I believe in the immense power of proper financial planning. In our society, there is such an emphasis on working hard and accumulating wealth, but a majority of people are never taught what to do with their hard-earned money. I’ve seen firsthand and heard stories of the devastating consequences that even the smallest financial mistakes can have on an individual or family, and that is why I want to empower people with a sense of security and well-being through education and planning.
My role is to help clients see where they currently stand financially and understand what needs to happen to get to where they want to be. By gathering their current financial data, I build projections and create a plan that reflects their goals and the strategies that will get them there and beyond. Onboarding is an essential part of this process to ensure everything is set up properly and we start off on the right foot in our partnership. I live by the proverb “Measure twice, cut once,” so I focus on being proactive and strategic, anticipating needs before they become problems. I also bring genuine curiosity to the process rather than treating it as a checklist.
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”
Robert Frost
I began my career in finance as a relationship banker, focusing on building meaningful client relationships before joining Acumen as a Private Client Relationship Manager. After three years in this role, I found my passion for financial planning and moved into a dedicated planning role. Before finance, I studied English Literature at Dalton State College and spent time teaching abroad and tutoring students in Chattanooga, experience that shaped how I communicate complex ideas clearly and patiently. That background gives me a different lens on planning: one focused as much on how people understand and act on advice as on the numbers themselves. I have a decade of experience in finance and hold the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation.
What I value most about Acumen is our commitment to aligning our actions with our core values in how we work with and serve clients. We work every day to improve even the smallest imperfections in our operations, fixing the root cause so issues don’t happen again. I believe that pursuit of excellence has built relationships rooted in trust and respect, and our clients often become advocates who ask us to care for their friends and family. I wish clients could see how hard every Acumen employee works for them, their assets, and their future.
For leisure, I love to travel, read, and spend time outdoors with my two rescue dogs, Porter and Penny. For kaizen (the philosophy of continuous improvement), I practice jiu jitsu and play golf. For the community, I support several local charitable organizations and served on the board of Northside Neighborhood House, which supports resident independence in North Chattanooga.