Our Caring Professionals

Building long term relationships through trust & expertise.

Shaun Chelf, MSFS, CFP^®, RICP^®, AEP^®, FBS^®, CRPC^®

Founding Partner & Wealth Advisor

Shaun Chelf, MSFS, CFP®, RICP®, AEP®, FBS®, CRPC®

AT RELIANT

As a Founding Partner, Shaun oversees all comprehensive wealth planning analyses and creates portfolio templates and trading strategies from which client portfolios are constructed. He is also very active in setting the long-term vision and direction for Reliant Wealth.

Shaun has earned the Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) (concentration in Retirement Planning) degree, holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP ®), RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL® (RICP®), ACCREDITED ESTATE PLANNER® (AEP®), CERTIFIED FINACIAL BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST® (FBS®), CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR℠(CRPC®) designations and earned a graduate certificate in Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance from Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

BEFORE RELIANT

Prior to starting Reliant Wealth Planning with Laura, Shaun was a Financial Advisor at both national and regional wealth management firms. It was at Merrill Lynch that he and Laura Clark formed their first team in 2001 and have worked together ever since. Before joining the financial industry, Shaun served in the US Army as an Armor officer.

Shaun earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy, West Point, graduating as a Distinguished Graduate and was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Excellence in the study of Behavioral Science and Leadership. Shaun also earned a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating with institutional honors – Graduate with High Distinction, and a Master of Science in Financial Services (concentration in Retirement Planning) from The American College.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Shaun is married to his high school sweetheart Eva, and they have three daughters. He is active at Southeast Christian Church where he is a volunteer teacher. Shaun is also a blackbelt Kenpo Karate practitioner and loves all things Halloween.

Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

Laura Clark, CFP^®, RICP^®,ChFC^®,ABFP℠, CRPC^®, MBA

Founding Partner & Wealth Advisor

Laura Clark, CFP®, RICP®,ChFC®,ABFP℠, CRPC®, MBA

AT RELIANT

As a Founding Partner of Reliant Wealth Planning, Laura oversees client service with the goal of providing clients with a feeling of comfort regarding their planning and the management of their financial resources.

Laura has her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM(CFP®) designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., her RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL® (RICP®) and CHARTERED FINANCIAL CONSULTANT® (ChFC®) designations from the American College of Financial Services®, her ACCREDITED BEHAVIORAL FINANCE PROFESSIONAL℠ (ABFP℠) and her CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR^SM (CRPC®) designations from the College for Financial Planning®.

BEFORE RELIANT

Prior to starting Reliant Wealth Planning with Shaun, Laura worked in retail banking in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she was born and raised, continuing in the banking industry upon her relocation to Louisville in 1997. Becoming a Financial Advisor in 2000, she served clients at both national and regional wealth management firms.

Laura earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with an option in finance, from California State University, Hayward, and an MBA from the University of Louisville.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Laura has been married to Scott since 1993, and together they have hosted exchange students from Germany, Italy, and Japan that they now consider part of the family. They love to travel and have visited more than 40 countries, and 35 states. Laura is also an active member of PEO International, Chapter E, Louisville.

Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

Shannon Brown, CRPC^®

Wealth Advisor

(Georgetown Office)

Shannon Brown, CRPC®

AT RELIANT

As a Wealth Advisor, Shannon’s top priority is building long-term trusting relationships with her clients by spending time getting to know them and learning about their specific financial goals and needs. One of her areas of expertise is in helping current and former corporate executives navigate the complexities and nuances of their compensation and benefits plans. Shannon’s true passion for helping others shines through by providing clients with individualized, comprehensive personal wealth plans and then walking with them to execute those plans, which instills a sense of comfort and genuine care.

Shannon holds the CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR^SM (CRPC®) designation.

