Our team

Sara is a founding member of Compass Wealth Advisors and has been with Thrivent since 2013. She coordinates comprehensive financial plans based on the customized goals and objectives of individuals, families and organizations. Sara focuses on retirement income planning, wealth transfer strategies, planned giving strategies and nonprofit partnerships.  

Prior to joining Thrivent, Sara spent five years in business management and three years in corporate finance. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Florida and graduated magna cum laude.  

Sara has participated in three international trips with Thrivent and Habitat for Humanity and volunteers for her local Habitat affiliate. Sarah also volunteers for the Seminole County Public Schools Leadership Academy and serves on the board for Embrace Families, a tri-county nonprofit that supports youth who have experienced abandonment, abuse and neglect. In addition, she supports Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge and Commission127.  

Outside of work and volunteering, Sara stays busy raising three children and loves traveling with her kids and extended family.  

Mark has been serving Thrivent clients since 2016 and is a founding member of Compass Wealth Advisors. He holds the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation and helps clients align their resources to specific financial goals in a tax-efficient manner. In addition, Mark helps clients learn to view money as a tool that can help them build a life rich in gratitude and meaning. This can be accomplished through financial planning, investment advice services and through solutions-based services like life insurance.  

Mark served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps and accepted an honorable discharge as a sergeant in 2008. He then attended Oklahoma Wesleyan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Before transitioning to Thrivent, he was a successful retail sporting goods store owner for three years.  

Mark supports several local organizations, including Operation Gateway and the Asheville Dream Center. His family also gives to global organizations including A21, which works to prevent human trafficking, Elevation Outreach, which seeks to meet the physical and spiritual needs of communities, and Samaritan's Purse, which brings physical relief and the hope of the Gospel to hurting people.  

Mark married his best friend, Shawna, in 2015 at the base of beautiful Pearson Falls, just south of Asheville. They have two energetic sons, Kian and Declan. Mark enjoys exploring the remarkable nature in western North Carolina with his family. One of their favorite places to visit is Bent Creek Experimental Forest, where they love to hike with their boxer-hound, London. 

Michael joined Thrivent in 2018 and is a founding member of Compass Wealth Advisors. He is responsible for portfolio management and investment services. He also helps our clients plan for retirement, develop wealth transfer strategies and address complex business structuring.  

Prior to joining Thrivent, Michael served in the U.S. Army as an airborne infantryman. After attending the Special Forces Assessment and Selection and the Special Forces Qualification Course, he served as a senior medic until he retired. Michael earned bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and Spanish from the University of North Carolina Asheville and graduated magna cum laude.  

Michael serves on the UNC Asheville Foundation Board of Directors and Alumni Board of Directors. His hobbies include stretching, grilling and eating what he grills. He loves spending time with his beautiful wife, Vicky, their two sons, Oliver and Benjamin, and their dog, Georgie. 

Emily joined Compass Wealth Advisors in 2022. She works hard to provide our clients with excellent customer service and hospitality. Emily has an extensive background in restaurant management and operations. She also has valuable experience supporting executive teams in the insurance industry.  

Emily is originally from the Atlanta area and attended Columbus State and Lee University. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing at home with her cats, going to the gym and taking walks outside.  

Bridgett joined Compass Wealth Advisors in 2022. She loves to learn and help our clients get the answers they need. Bridgett has a background in customer service and hospitality, and she’s currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Valencia College.  

Bridgett’s hobbies include painting and swimming. She also enjoys playing with her two dogs, Buttercup and Reese, and having weekly movie marathon nights with her friends and family.  

Brittney joined Thrivent in 2023. She is committed to going above and beyond to serve clients and is passionate about helping families enjoy meaningful lives through financial guidance. Brittney has extensive experience in business administration, management and ownership. In addition, she graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies.  

Brittney supports P4H Global and champions causes that advocate for stronger families, financial literacy and spiritual growth. She also takes pride in being an active member and leader at her church. Brittney lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and their three children. 

Misty has been working for Thrivent since 2020 and with Compass Wealth Advisors since it was established. She has her life and health insurance licenses. Misty uses her years of customer service experience and strong work ethic to provide wonderful service to our clients.  

Misty earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas – Little Rock. She is a very proud mother and grandmother. In addition, Misty enjoys traveling, learning, reading and meeting new people.

Erin has been a financial advisor with Thrivent since 2016. As a Certified Financial Planner®, Erin is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals through personalized, strategic planning. Erin’s commitment to community and faith is reflected in her volunteer activities at New Hope Lutheran Church and in the broader community, focusing on middle school-age kids and teens. Erin integrates stewardship and giving strategies into her professional practice, helping clients align their financial plans with their personal values. Happily married to Jeremy since 2001, they are proud parents of three teen daughters. 

Josh joined Thrivent in 2023. He specializes in working with young families and individuals to help them set goals and develop strategies to manage debt, build wealth and ultimately achieve financial clarity. Before becoming a financial professional, Josh spent 10 years doing full-time ministry. He also has an expansive background in pastoral leadership.  

Josh enjoys being involved with his local church, Black Mountain Home and Compassion International. He and his wife, Kira, love homesteading, gardening and spending time outdoors with their two children, Westley and Juniper. 

Blake joined Thrivent in 2023. He helps clients work toward their goals and achieve financial clarity. Blake has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Liberty University. Before joining Thrivent, he programmed CNC mills and lathes at a machine shop for five years.  

Blake is passionate about supporting his local church. He and his wife, Melody, love to be outdoors and are excited to welcome a baby girl later this year.