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Akeem Smith (He/Him)

Postal Service Carrier

I’m a husband and father currently training to become a financial coach. I love helping others gain confidence in their finances. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, mentoring, and listening to music. I enjoy volunteering with Prosperity Connection because it’s a great opportunity to connect with people and make an impact in the community. Financial education is so important, yet often not prioritized in society. The work that Prosperity Connection does is vital and needed, and I’m happy to be a part of it.

Mindy Pluma (She/Her)

Relationship Specialist at Automative Finance Corporation

I have over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, so I know all kinds of little tricks to help people out! I am fluent in Spanish, completed a program for Portuguese, and I just started learning French. I enjoy volunteering because I feel like I have learned a lot in my lifetime. If I can help just one person take a short cut and learn from my mistakes, I’d be happy!

Otis McClure (He/Him)

Graphic Artist & Community Volunteer

A St. Louis native, graphic artist, and dedicated Marvel nerd, Otis brings a creative lens to everything he does—whether he’s designing or hitting the high notes of OutKast’s Roses at karaoke.

Beyond his passion for visual storytelling, Otis is a committed volunteer at Prosperity Connection. He is driven by a desire to empower others who are intentional about their financial well-being. He believes that while money can be an intimidating topic, it doesn’t have to be an insurmountable mountain. By serving as a positive guide, Otis helps neighbors shift their mindset, proving that financial health is achievable for everyone.

Genise Lay (She/Her)

Business Administration Professional

I worked at St. Louis University for years where I was a Financial Analyst, Business Manager, and Assistant Director of Business Administration. I am a mom, grandmother, and avid crafter. I get a kick out of watching rom-coms and I love a good costume. I enjoy volunteering with Prosperity Connection because it provides an opportunity to engage and exchange great financial strategies.

Jeff Lash (He/Him)

Vice President of Product Management at Insperity

I’ve spent over 20 years in product management, helping B2B companies better understand their customers and building products that better meet their needs, resulting in organizations that can grow faster and work smarter. I’ve also helped build the St. Louis product management community to help those in the field — or interested in it — to share experiences and best practices, network, learn, and grow. On the side, I also mentor startups and entrepreneurs and coach pickleball. I’ve always had a passion for personal finance, and Prosperity Connection is a great opportunity to combine that interest with my professional and personal experience in coaching and mentoring. Financial literacy creates stability, opportunity, and confidence, and I enjoy being able to simplify complex concepts to help clients gain practical skills that make everyday financial decisions less overwhelming and more empowering.

Greg Laposa (he/him)

Chief Program Officer

Greg Laposa joins the Prosperity Connection team as its inaugural Chief Program Officer. Having spent most of his career in education and workforce development, Greg brings with him nearly twenty years of leadership experience to this role. Relying on his past roles developing strategy, implementing programs, and building community partnerships, he is responsible for leading the overall program and service strategy of Prosperity Connection. Greg is passionate about seeing St. Louis become a region where all have the opportunity to thrive, believing strongly in the power of financial education to achieve that end.

Fun Fact: Greg is a die-hard “The West Wing” fan, regularly re-watching episodes as a way to relax.

Nikki Woelfel (She/Her)

Vice President of Community Development at Carrollton Bank

I’m a wife and mother of one who loves work and play. My work is very fulfilling, but I also can’t wait to get home at night to spend time with my little family. I think it’s so important to get this information out to people. We don’t learn financial literacy anywhere else, but it impacts our daily lives. I love opening this topic up to people for the first time.

Regina Fowler (She/Her)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

I am retired. However, I maintain my CPA license in retirement because I volunteer to help very small not-for-profits and churches with their finances and bookkeeping. In retirement, I also volunteer to teach classes on financial literacy, debt management, and budgeting. I’ve been teaching these subjects in church settings on a local, regional, and national level for many years. Most people assume I volunteer to teach these classes because I am a skilled CPA. Actually, I teach the classes because in our younger years, my husband and I were in debt over our heads. We received guidance from financial coaches to improve our finances. After getting out of debt and staying out of debt, we committed ourselves to teaching others to do the same. I volunteer with Prosperity Connection because it allows me to connect with people outside of my church setting and in my St. Louis community who want to improve their financial well-being. Because my husband and I received financial coaching when we were in our twenties, we both were able to retire early and spend our time volunteering in the community. Applying financial education principles really works! In addition to our volunteer activities, my husband and I travel extensively; we enjoy seeing the world.

