Meet Our Team

Nate graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville with a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance. He is committed to providing thoughtful, personalized financial guidance and has earned respected industry credentials, including the Certified Retirement Counselor® designation in 2015 and the Certified Financial Planner® certification in 2018.

Outside of work, Nate enjoys a full and active life with his wife and their two young children, who keep them constantly on their toes with their energy and curiosity. He values time spent with family and makes the most of every opportunity to be present for life’s everyday moments. When time allows, Nate enjoys staying active through golfing, skiing, and running, and he also appreciates a good book to unwind and recharge. Whether outdoors or at home, he believes in creating balance and making time for the things that matter most. Nate has a membership interest in Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC.

• Favorite Podcast: Jocko Podcast
• Favorite Vacation Spot: Rocky Mountains

Alyssa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Northern Illinois University in 2019 and holds the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation. With a strong foundation in financial planning and a passion for helping individuals and families achieve their goals, Alyssa brings a thoughtful and client-centered approach to her work.

Originally from the Chicagoland area, Alyssa has proudly called the Rockford region home for much of her adult life. She is actively engaged in her community and serves on the Advisory Council for the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging, supporting efforts to improve resources and services for older adults in the region.

Outside of the office, Alyssa enjoys spending quality time with her husband and young son—often cheering him on at basketball and soccer games. She also loves cooking and baking, horseback riding, gardening, exploring the outdoors, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.

• Favorite Movie Genre: World War II era movies
• Best financial advice you were given: “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn’t, pays it.” – Albert Einstein

C.J. earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Washington, where he also played Division I collegiate soccer. It was during his time at UW that he met his wife, Blair, as they both pursued economics degrees and competed on the soccer field. The two married in 2005 and now have three children. As a family, they embrace competition in nearly everything they do—creating both unforgettable memories and the occasional spirited challenge.

Before entering the retirement planning and investment industry, C.J. played professional soccer with the Seattle Sounders. He carries on a legacy at Klaas Financial, a firm founded by his father, Craig M. Klaas, in 1976. In 2014, C.J. was recognized by InBusiness Magazine as one of the "40 under 40" rising business leaders in the Greater Madison area. As President of Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC, he plays a key leadership role in guiding the firm's continued growth and client-focused mission.

Outside the office, C.J. enjoys playing pickleball, golfing, hiking, soccer, and engaging in competitive card games with friends and family. CJ has a membership interest in Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC.

• Favorite Restaurant: Eno Vino in Madison, WI
• Favorite Movie: Avatar

Eric is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Personal Finance. Originally from Northeast Wisconsin, Eric has proudly called Madison home for over 15 years.

He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Madison and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Madison Rotary Foundation. Eric also contributes to his local community as Vice President of the Cherokee Park Neighborhood Association.

Outside of the office, Eric enjoys cheering on the Packers and Badgers, gardening, and traveling. He especially values time spent in Eagle River at his family’s cabin, where he enjoys unwinding with loved ones in the Northwoods. Eric has a membership interest in Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC.

• Favorite TV Show: Succession
• Best financial advice you were given: “You can always have more, so it is important to know when you have enough.”

Maleeah holds an MBA from Judson University, a master’s degree from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, and a Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University.

Originally from Southern California, Maleeah and her husband, Frank, raised their four children in the Midwest and now enjoy staying connected with family spread across both coasts. She loves to travel with her family, experiment with new recipes in the kitchen, and play the piano. Every day, she starts with a workout, followed by a cappuccino and a banana smoothie to fuel her energy.

She is deeply committed to building lasting relationships with her clients. Maleeah loves the career path she has chosen because it has given her the opportunity to help and work with wonderful people. She takes pride in helping clients navigate their financial journeys with confidence, purpose, and a vision for a fulfilling retirement. Maleeah has a membership interest in Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC.

