Born in Japan while my family was stationed on a Navy base in Iwakuni, I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience different corners of the world. These experiences taught me the value of family and community, which led me to move from Ohio to California in 2020 to be closer to family during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

I earned my degree in Specialized Studies with a focus on Finance and Real Estate from Ohio University. During my time there, I sought to engage the community as a member of an entrepreneurship club that supported local single mothers through initiatives like food drives and interview preparation. I also launched a small music production company to promote local artists and boost community engagement.Since moving to California, I’ve embraced the activities that bring me joy, from cycling along the Los Gatos Creek trail to spending time by the ocean.

I’m proud to be part of a firm that aligns with my values and look forward to serving our community.

Areas of Focus –
Client financial and retirement planning

Experience –
2 years in wealth management

Education –
B.S., Specialized Studies (Finance & Real Estate), Ohio University

The community of Alameda, where I was born and raised, was especially instrumental in my growth as an individual, athlete and student. Most importantly, I learned the significance of giving back to the community I lived in through various groups and teams I was a part of. My childhood baseball team would hold camps for the local Special Olympics, which had a profound impact on my belief in caring for others and building bridges between communities.

In my final year of college, my parents were going through a divorce and my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I learned two important lessons during this time. First, wealth is much more than money – it truly is well-being. Second, I realized I wanted to help people like my mother achieve true comfort and peace of mind in their sometimes complex personal-financial situations. This led me to pursue a career in wealth management upon graduation and where I’ve been since.  

I’m proud to call Wealth Architects my home and our clients an extension of my own family. It’s inspiring to work alongside such genuinely caring people to help clients build fulfilling and impactful lives.

Areas of Focus –
Investment planning, client service excellence 

Experience –
7 years in wealth management 

Education –
B.S., Business Administration, Saint Mary’s College of California 

How I give back –
Volunteering at the Alameda County Food Bank

I spent half of my childhood in Mongolia and half in the Bay Area, growing up away from much of my extended family. That experience shaped my understanding of what truly matters. Being immersed in both traditional Asian and Western cultures gave me a deep appreciation for family, love and connection. For me, a wealthy and fulfilling life is grounded in close relationships and a strong sense of belonging.

As I began my professional journey, I knew I wanted to do meaningful work centered on people and their well-being. At Wealth Architects, I see every day how deeply the firm values not only financial health, but also family, community and living in alignment with one’s values. Being part of a team that prioritizes care, compassion and genuine connection feels both inspiring and natural.

I feel grateful to contribute to an organization that listens, understands and works intentionally to build a thoughtful community of colleagues and clients alike. The reminder of what truly matters is woven into the work we do each day.

Area of Focus –
Client Services, Experience, and Organizational Support

Experience –
Beginning career in Wealth Management

Education –
B.A. in Arts Administration, Marketing Minor, Pennsylvania State University

How I give back –
Supporting and donating to children in need in Mongolia

My career in wealth management began in 2007, right before one of the most significant market disruptions in history. Seeing the housing market collapse and the fear it caused in clients’ lives, not just their portfolios, made it clear that wealth is about more than just money.

I decided to devote my career to helping clients see money as a tool for leading a fulfilling life. This work included everything from helping them establish accounts and developing a logistical plan to fund their goals, to running comprehensive cash flow analyses and creating and implementing tax-efficient giving plans. Guiding clients through major life transitions, like growing families, caring for aging parents, and preparing for retirement, has been incredibly rewarding.

At Wealth Architects, I work with our advisors in developing their paths to provide caring and complete financial support to our clients. By focusing on our core values, I have the pleasure of helping our advisors guide clients to a wealthier life.

Areas of Focus –
Advisor development, operational streamlining

Experience –
21 years in wealth management and banking

Education –
B.S., Economics, Oglethorpe University

How I give back –
Bringing the healing power of music to healthcare settings through non-profits

My parents, both PhDs, raised me in the Midwest. My grandfather was a major influence in my life. He was a house-call doctor, and wherever we would go, people would recognize him and talk about how he delivered their children and grandchildren and how much he cared.

