Wisdom & Wealth

Team Spotlight

In this month’s newsletter, the Hess team is turning the spotlight inward! March is all about getting to know the people behind the projects, from fun facts to personal motivations, we’re excited to share what makes our team truly unique.

To be honest, this topic is a tough one for me. My colleagues all seem to have something that makes them really stand out. But I’ve always seen myself as fairly ordinary. No dazzling talents, no dramatic achievements, and hobbies that are about as typical as they come. That isn’t me being self-critical; just a recognition that I’m fairly “normal”… maybe even a little boring. 😊

If pressed for unusual facts, I could mention the time I saw a ghost, that I grew up in a hippie family, or that I can count to ten in five languages even though I only speak English. Fun trivia, sure. But not really what defines me.

What I truly hope people notice is something much simpler: I try to be kind. I may not have the talent to make the world more beautiful or the means to create big change, but I can treat people with respect. I can offer a smile, a hug, or a shoulder when someone needs support. And if I can genuinely help solve a problem for someone, it fills me up in a way that feels almost selfish—because in the end, I’m the one who walks away feeling grateful.

I love having the opportunity to share a little about who we are outside of work. While we are often known for the high level of service and detail we bring our clients, I think it’s just as meaningful to pull back the curtain and talk about what fills our lives outside the office.

One thing that has been really important to me is serving others. After graduating, I pursued a career in long term care and became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. I absolutely loved the work and the opportunity to make such a drastic difference in people’s lives. While my career path eventually shifted, that passion never left. Today, I continue to stay involved by volunteering and serving on the board for Valley Program of Aging Services.

Outside of that, anyone who knows me will tell you I never stop talking about my cats! I have two, Peach and Pear, and they are easily the most spoiled members of my household (even though they make me sneeze constantly!).

Whether through volunteering, my work, or the relationships in my life, the one thing you should know about me is that I’m happiest when I can contribute to something bigger than myself.

Outside of work, I am actively involved in the local Old Time music community. Old Time is a traditional Appalachian style of music rooted in dance driven rhythms, community, and a huge variety of tunes passed down through generations. I’m drawn to this music not only for its sound, but also for the history it carries and the collaborative spirit at the heart of the tradition.

I am part of a newly formed trio called the Stone Spring Stringband, where I play fiddle alongside John Gullman on clawhammer banjo and Aidan Daly on guitar. Together, we focus on the lively, driving sound characteristic of the genre. We love spending time learning new tunes, exploring their origins, and connecting with others who are passionate about preserving and teaching this musical style.

Playing the fiddle—and occasionally other stringed instruments—motivates me because it offers continuous learning, including new techniques, new tunes, and new insights into the history behind the music. It has also connected me with a wonderful community of musicians who are passionate about preserving and sharing this tradition.

None of us can control what we were born into, but I often think about how the availability of resources in our youth impacts our lives. I consider myself quite lucky. Not because my family had wealth. Quite the opposite. We had very modest means, which meant that there were many limitations and most things beyond the basics were considered extravagant. Looking back, I am so thankful for that. Happiness isn’t about having everything; it’s about appreciating what you have. This well-known quote has always spoken to me. It is easy to find joy in just about everything when most everything is new and exciting. I wonder sometimes whether people who grew up with comfort and special experiences feel the same or do they require a much higher bar to be impressed or satisfied. Even at 58 years old, I find myself ecstatic about the simplest things. It truly is a gift.

A fun fact about me is that I’ve always loved playing the piano. I don’t get to play as much lately, but it’s still something that brings me a sense of calm and creativity. There’s something satisfying about working through the details of a piece—making sure the rhythm is exact, the notes are clean, and the flow feels natural. Learning piano taught me to be patient with the process and to trust the steady work it takes to make something feel effortless. That same mindset shows up in how I approach financial planning: noticing the details, building consistency, and taking things one thoughtful step at a time. Piano will always be one of my favorite ways to reconnect with that part of myself.

Back in middle school, I had an experience that has grown more meaningful with time. In 7th grade, I was voted by my classmates and teachers as someone who best represented the “Pillars of Character.” At the time, I didn’t think much of it. I didn’t fully understand what it meant, and it certainly didn’t feel life changing in the moment.

But looking back now, I’m proud of who I was then and how that early version of myself still shows up in who I am today. As a kid, life is simpler; you aren’t trying to impress anyone or push an agenda. You just act the way you naturally are. For me, that meant trying to be kind, giving people my attention, and withholding judgment until I truly understood someone’s situation. I guess enough teachers and peers noticed that.

It didn’t shape my life instantly, but it did capture something core about me. And now I can’t help but smile at how such a small moment from childhood continues to reflect the way I try to live my life today.

This month, I’m excited to step into the spotlight and share a little about who I am beyond the day to day work I do with our clients. I’ve been in the financial services world for over six years, and what motivates me most is helping people feel confident, informed, and supported as they make decisions that shape their futures.

Before joining Hess Financial, I owned an agriculture business, worked as a court reporter and transcriptionist, and even homeschooled my children. These experiences taught me the value of patience, precision, and adaptability. I love finding ways to make complicated processes feel simple and personal for the families we serve.

Outside of work, you can find me spending time with my kids, staying organized with a good cup of coffee nearby, or diving into a new creative project. I truly enjoy connecting with people, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that values relationships as much as results.