Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to join Stavis Wealth?

I graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2019, and while I was in school I worked at Fidelity Investments, first part-time, then full-time. That was my introduction to retirement planning and where I started to realize how much I enjoyed helping people think about their future. 

After graduation, I joined Fifth Third Bank and started building a deeper interest in wealth management. From there, I moved to a private wealth management firm in Cincinnati, where I spent most of my career so far. I started as a planning analyst and eventually became the head of investment operations, managing a book of clients while also building out the policies and procedures to support a growing firm.

Ultimately, choosing Stavis was both a professional and personal decision. I knew I wanted to move to a new city, but I also wanted to find the right cultural fit. After talking with the Stavis team, I felt immediately at ease. It was clear this was a place where I could make an impact while also enjoying my work life. Everyone has been so welcoming—they’ve given me great recommendations on where to live, fun things to do, and even little tips for getting my bearings. That support has made the transition so much easier, and it confirmed for me that I made the right choice.

What excites you most about your role here?

For me, it’s the people. The team at Stavis Wealth is not only incredibly competent and diligent, but they’re also genuinely great individuals to work alongside. This business has always been about relationships, and from the outside looking in, it was clear to me that strong relationships are at the core of this firm. Now that I’m here, I see every day how those connections drive the work we do and how much they contribute to the culture. Being part of a team like this is both motivating and exciting.

What’s one skill or strength you bring to the team that you’re most proud of?

I’d say my biggest strength is being organized and task-oriented. I like being able to take a big goal and break it down into clear, manageable steps. If there’s a destination in mind, I’m good at figuring out the path that will get us there efficiently. It’s a skill that keeps projects moving forward and helps the team stay on track.

We know you’re passionate about volunteering. Can you share what first drew you to giving back in your community?

My mom is a social worker, so in some ways, giving back was just part of how I was raised. From an early age, I was taught that if you can help, you should. I started volunteering alongside my mom when I was still in elementary school, and it became a natural part of my life through university and now as an adult. What I love about it is that, in those moments, my purpose is driven purely by the needs of others. There’s no ego, no agenda, but just the desire to be of service.

How has volunteering shaped the way you approach your personal or professional life?

Volunteering has taught me to start every interaction by asking, “How can I best serve?” When you volunteer, you’re not there to decide what you think will help. Rather, you’re given the context, the story, and the specific tasks that are needed to make the most of your time. 

That mindset has carried over into how I approach my work. In meetings, for example, I don’t listen just to respond. I listen to understand where my perspective or experience might actually be useful. Sometimes that means simply being present and absorbing, and other times it means offering an idea, sharing past experiences, or creating something new to meet a need. It’s made me much more intentional about how I show up for both colleagues and clients.

Outside of work and volunteering, what do you enjoy doing for fun or relaxation?

I’m a big fan of both books and movies! I even have a family book club where we swap recommendations and sometimes read the same book together. It’s such a fun way to stay connected. 

I also make time for self-care, whether that’s going for a walk or bike ride, doing my own facials, getting my nails done, or even just sitting down with a puzzle to unwind. 

And one of my favorite things is spending time with my nieces and nephews. I love taking them to the movies or hosting movie nights at home. We’ll mix in activities like painting or making slime, and they’ll usually end up teaching me the latest TikTok dance. It’s chaotic and fun and always makes me laugh.

Do you have a favorite book that’s made an impact on you (either personally or professionally)?

One book that really stands out for me is The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. It’s one of the few books I’ve read for professional reasons that I also truly enjoyed on a personal level. The way it explores how people think about money helped shape my own perspective on personal decisions, and it also gave me more insight into how clients might approach their financial lives. It’s a book I’ve found myself coming back to more than once.

What’s a fun fact about you that your teammates might be surprised to learn?

A couple of years ago, my mom asked me how many books I’d read that year, and when I counted, it turned out to be 263 in 2019! I didn’t set out with a goal in mind, but since then I’ve averaged over 250 books a year. It’s become a bit of a family tradition now. Every holiday season, we give a bookstore gift card to whoever has read the most books that year. It adds a little friendly competition to something we all love.

What are you most looking forward to as you settle into your role at Stavis Wealth?

I’m really looking forward to getting involved with some of the initiatives that Stavis Wealth supports. Being new to both the city and the firm, there’s a sense of discovery right now that feels exciting and I’m learning something new every day. I can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds and how I can contribute, both to the team and to the broader community.