I began my career as an attorney and worked in finance law for 7 years. I enjoyed the finance, not the law, and wished that I could help people before the lawsuit, not after. All of the worst things occurred when financial advisors had monetary incentives to place trades with client money, which created conflicts of interest.

Transitioning to a brokerage firm, I worked with hundreds of clients, many self-directed. I realized I needed to leave after the 2008 financial crisis, when an elderly client with a multi-million portfolio comprised of one stock refused my advice to diversify and ended up with a small fraction. Working with self-directed investors was going to be too frustrating and heart-breaking, because they can’t be their own financial stewards.

I wanted to go to an independent Registered Investment Adviser where I could be the financial steward and provide objective advice.

What is most rewarding is getting to what matters to clients, then helping them understand why they are taking investment risk and how the investment portfolio will make their lives better.

Areas of focus —
Investment due diligence, monitoring of client assets, quantitative analysis

Experience —
25 years in wealth management and legal services

Education —
J.D., University of Michigan
M.P.P., Duke University
B.S., Political Science, Eastern Michigan University

I am a native Bay Area Californian who grew up in two families because my parents divorced when I was two and remarried while I was young. Growing up in two different households with different rules and lifestyles had its own sets of challenges, yet both homes shared core values that were deeply instilled in me: the importance of family and a strong work ethic. 

As I joined the workforce, I was looking for a career that would not only pay the bills, but also inspire me and bring me joy. I knew I was passionate about helping others, but wasn’t sure how exactly to do it. As soon as I accepted my first position with a wealth management company, I was drawn in as I saw how the work positively impacted others – not only in their day-to-day, but also along the trajectory of their lives. I had found a calling that brought me authentic gratification, and I have been in wealth management ever since.

I feel lucky to be on the Wealth Architects team. The ethos of the organization is rooted in thoughtfulness and care for both our clients and each other. It’s above and beyond anything I have experienced yet in my career.

Areas of Focus –
Assist with money movement, onboard new clients, provide exceptional client service

Experience –
16 years in Wealth Management.  The past 10 years spent at Morgan Stanley.

Education –
A.A. in Liberal Arts, De Anza Community College

How I give back –
Volunteer at my daughter’s school and I volunteer with my daughter at Animal Assisted Happiness

I grew up in Santa Monica on a quiet, tree-lined street. As the youngest of four kids, my childhood consisted of going to the beach, playing sports and cheering on UCLA with my family. One of my most treasured memories is the ceremony where I was awarded Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. I’ll never forget the pride I felt in that moment. It taught me the value of setting long-term goals along with the dedication, perseverance and hard work necessary to complete goals that are many years in the future.

I attended UCLA, earned a degree in history, and received my Masters in Business Administration from San Diego State University with a focus on entrepreneurship. I’ve been involved in the formation of several startups, eventually landing as the Chief Operating Officer of a health and nutritional wellness company. I learned important lessons about effective management and the value of teamwork and clear communication.

I was drawn to Wealth Architects because of their commitment to defining wealth holistically, beyond just a financial perspective. The emphasis on building a life of meaning, where your values hold a central focus, is so different from how most of the world defines wealth. I love knowing that as I work behind the scenes to further the mission of Wealth Architects, I’m helping to encourage our clients to build lives that are filled with meaning and purpose.

Areas of Focus –
Implementing the vision and aligning strategic priorities across the firm

Experience –
29 years in business development and strategic implementation

Education –
Bachelor of Arts, History, UCLA
Masters in Business Administration, San Diego State University

How I give back-
Coaching youth sports; coordinating annual charity golf tournament to benefit local philanthropies; assisting with Adventure Guides outdoor program at Magdalena Ecke YMCA

When you are adopted at birth, there are a lot of ways it can go. I won the lottery with my parents, who gave me an idyllic middle-class childhood of playing in the woods and snow, growing up with strong Midwestern values. After my father lost his job, we moved to California. He died soon after we moved, and I had to grow up fast.

