Our Team
As representatives of Catalyst Planning Partners and Northwestern Mutual, we are committed to the highest level of service and expertise. We have worked hard to build relationships with a team of experts. It is these relationships that allow us to be client-focused while delivering on the promise of expert guidance.
Joseph M. Smith CFP®, CLU®
Wealth Management Advisor
Education & Certifications:
- B.S. in Finance, DePaul University
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, & 65
Background & Expertise:
After graduating from DePaul University, Joe started his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2002 and has established himself as a leader in both his firm and industry in helping clients plan for financial security. Joe maintains a lifelong commitment to continuing education as evidenced by his Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Life Underwriter designations.
Joe is committed to a team-based approach for delivering wealth management services. Teaming up with Rich Woo to create Catalyst Planning Partners in 2017 has provided the opportunity to offer a wider array of services with a diverse and talented team.
Professional Approach:
Joe and his team are committed to providing sophisticated, state of the art financial strategies and delivering them as straightforward, easy to understand advice. Joe’s team focuses on streamlining the financial lives of time-pressed entrepreneurs, individuals with high net worth, and those preparing for retirement.
Joe’s approach at Catalyst Planning Partners is to provide tax-smart investment ideas along with comprehensive financial planning strategies to help our clients achieve financial security. We do all this while having a focus on socially responsible investing.
In My Free Time:
Joe grew up in Kansas and Texas but settled in Chicago after college with his wife Lauren and two daughters, Clara and Tessa. Joe enjoys reading, talking politics, golf, cycling, and platform tennis, and he is a big sports fan (Chicago White Sox, Bulls, and Green Bay Packers). After performing extensively all over the world as a professional Irish dance for Chicago’s Trinity Irish Dance Company and the acclaimed show, Riverdance, Joe remains involved in coaching kids (including his own two girls) for international competitions at the Trinity Academy of Irish Dancing in Chicago.
Education & Certifications:
- B.S. in Finance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Fellowship, University of Southern California
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, & 65
Background & Expertise:
Rich grew up in a suburb of Chicago (Glenview) and quickly learned the importance of financial planning after his mother tragically passed away in a white-water rafting accident. After attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Rich worked in corporate finance for several years before starting his financial planning career at the beginning of 2009. He quickly built a successful solo financial practice but desired to build a more dynamic team that could serve a multi-generational client base.
Teaming up with Joe Smith, they formed Catalyst Planning Partners, a firm focused on helping individuals and families protect and achieve their most important financial goals. Catalyst Planning Partners is focused on helping clients optimize, execute, and review their dynamic life and financial plan.
Professional Approach:
Rich’s mission is to love and serve God, family, friends, clients, as well as the multi-generations of people he will never see or meet and thereby make a profound impact on this world. Rich and his team will first help you articulate your objectives and then plan around those objectives using analysis, strategic thinking, insurance, and investments. The team will then consistently review your plan to make sure you stay on track. Rich specializes in working with business owners, executives, and families that are pre-retirees/retirees.
In My Free Time:
Rich is involved with TEDx Chicago, GRIP Outreach For Youth, and Breakthrough Ministries. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Hannah and son, Lyon, as well as golfing, traveling, and serving at his local church.
Education & Certifications:
- B.A., Wesleyan University
- M.B.A. in Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business
- Certified Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®)
Background & Expertise:
Before joining Northwestern Mutual and while raising her family, Jennifer founded a personal training business and co-owned a gym in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago. She has since worked in the financial services industry for over 10 years with experience in capital markets, syndicated finance, and M&A. After serving as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, Jennifer joined Catalyst Planning Partners in 2021 to serve in an organization that provides a wholistic approach to helping clients achieve their goals and prioritizes exceptional customer service.
Professional Approach:
As a Wealth Advisor for Catalyst Planning Partners, I help affluent individuals and families achieve their financial goals. My job is straightforward -- to earn your trust through sound and unbiased advice, grounded in proven investment principles that create and preserve long-term wealth.
I believe in the power of knowing where you’re going and how to get there. I’m committed to working with you every step of the way, from taking time to understand your unique goals and dreams, to developing a comprehensive financial plan, to expert plan execution. Finally, I’m committed to monitoring and adapting your plan for life’s inevitable changes and challenges.
In My Free Time:
Jennifer lives in downtown Chicago with her husband Kevin. They are enjoying their empty nesting years by taking advantage of the multiple cultural activities Chicago has to offer. They also enjoy getting outside the city to golf, ski and visit family.