• Favorite Podcast: TED Talks Daily & TED Radio Hour
• Favorite Food: Indian & Thai Food

Kyle earned his MBA from Northern Illinois University in 2015 and became a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) professional in 2016. Since entering the financial industry in 2011, he has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence and personalized client service.

Born and raised in Rockford, Kyle and his wife Ashley proudly call the area home. They share a passion for travel and enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. In his free time, Kyle can often be found golfing, riding his motorcycle, listening to live music, or exploring new destinations. Kyle has a membership interest in Klaas Financial Asset Advisors, LLC.

• Favorite Podcast: The Compound and Friends
• Best Vacation Spot: Nashville, TN

Eric is a dedicated financial professional holding a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Financial Planning from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He earned his Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation in 2024. A proud native of Southeast Wisconsin, Eric now lives in the Madison area with his wife, Kelly.

Eric truly enjoys working at Klaas Financial—he works in a team comprised of incredible people and talented professionals. Outside of work, Eric enjoys playing sand volleyball with friends during the summer, golfing, and spending quality time with family and friends across Wisconsin and Minnesota. In the fall, he pursues his passion for hunting and hiking. Eric is also a passionate supporter of Wisconsin sports teams, especially the Green Bay Packers, and an avid movie enthusiast who enjoys watching a wide range of films, from timeless classics to the latest releases.

• Favorite TV Show: True Detective - Season 1
• Favorite Food: Portillo’s beef sandwich paired with a chocolate cake shake.

Dylan earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University in 2024. A lifelong Rockford area resident, Dylan has over three years of experience in the financial industry, having launched his career at a local credit union shortly after graduating from Harlem High School.

Outside of work, Dylan is an avid sports enthusiast—whether it’s golfing, playing softball, or cheering on his favorite teams, the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. He also enjoys traveling with family and friends and spending time with his energetic Australian Shepherd.

• Favorite TV Show: The Office
• Best financial advice you were given: “Always make sure you have a budget!”

Morgan is currently working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Finance and has over two years of experience in the financial industry. A Rockford area resident for the past eight years, Morgan is a devoted mother to her son, who keeps busy with soccer and wrestling. She enjoys supporting him at his games and meets and values spending quality time outdoors. In her free time, you can often find Morgan hiking and kayaking with friends and her two dogs.

• Favorite Podcast: Crime Junkie
• Best Vacation Spot: Glacier National Park & Greece

Michael is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Personal Finance – Financial Planning and Economics. He achieved his CFP® designation in 2024. A lifelong resident of the Madison area and originally from Cottage Grove, Michael has strong ties to the local community. He is an avid supporter of UW Football and Basketball, frequently attending games with friends and family. Outside of work, Michael enjoys playing baseball and basketball, hiking, and pursuing his passion for music.

• Favorite TV Show: Suits
• Best Vacation Spot: Mount Kilimanjaro

Teera is a proud graduate of Hononegah High School and Northern Illinois Universityand holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional® designation. Teera and her husband, Justin, live in Machesney Park with their two children. A true Cubs fan, Teera even named their Australian Shepherd/Husky mix “Ivy” after the iconic ivy at Wrigley Field.

Outside of work, Teera enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, especially pontoon boating and snowmobiling. A former competitive gymnast, Teera now loves watching her daughter follow in her footsteps and enjoys every moment spent in the gym supporting her daughter’s passion for the sport.

• Favorite TV Show: Friends
• Best Vacation Spot: Jamacia

Brandi relocated to Wisconsin from Denver, Colorado in 2018 and holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional® designation. Outside of work, she loves exploring all that Wisconsin has to offer alongside her young daughter. Brandi enjoys cooking up creative new dishes, painting, listening to music, and never misses an opportunity for an impromptu dance party or a good thrift shopping find.

• Favorite Food: Tacos
• Best financial advice you were given: “Don’t spend what you don’t have.”