I was proud to be accepted at UCLA, to walk on to their soccer team and put myself through school, which was a huge challenge. After college, I joined a brokerage firm, married my college sweetheart, and started building a life. I was scheduled to fly to New York for a meeting in 7 World Trade Center when the towers came down. That same week I found out my wife was expecting our first child. The stock market was closed for the week and I noticed clients were not talking about their money — they were talking about what really mattered – their true wealth.

I started to think deeply about purpose and what I really wanted from life. After going through the boom and bust of the dot-com bubble, I saw there was a big difference between being rich and wealthy: I wanted to help people be wealthy.

I wanted to provide people with objective advice, not based on selling financial products, but based on really listening, helping them figure out what is most essential, architecting the dream they had for their lives, and building a plan to make it happen. I wanted to start a wealth advisory firm to do just that.

I had also been inspired by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, who helped people do well by being transparent, telling the truth, and taking the long view. And I loved the idea of building a business that could do well by doing good and have a strong value system, like Hewlett-Packard. In that spirit, my colleague Lois Cole and I launched Wealth Architects.

Building this company and our team has been deeply fulfilling, and I feel a great sense of satisfaction when I have a meaningful impact on our clients’ lives.

Areas of focus —
Inspiring others to design and build wealthier lives;
Working with owners of concentrated financial wealth in privately held and public companies, as well as real estate

Experience —
29 years in wealth management

Education —
B.A., Political Science & Business Administration, UCLA

How I give back —
Serving on the board of directors of the YMCA of Silicon Valley (Chair Project Cornerstone) and Children Now (Treasurer)

I am a lifelong Bay Area native who has always found joy in community, connection, and creating meaningful experiences. For much of my career, I worked in the events industry, where I had the privilege of helping people celebrate life’s most memorable moments. Being part of those milestones reinforced my passion for making people feel cared for and supported.

Before officially joining Wealth Architects, I had the opportunity to work closely with the firm over several years, supporting client barbecues, team off-sites, and Wealth Architects University events. Through that experience, I gained a firsthand understanding of the firm’s values and culture, and saw how genuinely the team cares for both clients and one another.

Outside of my professional life, soccer has been a constant. I had the opportunity to play at West Valley College, an experience that instilled in me a deep appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I am also a mother of two, and becoming a parent deepened my desire to support and encourage young people. That passion led me to mentor young adults and help coach a Girls on the Run team, an experience I found incredibly meaningful.

Joining Wealth Architects felt like a natural next step. The firm’s commitment to service, compassion, and making a genuine difference in the lives of others aligns closely with the values I strive to bring to my work each day.

Area of Focus –
Dedicated to creating exceptional, personalized client experience through attentive service, proactive support, and building meaningful relationships. 

Experience –
12 years in the Events Industry 

Education –
A.A. in Child Development at West Valley Junior College How I give back –
Volunteering with Second Harvest Food Bank, my kids school and Make a Wish Foundation

My parents permanently relocated to the US from Mexico when I was 2 years old. I remember between the two of them they had 5 jobs. One was a paper route my little sister and I would tag along for most early mornings. My parents showed me the value of perseverance by allowing me to see how their struggles ultimately led to their success. At the age of 18, I became the first person in my family to graduate from high school and go to college. One of my mentors told me in order to be successful I needed to figure out my passions and how I could translate that into a career.

Soon I discovered there were individuals whose role is to help individuals and families succeed in achieving their financial goals. I loved the idea! My family’s financial goals consisted of making sure the bills were paid on time and there was enough food on the table. Nobody in my immediate family had ever even thought about saving for larger goals like retirement. I hope I can have a positive impact on my family so that my parents and generations beyond them have the option of achieving greater financial goals like retirement.

Beyond that, I wanted to join Wealth Architects because our work here has a positive impact in the lives of families and individuals by providing them with more options and flexibility from the initial stages of planning and as they grow into their futures and their finances increase in complexity.

