Meet The Senses
Karisa Diephouse
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Integration – Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors
Years in the Business: 13
Certification: Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65)
Major: B.S. in Finance
University Attended: California State University, Long Beach
Family Life: Married, 2 kids
What do you like most about what you do? I have enjoyed working one on one with clients helping with their wealth management goals for several years. It has been fulfilling to help put the pieces of their financial puzzle together and simplify their road to financial security. Recently, I have changed my focus and am now working with business owners who are merging in with our firm. I help make the process simple and easy at a very sensitive, yet exciting, time for them. It is equally as fulfilling to me to support these new business partners and catapult the future growth of their office.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? I have always loved Oprah Winfrey. I have great respect for her determination and perseverance coming from an underprivileged background to building an empire.
What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? I enjoy going to the beach or park with my husband and kids. It is fun to watch my boys explore and take in new surroundings. I am also starting to get back into running. It is a great stress reliever and I truly enjoy it. I would like to sign up for a few different group runs this year to keep me motivated.
If you could learn to do anything new what would it be? I would love to take lessons in photography. I think it would be a wonderful way to capture special moments throughout my children’s lives and the many adventures we plan to go on.
What is your favorite drink? Love a good Cabernet
What is your favorite place you traveled to? Peter Island in the British Virgin Islands. Look forward to heading back there one day.
Kelly DiGonzini, CFP®, MST
Senior Financial Planner – Beacon Pointe Advisors
Years in the Business: 8
Certification(s): Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation and an Investment Advisor Representative (Series 66)
Graduate Degree(s): Masters in Taxation (MST), William Howard Taft University
Major: B.S. in Business Law
University Attended: Gonzaga University
Family Life: Married, 1 child
What do you like most about what you do? Watching a couple high five after telling them they will be able to retire early is a great feeling, and helping people sleep better at night after being reassured they can afford to live the lifestyle they want without impacting their future is rewarding. And showing people they can accomplish goals that will leave a legacy they never thought they could, like paying for all their grandchildren’s college education. It’s amazing to be a part of.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Beyonce Knowles. Because she slays. I slay. We all slay. She is the ultimate performer of our generation, and she is a business woman and entrepreneur. Really, I’m just a huge fan of her music.
What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Ballet. I started doing ballet four years ago and I fell in love with it.
If you could learn to do anything new what would it be? Ballet on Pointe. I won’t be the next Misty Copeland or anything, but it would be cool.
What is your favorite drink? Tequila on the Rocks with Lime and Salt
What is your favorite place you traveled to? Paris, France. My husband and I went to Paris this past September (2016) and the mesmerizing art, delicious wine and food and historic architecture made us completely fall in love.
Shannon Eusey
CEO – Beacon Pointe Advisors
Years in the Business: 23
Certification: Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65)
Graduate Degree(s): MBA, University of California, Los Angeles
Major: B.A. in Social Science
University Attended: University of California, Irvine
Family Life: Married, 4 kids
What do you like most about what you do? Being a business owner, I get to experience the value we bring to clients and also the satisfaction it brings to my team. It’s a great feeling to hear all of the enthusiastic conversations around the office.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Mother Teresa. I would love to really understand her depth as a person and how she truly dedicated herself to the service of others.
What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Running. It’s my time to breathe, to think, to de-stress. And, it’s fun to do with my great running group of gals.
If you could learn to do anything new what would it be? Speak Spanish. My family and I had the opportunity to spend time with orphans in Guatemala and it will forever be a part of our lives. We plan to go back often and I would like to communicate better when we do.
What is your favorite drink? Wine. Red, White or Rose’- I’m non-discriminate. I just like it when I can get it!
What is your favorite place you traveled to? Mexico. Reason number two I’d like to learn Spanish! The culture is vibrant, the beaches are beautiful and the people are welcoming.
