About Financial Synergy Group
We're proud to be Thrivent financial professionals! Read on to learn more about each member of our team.
Meet Our Team

Joslyne Counselman
FIC, RICP®, BFA™
Joslyne started her career at Thrivent in 2014 after accepting a position while finishing up her senior year at Thiel College. She and her husband Josh have been settling into their new house in the company of their fur kids, Simba, Benny, Cutch and Rose. Joslyne and Josh train together for full & half marathons and have a goal of running one race in each state. Her mantra is "learn from yesterday, plan for tomorrow, live for today"!
- Title
Financial Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, CO, DC, DE, FL, IN, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, WV,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/joslyne-counselman
- Phone
- 412-748-0625

Kurt Herbst
MBA
Kurt joined Thrivent in 2012 after a successful 35+ year career in manufacturing, making financial services his second career. His wide-ranging travels and experiences across the country give him a unique perspective and plenty of interesting stories to share. At home in Pittsburgh, Kurt and his wife Maggie enjoy attending concerts and local events. He also appreciates exploring the region’s craft beer scene.
- Title
Financial Associate
- State(s) Licensed
- DE, IL, NC, OH, PA, WI, WV,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/kurt-herbst
- Phone
- 412-748-0625

Gary Laird
Gary joined the team this year, in 2024, after a full career teaching and coaching in Christian schools. He and his wife Kelly have three boys, one grandchild, and a Golden Doodle named Margot. He's a big sports fan and avid runner!
- Title
Financial Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- OH, PA,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/gary-laird
- Phone
- 412-790-1297

Cynthia Plazek
Before joining Thrivent in 2015, Cynthia worked in radio & TV sales and church music management & performance, transitioning to insurance and investments in 2012. She especially enjoys educating her clients to help them avoid setbacks. Cynthia graduated from Duquesne University, has 4 adult children, and enjoys creating art, gardening and caring for her new grandson.
- Title
Financial Associate
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, IN, NC, OH, PA, VT,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/cynthia-plazek
- Phone
- 412-748-0625

Kristin Bissett
Kristin is the glue that holds our team together! She helps to make sure our clients' needs are met and that all operations of our practice run smoothly. Kristin holds an MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. She primarily works remotely in Beaver Falls, PA but you may catch her in our office during the week! She is married to her husband, Brett, and has two sons, Ayden and Owen.
- Title
Sr Office Manager

Katelyn Endres
When you call our office, Katelyn is one of the voices you'll hear on the line! She helps us schedule appointments, completes clerical work and a variety of other duties around the office. She's married to her husband Marc, and they have two boys, Rylan and Nolan, and a dog named Finn! Outside of the office, you can find her caring for her many houseplants, running to her kids' sporting events, or in the park on a hike.
- Title
Office Professional