Our team

Don is a senior Wealth Advisor with Pinnacle Financial Advisors who has worked at Thrivent for over four decades. He has enjoyed all aspects of his career, such as helping clients achieve their financial goals, building friendships while mentoring colleagues, and working at the practice with his closest family members. Don attended Arkansas Tech University and Purdue University–Calumet where he majored in business.

Don has been married to Brenda for 41 years and they have two children: Chelsya Welihindha and Shane Knoernschild. Both Chelsya and Shane work with Don at Thrivent as part of Pinnacle Financial Advisors. Outside of work, Don enjoys golfing, traveling, and time at the lake.

Shane joined Pinnacle Financial Advisors in June 2006 as a Wealth Advisor. His passion for serving others and helping clients reach their financial goals has made his experience at the practice truly rewarding.

He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in finance/insurance. Shane and his wife, Stacey, have three children: Griffin, Lynnlee and Whitt. They enjoy golfing, traveling and time at the lake.

Autumn has been a Wealth Advisor with Thrivent since 2014. She focuses in tax-efficiency planning with legacy and charitable giving strategies. Her priority is to address retirement income needs and create confidence for unexpected events in life. Being part of Pinnacle Financial Advisors fulfills her goal of consistent, quality service and ongoing expert advice.

Autumn is a Montana native and loves living in Big Sky Country. She is a wife, a mother of three grown sons, and a grandmother. When she’s not working, Autumn is blessed to volunteer as a church musician and vocalist. She is a member of the Helena Symphony Chorale and serves as the director of a local hand bell choir. Autumn builds her legacy of generosity by giving back to the local church and a variety of charities.

Hector started his career as a Financial Advisor at Thrivent in 2016. He has always enjoyed working with people and numbers, so his work at the practice is the perfect fit. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Hector ended up coming to Arkansas to attend Harding University, where he double majored in finance and leadership & ministry.

He and his wife, Jill, have three girls, two of which are identical twins. They are active in their local church and Hector serves with various organizations in Arkansas. When he is not in the office, Hector is most likely with his wife and their girls exploring every park in Little Rock.

Michael joined Pinnacle Financial Advisors in 2016. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He is married to his wife, TJ, and has two children: Samantha and Tod. Michael is very active in his church, serves on several nonprofit boards and committees, and enjoys experiencing the outdoors with family and friends.

David is a Financial Advisor who joined Thrivent in 2001. He graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a degree in business marketing. David and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 25 years and have three children: Mia, Grace, and Ava. They enjoy spending time with family and going to sporting events.

Kyle joined Pinnacle Financial Advisors as an Associate in 2022. He graduated from Baylor University with a double major in history and religion and has a Master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University Irvine. 

Much like when he was teaching and coaching, Kyle loves helping people set and achieve their financial goals. He and his wife, Andrea, have two children: Micah and Annie. They love to explore the outdoors, serve at their church, and participate in children’s activities at school and in their community.

John has worked at Pinnacle Financial Advisors since 2003 and has been in the financial services for more than 21 years. He attended Arkansas State University–Beebe. John has two children and one granddaughter. When he is not in the office, John enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and skiing. John is also an active jogger, putting in the miles for the serenity of peace and quiet.

Chelsya joined Pinnacle Financial Advisors in 2004 after graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in marketing management. She enjoys serving in the community and with her church, New Life Church–West Little Rock. When she is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her children, crafting and doing STEM projects.

Derek joined Pinnacle Financial Advisors in 2014 and is the analyst for the practice. He completed his undergraduate studies at Ball State University, majoring in finance. He then went on to earn a Master’s of Science degree in international economics and finance from Valparaiso University. As an associate, he is actively analyzing the financial markets. When he is not watching the markets, Derek enjoys finding new local restaurants around central Arkansas.