and fishing in her free time.
Aimee Plouffe Polley, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Aimee is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Waltham, MA office. Aimee specialized in helping individuals and families build personalized financial plans that align with their long-term goals, combining her passion for numbers with a thoughtful, client-centered approach to wealth management. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe through the 2025 acquisition of Sensible Financial Planning, Aimee began her career in the banking and hospitality industries before discovering her passion for financial planning. She advanced her knowledge through coursework at Bryant University, earning the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Aimee holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality with a minor in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. Originally from Vermont, she enjoys cooking, baking, and hiking with her dog, Molly, as well as cheering on the Boston Bruins.
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.
Ally Mastrota, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Ally is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Falls Church, VA office. Ally works closely with clients to prepare customized financial plans, reviewing each piece of their financial picture with attention to detail and developing recommendations to help them make informed decisions. She is experienced in working with multi-generational families, giving clients peace of mind that the important people in their lives – children, parents, and friends – are well cared for. Ally earned her B.S. in Finance, magna cum laude, through Virginia Tech’s CFP® Certification Education Option and earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation during her first six months at Hemington Wealth Management, which joined Beacon Pointe in 2025. She is well-versed in all areas of financial planning, particularly in advanced income tax minimization strategies, and retirement and education planning. Ally is an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute and the Financial Planning Association. Originally from Northern Virginia, she currently resides in San Diego, CA, and enjoys visiting the D.C. area often to see family, friends, and clients. Outside of the office, Ally is passionate about health and fitness, is an avid reader, and enjoys relaxing at the beach.
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.
Bhavna Maheshwari, CPA
Tax Advisor
Bhavna is a Tax Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Bellevue, Washington office, with over 18 years of experience in public accounting and tax services. She specializes in advanced tax planning for high-net-worth individuals, bringing extensive expertise in reviewing and preparing complex individual and business federal and state tax returns, tax projections, tax research, and resolving IRS and state notices. She joined Beacon Pointe in 2025 through the acquisition of Moser Wealth Advisors, where she previously served as a Tax Manager, and she gained additional experience as a senior tax accountant at regional CPA firms and as a senior accountant at a large packaging company. A Washington-licensed Certified Public Accountant, she is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality service and works closely with clients and their financial advisors to achieve tailored solutions. Outside of the office, Bhavna enjoys painting, hiking, and experimenting with new recipes and crafts, pursuits that reflect her creativity and curiosity in both her personal and professional life.
Callie Renner, CDFA®, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
As a Wealth Advisor with Beacon Pointe, Callie’s driving passion is helping clients achieve their financial goals through each stage of life. She partners with individuals and families to create tailored strategies that align their investments and financial planning with their goals and values. Some of her specialties include retirement planning, strategic tax & estate planning, life changes & milestones, values-based & impact investing, education planning, and insurance planning.
Callie holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation, is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), and is a Willow-certified Advisor for Women™. She is passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally and is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute. With over 12 years of experience in wealth management, Callie has served clients through Beacon Pointe and her previous role at a registered investment advisory firm in Northern New Jersey. She 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.
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.
Cindy Randolph, CFP®, CPA
Wealth Advisor
Cindy 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, Cindy held accounting roles in business management and public accounting, where she assisted high-net-worth clients by analyzing their bookkeeping, personal budgeting, and tax needs. Cindy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California State University, Long Beach. Cindy is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), and she received her CPA designation in 2020 and has an active license in California. In her free time, Cindy enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, listening to audiobooks, and staying up to date on current events.
Courtney McCutchan, CDFA®, 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.
Emma Smith, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Emma Smith is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Denver, CO office. She partners closely with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to deliver tailored strategies that help clients achieve their financial goals. Before joining Beacon Pointe, Emma worked in Private Wealth Management at William Blair. Emma earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bentley University, with a concentration in Personal Financial Planning. She also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Outside of work, Emma enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
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.
Gigi Yip, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Gigi Yip is a Wealth Advisor with Beacon Pointe with over 18 years of experience in financial services. Gigi is responsible for partnering with advisors to help clients meet their financial goals, ensuring a personalized wealth management experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Gigi was a Financial Planner at TD Wealth, providing financial plans for high-net-worth clients. Outside the office, Gigi loves spending time with her three daughters, traveling, and is a food enthusiast.
