We love getting to know you! We believe you think and work differently when you genuinely know someone – who they are, what they are about, what’s truly important to them, and what they want to accomplish.


Our advisors

Advisor photo for Dean M Donohue

Dean M Donohue

MBA, CFP®, CRPC, APMA

Private Wealth Advisor

Learn more about Dean M Donohue
Advisor photo for Jonathan P Smith

Jonathan P Smith

CFP®, CPA, CRPC, APMA

Private Wealth Advisor

Learn more about Jonathan P Smith
Advisor photo for Courtney Yartz

Courtney Yartz

CFP®, ChFC®, APMA

Private Wealth Advisor

Learn more about Courtney Yartz
Advisor photo for Chase M Donohue

Chase M Donohue

CRPC, APMA

Financial Advisor

Learn more about Chase M Donohue Visit Chase M Donohue's website
Advisor photo for Patrick Ritter

Patrick Ritter

CFP®, APMA

Financial Advisor

Learn more about Patrick Ritter


Our team

Laura Craig

Laura Craig

Practice Manager

Personal Intro

Laura has been a member of the team since 1997 and holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Finance from Indiana University. She is the liaison between the practice and Ameriprise corporate office, and coordinates the daily operation of the practice. Laura resides in southern Indiana with her husband, Ron, and two pups, Dot and Teddy.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Public Finance from Indiana University

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Notary Public in Kentucky
  • Office Systems & Workflow
  • Licensing, Bookkeeping, Human Resources, Technology
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Jenn Helander

Jenn Helander

Client Relationship Manager

Personal Intro

Jenn has several years in the hospitality industry and enjoys working with people. She moved to Louisville in 2015 with her husband and two daughters. Jenn handles the coordination of client meetings for all advisors and provides support for the day to day operations. Jenn enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs.

Qualifications

  • Joined Encore Wealth Management Group in 2016

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office reception
  • Updates client information
  • Notary Public in Kentucky
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Juliana Higgason

Juliana Higgason

Client Service Manager

Personal Intro

Juliana earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Campbellsville University. She provides support for day-to-day operations. Juliana enjoys crafts, camping and spending time with her husband and she resides in Louisville.

Qualifications

  • Originally with Encore Wealth Management Group in 2014-15 and rejoined in 2017.
  • B.S in Business Administration from Campbellsville University.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Client Service
  • New accounts, transfers, rollovers
  • Estate Settlements
  • Notary Public in Kentucky
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Robert Silverthorn, III

Robert Silverthorn, III

Business Development Director

Personal Intro

Robert has degrees in Journalism and Philosophy from Indiana University-Bloomington and a Master of Art in Philosophy from the University of Louisville. Robert is responsible for developing new business opportunities by expanding Encore’s presence in the marketplace. Robert enjoys spending time with his four children as well as coaching on the North Oldham High School football team.

Qualifications

  • Robert joined Encore Wealth Management Group in 2022

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Identifying new market channels and opportunities
  • Building sustainable client/partner relationships
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Drew Spurlock

Drew Spurlock

Financial Planning Specialist,

Paraplanner

Personal Intro

Drew has his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Louisville. As a paraplanner he is going to be building financial plans while pursuing his advisor licensing. Prior to graduating from UofL, He played baseball at Spalding University for two years. In his free time, Drew enjoys watching baseball, keeping up to date with the stock market, and playing with dogs.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Finance at University of Louisville.
  • Joined Encore Wealth Management Group in 2021

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Financial Planning Analysis
  • Client Service
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Andrew Shoemaker

Andrew Shoemaker

Insurance Specialist,

Paraplanner

Personal Intro

Andrew holds a Master’s in Religion from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy from Asbury University. He joined the team in 2022 and works as part of the planning team. He enjoys hiking, gardening, and exploring the wilds with his wife. He lives in Louisville KY.

Qualifications

  • Joined Encore Wealth Management Group in 2022

  • Began in financial services in 2019
  • Holds a FINRA SIE, Series 7, and Series 65
  • Insurance licensed in KY.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Account Services
  • Transfers, Rollovers, Contributions, Distributions
  • Notary Public in Kentucky.
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Cindy Deininger

Cindy Deininger

Marketing Specialist

Personal Intro

After earning her bachelor’s degree in theatre at Murray State University, Cindy gained extensive experience in customer service and management assistance before joining Encore Wealth Management Group. When she’s not at home playing with her dog or visiting local Louisville attractions, she loves to read, write, paint, and travel. She handles seminar and event planning along with marketing and business events.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Marketing Administration
  • Events and Advertising
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Paula Montalvo

Paula Montalvo

Client Service Specialist

Personal Intro

Paula has been a teacher for almost 20 years, during which time she attained her bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She sold her daycare businesses in 2020 and joined Ameriprise where she helps provide support day-to-day operations. She enjoys traveling with her husband and 2 daughters, inviting the family for cookouts, and landscaping.

Qualifications

  • Joined Encore Wealth Management Group in 2023.

  • Previously worked with Ameriprise 2020-2022.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Client Service
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Tina Lamkin

Tina Lamkin

Client Service Specialist

Personal Intro

After 20 years of customer service and management, Tina recently became passionate about Human Resources, though she will always love working with and helping people in any way. She plans on finishing her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in HR at the University of Louisville. Tina has been married to her wonderful husband for 10 years and enjoys spending time with him and their 5 children.

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Benjamin Landers

Benjamin Landers

Intern

Personal Intro

Ben is pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Finance degree at UofL. In his free time he enjoys playing Intramurals at UofL, playing golf, and watching the NFL and college sports.

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Amy Schmidlap

Amy Schmidlap

Intern

Personal Intro

Amy is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business, concentrating in Marketing and Professional Selling at Indiana University Southeast. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, photography, and reading.

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