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As a Wealth Advisor, Sean manages our valuable client relationships through developing financial plans and implementing customized, comprehensive financial solutions to meet their unique needs. Sean is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner and a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, where he received his BS in Business with a major in Finance. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designation
Prior to Sean joining The Mather Group in April 2026 as Director of Business Owner Strategy, he was the founder and CEO of Sebold Capital Management. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial planning and investment management industries with diverse background and experience, ranging from working on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to a Global Consultancy in Andersen Consulting, providing a unique vantage on wealth management. By focusing on the distinct needs of business owners, leaders and their families, Sean is able to guide the client through life decisions that bridge the gap between wealth and quality of life.
Sean is a strong believer that education and knowledge provide value, he is a part of a small group of advisors that have earned both the CFP® certification and the CFA Charter. Both designations are the highest level of certification in their respective field. (Less than 3% of all advisors in the country hold both designations.) His formal education began with a BA in English from Villanova University. He completed his CFP® education at the College for Financial Planning and went on to obtain an MBA with majors in Finance, International Business and Marketing from Northwestern University's Kellogg School.
He was a member of the Legislative Committee for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and was the Treasurer for the Hesed House, the second largest homeless shelter in Illinois. He is a past-president and past-chairman of the Financial Planning Association of Illinois. After serving at the state level, Sean chaired the Financial Planning Association's National Pro Bono Advisory Committee. He also served on the Illinois State Treasurer's Advisory Council on Financial Education and Literacy.
Sean's unique philosophy of financial planning has been quoted in many articles, most prominently in The Wall Street Journal, AARP Magazine, Crain's Chicago Business, CFA Magazine, Financial Advisor Magazine, USAA Magazine and the Chicago Tribune. He has made presentations at the Kane County Bar Association, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, the CFA Institute of Chicago, and at the Financial Planning Association meetings. He has been a guest on WTTW's Chicago Tonight with Phil Ponce as well as ABC's Sunday Morning “NewsViews” with Alan Krashesky and Fox News.
When not working, Sean spends his time with his wife, four children, and their German Shepherd dog. He also enjoys, tennis, sailing and is an avid photographer.
Shae joined The Mather Group as a Senior Financial Planning Associate in April 2026 after the partnership with Sebold Capital Management. He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designations.
Shae is responsible for building and maintaining comprehensive financial plans, as well as analyzing complex tax and estate planning scenarios. He prepares tailored recommendations that align with each client’s unique goals and circumstances.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Shae now lives in the Naperville area with his partner, Chelsea, and their dog, Arlo. They enjoy visiting farmers markets, attending sporting events, exploring antique shops, and making the occasional trip into the city to try new restaurants.
As a Tax Senior Manager, Shauna assists the firm’s CPAs in providing comprehensive tax services and implementing tax strategies. Shauna joined The Mather Group in January 2022 with more than 10 years of experience, including working for two companies that were rated among Atlanta’s Top 25 CPA firms by American Registry. Immediately prior to TMG, she was a Senior Tax Analyst at HLB Gross Collins P.C. She has worked in various industries providing tax planning services, preparing business and individual returns as well as assisting clients with general business tax compliance requirements. With her experience, she has become adept at navigating the complexities of the tax code and interpreting them for her clients. As an Enrolled Agent, she has successfully negotiated with the IRS and state agencies to resolve client matters. Shauna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance & Investments, with minors in Accounting and Communication, from Bernard M. Baruch College. She pursuing is a Master of Science in Accountancy from the University of Phoenix.
Stephanie joined The Mather Group as a Client Service Associate, bringing over ten years of Client Service experience. In this role, Stephanie supports the Wealth Advisors by working closely with custodial service teams to open new accounts, initiate money movements and other general account maintenance. Prior to joining The Mather Group, Stephanie worked with an independent advisor as Director of Operations and Client Service Manager.
As Managing Director, Head of Alternative Investments, Stephen applies his investment acumen and experience to assess and develop new investment offerings based on clients’ investment goals, risk tolerance, and retirement needs. He joined The Mather Group through the acquisition of HC Financial Advisors in August 2022, where he operated as the Chief Investment Officer and a Principal. Prior to HC Financial Advisors, he was a Senior Analyst of Zacks Investment Research, Senior Equity Analyst of Manning & Napier, and Principal of Wells Capital Management. Stephen earned his MS in Business and Finance and BS in Business and Management from San Diego State University. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst® designation, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. Additionally, Stephen is Co-Chair of the Member Programming Advisory Council of the CFA Society of San Francisco.
Steven joined The Mather Group in August 2024 as Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis bringing 15 years of financial services experience across a variety of strategy and finance roles. Previously, Steven was a FP&A leader at Nuveen Investments in Chicago, and held roles at Northern Trust, Charles Schwab and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Steven earned a BS in Management from Boston College with concentrations in Finance and Strategy Management.