Aaron Tucker Jr. (He/Him)

Data Analyst at Equifax

I have been a Data Analyst at Equifax since January 2023, and I’m a proud graduate of Missouri University of Science and Technology, where I earned my degree in Information Science and Technology in Fall 2022. As a data analyst, I am deeply committed to bridging the financial literacy gap through my volunteer work with Prosperity Connection. This passion stems from a desire to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to succeed financially, especially amongst young adults and underserved communities. Beyond my professional and volunteer endeavors, I find joy in performing within the St. Louis musical theater community and indulging in leisurely brunch experiences with my friends and family. I always welcome brunch spot suggestions!

Nikol Theberge (She/Her)

Community Home Loan Advisor / Senior Loan Officer at First Bank

I’m a home loan officer with First Bank! My favorite part of my job is helping someone purchase a home. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first or the last. It’s always exciting and I’m here to help through the whole transaction even if we need to work on credit before getting started. I am always looking to volunteer in the community and Prosperity Connection is the best place to do that. They work with a lot of different organizations. I enjoy helping others and sharing my credit knowledge that I have learned over the past 20 years in the mortgage industry.

Anniece Robinson (She/Her)

Operations Manager at Moneta Group

I’ve worked at Moneta Group, an investment firm, for two thirds of my life. I began volunteering at Prosperity Connection to educate others on the importance of credit and share my personal experience of conquering poor credit. I volunteer with Prosperity Connection because I believe learning never stops—whether it’s exploring new cultures around the world or helping others gain confidence in managing their finances. It’s inspiring to see how financial education can open doors and create lasting change. Understanding credit has a lasting impact on many facets of our lives. Seeing a person’s face light up with enthusiasm when they realize improving their financial outlook is within reach encourages me to continue sharing my knowledge and helping others. Some fun facts about me are that I’m currently learning Spanish to communicate more effectively when traveling, and I obtained my motorcycle endorsement but never actually purchased a bike!

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Myers (She/Her)

Earning her degree in Cyber Security from Forest Park Community College

I was part of Cohort 2 in the Rung for Women program, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women by building confidence and guiding them toward successful careers in high-demand industries. During my time there, I collaborated with Prosperity Connection to master budgeting, boost my credit score, and tackle my debt. Let’s just say—I went from ashy to classy! I enjoy volunteering with Prosperity Connection because it allows me to give back to my community by sharing what I’ve learned to promote financial literacy. This program has been incredibly beneficial to me, making it especially meaningful.

Joyce Kampwerth (She/Her)

Senior Vice President of Community Development at Parkside Financial Bank & Trust

I have been with Parkside Financial Bank & Trust since we opened in 2008. Volunteering with Prosperity Connection/St. Louis Builds Credit is such an easy partnership. With their goal of helping people improve their relationship with money and stay on track to meet their financial goals coupled with my “very long tenure” in banking, it just makes such a positive relationship. Let’s face it–with any challenges in life there are resources to be found, and financial challenges are no exception. So, if I can help with Prosperity Connection and St. Louis Builds Credit’s incredible mission and help serve as a springboard for someone’s financial path – I am there.

Allison Cook (She/Her)

Banking Solutions Consultant at Edward Jones

I live in Columbia, IL with my husband and 2 young sons. We love hiking and biking together as a family and have recently jumped on the pickleball bandwagon. The 3 year-old has a long way to go to be competition ready! I have been in the financial services industry for 11 years, focused on training and education, and I love volunteering with Prosperity Connection because I learn new things every day through the clients and staff!

YaNan Bledsoe (She/Her)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

I have been a licensed CPA in Missouri since 2001, and I’m the owner of Precision CPA Services, offering comprehensive accountant services from tax advice to audits. I am also passionate about helping and advising my clients to navigate through life’s big events. Teaching at Prosperity Connection is a natural extension of sharing my financial expertise with people in need of building budgets and understanding credit. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family. I relish adventures and new experiences, and I am a Certified Lifeguard and Ski Patroller!

Ashlee Morgan (She/Her)

Senior Financial Coach

Ashlee Morgan is a Senior Financial Coach with Prosperity Connection and a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor! She was born and raised in St. Louis and as such, has a great respect for its diverse culture and people. Coming from a background in high-end design, Ashlee has found that helping real people of all different walks of life overcome their individual financial struggles is as beneficial as it is rewarding. Ashlee is looking forward to continuing to educate and inspire St. Louisans to achieve their financial goals.

Fun Fact: Ashlee was the lead singer in a local band for 6 years, playing gigs all over the St. Louis area!

