Our team

Don started at Thrivent in 1983 and is one our wealth advisors. Don attended Arkansas Tech University and Purdue University–Calumet where he majored in business. Don has enjoyed all aspects of his career, such as helping clients achieve their financial goals. Don has been married to Brenda for 41 years and they have two children: Chelsya Welihindha and Shane Knoernschild. Both Chelsya and John work with Don at Thrivent as part of Pinnacle Financial Advisors. Don enjoys golfing, traveling and time at the lake.

Shane joined the practice in June 2006 and is one of our wealth advisors. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in finance/insurance. Shane has a passion for serving others and helping clients reach their financial goals. Shane and his wife, Stacey, have three children: Griffin, Lynnlee and Whitt. They enjoy golfing, traveling and time at the lake.

Autumn has been an advisor with Thrivent since 2014. She emphasizes the importance of financial clarity for today and personalized financial guidance driven by your values for the future. Autumn specializes 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. This makes the planning process comprehensive and life-giving. Autumn serves families in Montana and nationwide. 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 married and the mother of three grown sons. They have a beautiful granddaughter and spending time with family is precious. Autumn understands that life is about the things that bring you joy and doing more with what you have. She is blessed to volunteer as a church musician and vocalist, and is director of a local hand bell choir. Autumn is also a member of the Helena Symphony Chorale. It is her blessing and joy to give back to a variety of charities and her local church.  

Hector started his career at Thrivent in 2016. He is originally from Denver, Colorado, but ended up coming to Arkansas to attend Harding University where he double majored in finance, and leadership and ministry. Hector has always enjoyed working with people and numbers, so his work at Thrivent as a CFP® professional is a perfect fit as he serves individuals, families and organizations. 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 and Jill are likely with 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, is married to 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 consultant and 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 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 life 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 the community. 

John has been part of the practice since 2003. He attended Arkansas State University–Beebe. He has been in the financial services for more than 21 years. 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 for the serenity of peace and quiet.

Derek joined the practice in 2014 and is the analyst for our practice. He completed his undergraduate studies at Ball State University, majoring in finance. He then went on to pursue and graduate with a Master 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.

Chelsya joined the practice 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.