Stewart rejoined The Mather Group in December 2023 as Director, Salesforce. He brings over eight years’ experience working with Salesforce. Stew interned with The Mather Group for three summers and became a full-time employee. After working for TMG for four years, he left TMG to pursue consulting, specifically within the Salesforce ecosystem at Vantage Point Consulting and then NeuraFlash where he served as a Solution Architect. Stew received his Bachelor of Sciences in Business from Indiana University, where he majored in Finance and Technology Management.
As a Financial Planner, Suzanne supports the firm’s proprietary financial planning process by gathering client information and documentation and creating financial plans. She puts our clients’ interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. She joined The Mather Group through the acquisition of Cedar Financial Advisors, LLC, where she served as a Client Services Manager. Prior to Cedar Financial Advisors, LLC, Suzanne was a CFO at Norway Labs, a Consultant at Malcolm Pirnie, a Senior Consultant at Integrated Utilities Group, and an Assistant Finance Director for the City of Vancouver, Washington. She earned a Master of Public Administration from Lewis & Clark College and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Speech Communication from Willamette University.
As Assistant Controller, Tara helps to manage the firm’s accounting process, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll. She also prepares reports that summarize and forecast business activities and financial positions related to income, expenses, and earnings. Tara joined The Mather Group in June 2023, bringing 20 years of professional experience. Her previous roles include serving as Corporate Controller for AJ Capital Partners, Senior Manager – Corporate Accounting at WNC First Insurance, Vice President at Northern Trust, and positions of increasing responsibility at GE Capital, the financial services division of General Electric. Tara earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Drake University and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from DePaul University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.
As a Tax Associate, Tashi is responsible for assisting the firm’s CPAs in managing thetax-planning needs of our high-net-worth clients. Immediately prior to The MatherGroup, she worked on the Tax Services team for Crowe. She earned a Bachelorof Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University ofHouston, Clear Lake. She is actively pursuing her CPA license.
Tom joined The Mather Group in June 2023, after earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University – Bloomington, including a minor in Financial Literacy from IU’s Kelley School of Business. He worked with the TMG team as an intern during the summer of 2022. In his role as a Client Associate, Tom supports the firm’s proprietary financial planning process by gathering client information and documentation.
Tim Ayles joined The Mather Group as an Investment Director in November 2025 following the merger of Napa Wealth Management. Prior to The Mather Group Tim served as Chief Investment Officer at Napa Wealth Management since 2008. As the former lead portfolio manager of the NWM Momentum Fund and a seasoned manager of currency arbitrage hedge fund strategies, Tim brings over 25 years of experience developing sophisticated trading models for stocks, futures, and currencies. His ability to distill complex investment concepts into clear, relatable terms empowers clients to understand and engage with their portfolios confidently.
A serial entrepreneur, Tim has built and sold businesses across diverse industries to private equity firms and thrives on consulting with business owners to enhance company value through strategic cash flow and growth initiatives, blending analytical precision with a passion for problem-solving.
A dedicated family man, Tim has been married to his high school sweetheart for decades and is a proud father of four. He has coached his children’s sports teams, serves on the board of a non-profit supporting families in crisis, and is actively involved in his church. An avid sports fan and self-proclaimed book nerd, he also contributes to his community as a board member for local Little League and other charitable organizations.
His vice, which can ruin his productivity and efficiency, is any invitation to go get ice cream and sit by the fountains to people watch. He will never turn it down.
Timothy A. Knotts joined The Mather Group as a Wealth Advisor in January 2026 following the merger of The Hogan-Knotts Financial Group, Inc. As a Wealth Advisor, Timothy builds long-standing client relationships by delivering thoughtful financial planning and customized, comprehensive solutions designed to help clients navigate life with confidence and clarity.
Prior to joining The Mather Group, Timothy was one of two founders and Senior Planners at The Hogan-Knotts Financial Group, Inc., where he specialized in working with pre- and post-retirement individuals and couples. His focus has always been on helping clients ensure their financial resources support the lives they want to live—so they don’t run out of money before they run out of time.
Timothy has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professional for more than 30 years, having earned a postgraduate certificate in Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning in 1988. He graduated with honors from the University of California, Davis, in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Planning and Management. Early in his career, he spent two years working with the National Park Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior.
He is deeply engaged in both his profession and his community. Timothy is a current member and past Board member of the Financial Planning Association of New Jersey (FPANJ). To remain at the forefront of estate and income tax law, insurance, trust planning, and investment strategies, he is also a member and past President of the Estate & Financial Planning Council of Central New Jersey.
Timothy’s community service includes current or past board and leadership roles with the Monmouth Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Monmouth Unit of the American Cancer Society, the Central Jersey Chapter of the International Association for Financial Planning (past President), the West Long Branch Volunteer EMS Department (past President), the Red Bank First Aid Squad, and the West Long Branch Lions International chapter (past President).
Outside of his professional work, Timothy is a New Jersey State-certified EMT, a P.A.D.I. Certified Master SCUBA Diver, and holds an FCC Amateur Radio General Class License (KC2OMZ).