I love being able to add to a client’s financial confidence and ultimately their well-being.

Areas of focus —
Planning involving real estate

Experience —
8 years in wealth management

Education —
B.A. Economics & Mathematics, Statistics Minor, University of California, Santa Barbara

How I give back —
With time by volunteering with Second Harvest Food bank and the Bay Area Financial Education Foundation

My parents emigrated to the US from India in the 1980s and worked hard to provide the best education for me and my twin sister. My father, a PhD, instilled in us his values of education and physical health at an early age. “Health is wealth” was a common saying in our household, and growing up in the Bay Area, weekend hikes were a regular activity. Early on, I learned that a wealthy life went far beyond financial well-being.

At the same time, I saw how money played a role in every factor of life, and how uncommon financial literacy was. I saw the effects of the 2008 financial crisis on families that did not have adequate financial planning, and it really drew me towards the finance industry. In college, I realized I had a penchant for finding efficiencies and improving processes in my work and everyday life which led to my interest in operations.

I am so appreciative to be at a firm like Wealth Architects, where the focus is on much more than financial success. It’s exciting to work with such a supportive team and play a part in building wealthier lives for our clients.

Areas of Focus —
Operational efficiencies, client portals, client reports

Experience —
8 years in Financial Services

Education —
B.B.A., University of Michigan  

I was born and raised in Palo Alto with my younger sister and older brother. My parents, two former opera singers, shifted careers to software engineering and childhood education. They showed me early on that life isn’t fixed, and achieving your dreams is possible.

At thirteen, I started coaching soccer and quickly discovered a passion for helping others grow. Mentorship became a defining part of my life, and I’ve continued to seek roles where I can support others in reaching their goals.

Growing up in the pressure cooker that was Silicon Valley, I had a front-seat view of how little emphasis was placed on well-being over success. I attended Palo Alto High School during a time when the devastating results of student stress and mental health struggles were making national headlines, and I saw firsthand how the intense focus on grades and college admissions often came at the cost of physical and mental well-being. College in Monterey Bay helped me shift focus, from external achievement to internal fulfillment. A mentor introduced me to the CFP® program, and I realized financial planning could be an impactful way to help people live fuller, happier lives.

With Wealth Architects, I can confidently tell my clients that we are here for them in every single aspect of their life, constantly adjusting to their evolving needs and cheering them on with every achievement they make.

Area of Focus –
Retirement planning and family goal planning

Experience –
1 year in wealth management

Education –
B.S., Financial Planning, California State University – Monterey Bay

How I give back –
Volunteering my time with early childhood education

I was born and raised just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. As a kid, my father would occasionally take me to his office and I got to see just how passionate he was about his work. I think those experiences helped me understand the value of aligning your career with a deeper meaning that brings satisfaction. I also remember mentioning to my mother that I wanted to become a police officer when I got older because it was a way I could help others in my community. Plus, I would get to eat donuts all the time.

As I got older, I developed an interest in financial markets and investments, eventually going on to study economics at UC Berkeley, where I greatly enjoyed learning about financial markets. I was also introduced to a variety of career paths and realized that I wanted to work in wealth management because I could continue to learn more about investments, while also putting myself in the service of others. 

I’m proud to be part of the Wealth Architects team. While I do enjoy being knee-deep in the technical aspects of investment research, I feel equally excited when I see our efforts increase overall well-being in peoples’ lives.

Areas of focus –
Investment research, trading, and portfolio monitoring

Experience –
4 years in wealth management

Education –
B.A., Economics, UC Berkeley

How I give back –
Volunteering at the annual “Things for Teens & Toys for Kids” gift drive. 

I owe so much of who I am to my family. My mom taught me to work hard and be honest, my brother taught me to be curious, and my dad taught me to be kind without exception.

I was born and raised in Fresno before moving to the Bay Area for college. There, I took a personal finance course, which inspired me to combine my love of the technical with my desire to help people improve their lives.

