In the middle of chaos, I've always found my purpose
Most people assume I became a financial advisor because I love numbers, spreadsheets, and stock market picks. But that’s not why I do this. I’m here because I thrive in the moments when people need calm the most. My job isn’t just about finances—it’s about leadership, about being the steady hand when life turns upside down.
I learned this lesson early.
After graduating from the Naval Academy, I became a Marine, tasked with coordinating every aircraft and drone in a vast and unpredictable battlespace. Some missions were routine—moving materials, transporting troops—but others were urgent, life-or-death decisions. When ground units found themselves in the middle of a firefight, it was my job to reroute aircraft, direct support, and ensure everything was happening in the right place at the right time. The more chaotic the situation, the calmer I had to be. The pilots needed that steady voice on the radio. The troops on the ground needed to know help was coming.
Years later, I found myself in a different kind of battle—sitting across from a young widow who had just lost her husband. She was a schoolteacher with three young children, and only months before, we had sat together as a family, planning for their future. Now, the future looked nothing like what they had envisioned. In that moment, my job wasn’t about market returns or investment portfolios. It was about being her calm in the storm.
Since then, I’ve realized that storms come for all of us. Some are expected—changing jobs, navigating retirement, deciding what to do with old 401(k)s. Others are unimaginable—losing a loved one, facing a sudden financial crisis. What I do isn’t just about managing money; it’s about preparing for the storms and guiding my clients through them when they arrive.
I don’t wear a uniform anymore, but my mission hasn’t changed. Every day, I help my clients make confident financial decisions—not just so they can grow their wealth, but so they can face life’s uncertainties with strength. In the middle of chaos, I’ve always found my purpose.
My Family
I tackle this thing called life as part of a very important team. My husband and I are proud parents to two active boys, and our evenings are usually full of their activities. As parents of a child with autism, we are also actively involved in the autism community and juggle extra appointments with psychologists, teachers, and specialist. I am also an avid runner and enjoying hitting the pavement or the trail with my favorite running buddy, Mattis, our lab. We hold our faith in strong regard, and we have made Thanksgiving church in Bellevue our home.
Education & Accomplishments
- FINRA Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law
- FINRA Series 7 General Securities Representation
- Doctorate of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership, Creighton University
- Masters of Professional Studies, George Washington University
- Bachelors of Science, U.S. Naval Academy
Meet My Team
Syracuse Office
Hillary Wiebusch
Hillary joined our team in 2023. She is the proud mom of two wonderful kiddos, and her family is a wonderful example of serving others. When she is not juggling Crystal's calendar, responding to all of the client requests, or ensuring that corporate paperwork was completed properly, she is an EMT with the Syracuse Rescue Squad. Her husband, Scott, is a volunteer firefighter for Syracuse as well. Prior to coming to Thrivent, Hillary worked in the elder care community, and this shows in the compassion and care that she exhibits with each of our members.
- Title
Client Services Director
- Location
Syracuse
- Phone
- 402-269-3003
Elaine Speckmann
Elaine joined our team in 2023. After losing her husband unexpectedly, Elaine made the difficult decision to sell the family business. She decided that she wasn't done yet and has brought her 20+ years of working in the insurance industry to our wonderful team. Elaine is the happy, energetic voice that calls each of our clients to schedule appointments, remind them about important upcoming events, or just to check in to see how they are doing. Having spent many years in a call center, she's not afraid to pick up the phone and she puts the rest of us to shame on how many calls she can make in a day.
- Title
Office Professional
- Phone
- 402-269-3003
Stephanie Royal
Stephanie joined the team in 2022. Stephanie is the quintessential mom to two young kiddos, and her creativity and resourcefulness know no bounds. With a background in both business and golf, Stephanie will knock out 20 tasks (while the rest of us are on step 5) and do it quietly requesting only the occasional golf clap. Stephanie works behind the scenes helping to prepare all of the materials for our client meetings. You will also see her at our community events.
- Title
Office Professional
- Phone
- 402-269-3003