Timothy has been married for more than 41 years and is the proud father of four children and grandfather to two grandchildren. He shares his home with one dog and one cat, and one parakeet (with a miniature donkey and miniature horse in the backfield!) and has been a New Jersey resident since 1985.
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As a Wealth Advisor, Tim manages our valuable client relationships by developing and implementing customized financial plans to meet our clients’ unique needs. Tim joined The Mather Group in August 2022, bringing over 14 years of industry experience. He spent the previous 12 years working with Charles Schwab, most recently as Vice President, where he provided comprehensive financial planning, estate planning guidance, and long-term investment advice to high-net-worth households. Tim earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Minor in Business from Arizona State University. He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and an Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM.
As an IT Director, Tim is responsible for establishing, monitoring, and maintaining information technology systems and services, working in partnership with internal leaders and external vendors. Tim joined The Mather Group in November 2022 after spending seven years with Berlin Packaging as Manager, IT Service Delivery & Support. Over the previous 10 years, he served as Vice President, Service Desk Operations Manager at Guggenheim Partners. Tim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of St. Thomas. He also holds the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) V3 certification and the ITIL Intermediate Certificate in Service Operation.
When Todd joined The Mather Group in February 2024, he brought 11 years of financial planning experience. Todd currently manages client relationships and helps develop and customize strategic financial plans for the families he serves. Prior to this, Todd was a Vice President of Institutional Equity Trading for Instinet LLC. Todd graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Finance.
As an Operations Associate, Tomas supports back-office operational processes and helps to establish and drive decision-making for technology solutions and operational processes for the firm. Prior to joining The Mather Group in July 2023, Tomas was a Wealth Manager at Creative Financial Planning, Inc. Tomas earned both a BBA in Finance and Business Administration and an MBA in Financial Management from Iona University.
Tonya joined The Mather Group as a Senior Client Service Associate in November 2025. She has 16 years of experience in the wealth management industry. Tonya supports the Wealth Advisors by working closely with custodial service teams to open new accounts, initiate money movements and other general account maintenance. Prior to that, she served for 10 years in health insurance call centers for two major health insurance providers, providing leadership, customer service support, and training.
Outside the office, Tonya loves planning family retreats with her husband and their two grown children. She also pursues solo backpacking adventures and has explored trails throughout the Sierras and the Grand Canyon—with many more adventures ahead.
As a Tax Manager, Tyler develops tax-reduction strategies for corporate executives and retirees. He’s a graduate of Millikin University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, with a minor in Finance. He also served as Team Lead for Millikin University’s Tabor Investment Portfolio, actively managing a portion of the university’s endowment fund.
As a Financial Planner, Tyler supports the firm’s proprietary financial planning process by gathering client information and documentation. He puts our clients' interest first and is committed to developing meaningful, long-term relationships. He joined The Mather Group in December 2021 with the acquisition of Eugenias Advisory Group, where he had been working since 2019. Tyler holds a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Houston.
As a Wealth Advisor, Will develops meaningful client relationships in the New York market, while building and implementing personalized financial plans. Will joined us from TIAA where he served as a Wealth Management Advisor. Prior to that, he spent time with a large national wealth management firm as both an Investment Representative and Financial Consultant. Will is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany where he earned a degree in Spanish and Iberian Studies.
As a Trader, Zach is responsible for daily trading activity, executing complex investment strategies, and managing portfolio accounting and maintenance for all clients. He joined The Mather Group in March 2025 after working as a Wealth Advisor at Equitable Holdings LLC. Zach holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky.
Zach joined The Mather Group as a Financial Planning Associate in April 2026 after the partnership with Sebold Capital Management. He brings more than a decade of diverse experience in the financial services industry, with a professional background that spans institutional fund administration, investment management, and personalized financial planning. He has held key leadership positions in client service, operations, and relationship management, supporting a broad spectrum of clients including high-net-worth individuals, hedge funds, and private equity firms.
Known for his thoughtful, client-focused approach, Zach is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate their financial journeys with clarity and confidence. He takes pride in delivering tailored advice and fostering long-term relationships built on trust and transparency.
Outside of work, Zach is a devoted husband and father of two. He enjoys playing basketball, hitting the golf course, and spending quality time with his family.
As Executive Director of Legacy at TMG, Laura is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the goals and mission of the Legacy at TMG clients. She coordinates the Legacy at TMG staff, various external resources, and advisors to holistically serve the financial, wealth, tax, estate, and other planning and administrative needs of the Legacy at TMG practice. Laura has been working with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families on all aspects of their wealth planning for more than 25 years. Prior to The Mather Group, Laura worked at Southern Wealth Management, Dallas, where she was Partner and Principal for 16 years. Laura earned her B.A. in Psychology from Russell Sage College, a small women's college in upstate New York. She received her JD from Albany Law School. Laura also holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation (CAP®).
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