Our team

Team Member
Scott Herrmann
ChFC®, FIC, CKA®
Wealth Advisor

Scott founded Shoreline Group and his office is located in Burlington. He specializes in estate strategies, retirement income planning, solutions for businesses, education funding strategies, life insurance and investments. 

  

Outside the office, Scott enjoys home improvement projects, spending time with friends and family, serving on his church’s technology team and cheering for the Bears. Above all, he enjoys being with his wife, four adult children and seven grandchildren. He also loves helping others and looks for opportunities to give back often in the community.   

States Licensed: AL, AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0L84872, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV

About Scott Herrmann

Scott founded Shoreline Group and his office is located in Burlington. He specializes in estate strategies, retirement income planning, solutions for businesses, education funding strategies, life insurance and investments. 

  

Outside the office, Scott enjoys home improvement projects, spending time with friends and family, serving on his church’s technology team and cheering for the Bears. Above all, he enjoys being with his wife, four adult children and seven grandchildren. He also loves helping others and looks for opportunities to give back often in the community.   

States Licensed: AL, AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0L84872, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV
Team Member
Grant Akin
Financial Advisor

Located in Delavan, Grant loves partnering with people in the community as they seek to steward their finances well. He has a passion for serving and educating his clients while helping them gain financial clarity and confidence.  


Outside of Thrivent, Grant is blessed to have five wonderful children. He enjoys attending Southern Lakes Church with his family and serving as the Game Master for their AWANA Club. Grant also loves Christian Camp Ministries and all things baseball and has been known to pick weights up and put them down. 

States Licensed: IL, WI

About Grant Akin

Located in Delavan, Grant loves partnering with people in the community as they seek to steward their finances well. He has a passion for serving and educating his clients while helping them gain financial clarity and confidence.  


Outside of Thrivent, Grant is blessed to have five wonderful children. He enjoys attending Southern Lakes Church with his family and serving as the Game Master for their AWANA Club. Grant also loves Christian Camp Ministries and all things baseball and has been known to pick weights up and put them down. 

States Licensed: IL, WI
Katie Cavanaugh
Financial Advisor

Katie is located in Burlington. Her career is driven by her commitment to connecting people with the tools to help them live their best lives. For two decades, she worked as a therapist, resource coordinator and services manager, focusing on helping people access programs to improve their well-being. Katie joined Thrivent to continue her work in helping people create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. 

States Licensed: FL, IL, OH, WA, WI

About Katie Cavanaugh

Katie is located in Burlington. Her career is driven by her commitment to connecting people with the tools to help them live their best lives. For two decades, she worked as a therapist, resource coordinator and services manager, focusing on helping people access programs to improve their well-being. Katie joined Thrivent to continue her work in helping people create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. 

States Licensed: FL, IL, OH, WA, WI
Joe DeCiccio
Financial Advisor

Joe offices in Delavan and enjoys educating and walking alongside individuals and families on their financial journey. He is also passionate about assisting families with disabilities and can develop strategies to help them provide for their loved ones now and in the future. Whether someone is seeking advice about how to navigate their finances or simply wants to achieve greater financial confidence and clarity, Joe is here to help.  

States Licensed: IL, NC, SC, WI

About Joe DeCiccio

Joe offices in Delavan and enjoys educating and walking alongside individuals and families on their financial journey. He is also passionate about assisting families with disabilities and can develop strategies to help them provide for their loved ones now and in the future. Whether someone is seeking advice about how to navigate their finances or simply wants to achieve greater financial confidence and clarity, Joe is here to help.  

States Licensed: IL, NC, SC, WI
Jason Mascitti
FIC
Financial Advisor

Jason works from our Madison office. He enjoys taking a comprehensive look at each client’s financial landscape to craft financial plans that can help them work toward their goals. Jason specializes in life insurance, retirement income planning and savings strategies. 


Jason is married and has two adult children. As a leukemia survivor, Jason works to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society—both financially and through volunteering. He is also heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America and the Philmont Scout Ranch. In his spare time, Jason enjoys being with his family, fishing and golfing.   

States Licensed: CA Insurance Lic. #0M19831, CO, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MN, NE, NJ, NM, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI

About Jason Mascitti

Jason works from our Madison office. He enjoys taking a comprehensive look at each client’s financial landscape to craft financial plans that can help them work toward their goals. Jason specializes in life insurance, retirement income planning and savings strategies. 


Jason is married and has two adult children. As a leukemia survivor, Jason works to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society—both financially and through volunteering. He is also heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America and the Philmont Scout Ranch. In his spare time, Jason enjoys being with his family, fishing and golfing.   

States Licensed: CA Insurance Lic. #0M19831, CO, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MN, NE, NJ, NM, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI
Joel Otto
BFA™
Financial Advisor

Joel is located in Beloit and came to Thrivent in 2019 after 26 years in pastoral ministry. He finds great fulfillment in helping people fully develop and pursue their financial goals and has enjoyed his career transition tremendously. Joel specializes in helping people approaching retirement, young couples planning for the future, churches, church leaders and small business owners. 


Joel and his wife have three adult children. In his spare time, Joel enjoys golfing, sunsets, the beauty of nature and sports.  

