Our Team

Heather Hackett

EA, CFP®

CA Insurance Lic. #0C08131 

Transplanted to Corona del Mar at the early age of two months, you would never guess that this dynamic and outgoing Financial Planning Department staff member wasn't a true native-Californian. Growing up on the coast and spending most of her limited free time at the beach, Heather enjoys all things aquatic, especially surfing. But this is not the only endeavor Heather passionately pursues.  At an early age, Heather realized her passion for finance and people. Working forty-plus hours per week as a manager of the local grocery store in order to fund her higher education, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from California State University at Fullerton with an emphasis in real estate and personal investments.

During the past twenty plus years, Heather’s vast professional experience includes insurance analysis, design and field underwriting, managing commercial credit lines and debt portfolio risk, providing in-depth portfolio review and creating comprehensive financial plans — including IRA and qualified planning, business succession planning, estate planning, and investment portfolio design. In addition to her accomplishments, Heather has administrated securities operations, branch office compliance, and most impressively, managed a 401(k) qualified plan department.

Heather has studied and achieved the status of California-licensed life-disability insurance professional, FINRA Registered Representative (Series 7/63 and 24), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® /CFP® professional, and passed the certification for Enrolled Agent.

Heather serves our clients by skillfully handling all areas of their personal financial and tax planning needs. Whether preparing detailed financial proposals, researching and constructing complex account valuations, analyzing current and future needs, or resolving difficult business transactions, she is consistently personable and tenaciously capable.

Besides anything ocean related, Heather enjoys traveling, live music, her urban farm, and spending time with her family and friends. She recently started sailing and loves it!

Amber Reams

CPA

CA Insurance Lic. #0I72289 

Amber Reams joined The Financial Planning Department, Inc. in July 2013. She is a graduate of the University of San Diego where she spent a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain, as an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and graduated with a Bachelor of Accountancy degree. Amber is a CPA with 6 years of experience at a public accounting firm, specializing in Audit and Accounting for hospitality, retail, manufacturing, biotech, and non-profit companies. In 2014, she received her Series 7 and Series 66 securities registrations, as well her life-disability insurance license. 

Amber, her husband, Matt, and their three children (daughter Charlie, sons Jack and Wyatt) live in San Diego. Amber enjoys exercising, exploring San Diego, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Some of her favorite activities are exploring the San Diego restaurant scene and taking their kids to the San Diego Zoo.

Kathleen Hansen

Financial Analyst, MBA, EA, CFP®

Kathleen specializes in assisting advisors with conceptual financial planning including tax planning, investment, risk management, retirement, and estate planning. Prior to working in the financial services industry, she was a buyer for Buffum’s department stores in the 1970s and early 1980s buying manufactured products based on commodity prices. That activity spawned her interest in investing and led her to obtain an MBA with an emphasis in finance and accounting.

Kathleen is an IRS Enrolled Agent (EA). In 1987, she earned the designation CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® / CFP® certification.

Kathleen attended San Diego State University and then California State University, Long Beach, where she graduated summa cum laude in 1975 with her B.A. degree. In 1982 she received her MBA from Cal State Long Beach, graduating in the top one percent of her class.  She currently serves as a director on the 49er Foundation Board at CSULB. 

Kathleen enjoys playing tennis, reading, and is an instrument-rated pilot. 

Karen Bannach

Advisor Assistant, MBA, CRPT

Karen Bannach joined The Financial Planning Department in July 2022, where she serves as a Certified Tax Preparer (CRPT) and Advisor Assistant. Karen brings a wealth of experience to her role, specializing in tax preparation and financial planning support.

Born and raised in Southern California, Karen earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine, before pursuing her MBA at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Karen is also a military spouse, a role that has moved her across the country, providing her with unique life experiences and the opportunity to build lasting friendships with people from diverse backgrounds. Karen now resides in the South Bay with her husband and their four young children. Outside of work, she is deeply involved in her community, particularly through her love of soccer. She enjoys coaching youth teams, watching her children play, and following professional soccer leagues. All of the activities of her children also keep her very busy.

Karen’s proficiency in tax and financial planning support, combined with her rich life experiences and dedication to her community, make her a key asset to The Financial Planning Department and its clients.

Laurie Paolozzi

Administrative Assistant

Laurie joined the FPD team in January 2017 after retiring from a rewarding career as a high school teacher. Since then, she has been the team’s true “do-it-all” person. Laurie brings years of bookkeeping experience from a prior career managing the financials of small businesses and is a master of administrative operations, especially during the busy tax season.

Born and raised in Redondo Beach, California, Laurie earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, and her master’s degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She and her husband, Mike, raised three children and are now proud grandparents to seven grandchildren.

Outside of work, Laurie enjoys morning walks and breakfast at the beach, reading, cooking, sewing, and making sure she spends quality time with each of her grandchildren.