Abigail graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Parkside in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and also holds the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional® designation. Following graduation, she lived in Milwaukee County before settling in the Madison area in 2021. A proud Wisconsinite, Abigail enjoys spending the warmer months exploring the state’s many parks and forests alongside her adventurous Australian Cattle Dog mix, Pippin. Outside of work, she enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including hiking, camping, reading, photography, embroidery, baking, and training her dog.

• Favorite TV Show: Doctor Who
• Best Vacation Spot: Governor Dodge State Park and Point Beach State Forest.

Kim and her husband, Joe, are proud residents of Machesney Park, where they have raised their two children, Linzy and Mason. Before joining Klaas, Kim built a successful career in the insurance industry, bringing in over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Customer Service Representative. Outside of work, Kim enjoys cheering on Mason as he plays golf, basketball, and baseball for his school, and watching Joe officiate high school and college basketball games. She loves spending time boating with her family and is especially excited to welcome her first grandchild soon!

• Favorite TV Show: HGTV
• Best financial advice you were given: “Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want.”

Cheryl is a proud alumna of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She and her husband, Mark, have made Rockford their home since 1983. Outside of work, Cheryl loves spending quality time with friends and family, especially her four grandchildren. Her interests include baking, traveling, and horseback riding, enriching her life with a variety of fulfilling activities. She especially enjoys exploring new places whenever she can.

• Favorite Restaurant: Lucha Cantina
• Best Vacation Spot: Maui, HI

Amy graduated from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Originally from Guangdong, China, Amy has made Madison her home and deeply values her connection to the city. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her Mini Schnauzer, Niko, and her tabby cat, Rey. Amy’s hobbies include reading, jamming out to K-pop, watching anime and Korean dramas, taking relaxing walks, baking, painting her nails, and playing video games.

• Favorite Movie: The Butterfly Lovers
• Best financial advice you were given: “Start small and do what you can to improve. The biggest thing rushing us is ourselves.”

Stephanie brings over 26 years of operational expertise to the Klaas team, where she plays a vital role in driving our success. She and her husband, Jason, are proud parents of four children and grandparents to two grandchildren.

Outside of work, Stephanie is passionate about music, camping, fishing, and gardening. One of her favorite ways to unwind is heading out on the boat with Jason, especially being the first boat on the lake during camping trips—enjoying the calm, quiet sunrise, the slight chill in the air, and the soothing sounds of loons and eagles. For Stephanie, these moments surrounded by nature are truly amazing and rejuvenating.

• Favorite Movie: Return to Me
• Best financial advice you were given: “Keep a buffer for emergencies! There is so much freedom in knowing you can weather the occasional storm!”

Rita serves as Chief Compliance Officer for Klaas Financial, providing dedicated compliance support through her consulting firm, Adroit Compliance. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Phoenix and over two decades of regulatory compliance experience, Rita brings a wealth of knowledge and steady leadership to the team.

Rita lives in Rockford with her husband, Neal, and their two cats, Max and Fern. High school sweethearts who reconnected decades later, married in 2015 and have three adult daughters: Bailey, Francesca, and Alicia. In her free time, Rita enjoys long walks, gardening, birdwatching, and homesteading—making her own bread, yogurt, soap, and preserves staying connected to simple, hands-on living.

Josh graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation. Originally from Wisconsin, Josh and his partner, Kathryn, now call Madison home, where they are active members of the local cycling community. You’ll often find them participating in group rides around the city or taking on their annual challenge of conquering the Horribly Hilly Hundreds in Mount Horeb—sometimes with their adventurous beagle along for the ride in a backpack!

Josh is also deeply involved in the professional community, volunteering with the CFA Society of Madison. He serves on the board of directors, helping organize events and lead initiatives like the annual Research Challenge, which gives university students hands-on experience in stock analysis and valuation.

Outside of finance and cycling, Josh has a passion for baking—especially artisan breads like challah, focaccia, and pizza dough, which often star in lively pizza nights with family and friends.

