Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by financial complexities or uncertain about the future, Avena Impact is here to help to expand your idea of what’s possible. Our team of advisors combines sophisticated strategies with genuine care to transform uncertainty into clarity. We’re committed to helping you find not only solutions but also a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for what’s to come.
Our team at Avena Impact brings together a wealth of experience, a commitment to integrity, and a personalized approach to ensure that every strategy we create is tailored to your unique needs.
When you choose Avena Impact, you’re partnering with a team that understands the complexities of financial planning and sees the greater purpose behind your wealth. We believe that every financial challenge is an opportunity to live with more impact and fulfillment.
For years, our advisors have guided individuals and couples across Michigan and Illinois through their most challenging financial questions. Whether you’re approaching retirement, managing significant assets, or exploring ways to give back, our purpose-driven approach prioritizes your personal goals and values. We go beyond standard advice to uncover strategies and opportunities that others might overlook, aligning your financial plan with your vision for the future.
Our clients value working with us because they recognize our commitment to serving not just their financial needs but their broader life goals. We walk alongside you with integrity and clarity, turning uncertainty into confidence and helping you transform your vision into a legacy of impact and joy.
Managing Partner / Senior Advisor
Erik Olson serves as the Senior Advisor at Avena Impact Wealth Advisors, where he leads the team in helping clients steward wealth with wisdom, clarity, and purpose. Inspired by the biblical story of Joseph—and the Latin word avena (grain)—the firm exists to help families prepare in seasons of plenty to live generously and redemptively across a lifetime.
Erik works with clients on deeply integrated planning: Roth conversions, tax-smart retirement income, Social Security and pension claiming, charitable giving strategies, and thoughtful asset location across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts.
For those seeking to align their resources with biblical convictions, Avena offers both public and private biblically responsible investing options—including redemptive opportunities to combat trafficking, create jobs, and advance Kingdom purposes.
Erik also trains future advisors to see wealth not as personal entitlement but as a sacred trust—rejecting the secular myth that more is always better, and affirming the biblical truth that money is best as a tool and not as an idol.
He and his wife married in 1983, and now have two daughters and three grandchildren. He enjoys spreadsheets, ultralight backpacking, and loyal suffering with the Vikings and Padres.
Associate Wealth Advisor
Chris Kuipers is an associate wealth advisor who brings a unique blend of experience and expertise in education and leadership to the Avena Team. After 25 years of teaching advanced math, economics, and coaching high school football—six of those as the head coach at Holland Christian High School—Chris transitioned into financial planning with a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals with a personalized approach.
Chris’s mission is to empower clients to steward their wealth in alignment with their values, fostering long-term financial growth and lasting impact. Drawing on his deep understanding of complex financial concepts and his experience in both domestic and international markets, Chris offers a values-driven strategy for wealth management. His background in education uniquely positions him to guide clients in articulating their goals and making simple yet impactful financial decisions. Chris specializes in areas such as retirement income planning, tax strategies, healthcare planning, college funding, estate planning, and impact investing.
A dedicated husband and father of two, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, whether it’s downhill skiing, tennis, golf, or pickleball. He also serves as an elder at Moran Park Church, where he is committed to making a positive impact in his community.
Client Experience Coordinator
Cindy Kuipers brings a diverse background in people-focused roles to the Client Services team at Avena Impact Wealth Advisors. Before joining the firm, she worked as the Clearinghouse Coordinator at Love INC, a local ministry where she built relational connections with individuals in need, helping to connect them with church resources. Prior to that, Cindy held people-focused roles in Calvin Theological Seminary’s Development Department and served as Administrator for the Timothy Leadership Training Institute, where she engaged with pastors and donors internationally, supporting and encouraging their ministries.
At Avena, Cindy focuses on creating a warm, efficient, and personalized experience for clients, ensuring that each person feels valued and supported. With a passion for service and a commitment to fostering meaningful relationships, she strives to bring a personal touch to every interaction, helping clients navigate their financial journey with confidence.
Outside of work, Cindy enjoys being active outdoors with family, relaxing at nearby Lake Michigan, studying the Bible, and is committed to making a positive impact both professionally and personally.
Operations Manager
With over 11 years at Avena Impact, Meg brings a comprehensive understanding of the financial services industry to her role as Operations Manager. Drawing from a background in marketing and sales, she is dedicated to enhancing the client experience, fostering engagement, and supporting the firm’s growth.
Meg oversees service procedures, policies, and standards while ensuring accurate documentation of client interactions. She also develops efficient workflows and provides training to the client services team, ensuring seamless and personalized service. Her commitment to excellence helps clients feel confident and supported throughout their financial journey.
Outside of work, Meg enjoys spending time with family and friends and staying active outdoors. Whether playing pickleball, hiking, boating, or skiing, she embraces every opportunity to explore and enjoy nature.
Client Services Associate
Julie Gaulke is a Client Services Associate at Avena, where she has been helping clients navigate their financial needs for over five years. Julie values the relationships she builds with clients and takes pride in providing a seamless and supportive experience. She assists with opening accounts, transferring funds, processing IRA distributions, and handling various client requests with care and attention to detail.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also finds joy in the outdoors, whether it’s walking, hiking, biking, or boating.
Marketing Coordinator
Nathan Galloway is the Marketing Coordinator who handles all aspects of marketing, from website design and podcast production to brand awareness and advertising. He is passionate about capturing and communicating the essence of the culture at Avena Impact, focusing on the unique culture of stewarding wealth for impact. Whether it’s through advertising or creative content, Nathan values conveying Avena’s core values and culture to clients.
Nathan comes from a background in Ministry with a passion for seeing the lost met by the love of Jesus. He has served in non-profit and church work before coming to Avena where he now gets to see Christ kingdom come in the financial industry.
Outside of work, Nathan is passionate about music, leading worship at Restoration Church. An adventure seeker at heart, Nathan is always seeking to explore with family and friends. He loves staying active through a variety of activities. He describes himself as a fun balance between John the Beloved and Simon Peter.
