My number one outside of work activities is spending time with my kids: reading books (over and over and over), trying new foods, and watching them conquer new skills. I also cherish the days when I can take evening walks with my husband and talk about our day.
I like to do little crafts for gifts or homemade cards, small silly things that make me feel creative.
I like to read and enjoy participating in book clubs.
I knew I wanted an impactful career that allowed me to work with people and with numbers. My prior job at the Federal Reserve was certainly impactful, and covered the quantitative part, but I wanted more interaction with people. During my master’s program I took a wealth management class, and was surprised to find that I really enjoyed it! I liked the way it tied everything together like risk management, investments and modeling, but on a personal level. I liked the idea of having the right tools and insights to help people tackle their own unique problems and make progress on their goals, whatever they may be.
On a personal level, I knew that I could impact at least two lives right away. I wanted to help my parents feel secure in going into retirement and provide the clarity and confidence, for my mom especially, that she could actually retire and still afford to see her grandchildren.
I specifically chose to work for an independent investment firm because of the comprehensive suite of solutions we can offer a client. We consider every part of the client’s financial lives (as opposed to just the accounts that we manage). I get a strong sense of satisfaction from helping people tackle thorny financial issues and achieve their goals.
I always feel good when I can help a client take one action that will change their long-term outcome. For example, helping a client start to make contributions to their retirement savings, or maybe even make the maximum contribution to their retirement savings for the first time. (It seems like a small thing, but the effects of compounding interest are quite large!)
Another example is helping a client realize that they could retire sooner than they initially thought, or realize they can afford to switch to a more satisfying job even if they have to take a pay cut. Being there for that moment, when a client understands they really can achieve their vision, is rewarding for me too and is how I feel driven in my work.
I developed my quantitative, financial, and project management skills during my time at the Federal Reserve. I understand that there are complex problems that can’t be solved in one meeting or email. You have to get the right people involved, keep momentum, and follow through.
Since joining Values Added in 2019, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients at all different stages of life. I have experience helping clients who are building their savings and their careers, clients who are at the peak of their careers and managing their families both in older and younger generations, and clients who are retired and have made the shift to living off of their savings. I am able to help with investments and tax planning on an ongoing basis as well as big picture items like insurance and estate planning as clients progress through their lives and their needs change.
Early childhood education. I was struck by how much a person’s whole life trajectory is influenced by the first years of their life, and the importance of exposure to language. Before having children, I volunteered with Horton’s Kids, a local reading/tutoring program as a way to put into action what I care about. Now my focus is on reading to my own early childhood learners and I hope to become involved with Horton’s Kids again when my kids can read on their own.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional
CFP Board of Standards
MA, Finance, Johns Hopkins University
BS, Economics, University of Kentucky