Allison Hillgren, MCM
Director, Head of Marketing & Communications – Beacon Pointe Advisors
Years in the Business: 7
Graduate Degree(s): Masters in Communication Management, USC School of Communication & Journalism
Major: B.S. in Business Administration
University Attended: University of Southern California
Family Life: Married
What do you like most about what you do? Ironically, I had very little interest in the financial industry in college. But now, that has completely changed all thanks to the everyday impact I see our wealth advisors making when working with clients. I love when I hear about the financial plans created to assist our clients to live their best lives and sleep well at night knowing their financial “house” is in order. It’s empowering! I am extremely passionate about delivering important messages, data and information in a manner that is pleasing to the eye, enjoyable to engage with – believe it or not, there is creativity and artistry within the world of numbers! No day is the same for myself and the rest of our marketing team which is inspiring, energizing and motivating.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Abraham Lincoln. To think what this country would be like today without him and his visionary wisdom. I’m so intrigued by his silent warrior confidence, his love and passion for people and his pride of country, I’m simply in awe of the man he was and what he stood for.
What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Horseback Riding. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of jumping over solid fences on such a beautiful, powerful animal. Amongst the danger of riding 1,000+ pounds of sheer power, there is a sense of peace and wonder that makes me want to do it over and over again. There’s also something about the grace and elegance of the connection between horse and rider – one that I have come to love and admire and truly appreciate.
If you could learn to do anything new what would it be? Speak another language and play the acoustic guitar. I am so NOT musically gifted…my fate has been sealed as a total nerd jock!
What is your favorite drink? Whiskey Sour (with an egg white!)
What is your favorite place you traveled to? South Island, New Zealand and Castle Leslie, Ireland
Julie Johnson, CDFA®
Senior Wealth Advisor – Beacon Pointe Advisors
Years in the Business: 16
Certification(s): Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) designation and an Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65)
Major: B.S. in Marketing
University Attended: San Diego State University
Family Life: Married, 2 kids
What do you like most about what you do? I love helping my clients achieve whatever their goals might be. Giving them guidance and the right road map to make good financial decisions makes me feel fulfilled!
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Ronald Reagan.
What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Anything outdoors! Running, Golfing and spending time with my kids!
If you could learn to do anything new what would it be? Speak a foreign language and be a better golfer!
What is your favorite drink? Wine. White on a hot summer day and Red with dinner!
What is your favorite place you traveled to? Kauai, Hawaii.
Karen Sarten, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor – Beacon Pointe Advisors
Years in the Business: 11
Certification(s): Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation and an Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65)
Major: B.S. in Business Finance
University Attended: California State University, Fullerton
Family Life: Married
What do you like most about what you do? It’s hard to pick just one thing. I would have to say that getting to see an “ah-ha” moment when something really clicks with a client is pretty great. Seeing plans become a reality is also pretty rewarding. Getting pictures of well-planned vacations or retirement homes or college graduations is pretty amazing and motivating!
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Jacqueline Kennedy. I admire her poise and grace but also really wonder what she was like in private with her closest girlfriends.
What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Volleyball. Either indoor or outdoor, wherever I can get it! At 5’5”, what I lack in height, I like to think I make up for in passing.
If you could learn to do anything new what would it be? Snowboard. I wish I would have learned as a kid when I was too young to think about the pain and my hips were a little more flexible (okay, a lot).
What is your favorite drink? Espresso martini.
What is your favorite place you traveled to? Italy. It’s beautiful, rich with history and has a culture that makes you stop and…. just breathe.
Commie Stevens, JD
Partner, Director of Strategic and Financial Planning – Beacon Pointe Advisors
Years in the Business: 20
Certification(s): Member of the State Bar of California and an Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65)
Graduate Degree(s): Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law
Major: B.A. in Economics
University Attended: University of California, Irvine
Family Life: Married, 2 kids
What do you like most about what you do? Giving people the perspective to make decisions aimed at living their best life.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Benjamin Franklin.
What is your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? According to my family, organizing.
If you could learn to do anything new what would it be? Speak Italian.
What is your favorite drink? Coffee!
What is your favorite place you traveled to? New York City or Rome, Italy.
Important Disclosure: ‘Your Dollars, Our Sense’ was authored by the women of Beacon Pointe Advisors. The rankings on this relate only to the book and should not be interpreted as a recommendation or endorsement of Beacon Pointe’s advisory services. Beacon Pointe Advisors did not pay to participate in any award or survey. Rating provided by Amazon Book Services in 2017. Best Seller Publishing was compensated by Beacon Pointe for facilitating the book publication and ranking process by Amazon Book Services. Barron’s and Financial Planning Magazine are not current clients of Beacon Pointe; additionally, the publications mentioned above are not being compensated for the endorsement of ‘Your Dollars, Our Sense.’