I spent the first seven years of my career learning the “how” of wealth management – for example, how to develop a strong financial plan or how to build financial wealth. But, I always wondered if there was more that could be done for clients.

Joining the Wealth Architects team was a clear choice for me because of their focus on helping people get to the “why” behind their finances. Here, we dig in with their clients to learn about their lives, passions and goals…why they are building their holistic wealth in the first place.

I feel like I could send anybody in my life to Wealth Architects and they would be in great hands. I am proud to be part of a team that strives for that level of excellence.

Area of focus –
Retirement planning, equity compensation planning, strategic tax planning

Experience –
8 Years in Wealth Management

Education –
Bachelor of Arts, Economics, UC Berkeley

I was born and raised in Los Angeles by my incredible mom, a single parent and devoted teacher who spent her life helping others grow. Watching her passion for teaching showed me the power of education and the importance of lifting people up. She instilled in me a belief in lifelong learning and the idea that knowledge isn’t just power – it’s empowerment.

As a kid, I was drawn to numbers. I loved how math and personal finance could tell stories and solve real problems. That curiosity led me to pursue a finance degree at the University of Denver. Over time, I realized I loved not just the numbers, but also what they could do for people. Financial knowledge can reduce stress, create opportunity and change lives.

That’s when it clicked: I wanted to use my career in finance to help people feel more confident, secure and in control of their futures. I wanted to be someone others could turn to for guidance and clarity.

Today, I’m proud to be part of a team that empowers me to keep growing while helping others do the same. I carry with me the values that shaped me: hard work, resilience and a commitment to making a positive impact. There’s nothing more rewarding than using my passion for finance to help others thrive.

Areas of Focus –
Portfolio monitoring, trading and investment research

Experience –
1 year in wealth management

Education –
B.S., Finance, University of Denver

How I give back –
Volunteering at “Pets in Need” in my free time.

I was fortunate to be adopted by two loving parents at the age of two. Throughout most of my childhood, I never quite understood the concept of adoption; I saw no difference between my family and others. All I remember are the fond memories with my parents, from the car rides in my father’s 1996 green Toyota Corolla to watching America’s Funniest Videos every Sunday night.

My parents never completed high school due to sociopolitical events in their home country. When they immigrated to America, they worked labor intensive jobs to get by and attended community college to learn English. My parents always valued education and encouraged me to pursue my goals and aspirations. I developed an interest in finance when I learned about my parent’s story of coming to America and how, new to this country, they never explored savings, retirement, estate planning and other financial instruments.

This disconnect in financial education within my own family inspired me to pursue a degree and career in wealth management. I aspire to help others understand their financial situation and curate a plan that helps them achieve their goals and dreams.

Areas of focus –
Education planning and retirement planning

Experience –
4 years in wealth management

Education –
B.S., Business Administration, Finance, University of San Francisco

How I give back –
Volunteering at Habitat for Humanity

I moved from Hong Kong to New York when I was six. Growing up in an immigrant family, I overcame hardships and learned the importance of a strong work ethic. These formative experiences gave me the tenacity to put myself through Tufts University and Northeastern University School of Law.

After law school, I worked at Arthur Andersen assisting high-net-worth individuals with their tax and estate-planning needs, then for a prominent Boston law firm. I served my clients with great care and addressed their needs, but often did not see them again for many years. The transactional nature of the work didn’t fulfill me, so I returned to Tufts to help its fundraising efforts to raise $1 billion for need-blind admissions, working for an amazing president with a real vision.

In 2008, my husband, three kids, and I moved from Boston to California, where I ultimately found Wealth Architects and the visionary leadership I experienced at Tufts. Our team shares the same values, a really strong work ethic, and a desire to genuinely get to know and help people.

I hope that my clients have experienced care, compassion, and empathy — then I’ve done my job.