Education & Certifications:
- B.A. in Economics from DePaul University
- FINRA Series 7 & 66
Background & Expertise:
Michael began his financial career at Merrill Private Wealth Management working with high-net worth clients back in 2019. Through various roles (Operations, Advisor Support, Financial Advisor) Michael has gained expertise in full service, comprehensive financial advising.
Professional Approach:
Michael works with clients to develop sustainable financial plans to achieve their near and long-term goals. By hearing our client’s concerns and aspirations, Michael is able to enact individually curated strategies to meet the unique needs of every client. Michael and Catalyst Planning Partners aim to making the lives of our clients easier by enabling them to feel confident about their financial futures.
In My Free Time:
Michael grew up in Barrington, but currently resides in Chicago with his fiancée, Cali. He is an avid Chicago sports fan (Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks). Michael enjoys golfing, sailing, playing guitar, and spending time with friends and family.
Education & Certifications:
- B.A. in Marketing, University of Northern Iowa
- Licensed in Life, Disability, Long Term Care, and Health Insurance
- FINRA Series 6 & 63
Background & Expertise:
Shortly after graduating college, Jackie started her career with Joe at Northwestern Mutual in June 2012. She has served in various roles within Catalyst Planning Partners since then and can assist with all aspects of the financial planning process.
In My Free Time:
Personally, Jackie lives in Logan Square with her husband (Nate), two sons, and dog. She enjoys running & riding her Peloton, going to Cubs games, and trying new restaurants in the city.
When to interact with this associate:
- Not sure who to contact at Catalyst Planning Partners? Ask Jackie.
Education & Certifications:
- B.A. in History, Loyola University Chicago
- M.A. in Theological Studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
- Licensed in Life, Disability, and Health insurance
Background & Expertise:
Prior to beginning work at Catalyst Planning Partners in 2014, Jake was a personal trainer at a local health club. Through his experience in each of these roles, Jake developed a passion for helping people achieve their goals and plan for their best life.
In My Free Time:
During his free time, Jake enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, reading, and exercising. He hopes to one day visit every National Park in the US and to read every novel that has won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
When to interact with this associate:
- Need help servicing your existing insurance products? Ask Jake.
Education & Certifications:
- B.A. in Business Administration, California State University
- M.B.A., University of Phoenix
- Licensed in Life, Disability, Long Term Care, and Health Insurance
- FINRA Series 6 & 63
Background & Expertise:
Cassandra began her career with Northwestern Mutual in her hometown of San Diego and has over 20 years of experience in this industry having served in the Fredericksburg, Virginia and Chicago, IL offices. Joining Catalyst Planning Partners in January of 2011, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our practice as our Director of Investment Operations.
In My Free Time:
In her free time, Cassandra enjoys spending time with her husband, Hector, daughter, Olivia, and son, Chris. She is heavily involved in Olivia’s cheerleading.
When to interact with this associate:
- Investment questions about current accounts? Ask Cass.
Education & Certifications:
- B.A. in Christian Education, Trinity International University
- Licensed in Life, Disability, and Health Insurance
- FINRA Series 6 & 63
Background & Expertise:
Tori joined Catalyst Planning Partners in January 2021 after working in higher education for three years. She is an Associate Financial Representative who highly values excellent customer service and helping clients accomplish their goals.
In My Free Time:
Personally, Tori lives in the western suburbs of Chicago and spends her free time exploring the city, reading, and always on the hunt for new coffee shops.
When to interact with this associate:
- Investment questions about new accounts? Ask Tori.
Education & Certifications:
- B.A. in Business Management and Non-Profit Management, Trinity International
- Licensed in Life, Disability, & Health Insurance
Background & Expertise:
Grace started her career with Catalyst Planning Partners as an Associate Financial Representative in January of 2022. Previously, Grace worked in Human Resources within higher education for two years.
In My Free Time:
Grace lives in Highwood with her cat, Stella. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, working out, and finding new coffee shops.
Grace may work directly with you to:
- Want to schedule an appointment? Ask Grace.
- Service your insurance products
Education & Certifications:
- B.A. in Communication, University of Illinois at Chicago
- Licensed in Life, Disability, Health Insurance
Background & Expertise:
Yocelyn started her career with Catalyst Planning Partners in January of 2023 as an Client Service Representative. Previously, Yocelyn worked in Real Estate for four years.
In My Free Time:
In her free time, Yocelyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as reading, traveling, and learning new languages.
Yocelyn may work directly with you to:
- Need help applying for a new risk product? Ask Yocelyn.