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I am a financial advisor and leader at Thrivent, where I lead the Compass Group and bring nearly three decades of experience in the financial services industry. Since joining Thrivent in 2007, I have built a practice centered on helping clients make confident, well-informed financial decisions—especially during periods of uncertainty or transition.

My career spans both institutional and advisory roles, including experience on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and on the bond trading desk at Performance Trust Capital Partners. This foundation in market dynamics, risk management, and portfolio strategy informs my evidence-based approach to investing and planning.

I focus on the human side of money, helping clients understand how behavior, emotion, and personal values influence financial decisions, particularly during stressful market environments or major life changes. My work emphasizes confidence, clarity, and alignment, not just performance.

My team specializes in wealth building, advanced tax planning and mitigation strategies, strategic portfolio management, concentrated wealth and risk management, estate and legacy planning coordination, and career-compressed income planning for professionals such as athletes.

My practice is best suited for career professionals, high-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, pre-retirees and retirees, and professionals with irregular or compressed income who are seeking a long-term strategic partner.

A former college basketball player, I bring a competitive mindset and a love of complex challenges to my planning work. Outside of my practice, I enjoy racquetball, traveling, live music, dancing, discovering great restaurants, watching sports, and exploring films.

My philosophy: Help clients make better financial decisions by understanding how behavior, emotion, and values drive money choices.

PhD

I have been with Thrivent since 2021 and have 24 years of experience in financial industry. I am passionate about providing tailored financial guidance to my clients so they can focus on the most meaningful and enjoyable pursuits in their lives. I specialize in helping successful professionals and business owners implement wealth accumulation, retirement income, and estate planning strategies.

Prior to joining Thrivent, I was a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley and was in quantitative research and firm-wide trading risk teams at global hedge fund firms Citadel and Balyasny, developing expertise in investment portfolio construction and risk management.

In my free time, I enjoy playing golf and tennis, listening to my favorite rock musicians, exploring brewery scenes, and watching professional soccer and thriller movies.

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With 38 years of experience in financial services and counting, I’m deeply passionate about helping people plan for their financial future. I’m excited to continue this journey with Thrivent, guiding individuals and families toward financial confidence and security.

Family has always been at the heart of my life. Growing up in a large Italian family instilled in me the importance of legacy, community, and giving back. That same passion drives me to help others build meaningful, lasting legacies for their loved ones.

Whether you’re planning for your family’s future or looking to make a greater impact in your community, our expertise and purpose-driven guidance can help you protect and nurture what—and who—matters most.

I’m based in Mount Prospect, IL, with an office in Rolling Meadows, but I’m not bound by location. Whether you’re nearby or across the country, I’m available to meet virtually and provide guidance wherever you are.

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Helping families navigate complexity, protect what matters, and plan forward with clarity.

I’m Michele Westmaas — a financial advisor who works with families facing complexity, transition, and long-term planning decisions.

My work often centers on:

• Families raising or supporting a loved one with disabilities
• Women seeking financial clarity and independence
• LGBTQ+ individuals and families building secure, values-aligned futures

Whatever brings you here, you deserve an advisor who listens carefully, explains...

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I joined Thrivent in 2015 and have served in multiple customer service roles before joining the Compass Group. My goal is to provide a great service experience by simplifying processes to make any task easy for our clients and financial advisors.

I'm a father to a 6 year old daughter who loves Super Mario and anything Disney. There is no greater joy then helping her learn and creating new experiences with my family.

I have been with Thrivent since August 2020, serving as an office professional for various financial advisors. Whether you hear from me by email or phone, I’m here to help schedule introductory meetings and review appointments, ensuring a smooth experience. Outside of work, my two sons, Michael (32) and Charles (28), are my greatest joy, along with my adorable Maltipoo, GiGi. I have a passion for salsa dancing and love traveling—especially to the beautiful shores of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I’m excited to be part of the talented team at Compass Group and look forward to supporting the advisors and their wonderful clients.

I help prepare the financial advisors for their meetings with reports and account information. I also confirm meetings direct with clients.

I joined Thrivent in early 2025 after spending 10 years in Financial Services, including work with annuities at Edward Jones and several roles in Personal and Small Business banking. During my time in the industry, I’ve learned what truly motivates me is helping others build meaningful financial futures — especially those who may not have had access to guidance or planning before.

My husband and I live in Houston, TX, where our home is happily ruled by our pets. When I’m not spending time with them, you’ll likely find me with a good book, listening to classical music, or planning my next trip (I am a cruise fanatic!)

I joined Thrivent back in October of 2022, leaving the world of Education for Finance. I spent just over three years in our Mutual Funds call center, assisting our Thrivent representatives and clients alike with their Mutual Fund needs. My passion for learning and helping others remains as I continue to assist our Thrivent family.

My wife and I live in Appleton, WI, where we have two eccentric and energetic Corgis to keep us occupied. I love to golf in my free time, host board game nights for our friends, go to as many metal concerts as possible, and play the next big videogame that comes out!