Areas of focus —
Wealth, estate, legacy, tax, charitable and retirement planning and helping individuals and families with life transitions

Experience —
25 years in wealth management, philanthropy, and law

Education —
J.D., Northeastern University School of Law
B.A., International Relations & Asian Studies, Tufts University

How I give back —
Helping children in my community grow to their fullest potential by being a volunteer for the YMCA

I am Michigan-born, Georgia-raised, and California-grown. My Dad gave me my work ethic and my Mom gave me positivity and warmth. Now my own family inspires and grounds me. My kids see that my spouse and I share household responsibilities and our professional goals have equal priority.

I studied economics and played varsity golf at Stanford. Golf is a sport about integrity and honesty: there is no rules official, you call the penalty on yourself. I had a golf instructor and mentor who would be the first to open the shop, but would park in the worst spot. This is how you handle yourself professionally.

After the 2008 financial crash, I saw the sense of insecurity people had about their wealth and their job prospects. The lesson is that we have to be independent and save.

I wanted to work someplace where I could make a difference. Wealth Architects was only a year old and there was so much passion and energy, and they seemed fun and kind. I wanted to work with people like that.

It’s rewarding to see the change when clients focus on what is core in their lives and have a better understanding of how the market works. I’ve had to tell a client not to take a friend’s financial advice that I knew was wrong. You have to be real, be compassionate, but also stand your ground.

Areas of focus —
Wealth planning, especially working with younger families; Silicon Valley professionals

Experience —
16 years in wealth management

Education —
B.A., Economics, Stanford University

How I give back —
Being a mentor for the Stanford men’s college golf team

My parents shaped my values. They said respect others, be honest, and live within your means. I respected them so much that I never got out of bounds.

I also loved exploring the outdoors with my family while growing up – the challenge and beauty in it. It’s where I picked up my Midwestern sensibilities and realized that you don’t need much to be happy. If I could experience the outdoors every day for the rest of my life I probably would, but I enjoy great moments with my family even more.

I worked for many years at another wealth management firm and met Mark Johnsen while volunteering on a non-profit investment committee. When I left my position as a partner, Mark was my first call — I really wanted to work for him and was looking for more balance between investing and life planning.

I earn people’s trust with excellence. I want to help them think through and see the big picture, the higher level, where the power is in their lives, and what we are trying to do. Once they do, it’s awesome — they are able to let go and focus on the things that bring them joy.

I love working here. I always wanted to find a place I could call home and have really found it here. The leaders here are all so thoughtful — they make me want to be better.

Areas of Focus —
Wealth planning for high net-worth individuals, non-U.S. citizens, and nonprofit organizations

Experience —
28 years in wealth management

Education —
B.S., Finance, University of Colorado at Boulder

How I give back —
Volunteering my time to help children and promote education

As a toddler, I watched my dad graduate from Menlo College, in the heart of Silicon Valley just before the turn of the century. He worked as a contractor to many of the area’s growing tech firms and often brought me along to witness the growth of the industry firsthand. My mom balanced raising me and my younger sisters with working to make ends meet. She encouraged me to dream big, and I imagined a world where technological innovations could improve the quality of life for everyone.

We relocated frequently but mostly stayed within the Bay Area. Growing up during the dot com bubble and the 2008 financial crisis, I noticed many intelligent people in my life struggling to understand how financial markets worked. When the time came for me to attend college, I wanted to find a place where I could combine my interest in finance with my passion for tech. I found myself under the same giant oak tree at Menlo College where I had spent my early childhood dreaming, and I knew I had found home.

The more I learned about financial markets and economics, the more I wondered how I could use this knowledge to impact more than just a client’s portfolio. I had the opportunity to complete an internship with Wealth Architects, and there I found exactly what I had been looking for. The team taught me that wealth means more than a bottom line and values go beyond an account statement. They showed me how they work to deliver caring service and offer objective advice in order to impact our clients beyond their financial assets. They inspired me to foster relationships built on trust and authenticity and to seek true wealth and wellbeing.

The team at Wealth Architects inspires me to pursue my passion while driving impact and supporting a broader mission. My work feels purposeful and fulfilling.