States Licensed: AZ, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MN, NC, TX, WA, WI

About Joel Otto

Joel is located in Beloit and came to Thrivent in 2019 after 26 years in pastoral ministry. He finds great fulfillment in helping people fully develop and pursue their financial goals and has enjoyed his career transition tremendously. Joel specializes in helping people approaching retirement, young couples planning for the future, churches, church leaders and small business owners. 


Joel and his wife have three adult children. In his spare time, Joel enjoys golfing, sunsets, the beauty of nature and sports.  

States Licensed: AZ, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MN, NC, TX, WA, WI
William Smith
Financial Associate

Will works at our Racine office and provides personalized financial guidance for people of all ages—from young adults to those who are already retired. His goal is to help clients find financial clarity and work toward making their dreams a reality.  


Outside of work, Will and his wife keep busy with their three children. Will enjoys walking his dog to the lake and playing all types of games with his family and friends. He’s also actively involved with various charities and his church, Pentecost Lutheran.   

States Licensed: CO, FL, IL, MI, OH, WI

About William Smith

Will works at our Racine office and provides personalized financial guidance for people of all ages—from young adults to those who are already retired. His goal is to help clients find financial clarity and work toward making their dreams a reality.  


Outside of work, Will and his wife keep busy with their three children. Will enjoys walking his dog to the lake and playing all types of games with his family and friends. He’s also actively involved with various charities and his church, Pentecost Lutheran.   

States Licensed: CO, FL, IL, MI, OH, WI
Jon Urish
Financial Advisor

Jon is located in Beloit and enjoys working with young adults through retirees to help them develop financial goals and build strategies to achieve them. He makes use of his investment, insurance, budgeting and tax strategy knowledge, along with his two decades of work in higher education finance, to help his clients work toward their goals.  


Outside the office, Jon enjoys home improvement projects, good craft beer and spending time with his wife and five children. Most of Jon’s community service is focused on his children’s activities, including coaching youth sports, volunteering at Rock County Christian School and occasionally sneaking in lessons about financial literacy.   

States Licensed: AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4132031, FL, ID, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NC, NM, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI, WY

About Jon Urish

Jon is located in Beloit and enjoys working with young adults through retirees to help them develop financial goals and build strategies to achieve them. He makes use of his investment, insurance, budgeting and tax strategy knowledge, along with his two decades of work in higher education finance, to help his clients work toward their goals.  


Outside the office, Jon enjoys home improvement projects, good craft beer and spending time with his wife and five children. Most of Jon’s community service is focused on his children’s activities, including coaching youth sports, volunteering at Rock County Christian School and occasionally sneaking in lessons about financial literacy.   

States Licensed: AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4132031, FL, ID, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NC, NM, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI, WY
Team Member
Kristen LaFranzo
BFA™
Financial Advisor

Kristen joined Thrivent in 2016 and works at our Burlington office. Her attention to detail and ability to listen and understand are assets as she works with clients to help them achieve their financial goals. Kristen is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse where she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with concentrations in risk, insurance and financial planning.  


When she’s not at work, Kristen enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her husband and daughters.     

States Licensed: AZ, IL, TN, WI

About Kristen LaFranzo

Kristen joined Thrivent in 2016 and works at our Burlington office. Her attention to detail and ability to listen and understand are assets as she works with clients to help them achieve their financial goals. Kristen is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse where she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with concentrations in risk, insurance and financial planning.  


When she’s not at work, Kristen enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her husband and daughters.     

States Licensed: AZ, IL, TN, WI
Team Member
Rebecca Howard
Financial Advisor

Rebecca is located in Burlington and enjoys connecting with people of all ages. With a background in special education, Rebecca especially has a heart for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. She understands the challenges they face and can help them move forward with confidence.  

  

Rebecca is married and has four cats. She is actively involved in her church ministry, where she works with youth and families and hosts weekly group gatherings.  

States Licensed: AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4320640, IL, MI, NY, OH, PA, WI

About Rebecca Howard

Rebecca is located in Burlington and enjoys connecting with people of all ages. With a background in special education, Rebecca especially has a heart for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. She understands the challenges they face and can help them move forward with confidence.  

  

Rebecca is married and has four cats. She is actively involved in her church ministry, where she works with youth and families and hosts weekly group gatherings.  

States Licensed: AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4320640, IL, MI, NY, OH, PA, WI
Team Member
Michael Bauer
Office Professional

Michael is located in Burlington and has nearly two decades of experience in human resources and operations. He is married and a proud parent of four children. Outside the office, Michael’s passion extends to doing missionary work and community service projects with his family. He strives to ensure a spirit of fun and togetherness remains at the heart of all their endeavors. 

About Michael Bauer

Michael is located in Burlington and has nearly two decades of experience in human resources and operations. He is married and a proud parent of four children. Outside the office, Michael’s passion extends to doing missionary work and community service projects with his family. He strives to ensure a spirit of fun and togetherness remains at the heart of all their endeavors. 

Team Member
Diane Kennedy Nopenz
Associate

Diane joined Thrivent in 2015 and works from our Burlington office. She is passionate about serving her clients’ financial and insurance needs.  