BEFORE RELIANT

Shannon has over 25 years of business and finance experience across several industries, including positions at UPS, Toyota Tsusho, and most recently Lexmark International. Her past roles include Finance Director, Corporate Strategy Manager, and Senior Executive Compensation Specialist. In addition to holding these leadership roles, Shannon also earned a Six Sigma Green Belt certification in 2008 and completed the prestigious INSEAD Blue Ocean Executive Strategy Program in 2012. She is a 1995 Cum Laude graduate of the Cardinal Section Honors program at Bellarmine University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting with a minor in Business Administration. Shannon and Reliant Founding Partner Shaun were high school classmates, where ironically, they were both named “Most Likely to Succeed.”

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Shannon is married to Todd, and they have 3 children, Emily, Will, and Drew. They reside in Georgetown, Kentucky where they are actively involved at Southland Christian Church and various other charities. Shannon has also been a Junior Achievement volunteer since 2000, teaching the importance of financial literacy to elementary school students. In her free time, Shannon loves to cook, entertain, and travel. She has visited places such as France, Switzerland, Scotland, Ireland, China, Singapore, and Australia. Shannon is also an avid movie, music, and sports fan.

Trish Fleege Ettin, IACCP^®

Operations and Compliance Manager

Trish Fleege Ettin, IACCP®

AT RELIANT

As the Operations and Compliance Manager, Trish is responsible for ensuring that the firm is compliant with laws, rules and regulations, and company policies. She also provides guidance and support for all operational functions at the firm. In addition, she heads up human resources and internal financial functions.

Trish holds the INVESTMENT ADVISER CERTIFIED COMPLIANCE PROFESSIONAL (IACCP®) designation.

BEFORE RELIANT

Prior to joining Reliant Wealth Planning in 2017, Trish worked at multiple brokerage firms in the upper Midwest and Louisville, in various operations and business analyst roles. She moved to Louisville in 2008. Trish earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College with a major in Classical Civilization.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Trish and her husband Doug like to cook and travel. She also volunteers with the Friends of the University of Louisville School of Music. Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

Steve Cline

Information Systems Manager

Steve Cline

AT RELIANT

As the Information Systems Manager, Steve is responsible for the security and integrity of all company and client data. He also ensures daily reliable access to that data by the dedicated professionals at Reliant.

Steve holds the both Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) designations for desktops and servers.

BEFORE RELIANT

Steve has been providing information services support to myriad industries for over 20 years, including hospitality, government, financial services and agribusiness. Steve graduated in 1995 from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served five years as a cavalry scout, including a year as a peacekeeper in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Steve enjoys studying and implementing new technologies. He also plays the drums (badly) and has a private pilot’s license.

Mimi Strohmeier

Client Service Associate

Mimi Strohmeier

AT RELIANT

Mimi’s role as a Client Service Associate with Reliant Wealth Planning is to provide a level of administrative and operational support to our clients that exceeds expectations.

BEFORE RELIANT

Mimi has been in the Financial Services industry since 1980, first in banking and then with regional and national investment firms. Mimi graduated from Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Bloomington Campus.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Mimi is married to Tom, lives in Northfield, and has raised two adult children. As University of Kentucky Fellows, Tom and Mimi are active sports enthusiasts and are avid followers and supporters of the UK Wildcats. Mimi enjoys needlework, cooking, baking, flower arranging and especially time spent with her two grandchildren.

Brian Gainer, CFA^®, CIPM^®

Analytics Manager

Brian Gainer, CFA®, CIPM®

AT RELIANT

In his role as Analytics Manager, Brian is primarily engaged in the development and application of the processes and tools used to transform data into usable information to support the wealth planning, investment management, and business needs of Reliant Wealth’s clients and stakeholders. Additionally, he carries out various investment research, trading, and account maintenance activities.

Brian is a CFA® charterholder and a CIPM® certificant.

BEFORE RELIANT

Brian’s financial services career began in 1993, with the first decade spent working in various banking and investment roles for leading regional banks in WV and OH. In 2003, he moved to Louisville, KY to continue his career growth at national and global firms in the insurance, brokerage, and asset management sectors. Brian got to know Shaun and Laura in 2005 while employed at Merrill Lynch, and stayed connected until their career paths merged again 10 years later at Hilliard Lyons.

