Staff
I take customer service very seriously. So does my staff. Together, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service to all of our clients. If you need to schedule an appointment or request any other service, please let us know. We will respond promptly.
- To schedule an appointment with Justin or Brian, contact Tosha Hooker at tosha.r.hooker@nm.com.
- For service on your insurance policy or investment account, contact Stephanie Abernathy at stephanie.j.abernathy@nm.com or Taylor Stark at taylor.stark@nm.com.
- For questions regarding your investment portfolio, contact Rich Thompson at richard.thompson@nm.com.
- For information or service regarding 401(k) plans, contact Brian Bollman at brian.bollman@nm.com.
Learn more about my staff below.
Stephanie Abernathy, CFP®, CLU®
Stephanie has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2000 and joined Justin Kirby’s team in October 2006. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 2003 with a degree in Finance. Stephanie is life and health licensed and has passed the Series 6, 7, 26, 63, and 66 exams, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Stephanie takes care of client service and operations.
She has 2 children, Sydney and Wesley. She enjoys bowling, traveling with familly, and attending her kids’ activities and sporting events
Richard Thompson, CFA®, CLU®
Rich graduated from the University of Illinois College of Business in 2008 with a degree in Finance with High Honors. He started working for Justin as an intern in January 2008. Following graduation he started full-time in January 2009. Rich has his Series 7 and 66, life and health licenses and has earned the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation.
Rich is a lifelong resident of the Champaign-Urbana area. He is married to Kaitlyn and they welcomed a baby girl, Mila, in June 2021. In their free time they enjoy spending time together playing golf, tennis and attending University of Illinois athletic events.
Brian N Bollman
Brian has been in the financial services arena since 2000.Working with companies regarding their retirement plans is his primary focus with the Kirby Wealth Management Team. Since 2006, Brian has been Director of Retirement Plans for Kirby Wealth Management Group. Brian also works with individuals in their personal planning, as well as understanding their group benefits. He is insurance and investment licensed in several states, as well as having his Series 6, 63 and 65 securities licenses. He also holds the Qualified Plan Financial Consultant designation.
Brian is married to Dianne and they have twins, Jordanne and Jakob. He is active in the community through the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and his church. He also enjoys golf, volunteering, and travel with his family.
Denise Vilardo Martin, CPA
Denise recently joined Kirby Wealth Management Group as the Chief Operating Officer. Prior to taking this exciting position she was an audit partner at a local public accounting firm. She was with that firm for 36 years. Denise provided her clients with complete business and management services. This not only included the standard audit and tax work but succession and growth planning.
Denise also serves as an adjunct audit professor at the University of Illinois. She has 7 kids including twins and 9 grandchildren. Denise enjoys Illini sports and the Cubs. Throw in skiing or white water rafting and you will make her day!
Noah Jason Eyman
Noah joined Kirby Wealth Management Group as an intern in February 2022. He is currently attending the University of Illinois and is studying Finance in the Gies College of Business. Noah has lived in Champaign for all his life. He enjoys golfing in his free time, and he is an avid Illini sports and racing fan.
Richard L Kirby
Rick joined Kirby Wealth Management Group in October of 2021. Before joining our team he was a Vice President with a prominent retirement plan administration firm. Rick was a senior member on that firm’s team for 20 years. He has over 30 years of experience in retirement plans, including several years with a major Midwest bank holding company that offered corporate trustee services to retirement plan sponsors. Rick graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University, Northwestern University’s National Trust School, University of Illinois / IL Bankers’ Association banking school and he completed advanced studies in philanthropy at Indiana University/Purdue University. From 2007 until recently Rick held the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst credential from the Center For Fiduciary Studies.
Rick and his wife have lived in and near Champaign since 1979. They have 2 married daughters and 2 grandchildren. He enjoys their grandchildren and anything outdoors, especially boating, sightseeing and anything ILLINI. Rick and his wife are very involved in their church
Taylor Ann Stark
Taylor joined Justin’s team in July 2019 shortly after graduating from Illinois State University in May 2019. She has a degree in Finance, along with a degree in Accounting. Taylor is life and health licensed.
Taylor has lived in the Champaign-Urbana area all of her life and currently resides in Champaign. She enjoys playing disc golf, kayaking, and spending time with family.
Tosha R Hooker
Tosha joined Kirby Wealth Management Group in May of 2022 as our Client Service Representative. Prior to joining the Kirby Wealth Management Team, she was employed with the United States Postal Service for 25 years. She ended her USPS career as the Postmaster of Urbana from 2015-2022. Tosha is eager to begin a new life endeavor and tackle goals with KWMG.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on her two children at their sporting events. Her son Xander participates in Football, Baseball and Track. He will graduate High School this year and attend Eureka College, where he will join the Red Devil’s football team. Her daughter Skye is a Sophomore and participates in Volleyball, Basketball, Softball and Track. Tosha has lived in Bement her entire life.