Diane is also a volunteer, board member and former president of Side by Side Lake Geneva, which is committed to helping families in need. In addition, she volunteers for the Geneva Lake Women’s Association, which supports community service projects and local charitable organizations. Her favorite hobbies include cooking and 5K canine trail runs. 

States Licensed: IL, WI

About Diane Kennedy Nopenz

Diane joined Thrivent in 2015 and works from our Burlington office. She is passionate about serving her clients’ financial and insurance needs.  


Diane is also a volunteer, board member and former president of Side by Side Lake Geneva, which is committed to helping families in need. In addition, she volunteers for the Geneva Lake Women’s Association, which supports community service projects and local charitable organizations. Her favorite hobbies include cooking and 5K canine trail runs. 

States Licensed: IL, WI
Team Member
Robin Benskin
Insurance Office Professional

Robin is located in Beloit and enjoys serving clients with a smile and pleasant conversation. She also loves helping clients and their families find ways to thrive now and in the future.  

About Robin Benskin

Robin is located in Beloit and enjoys serving clients with a smile and pleasant conversation. She also loves helping clients and their families find ways to thrive now and in the future.  

Team Member
Melissa Baird
Insurance Associate

Melissa is located in Burlington and coordinates our daily operations. She also specializes in servicing our clients’ life insurance needs and strives to provide extraordinary client service. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys traveling with her family and putting together puzzles. 

About Melissa Baird

Melissa is located in Burlington and coordinates our daily operations. She also specializes in servicing our clients’ life insurance needs and strives to provide extraordinary client service. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys traveling with her family and putting together puzzles. 

Team Member
Jen Grimme
Marketing Coordinator

Jen assists the offices in Madison, Beloit, Delavan, Kenosha, Racine and Burlington. She joined Thrivent in 2016 with more than 10 years of experience working in the financial industry.  


Jen lives in Lake Geneva with her husband, and they attend Immanuel Lutheran Church. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors. Jen is also the former secretary of a local ATV/UTV club, and during the summer months, you will find Jen out on the northern trails. 

About Jen Grimme

Jen assists the offices in Madison, Beloit, Delavan, Kenosha, Racine and Burlington. She joined Thrivent in 2016 with more than 10 years of experience working in the financial industry.  


Jen lives in Lake Geneva with her husband, and they attend Immanuel Lutheran Church. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors. Jen is also the former secretary of a local ATV/UTV club, and during the summer months, you will find Jen out on the northern trails. 

Team Member
Keith Dreger
ChFC®, CLU®, LUTCF®, FICF, FIC
Associate
States Licensed: CO, FL, IL, MI, MN, MT, OH, TX, WI

About Keith Dreger

States Licensed: CO, FL, IL, MI, MN, MT, OH, TX, WI
Marco Mascitti
FIC
Associate

Marco joined Thrivent in 2019 and works at our Madison office. He finds great fulfillment in helping clients work toward their financial goals and dreams.  


When he’s not at the office, Marco enjoys spending time with his family and longtime girlfriend, who is a multi-lingual elementary school teacher. He is also an avid student of economics, history, literature, faith traditions and natural science. In addition, Marco frequently works on conservation projects, aided by the Thrivent Action Team program. 

States Licensed: MI, MN, PA, SC, WI

About Marco Mascitti

Marco joined Thrivent in 2019 and works at our Madison office. He finds great fulfillment in helping clients work toward their financial goals and dreams.  


When he’s not at the office, Marco enjoys spending time with his family and longtime girlfriend, who is a multi-lingual elementary school teacher. He is also an avid student of economics, history, literature, faith traditions and natural science. In addition, Marco frequently works on conservation projects, aided by the Thrivent Action Team program. 

States Licensed: MI, MN, PA, SC, WI
Team Member
Alicia Sargent
Insurance Office Professional

Alicia joined Thrivent in 2021 and works from our Delavan location. If you call or stop in, you’ll hear her friendly voice on the phone or see her welcoming smile at the front desk. Alicia loves learning new things so she can better serve clients.  


Alicia lives in Elkhorn with her husband and two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, doing crafts and reading books.  

About Alicia Sargent

Alicia joined Thrivent in 2021 and works from our Delavan location. If you call or stop in, you’ll hear her friendly voice on the phone or see her welcoming smile at the front desk. Alicia loves learning new things so she can better serve clients.  


Alicia lives in Elkhorn with her husband and two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, doing crafts and reading books.  

Team Member
Ashlee Hemsing
Office Professional

Ashlee joined Thrivent in 2021 and works at our Burlington office. She answers the phone, processes back-office items and enjoys learning the ins and outs of the financial world.  


Ashlee has twins who keep her busy, but in her spare time, she enjoys playing sand volleyball, traveling and spending time with family and friends. 

About Ashlee Hemsing

Ashlee joined Thrivent in 2021 and works at our Burlington office. She answers the phone, processes back-office items and enjoys learning the ins and outs of the financial world.  


Ashlee has twins who keep her busy, but in her spare time, she enjoys playing sand volleyball, traveling and spending time with family and friends.