From 1988-1996, he served in the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve and was deployed overseas for Gulf War operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V” for his service during the Gulf War.

Brian earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from West Virginia University in 1993.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Brian married his wife Jane in 1993, and together they have a daughter, Grace. They share their home in Louisville, KY with two energetic Shih Tzu, Benny & Lola. Brian enjoys giving back and fostering high professional standards within the investment profession as an active volunteer for the CFA Institute CFA Program. Outside of work and volunteering, Brian is a passionate soccer fan, a music festival/concert enthusiast, and a bit of a foodie.

Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

Nicholas Alcorn CFP^®

Planning & Portfolio Analyst

Nicholas Alcorn CFP®

AT RELIANT

As a Planning & Portfolio Analyst, Nicholas’ responsibilities combine that of a traditional financial planner, portfolio management/analytics, and operations/compliance. Nicholas enjoys refining systems and processes to better capture data, as well as researching and staying up to date on investment specific news. He is dedicated to serving clients, growing as a professional and making the most of his talents.

Nicholas holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM (CFP®) designation.

BEFORE RELIANT

In 2019, Nicholas graduated Cum Laude from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics and a concentration in Actuarial Science. Nicholas also focused heavily on data analytics which prepared him for advanced quantitative disciplines as well as forecasting and data management. Prior to employment with Reliant, Nicholas was a restaurant professional.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Nicholas is an avid soccer fan and a seasoned hiker. His other passions include music and food. Nicholas also collects pins and watches.

Jessica Bourassa, CFP^®, CEP^®, RICP^®

Wealth Planner

Jessica Bourassa, CFP®,CEP®, RICP®

AT RELIANT

As a Wealth Planner, Jessica works behind the scenes on financial plans to ensure everything is updated and any needed adjustments are noted. Jessica also acts as a liaison between clients and various outside insurance professionals when comprehensive planning calls for Risk Management issues to be addressed.

Jessica holds the Certified Estate Planner^TM (CEP®), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM (CFP®), and RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL® (RICP®) designations.

BEFORE RELIANT

Jessica graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance with a concentration in Personal Financial Planning.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Jessica lives with her two senior dogs, Merry Mac and Tootsie. Her porch is slowly being taken over by a wide variety of plants with no signs of stopping. While not pushing the boundaries of her green thumb, she’s playing Dungeons and Dragons or geeking out over other sci-fi/fantasy favorites.

Caitlin Gatewood, FPQP^®

Client Action & Planning Specialist

Caitlin Gatewood, FPQP®

AT RELIANT

As a Client Action and Planning Specialist (CAPS), Caitlin focuses on client needs and goals first by developing a Wealth Plan and then executing the Action Steps established in the plan. In doing so, she is ensuring that clients are getting the most out of their relationship with Reliant.

Caitlin holds the FINANCIAL PARAPLANNER QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL^SM(FPQP®) designation.

BEFORE RELIANT

Caitlin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Western Kentucky University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Economics with a Finance minor as well as a Master of Arts in Applied Economics. While in school she had several finance and data analytics internships in the insurance and healthcare industries.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Caitlin loves to do jigsaw puzzles (especially Disney ones), read thriller books, and do yoga. She has a dog that is half Golden Retriever half Husky named Sebastian and loves having her family get together for dinner and game nights.

Lucas Adams, CRPC^®

Client Action & Planning Specialist

Lucas Adams, CRPC^®

AT RELIANT

As a Client Action and Planning Specialist (CAPS), Lucas focuses on client needs and goals. By assisting with the development of wealth plans for the client and through the execution of action steps established in the plan, Lucas helps provide the guidance and administration needed to help ensure the client’s success.

Lucas holds the CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR^SM (CRPC®) designation.