Pablo Giraldo (He/Him)

Financial Coach

Originally from Colombia, Pablo has called the United States his home for over 20 years. A Graduate of the University of Santiago De Cali-Colombia, he earned his bachelor’s degree in communications, specializing in business. With his passion for the St. Louis community and previous experience in the banking and fitness industries, Pablo wants to make a positive impact on families’ financial wellbeing through financial education and coaching. As a bilingual Financial Coach fluent in Spanish and English, Pablo is committed to helping members of the community in making smart financial plans and taking greater control over their financial futures.

Fun Fact: Pablo has been dancing Latin dance since he could walk and has taught it for years!

Nikki Whetsell (She/Her)

Director of Communication and Advancement

After being a Lead Financial Coach for 2 years, Nikki was promoted as our new Director of Communications and Advancement. She is now responsible for the organization’s marketing strategies, external communications, brand management, and institutional advancement. She is also a key thought leader and strategist for advancing and communicating Prosperity Connection’s mission, strengths, and brand in creative and meaningful ways. Nikki holds her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Olivet Nazarene University and her Master of Arts in Organizational Communication from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Fun Fact: Nikki loves to travel and has visited 20 countries, 35 states, and 20 US National Parks!

Nikki Whetsell (She/Her)

Director of Communication and Advancement

After being a Lead Financial Coach for 2 years, Nikki was promoted as our new Director of Communications and Advancement. She is now responsible for the organization’s marketing strategies, external communications, brand management, and institutional advancement. She is also a key thought leader and strategist for advancing and communicating Prosperity Connection’s mission, strengths, and brand in creative and meaningful ways. Nikki holds her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Olivet Nazarene University and her Master of Arts in Organizational Communication from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Fun Fact: Nikki loves to travel and has visited 20 countries, 35 states, and 20 US National Parks!

Nikki Whetsell (She/Her)

Chief Advancement Officer

After being a Lead Financial Coach for 2 years, Nikki was promoted as our new Chief Advancement Officer. She is now responsible for the organization’s marketing strategies, external communications, brand management, and institutional advancement. She is also a key thought leader and strategist for advancing and communicating Prosperity Connection’s mission, strengths, and brand in creative and meaningful ways. Nikki holds her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Olivet Nazarene University and her Master of Arts in Organizational Communication from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Fun Fact: Nikki loves to travel and has visited 20 countries, 36 states, and 20 US National Parks!

Kathy Siddens (She/Her)

Chief Executive Officer

Kathy is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the organization with the guidance of the Board of Directors and the assistance of staff. Additionally, her role focuses heavily on partner relationship management and fundraising. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Westminster College. She completed a graduate fellowship with the CORO Foundation and holds the Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America. In addition, she is a Focus St. Louis Leadership St. Louis program graduate and currently serves on the board of directors of several St. Louis area nonprofit organizations.

Fun Fact: Kathy loves football and is a HUGE New Orleans Saints fan!

Robert Nelson V (He/Him)

Director of Coaching

After being a Lead Financial Coach for several years, Robert Nelson V was promoted to Director of Coaching. In this role, Robert ensures the success of the entire coaching team from onboarding to fostering a collaborative and growth environment. Using his past experience and knowledge, he mentors, motivates, trains, engages, and grows the coaching staff, creating a Best in Class coaching environment and team. Robert is certified as a homeownership counselor through NeighborWorks America and as a credit specialist through Freddie Mac.

Fun Fact: Robert could (almost certainly) beat you in a bowling match.

Sara Sigman (She/Her)

Director of Operations and Data

Sara works with the senior leadership team to develop and maintain processes that produce efficient and manageable operations for the staff. She also supports the organization with data management and analytics. Sara holds her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame, her Masters of Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, and has worked within the social work and community development fields for several years.

Fun Fact: Outside work, you can find Sara on a sand or indoor volleyball court or working on cross-stitch projects.

Heather Jaconis (She/Her)

Chief Operating Officer

Heather oversees the organization’s finances including the annual budget, audit, and cash flow management. Additionally, her role works with the senior leadership team to develop and maintain processes that produce efficient and manageable operations for the staff. Now an official Salesforce Certified Administrator (SCA), she supports the organization with data management and analytics. Heather earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Truman State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is also a graduate of the Focus St. Louis Emerging Leaders program for the Spring of 2022.

Fun Fact: Heather has toddler twins that take up most of her time away from work.

Cassie (She/Her)

Director of Safety and Wellbeing

Cassie was the resident office dog of Prosperity Connection. Early in her life, her favorite pastimes included trail running, barking at nothing, and herding friends and family. In her golden years, Cassie blessed us all by becoming our Director of Safety and Wellbeing. Her main jobs included monitoring kitchen activity, lunch supervision, and greeting guests as they entered the office. She provided wellness to all team members by giving love and snuggles during much-needed times. Cassie lived to see her 16th birthday, and we will truly miss her.