Jessie Schlanderer, CDFA®
Wealth Advisor
Jessie is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Flint, MI office. She leverages her analytical background to guide clients through personalized, holistic wealth strategies and contributes to portfolio oversight through her work on investment-related initiatives. Jessie works with clients in all stages of life and holds the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation, enabling her to help clients navigate the financial complexities of divorce with clarity and confidence. Prior to Stephens Wealth Management Group joining Beacon Pointe in 2025, Jessie served as a Private Wealth Financial Consultant with Wells Fargo Advisors, where she developed deep expertise in portfolio management and client advisory work. She also previously held roles within the mortgage and consumer banking divisions at Bank of Ann Arbor. Jessie holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Mathematics and Mathematics of Finance and Risk Management from the University of Michigan. Passionate about community service, she has been actively involved in organizations across Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, including serving on the board of the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw and participating in Ann Arbor Women for Good. She has also been a dedicated member of the United Way of Washtenaw County’s Emerging Philanthropists group, where she previously served as Committee Chair and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2018. Originally from Dexter, Jessie lives in Brighton with her dog, Memphis, and fiancé, Jeff. Outside the office, she enjoys golfing, crafting, traveling, and spending time with family. She is an avid hockey fan and can often be found at Michigan sports events or spending time up North.
Kate Hickey, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Kate is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Advisors Philadelphia, PA office. For nearly a decade in this office, Kate has guided clients through every stage of life, from building careers to navigating transitions such as retirement, divorce, and widowhood, using a holistic, values-based approach to wealth management. She helps clients clarify their goals and implement thoughtful, long-term strategies, believing everyone deserves an objective partner and a financial plan aligned with their values.
Before joining Beacon Pointe, Kate worked in business development at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in New York. 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 Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC) with a focus on integrating values-based investing into comprehensive financial planning. 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 an active participant in Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute and Rise & Thrive Women’s Mentoring Initiative, reflecting her passion for helping women achieve both financial confidence and broader life goals. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga and skiing and is a mom to a toddler, which has given her a fresh perspective on patience and planning ahead. She also enjoys working on projects with her husband in their Philadelphia townhouse, finding joy in problem-solving and creating something lasting, just as she does with her clients.
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, CO office and is responsible for client wealth management and helping to expand Beacon Pointe’s presence in Denver. Lexi focuses on managing wealth for individuals and families through customized financial planning and investment management. She is actively taking on new clients and managing client relationships, helping them to determine and achieve their unique financial goals through a holistic approach to wealth management.
Lexi began her career in product marketing and sales for an NYC-based startup. She then worked as a product manager for a private labeling company and handled products through each phase of market research, creation, and production to ultimately market and sell them. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Lexi began her career in financial services as a Client Service Associate for Northstar Investment Advisors. She obtained her Series 65 license in 2021, her Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) designation in 2023, and is currently working towards obtaining her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation through Northwestern University.
Originally from Minnesota, Lexi spent most of her youth in Naples, Florida, before attending and graduating from Florida State University in 2016. She moved to Colorado in 2018 and enjoys all things outdoors. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking with her husband, Cameron, and their dogs, Louie and Roo, skiing, creating art, and Reiki healing.
Lucia Shah, CFP®, TPCP®
Wealth Advisor
Lucia is a Wealth Advisor for the Beacon Pointe Amherst office, supporting clients with comprehensive wealth management solutions. She brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to financial planning, shaped by her experience as an independent Registered Investment Advisor before her time with the Hart & Patterson team, which later joined Beacon Pointe Advisors in 2025. Lucia holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Tax Planning Certified Professional® (TPCP®) designations. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Union College and a Master of Theological Studies from Boston College.
Maria Faleyev, CFA®
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 currently resides in Somerville, MA. Outside of the office, she enjoys reading, going on walks, and spending time with friends.
Marie St. Clare, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Marie is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Waltham, MA office. Marie works with clients to navigate the complexities of financial planning, combining technical knowledge with a thoughtful approach to understanding the personal factors that drive financial decisions. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional and brings a commitment to continuous learning in order to provide clients with informed guidance and strategies tailored to their goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe through the 2025 acquisition of Sensible Financial Planning, Marie joined the team in 2020 as an Associate Financial Advisor and was promoted to Financial Advisor in 2023. Earlier in her career, she completed the financial planning program at Boston University after graduating from Wellesley College with a degree in American Studies. Originally from Boulder, CO, Marie now resides in New Hampshire. Outside of the office, she enjoys skiing, hiking, playing pickleball, reading, and cheering on the Red Sox and the Patriots. A lifelong musician, Marie minored in music and was a concert violinist in college, and continues to enjoy listening to classical music.