BEFORE RELIANT

After graduating from Otterbein University in 2005 with a degree in Theatre Performance, Lucas spent the first 10 years of his career working with area professional theatres as an educator, fundraiser, and performer. In 2017, he transitioned to The Glenview Trust Company as a Client Service Specialist, working closely with client families to provide administrative support to help meet their needs. In 2022 he completed a undergraduate certificate in Human Resources Leadership from the University of Louisville.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Lucas is an avid runner, comic book nerd, and pet dad (he and his wife Susan own 5 cats and 3 dogs, all rescues). Lucas enjoys reading and watching science fiction and listening to podcasts…usually while running.

Paula Richards

Client Service & Operations Specialist

Paula Richards

AT RELIANT

In her role as a Client Service and Operations Specialist, Paula assists clients with their service and operational needs. She expertly guides clients in the execution steps of their Wealth Plans, assisting with the administration that is so critical to turn a good idea into an accomplished action.

BEFORE RELIANT

Paula comes to us with over 26 years of experience, which include 6 years in the estate planning field and 20 years working directly with clients on their investment portfolio and financial planning administrative needs.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Paula is married to Scott and has a wonderfully blended family including 4 adult children. She loves spending time with her family playing board games, volleyball and vacationing together. Being of Japanese and American descent, Paula’s favorite family time is New Year’s Eve when her family gathers to cook a traditional Japanese dinner. Paula also loves antiques and is always up for a good mystery or ghost story.

Olivia Lantz

Operations & IS Associate

Olivia Lantz

AT RELIANT

Olivia’s main duties as an Operations & IS Associate involve assisting in various operational functions and internal system processes. She works directly with the Operations & Compliance and Information Systems managers to help organize and ensure things perform as they should. With her background in the Fine Arts, she also lends a hand with any graphic design challenges.

BEFORE RELIANT

Olivia earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Louisville while briefly interning for Reliant. Now she’s a full-fledged part of the team, balancing her love for organizing and her passion for the arts.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Olivia is a gamer and foodie who is currently trying to perfect her own cooking skills. She is also highly involved in the art community and is a big fan of glass blowing as it was her specialty in college.

Macy Ward

Operations & Compliance Associate

Macy Ward

AT RELIANT

As an Operations & Compliance Associate, Macy assists in various operational functions while also helping to ensure that the firm stays compliant with laws, rules and regulations, and company policies.

BEFORE RELIANT

Macy graduated summa cum laude from Western Kentucky University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics. While in school, she worked on-campus in the Student Financial Aid Office and as an intern at Reliant.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Macy enjoys weightlifting, running, and yoga. Alongside that, she loves cooking, baking, and more importantly eating. Macy is also big into holiday crafts. Building gingerbread houses, dying easter eggs, and carving pumpkins are her forte.

Angela McCulloch

Office Coordinator

Angela McCulloch

AT RELIANT

Angela is the master scheduler, reaching out to make sure meetings and reviews happen when they should. She will welcome guests and ensure they are comfortable as she will often be the first point of contact when guests arrive. She also helps support Reliant by facilitating internal office operations.

BEFORE RELIANT

Angela was an art major but began her financial career in banking in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area before working for an international biopharmaceutical company. After moving to Louisville in 2001 she worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. postal service and in hospitality.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Angela is married to Kevin and shares her home with numerous creatures as she loves all animals. She enjoys all forms of art, carpentry, gardening, and sewing. She loves anything spooky or Victorian and is usually binging on thrillers and true crime series.

Click here for more information on Designations.

Now that you’ve met our team,
we can’t wait to meet you!

Household Asset Under Management	Fee %
0.00 – 249,999.99	1.38
250,000.00 – 499,999.99	1.24
500,000.00 – 999,999.99	1.10
1,000,000.00 – 1,999,999.99	0.96
2,000,000.00 – 2,999,999.99	0.83
3,000,000.00 – 4,999,999.99	0.70
5,000,000.00 – Above	Negotiable

Final Fee rate is the result of blending the applicable tiered rows shown above.