Patti is a seasoned manager with a history of growing effective teams. With hands-on experiences in sales and community development, Patti has the confidence to create, develop, and inspire a high standard of customer service. Patti's strengths include brainstorming new solutions to initiate change, testing and simulating analogies, multitasking and turning abstract concepts into results.

Patti's passions in values-based financial planning and advice include small business owners, women, and members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Patti's values are those of competence, creativity, decisiveness, diversity, and integrity. Patti's StrengthsFinder attributes are Command, Activator, Strategic, Individualization, and Communication.

Patti currently serves as a board member of Twin Cities Quorum and is actively involved with the Thrivent's PRIDE Network Employee Resource Group, Proud ARG, and the women's advisory network.

For fun in her upper 40’s, Patti and her husband added Riley to the family on Christmas Eve 2019. Patti's youngest son, Roman, graduated from the U of M in May of 2025 and works in data analysis. Middle son, Houston, is father to Kaya and works at a metal grinding company. Bonus-daughter, Megan, is embracing her entrepreneurial spirit.

Patti's main source of entertainment is attending live concerts, spending time with family, and traveling.

Joe is here to customize the strategies and opportunities that will help you reach your ultimate destination with confidence, aligning your financial planning with your goals and core values. He specializes in retirement income planning, life insurance, investments, extended care insurance, and estate strategies.

Joe's values are Happiness, Family, Pleasure, Autonomy/Freedom, and Friendships.

Joe is currently the New Hope Group Top Golf champion. When not at work, you might find Joe golfing, fishing, hunting, playing volleyball, swimming, or just enjoying time with his family. Joe has been on the Board of Directors for CROSS Services since 2015. Joe and his family attend The Grove Church.

Dan is proud to have served the community as a Thrivent financial professional since 2014. Dan specializes in tax-efficient investment and retirement planning strategies, helping people forecast for their retirement years, and walking with customers through the financial planning process to create an individualized path to their goals. He spends most of his time on the brokerage/investment side of the New Hope Group.

Dan's values are Family, Happiness, Health, Honesty, and Meaningful Work.

Dan and his wife, Leslie, reside in St. Louis Park with their two children, and find most of their time outside of work is spent engaging in their kids' activities: hockey, volleyball, and downhill skiing! He loves traveling with his family, and when time allows, running, biking, and golfing.

Merry-Ellen knows that getting your finances in order isn’t always easy or clear, especially if you are in a time of transition. That’s why she seeks to provide the expertise and support you need. Merry-Ellen enjoys educating herself for her clients' benefit and hosting workshops to share that knowledge and empower you to understand your financial situation. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for a meaningful retirement, Merry-Ellen believes you deserve personalized financial guidance driven by what’s important to you.

When she's not helping someone assess his or her financial picture, Merry-Ellen can be found enjoying family time with her husband and two kids, taking trips to the cabin, reading, appreciating music and theater, or watching movies. She is a supporter of a variety of charities and causes, including women's shelters, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Hope 4 Youth, and missionary work in the Dominican Republic. Her values are: family, integrity, health, security, and adventure.

For Lynne, it’s always been about people—especially family. She's been married to her best friend for 38 years, and together they built a life centered around the things that matter most. They have three grown children and a lively crew of grandchildren who all live nearby. That sense of connection and care for others naturally carries into the way Lynne has worked with clients since 2014. Giving back is also a meaningful part of Lynne's life. She loves about her community and enjoys finding ways to stay involved and make a difference.

Lynne works with individuals and families to help make sense of their financial lives, especially during times of change. Whether you’re suddenly single, getting close to retirement, or simply ready for a partner to walk alongside you, she's here for that. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Lynne specializes in Medicare and can walk you through your options, explain what matters most, and support you each step of the way so you can feel confident in your decisions.

Rebecca started with New Hope Group in 2014, working under Jon Mueller to assist with client support. Since then, she has expanded her role to include many of the “behind the scenes” tasks necessary to keep things running smoothly for all the members of NHG. Rebecca enjoys her roles as wife, homeschool mom, homeschool co-op tutor, and Bible study leader. In her free time, she enjoys sampling decaf coffee and playing board games with her family. She attends and is an active member of Golden Valley Lutheran Church.

Sophia became part of the New Hope Group in June of 2023. A graduate of the University of Northwestern– St. Paul, Sophia has experience in marketing, communications, and customer service. She has joined our team to coordinate events, boost our social media presence, schedule appointments, and much more.

In her free time, Sophia loves to read and write, play video games, make (and remake) lists, thrift for second-hand treasures, and spend quality time with loved ones. She is also a deacon at Golden Valley Lutheran Church.

Sophia's values are integrity, meaningful work, stability, education, and faith.