After 16 years in management, with a career centered on training and working with people, I realized something was missing. I loved teaching and connecting with others, but I wanted to make a deeper, lasting impact on their lives. That search for more purpose led me to Thrivent in 2014 and I haven’t looked back since.

One of the greatest blessings of my career was getting to partner with my father for 8 wonderful years before his retirement. Those years taught me the value of building trust and relationships that go far beyond numbers on a page.

Today, I feel truly privileged to walk alongside individuals, families, and businesses, helping them navigate every season of life with clarity and confidence. Seeing clients achieve their goals and step into their financial dreams is what fuels my passion for this work every single day.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my daughter and boyfriend, and I’ve also rediscovered a passion I thought I left behind, tennis. After a 30-year break, I picked up a racquet again in 2022 and, in true “why not?” fashion, signed up for a tournament right away. It didn’t take long to realize I was a little rusty, but I stuck with it, and before I knew it, I was playing in tournaments regularly, even winning a few. The highlight so far has been competing in singles at the USTA state level. Tennis has reminded me that it really is a sport for a lifetime, and I’m having so much fun being back on the court.

After high school I joined the Army and served as Paratroop Infantry with the 82^nd Airborne division with tours of combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon exiting the Army I went to Northern Illinois University where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in History. I then went to Illinois State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Secondary Education. I taught High School and Middle School as a long-term substitute for around 3 years before eventually joining the Washington Police Department. During my tenure as police officer, I was tasked with training new officers and eventually was promoted to Patrol Supervisor. I retired from my full-time police position in 2024 to join Alex at Thrivent. I still work part time for the Washington Police Department and help out when they need me.

Alex was my financial advisor before I joined her team. I have always had a service-oriented mindset in my life. I am passionate about teaching and helping others. I love how Thrivent places generosity at the forefront of what they do, which inevitably led me to change career paths. Alex and I make it our mission to find people who are making an impact in our community and support them any way we can.

I live in Morton with my wife Laura, and our two children Rylan (14) and Paige (12). We live life full speed ahead, work hard and play hard. We make sure we take time for vacations, some big and some small, so that we can build lasting memories with our children. Outside of work I play ice hockey for two teams, a veteran hockey team called Central Illinois Warriors and Jimmy’s Bar hockey team.      

Justin has seven years of experience in the financial services industry, with a background spanning client service, operations, and financial guidance. His diverse experience provides him with a strong understanding of the financial planning process and the importance of delivering exceptional support to both clients and advisors.

In his current role, Justin enjoys building relationships with clients and helping create a smooth, positive experience throughout the planning process. He assists with applications, gathers follow-up information, and helps ensure that important details are handled efficiently so clients can move forward with confidence. His attention to detail and commitment to service make him a valuable resource and member of our team.

A lifelong resident of the Peoria area, Justin lives with his partner and their Labrador. He is currently attending Bradley University part-time and enjoys being an active part of the community he has always called home.

Vickie brings years of experience and dedication to her role, having worked for a Thrivent Advisor in Detroit Lakes, MN, for three years before joining our team. Working remotely, Vickie plays a vital role in ensuring exceptional client service by answering questions, scheduling appointments, and supporting the team wherever needed to care for clients effectively.

A lifelong resident of the Detroit Lakes area, Vickie has deep roots in her small, rural community. She is the proud mother of three grown children—Brittany, Phillip, and Aaron—and, as the youngest of eight siblings, values family above all else. Her early career in the nonprofit sector fostered a passion for service, making her especially appreciative of Thrivent’s commitment to supporting nonprofits and clients through member benefits like Thrivent Choice Dollars.

Andrea is new to Thrivent and recently joined our team bringing a fun, team-focused attitude, and positive energy to the office. Andrea serves as a primary point of contact for clients, managing communications and coordinating appointments. She is committed to providing a positive client experience by sharing the team’s values clearly and making sure every inquiry receives prompt attention.

At home, Andrea and her husband Adam, have three teenagers who keep life busy and exciting, along with their dog, Blue. She enjoys volleyball, cheering on her kids at their games, and works part-time at a grade school.

Sarah has 6 years of experience as an office professional for multiple Thrivent teams in central Illinois and the Chicago area. She is passionate about customer service and serving customers as they move through their financial journey.  She helps our team with scheduling, communicating with clients and managing the workflow of applications from start to finish. Her goal is to make things at seamless as possible for our clients.

She lives in Peoria, IL with her husband and they have four wonderful kids. Her role as wife and mother is her priority and she is thankful for her job with Thrivent that allows her the freedom to serve her family well. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, sewing, serving at her church, and time with family and friends. 

Noah Kravetz serves as an Office Professional with Water Street Financial Group, where he supports clients throughout the application process and helps ensure a smooth and efficient experience. He works closely with clients, assisting with paperwork, processing applications, and maintaining clear communication every step of the way.

Noah is currently pursuing a degree in Finance at the University of Missouri. In addition to his academic studies, he plays club hockey for the university, an experience that has strengthened his teamwork, discipline, and commitment to achieving goals.

Passionate about helping others, Noah takes pride in delivering exceptional service and creating a positive experience for every client. He enjoys building relationships and supporting clients as they work toward their financial goals.

Theresa has a driving passion to help others by utilizing her talents and gifts in a positive and impactful way. She enjoys helping with our marketing efforts, planning fun events for clients and providing an exceptional client experience. 

Theresa has lived in Woodbury with her husband Jeff since 1993. She enjoys hopping on her e-bike and going for a long ride with Jeff, volunteering, playing cribbage, traveling to see her favorite musicians, watching football and spending time with family and friends. What is most important to her is the happiness and well-being of her family and friends.