I built Mission Financial Planning, Inc. to specialize in serving dentists and specialty practice owners and specifically, to do it in a purely advice-only, fee-only, fiduciary role.

I have worked in the investment industry for over 30 years and have been a Certified Financial Planner for 25 years, involved with individuals and institutions in various aspects of investing, management, financial planning and marketing. As a Certified Financial Planner, I uphold a fiduciary duty to my clients and have, and continue to pursue, significant financial education and experience.

My focus: Financial planning for dentists, families and retirees. Services include personal and practice cash flow planning, debt management, tax strategy, education funding, insurance assessment, and estate planning.

Approach: Understands the life of a business owner, looks at the whole picture, plans for “real life”.

When I’m not working: You will find me in my kayak or on a hiking trail, having fun with my mostly-grown kids, and looking forward to my next trip!

I began my career in financial services while still in high school, driven by a genuine interest in helping people make informed financial decisions. During those early years, I earned my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, became Securities Licensed with both Series 7 and 63, and obtained Life, Health, and Accident Insurance Licenses. Although I chose to let those credentials lapse after stepping away from my career in 1997, they laid a strong foundation for the work I do today. Over time, I found that I’m most fulfilled working directly with clients — listening to their goals, building lasting relationships, and keeping their financial information up to date—so being part of a fee-only financial planning firm is a perfect fit.

While working full-time, I took college classes as I was able and ultimately graduated from Baker University—paying my own way without student loans. That experience taught me the value of determination, budgeting, and long-term planning, which continue to shape the way I serve clients today.

In 1997, I chose to pause my professional work to raise and homeschool our three daughters. That season of life brought a wealth of experience and perspective. Now, as they begin families of their own, I bring those life lessons to my work with clients navigating different stages of their lives—whether they’re just starting out, managing a household, caring for loved ones, or planning for retirement.

In addition to my work, I enjoy giving back through organizations like my church and Lead to Read KC. My husband and I have been married for 33 years and love to travel together and spend time with our Irish Setter, Dallas. Her expressive eyes and playful antics keep us laughing. I recently picked up tennis and really enjoy it—fitting in a match whenever I can among life’s many priorities. I especially look forward to spending time in Mississippi with our grandson—and soon, a new grandchild on the way!

I never imagined myself in the finance industry growing up, but as I navigated the challenges of balancing home, work, daycare, saving, giving and investing while raising a family, I realized I enjoyed the process of creating a plan that made sense of it all. This led me to pursue a career in the financial planning industry, where I could combine my research and analytical skills with my desire to help others navigate their financial lives. With a B.S. in Biology (along with a stint in an orthodontics lab) and experience in software and consulting with financial planners, I earned a Certificate in Financial Planning while working in financial planning with a local firm in Richmond, VA. I have found that the advice-only model specifically resonates with my values, and I’m excited to be part of the team at Mission.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family exploring Richmond’s parks, restaurants, and museums. I’m always up for a book recommendation and love coffee in any form. Although I consider myself a swimmer at heart, I have recently found solace in running, completing my first marathon last year.

Working in the Retirement Industry since 1983 I have had the opportunity to work with Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit plans as an actuarial analyst, a plan administrator, an implementation project manager and a product manager.  I’ve also helped employers with providing their employees a total compensation view of the compensation they receive and how it impacts the employees’ financial wellness.  In addition I provide employee education on retirement and group benefits.

I carry a Masters in Human Resources degree and the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist Designation. 

My focus at Mission Financial Planning – My key role is to assist practice owners in implementing a new 401k plan, educating their employees of the value of contributing to a retirement plan and providing the practice owner ongoing support with the plan administration.

Approach – My goal is to make the set up and maintenance of the 401k as easy as possible for the practice owner.  And to help the employees value the 401k plan as a valuable benefit provided to them.

When I’m not working – You’ll find me cuddling with my kitty, Raven, in my garden, helping my HOA or traveling near and far.

I have over 20 years of accounting and tax experience: in CPA firms doing bookkeeping, audit, and tax services for clients, in a corporate setting doing various tax and analytical functions, and as an independent contractor providing accounting services to small businesses. Specifically, I have helped with the set up of the accounting books and record-keeping functions, prepared and maintained budgets, handled accounts receivable and payable, prepared monthly reconciliations and financial statements, processed payroll and related returns, responded to government notices, filed quarterly estimated tax payments, and prepared income tax returns. I worked for both medium and large public accounting firms (Kellogg & Andelson and Ernst & Young), for Butler Manufacturing (tax department and internal analysis) and independently for individuals (tax work) and small businesses (bookkeeping and tax compliance) before joining Mission Financial Planning.