• Favorite Podcast: Planet Money
• Best Vacation Spot: Edinburgh

Rachael holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and English Literature from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Master of Commerce in Applied Finance from the University of Queensland in St. Lucia, Australia. Rachael is currently Series 65 licensed and has successfully passed Level II of the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) Program—an impressive testament to her dedication to the industry.

Originally from the Twin Cities, Rachael has proudly called Madison home for the past few years. Outside of work, she enjoys diving into good books, discovering new music, and traveling to explore different cultures and experiences.

• Favorite Food: Sushi
• Best Vacation Spot: Australia

Nate has over 20 years of experience in financial services, with a specialized focus on securities trading. Originally from Salt Lake City, he moved to San Diego in 2005, where he and his wife started their family. In 2019, they relocated to Wisconsin to be closer to family and embrace a new adventure. Outside of work, Nate enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, attending concerts, boating, riding his motorcycle, snowboarding, and golfing.

• Favorite Podcast: Kreative Kontrol
• Favorite Movie: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Forrest is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration in Finance. He holds the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation, earned in 1999, and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation, obtained in 2018.

Outside of work, Forrest enjoys traveling with his partner, Roxanne—Mexico or anywhere with a beach is their favorite destination, though they always enjoy themselves no matter where they go. He also loves hiking trips with his three boys and finds relaxation in tending to his flower garden. Spending quality time with family, exploring the outdoors, and discovering new places are among Forrest’s favorite ways to recharge.

• Favorite Food: Cajun Food, Jambalaya and Gumbo
• Best financial advice you were given: “If you watch where your pennies go, the dollars will take care of themselves” - Grandma Ross

Jenny brings a unique combination of hands-on agricultural experience and financial expertise to our team. After relocating to the Rockford area to pursue her interest in farming, she expanded her career by teaching beginning farmers the fundamentals of financial management, with a particular emphasis on farm taxation.

Jenny holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University and is an Enrolled Agent, authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS. She is passionate about helping clients understand complex tax issues and ensuring they feel confident in their tax planning and filings.

Outside of work, Jenny runs a small flower farm and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and traveling with her family.

• Favorite Food: Mexican
• Best Vacation Spot: Too many to name!

Kristin is a graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in English Studies and Mass Media, she has a strong background in communication, storytelling, and digital strategy.

She is passionate about crafting content that connects—whether it’s building brand awareness, fostering community engagement, or delivering meaningful client experiences. Her fresh perspective and attention to detail help elevate marketing efforts across the board.

Outside of work, Kristin enjoys going to the gym, cooking, thrifting, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends. She also loves traveling, especially visiting family in Texas and Florida.

• Favorite Podcast: The Viall Files
• Favorite Movie: Mamma Mia

Craig has a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the University of Illinois. Craig and his wife, Jan, have 3 adult children and 10 grandchildren with whom they love spending time. Craig is an avid outdoorsman and loves to be outside hunting and fishing.

Liane Warcup graduated with honors from the United States Air Force Academy and later earned her Master’s in Public Sector Financial Management from the University of Maryland. She served as a financial analyst and budget officer in the Air Force before beginning her career as an investment advisor. After moving to Illinois in 2001, she founded Clarus Financial Planning, which she successfully led for over 20 years before joining Klaas Financial.
Liane and her husband, Brian, live in Geneva, Illinois, and have three children. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and exploring national parks—Arches is a favorite.

• Favorite Food: Mediterranean
• Favorite TV Show: Amazing Race

Heidi Riviere graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Economics and has been serving clients in the Chicago area as a financial professional since 1995. She spent the past decade working with Clarus Financial Planning before joining the Klaas Financial team.

Heidi and her husband, Patrick, have been married since 1999 and live in Geneva, Illinois, with their son and daughter. She spends her free time getting lost in a good book and cheering from the audience at her daughter’s plays and musicals.

• Favorite Podcast: The Mel Robbins Podcast
• Best Vacation Spot: Paris