Cassie Harris: December 8th, 2008 – January 7th, 2025

Fun Fact: Cassie was an Australian Cattle Dog mix, and her longest run was 15 miles back in her younger years! She will be deeply missed.

Heather Schindewolf (She/Her)

Senior Financial Educator

Heather is our Senior Financial Educator and is responsible for planning and executing credit fairs. She also oversees the volunteer program which includes assessment, recruiting, and training for STLBC events and programming. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Missouri Baptist University with a focus on Social Work and Counseling and recently became AFC Certified! She is also a graduate of Rung for Women where she completed Prosperity Connection’s one-on-one coaching and classes. She wants to utilize what she learned by bringing her experiences and skills to Prosperity Connection’s team to help others achieve their financial goals.

Fun Fact: Heather loves being outdoors and graduated from the University of Illinois Master Naturalist training program.

Julianna Nikodym (She/Her)

Advancement Coordinator

Julianna started with Prosperity Connection as an AmeriCorps VISTA in 2021. After her year of service ended, she was brought on as our contract Marketing Associate. We are thrilled that she is now an official employee, serving as the Advancement Coordinator. In this role, she is responsible for supporting the execution of the marketing plan, developing and implementing marketing strategies, enhancing fundraising efforts, and standardizing operations. Julianna graduated from Emory University with a Bachelors in American Studies and a minor in Anthropology. She is excited to step into this new role with the wonderful team at Prosperity Connection!

Fun Fact: Julianna is afraid of birds (“they’re modern-day dinosaurs!”)

Carol Harris (She/Her)

Chief of Staff

Carol assesses client needs and assists in connecting people with a financial coach or finding a class that meets their financial goals. She manages class registration, assists with marketing and social media, and supports coaches and directors within the organization. She also serves as the liaison to our board of directors. Carol holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Science in Education from Lindenwood University. She is a former middle school science teacher and education administrator in North St. Louis County school districts.

Fun Fact: Carol enjoys running, crochet, learning to play the violin, and being an avid birder.

Remy Edwards (He/They)

Financial Educator

Remy is our newest Financial Educator and is responsible for planning and executing credit fairs. He also oversees online credit report reviews that provide personalized recommendations to improve one’s credit, while also offering helpful resources and tips towards this goal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lindenwood University, and a Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary. Their goal is to continue to use their experience and education for social justice advocacy.

Fun Fact: Remy loves drawing and painting portraits, as well as feeding those who are food insecure.

Sasha Moore (She/Her)

Senior Financial Coach

Sasha was born into a struggling low-income family in South City where she was raised along with her six siblings. Like so many other families in similar situations, she was not taught how finances/credit work, how to budget, or the importance of saving. Sasha worked in education for 10+ years before she found her calling in the world of finances, and she recently became AFC Certified! She enjoys relationship building and is excited to be putting her knowledge and personal experiences to use while helping people reach their financial goals. Sasha wants to make sure that everyone in the St. Louis region and beyond has the financial education, security, and support that they not only need but also deserve.

Fun Fact: Sasha hates and is afraid of Nicholas Cage.

Veronica Guerrero (She/Her)

Senior Financial Coach

Veronica assesses participants financial health through one-on-one coaching and then develops a tailored set of recommendations to help participants improve their financial position and pursue their goals. Veronica has worked in the finance industry for the past 4 years in various areas from teller to wealth management, making her financial knowledge and experience diverse. She hopes to provide financial support and education to everyone she coaches, giving information in a clear and simple way that will bring about success. As a fluent Spanish speaker, Veronica will be a valuable resource to Prosperity Connection and the Spanish-speaking community here in St. Louis.

Fun Fact: Veronica helped stop a car theft once and the police bought her an In N Out burger!

Ben Feimer (He/Him)

Director of Financial Education and Partnerships

As the Director of Financial Education and Partnerships, Ben works with partner organizations to determine what a prosperous working relationship can look like. After working at PC as a Senior Financial Coach for 2 years, he moved into more partnership-based work and now his new role as Director of Financial Education and Partnerships. Ben got his start in finance as a stockbroker and has been working in personal finance for over 10 years. As a HUD-certified Housing Counselor and a CBA-certified Master Trainer, Ben has the knowledge and skills to make sure your organization can provide your clients with Best-in-Class financial education!

Fun Fact: Ben was in the Peace Corps and taught English in western Mongolia!

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