Mary Margaret Kiser, CFP®, CTFA
Wealth Advisor
Mary Margaret is a Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe and holds both the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designations. She and her team provide holistic financial planning and investment management, delivering comprehensive, fiduciary-focused guidance to help individuals, families, and businesses achieve their long-term financial goals.
A passionate advocate for women’s financial empowerment, Mary Margaret is an active member of Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute, where she regularly leads educational events designed to build financial confidence and literacy.
Before joining Beacon Pointe, Mary Margaret served as Marketing Director and Client Service Administrator at Altavista Wealth Management, which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2022. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of the South: Sewanee.
Dedicated to her profession and her community, she is also a member of the Western North Carolina Estate Planning Council. A native of western North Carolina, Mary Margaret enjoys exploring the region’s scenic trails with her husband and two dogs, though most of her free time is happily spent chasing after her two young daughters.
Megan Cochran, CEPA, CPFA
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 works closely with her clients to help them align 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®), and an active member of the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. Mel co-founded the Cranford-Union PFLAG chapter, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, and is a member of the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce. Mel has dedicated her career to serving clients in need of in-depth financial planning and has a passion for engaging and empowering her fellow female investors and the LGBTQ+ community. She currently resides in Westfield, New Jersey, with her wife, three children, and Shiba Inu. She enjoys spending time with her family, taking day trips to the beach, and going on 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.
Paige Mabry, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Paige is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Falls Church, VA office. Paige works closely with clients and families to design holistic financial plans that evolve with life’s changes. She has a particular passion for helping women feel confident in their financial decisions and enjoys working with multi-generational families to foster strong money values across generations. Paige began her career at Hemington Wealth Management, which joined Beacon Pointe in 2025, where she advanced from an Associate Financial Planner to a Wealth Advisor. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in finance, completing the CFP® Certification Education Track and a minor in business leadership. Paige is a member of the Northern Virginia Estate Planning Council, the Financial Planning Association, and the Beacon Pointe Women’s Advisory Institute. She resides in Reston, Virginia, with her husband, Brett. Outside of the office, they enjoy traveling, exploring local restaurants and wineries, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family.
Rachael Nickelsen, CFP®, MBA, AWMA®, RICP®
Wealth Advisor
Rachael is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Lake Geneva, WI office. Rachael is passionate about building lasting relationships with clients and helping them achieve their financial goals, legacy wishes, and peace of mind. She began her career in the financial services industry in 2012, working in various client service and advisory roles before joining Voyager Wealth Management in 2020, which was later acquired by Beacon Pointe in 2025. Rachael earned dual bachelor of science degrees in elementary education and biblical studies from Emmaus University and an MBA from Aurora University. Rachael holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Accredited Wealth Management Advisor® (AWMA®), and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designations, and is also an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Originally from Walworth County, Rachael resides in Elkhorn with her husband and children. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with family and boating on Geneva Lake.
Rebecca Smith
Wealth Advisor
Rebecca (Beckie) Smith is a Wealth Advisor in the Beacon Pointe Scottsdale, AZ office and is responsible for providing customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals, including estate, retirement, and tax planning. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe Advisors almost 10 years ago, Beckie gained experience in brokerage services and retirement planning at Charles Schwab, financial and insurance planning at USAA Investment Co., and client service management at UBS Financial Services. Beckie obtained an associate’s degree in flight technology and received her private pilot’s license prior to graduating from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. In her free time, Beckie enjoys hiking, yoga, traveling, live music, and spending time with her family.
Rebecca Thompson, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Rebecca Thompson is a Wealth Advisor in the Philadelphia, PA office, bringing both financial expertise and compassion to her work with clients navigating major life transitions. Whether you’re facing the loss of a spouse, adjusting to single life, or simply seeking more clarity and confidence in your financial future, Rebecca provides thoughtful, personalized guidance every step of the way.
With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Rebecca partners with Beacon Pointe’s investment and planning teams to design customized strategies that align her clients’ wealth with their values. She believes that financial planning isn’t just about numbers, it’s also about peace of mind.
She is a frequent speaker and panelist on financial planning topics that impact women and families in transition, sharing insights to help empower and educate her community.
Rebecca holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation and earned her bachelor’s degree in Leadership Development from Villanova University. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), staying closely connected to the latest in fiduciary best practices and client advocacy.
Rooted in her local community of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Rebecca serves on the Board of Manna on Main Street, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals experiencing food and financial insecurity. When she’s not helping clients or giving back, you can find her on the golf course, in the gym, or tending to her (very large) 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.
