Our Team

My path towards becoming a financial advisor actually started when I was 8 years old and my dad took me to open my first bank account. My love of money, investing and saving began the moment I realized I could earn money by saving it.  After college and while earning my MBA, I spent 14 years in corporate America in both US and Worldwide finance positions.  In 2006, I decided to finally return to my first love and use my passion and talent for helping people with their personal finances. At that time, I joined Sherpa Financial Advisors as a wealth manager and financial advisor. Then in 2010, after 4 years of building relationships with the clients I had come to know and value, I purchased the business. I now continue to operate as the owner and primary wealth manager for the firm.

I earned my MBA from Chapman University in Orange, California in 2001 and my B.A. in Business Administration, with an emphasis on Financial Management, in 1991 from California State University at Fullerton. From 2007-2010 I attended the College for Financial Planning where I completed all 5 courses as part of their education program. I also earned the Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) designation in 2015 after completing a comprehensive, 21 module, financial planning program.

My wife, Kristin, and I were married in 2003 and have two daughters and one son.  When I’m not working or spending time with my family, I enjoy playing softball, golfing, reading and cooking (read my blog for some great food and money recipes!).

Michael Spieler is a FINRA Registered Representative (Series 7/66) CA, AZ, CO,FL, GA, MD, ME, MI, NC, TX, VA, WA; California Insurance License #0F54740.

E-mail Michael at mspieler@sherpafa.com

I graduated from Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California and achieved the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) designation during my 21 year career in Fountain Valley School District where I served as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools and Secretary to the elected Board of Trustees. I have worked in the financial planning field since 1998 and earned my certification as a Registered Paraplanner from the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado. I am Series 7 and 63 registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

E-mail Vicki at vlucas@sherpafa.com

After spending one year in the architecture program at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, I switched directions and in 1996 received my B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. That same year I began my career in business at Ingram Micro where I spent 10 years in the Marketing Department in a variety of roles. While managing partnerships with HP, Microsoft and other technology manufacturers, I developed comprehensive business plans for these strategic partners and then eventually, as a Senior Manager, I oversaw a team of people in the planning and execution of a national conference for 700 customers, manufacturer partners and executives as well as the execution of a localized, multi-city conference.

In 2006 I decided to temporarily pause my career while our children were babies so I could focus on raising them. Then, in 2011 I began working at Sherpa Financial Advisors where I partner with Mike in managing the operations, strategic planning and business development of the firm in addition to leading all marketing and communications initiatives including events, client communications, and web-site development and management.

Aside from my work at Sherpa, I manage a variety of programs with the PTAs at my childrens' schools. I also spent 5 years serving on the Board of Directors for Creative Kids Playhouse, a local children's theater production company. I love theater, music and dance and spent most of my childhood and early adult years on stage. When I'm not spending time with Mike and our 3 children, I enjoy yoga, reading, baking and spending time at the beach.

E-mail Kristin at kspieler@sherpafa.com

I grew up all over the world as part of a military family before attending San Diego State University where I received my BA.  I spent 22 years in the financial services industry and was formerly an SVP at PIMCO. My previous experience includes investment compliance monitoring and governance, operations, reference data and project management.  Currently I am on the Board of Directors for Creative Kids Playhouse of Orange County where I have served for the past 5 years.

I am a busy wife and mom of two, supporting my children’s schools, involved at church and engaged in charity work.

I have always had an appreciation for the financial services and investment fields so over the years I have been drawn to jobs and volunteer work where I have been able to purse this interest. While at Scripps College, where I graduated with a B.A. in Economics in 2000, I was President of the Student Investment Fund. After graduating from Scripps I joined Providence St. Jude Memorial Foundation team, fundraising specifically for programs and initiatives of Providence St. Jude Medical Center. I spent over 10 years at Providence in a variety of fundraising and office management positions. I oversaw Donor Recognition for a $50 million Capital Campaign and I led a small team focused on Annual Giving and data management.

In 2011 I took a break from my work when my first son was born. Since then, my husband and I welcomed two more sons into our family. Throughout the past 11 years, I’ve become active with my boys’ school’s PTA (where I have served as the Treasurer and Financial Secretary), LFII Dolphins Swim Team, and St. Kilian’s Catholic Church. I enjoy baking, traveling, Lagree Pilates and time at the beach with the kids.