Accredited Financial Counselor®
For Jess, it all started with curiosity — wondering how to help people feel less stressed about money. She saw firsthand how overwhelming finances could be for people close to her and wanted to make that experience a little easier for others. Every role she took seemed to pull her toward accounting and financial work — the kind that requires patience, focus, and care. That path eventually led her to The Flanders Group in 2023, where she helps create an environment where clients feel comfortable, understood, and supported.
Jess believes every financial journey is personal. With an extensive background in customer service and accounting, Jess brings a steady, approachable presence to every client interaction. She focuses on consistency, follow-through, and clear communication — helping ensure that each client experience feels organized, thoughtful, and personal.
Jess has earned the Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) designation, a nationally recognized credential awarded by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education® (AFCPE®). The certification reflects rigorous training in personal finance topics such as budgeting, cash flow, and everyday financial decision-making, all grounded in strong ethical and educational standards.
The AFC® program emphasizes clarity, responsibility, and real-world financial understanding — helping professionals better support individuals and families as they navigate common financial challenges. This additional training strengthens Jess’s ability to support both clients and the advisory team with informed, thoughtful communication and a deeper understanding of the financial situations many families face.
Originally from a small town in Virginia, Jess grew up surrounded by people who valued hard work, kindness, and doing right by others. Those small-town roots shaped how she shows up for clients today — blending professionalism with genuine care in a way that fits perfectly with the team’s belief that good client service should feel both high-caliber and human.
Now living near Susquehanna State Park in Harford County with her husband, Daniel, and their black lab, Arlo, Jess starts most mornings with a quiet walk, a good playlist, and an iced coffee in hand. When she’s not outdoors, you’ll likely find her crocheting stuffed animals for friends or sitting by a fire pit with family. Steady, thoughtful, and quietly determined, Jess believes that the best kind of progress happens one step at a time.
If she could give one piece of advice to her younger self, it would be this:
Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready — start with what you know, and trust that you’ll learn along the way. Progress beats perfection every time.
Quickfire Q&A
Favorite Movie: I don’t have a favorite
Coffee Order: Iced coffee with caramel
Dream Destination: Ireland
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Hidden Talent: Not answering bio questions
Dinner With Anyone (Alive or Dead): My husband.