I am a certified public accountant and registered investment advisor.  I received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Truman State University and a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.  I joined Northpointe Financial Advisors LLC in August 2023 after previously working for another financial planning firm as an investment advisor representative in their Illinois branch. I have more than 30 years of experience in accounting, budgeting and financial analysis.  I spent 24 years as a federal law enforcement officer investigating investment fraud, mortgage fraud, money laundering and identity theft and educating consumers on how to avoid becoming victims of fraud.  Prior to that, I was an auditor for the state of Missouri.  I have taught courses in forensic accounting and identity theft at a local university.  I also have facilitated financial literacy programs for Junior Achievement and local churches. 

I have a passion for helping families understand their financial situation and set achievable financial goals. While helping clients take control of their finances, I always stress how the simple act of creating a plan increases their chance of achieving their financial goals.  One client in particular found that by setting up a budget and tracking spending for just a couple of months, they were able to identify several hundred dollars a month that could be redirected to recurring investments rather than untracked spending.  This is one example of the joy I experience when helping clients discover that their financial situation can be improved without depriving themselves. 

I’m an avid long distance walker/hiker.   Traveling is a natural extension of my quest.  I enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction with a special affinity for crime dramas.  When I’m home, I make time to volunteer at my local food bank.