Areas of focus –
Technology and operations

Experience –
7 years in wealth management and technology

Education –
B.S., Finance, Menlo College

I grew up in a family of seven children in the Bay Area. My parents passed on a strong love of the arts and nature. We frequented museums and visited national parks, attended opera, ballet and theatrical performances. Although it was a stretch for a large family, they even sent us to private schools because they placed great importance on our education. I remember my mother worked night shifts and my father taught summer school to allow for these investments in our future. 

Attending the theater as a child really lit a fire in me to develop my acting skills and perform in plays. Perhaps my favorite production I played a part in was Shakespeare’s The Tempest because that’s where I met my husband. Over the years, we performed together in various Bay Area theater venues. My greatest role, however, has been as a mother to our daughter Cassandra.

What attracted me to Wealth Architects were the intangible things you don’t typically read on a job listing in our industry. This concept that building wealth encompasses more than just money really resonated with me. I feel fortunate to have a career with Wealth Architects that involves capitalizing on my strengths to help clients invest in their lives, their families and causes which inspire them.

Area of Focus –
Client onboarding, account opening and maintenance, incoming transfers. 

Experience –
17 years in the financial services industry

Education –
B.S., Organizational Behavior and Leadership, University of San Francisco

How I Give Back –
Donating time and resources to favorite non-profit theater companies 

I grew up in California with a deep appreciation for nature, shaped by family backpacking trips through the Sierra Nevada and camping in Yosemite. Those experiences taught me the value of a simple, grounded life and helped shape my lifelong focus on well-being.

Early on, I was drawn to medicine because I admired the trust and care in the physician-patient relationship. While I ultimately chose a different path, I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to partner with others in meaningful, supportive ways.

At Wealth Architects, I’ve found that purpose. I work with clients to build holistic financial plans that support not just their goals, but their overall well-being. It’s a role that lets me bring compassion and clarity to people’s lives, especially during times of transition.

After the unexpected loss of my grandfather, I saw firsthand how deeply finances can affect our sense of security and peace. Supporting my grandmother through that period of change taught me the power of patience, perseverance and thoughtful planning.

Today, it’s a privilege to walk alongside clients as they build their own version of a wealthier, more fulfilling life.

I believe simply listening and asking questions has the power to change the world around us. My goal is to make clients feel truly heard so we can build a financial and life plan that is centered around their core values.

Areas of focus –
Philanthropic planning, intergenerational advising

Experience –
2 years in wealth management

Education –
B.A., Biology and Organization & Strategic Management, Washington University in St. Louis

How I give back –
Volunteering my time with Sunday Friends, a non-profit committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting health equity

I spent most of my childhood in Hong Kong and Sydney. Then my family took the opportunity to move to the Bay Area when I was 12 years old. Growing up around the world taught me the values of resilience and diligence. It also nurtured my love of travel and exploration. Considering everywhere I’ve been, I feel very lucky to live in Northern California, a place that’s rich in culture and full of adventures.

My interest in finance started while studying economics at USC. That led me to the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) Program and a deep appreciation of behavioral finance. It’s not all about the numbers — there’s always emotion at play. I was fascinated by that dynamic. And I saw a lot of room for helping people better understand how emotion can affect their financial decisions.

At Wealth Architects, I found a unique focus on serving both the financial wealth and overall well-being of clients. Every day I see how genuine and thoughtful our team is in helping clients work toward their life goals. Being a part of that is very fulfilling.

Areas of Focus —
Portfolio monitoring, investment research, and trading

Experience —
7 years in wealth management

Education —
B.A., Economics and International Relations, USC

How I give back —
Volunteering for Wealth Architects’ community service events

Born to Vietnamese immigrants who sought a better life in the United States, I consider myself fortunate to have grown up with a strong sense of perseverance and resilience. My parents, who arrived with little money and no knowledge of English, worked tirelessly to build a stable life for our family. They remain my greatest inspiration.

After earning my degree in Business Finance from San Jose State University, I began my career in corporate finance. While the work was financially rewarding, I soon realized that monetary success alone did not bring fulfillment. I wanted more than just a well-paying job – I sought a career that would be meaningful.

