About Me

I am a Long Term Care Specialist and Financial Advisor in Durham, North Carolina.  I work clients throughout the country to develop and fund extended care plans to help protect their family relationships, financial security and lifestyles.

I am passionate about long term care planning and its integration into a holistic financial plan. My personal extended care experiences within my family as well as those of my clients have strengthened my commitment to widespread education for clients, other advisors and the community as a whole.

Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual in 1996, I worked in the banking industry for 11 years as a commercial lender and private banking manager which was a wonderful introduction to financial services. I am blessed to have found this career in planning which allows me to use my experience, education, love of people and commitment to this cause.

 

Years of Experience

I joined Northwestern Mutual in 1996  

Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Professional Designations

I believe in lifelong learning. My professional designations include:

CFP® -  CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) refers to the certification owned and awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. The CFP® certification is awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

ChFC® - Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) is the "Advanced Financial Planning" designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services.[1] Charter holders use the designation ChFC® on their resumes and are qualified to provide comprehensive advanced financial planning for individuals, professionals, and small business owners.

CASL® - The Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®) designation is the undisputed professional credential for persons who would like to cater to the unique needs of senior clients. This designation provides advisors with the comprehensive skills to address the main concerns of this demographic, covering such items as financial, health, psychological and sociological issues.

CLTC - Certification for Long-Term Care educates professionals in the fields of insurance, financial services, law and accounting about the severe consequences a need for care over an extended period of years would have, not on their client, but on the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of those the client loves.

CLU® - A chartered life underwriter (CLU®) is a professional designation for individuals who wish to specialize in life insurance and estate planning. Individuals must complete five core courses and three elective courses, and successfully pass all eight two-hour, 100-question examinations in order to receive the designation.

Personal

My family is my greatest joy!    Tad and I have been married for 31 years and we have two daughters, Eleanor who lives locally in Durham and Kate who lives in New York City.  We love spending time together whether it be traveling near or far or just hanging out together at home.  I enjoy golfing,  public speaking, and spending time in the Western NC mountains.  I grew up Asheville and the mountains will always feel like home.

My father's need for long term care in his early 70's shaped me personally and professionally. The experience led me to dedicate my career to helping individuals and their families plan financially, physically and emotionally for future care needs. Even more important, seeing my father's health decline at the time of retirement taught me the importance of fully living today!