My passion for solving complex financial questions led me to pursue a career as a financial advisor, where I could help others navigate their own financial journeys.

This desire led me to Wealth Architects, where I found a firm that shares my approach to financial planning – viewing money as a tool to help achieve life’s goals, not an end in itself.

Areas of Focus –
Planning for clients in the early stages of their career

Experience –
4 years in wealth management

Education –
B.S., Business Finance, San Jose State University

I was born and raised in San Jose. At a young age, my dad got me interested in finance by teaching me to save and invest early on. This interest became an obsession after my brother got me a ticket to hear Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger speak at their annual shareholder’s meeting.

Throughout my life, I’ve enjoyed cultivating meaningful relationships and helping people with their growth and through life changes, from teaching kids and adults how to swim to helping students with the academic and emotional aspects of transitioning from high school to college. I initially gravitated toward a career in wealth management because it combines my interest in finance and helping others.

When my dad told me he was diagnosed with dementia, I was heartbroken. I dove into my family’s finances and put a plan in place, as I knew that was just the beginning of a wild ride. Wrestling with this new reality was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to face. The experience solidified my career, reigniting my passion for financial planning and helping others. I was able to truly appreciate how important it is for families to have their financial plans in order ahead of life’s transitions and unexpected curveballs.

I feel so fortunate to be part of the Wealth Architects team. I admire the care my colleagues show their clients and each other and I share the firm’s belief that wealth is about well-being, not just money. I love that we help people focus on what is truly important in life, like family, friends, values, career, and community, and show them what is possible and how they can use their resources to achieve their goals.

Areas of Focus –
Retirement planning, insurance planning

Experience –
9 years in wealth management

Education –
B.S. Business Administration, Finance at San Jose State University

How I give back –
Teaching low-income youth how to swim in the Bay Area

I grew up just outside Syracuse, New York, in a loving and supportive household where I had access to strong public education and a wide range of opportunities. At the same time, I saw firsthand how uneven access to financial resources can shape communities in very different ways. That awareness sparked a deep interest in expanding access to financial knowledge and empowering individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and those around them.

I studied Mathematics at the University at Buffalo, where I was drawn to work that combined analytical thinking with meaningful human impact. Financial planning stood out as a path that could offer both. I began my career at a small advisory firm in Syracuse, where I quickly learned that true financial health extends far beyond a written plan. Wealth takes on different meanings for different people, and understanding those nuances is at the heart of the work.

Having spent much of my life in New York, I knew I was ready for a change in environment. After being introduced to Wealth Architects in California, the decision to make that change became clear.

The community at Wealth Architects continues to blow me away. The executive team leads with compassion and all others follow suit. I feel grateful every day to work alongside such genuinely caring people.

Area of Focus –
Client Service

Experience –
2 years in the Wealth Management Industry

Education –
Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics, University at Buffalo

How I give back –
Coaching and mentorship within my community

My parents emigrated from Korea to the states in the mid-1970’s. When they arrived, they knew very little English and had to assimilate into a new culture. They focused on raising three children with an abundance of love and strong family values. They taught us that no obstacle is insurmountable if you work hard and persist, and that the way to be happy is to be a bigger person.

Prior to Wealth Architects, I spent 10 years working for big banks, learning a lot but not feeling much purpose in my work. 2007 was a pivotal year for me: I met Mark Johnsen and Lois Cole and found a home that would allow me to serve others and contribute to the firm’s vision of building wealthier lives.

I see the positive ripple effect of our work. We provide our clients with peace of mind — often by simplifying complex financial situations for them — so they can focus on what really matters. Our clients are gracefully caring for parents and partners, helping children realize their dreams, and generously supporting philanthropy in their communities. Working with them is an incredible opportunity.

Areas of focus —
Service excellence, operational efficiency, cultural ambassador

Experience —
26 years in wealth management and banking

Education —
B.A., Business Administration, California State – Hayward