Your Wellness Team
At ARK, we not only employ financial wellness strategies for our clients, but also for the health and well-being of our team. A company is nothing without valued employees. We believe that companies who motivate, encourage and recognize the talents of its team members, will be able to provide the best service to its clients.
Lisa Avenevoli, CFP®, CMFC
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional ׀ Proud Mom ׀ Waterski Enthusiast ׀ Wannabe Ballroom Dancer ׀ Sweet Tooth Supporter ׀ Lake/Ocean Fanatic
“Life will always be complicated. Learn to be happy right now. Otherwise, you will run out of time.” -unknown
Lisa’s Passion
As a 25-year veteran in the financial planning world, Lisa’s greatest satisfaction and joy comes from providing individuals the ability and confidence to do more of what they love. Empowering clients to achieve their dreams through personalized, values-driven financial advice is truly the most fulfilling aspect of being a financial advisor for Lisa.
Lisa’s Background
Lisa graduated with honors from the University of Missouri-St Louis earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in May 1999 with Majors in Finance & Management and a Minor in Psychology. As part of Lisa’s studies, she participated in an Internship Program, writing a thesis on Modern Portfolio Theory and Asset Allocation Strategies in April 1998.
Lisa then obtained her Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) designation from the College for Financial Planning in May 1999. This designation exudes expertise and an understanding of mutual funds, asset allocation, retirement planning, risk and return, and investments.
After spending a decade in the industry, Lisa sought bigger goals in her desire to obtain her Certified Financial Planner™ Professional (CFP®) designation, which she obtained in March 2009. Becoming a CFP® is one of the most difficult and stringent processes, requiring years of experience, successful completion of standardized exams, a demonstration of ethics and a formal education. CFP® professionals are required to take 30 hours of continuing education requirements every two years in addition to ethical requirements in order to maintain his or her designation. The most important aspect of a CFP® is their fiduciary duty, meaning they must make recommendations with their client’s best interests in mind.
Lisa was awarded the FIVE-STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager each year from 2014-2023. This award recognizes professionals in the financial services industry who are committed to excellence. For more information on how this award is earned, CLICK HERE.
Lisa’s Why
Lisa’s commitment to her clients, to her family and to her community is what drives her. Lisa is a supporter and regular volunteer for the St. Louis Area Foodbank and the Marine Toys-For-Tots program. From her love of reading to and with her own children, Lisa supports Ready Readers as part of their Finance Committee. Lisa served on the Board and Finance Committee for the Christian Hospital Foundation from 2016-2021. In memory of her brother, Lisa also continually works to bring advocacy and awareness to those who suffer from learning and behavioral health disabilities.
In her spare time, Lisa and her husband relish in chauffeuring and cheering on their three children at baseball, hockey, and soccer games, and dance performances. Lisa also values quality time spent at backyard BBQs, boating at Table Rock lake or a beach vacation with family and friends.
Lisa knows that the ability to do what she loves requires work and ongoing planning. Lisa’s understanding of her purpose and drive in life aids in her ability to guide clients to realize their goals and passions as well.
Isabel Raycraft
Wealth & Client Service Manager ׀ Proud Mom ׀ Movie Fanatic ׀ Disney Lover ׀ Outdoor Enthusiast ׀ Wearer of Many Hats
Isabel’s Passion
Supporting others in reaching their financial goals is a gratifying and fulfilling experience in and of itself for Isabel. She believes one of life’s aspirations should always be to treat others as you want to be treated. This respect guides Isabel to strive to provide the best service in all aspects of the financial wellness world.
Isabel’s Background
Isabel is bilingual in Spanish. She holds an Associate’s Degree in General Study from College of DuPage and graduated with honors from the Illinois Institute of Art – Schaumburg with Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Digital Media Production.
Isabel has been in the service industry since her first job as a sales clerk. From there she left to learn guest satisfaction in an internship for Disney World. She has been involved in the financial industry field since 2006 and has had plenty of experience helping clients navigate the complexities of financial markets. She was a Certified Fund Specialist and is currently working towards obtaining a Chartered Market Technician® designation. Isabel is also a Notary Public for the state of Missouri.
Isabel’s Why
Seeking self-improvement, learning, and trying new things are main drivers for Isabel. This can come in many forms to include taking in new and different perspectives about all aspects of life via film and television, or re-experiencing life through the eyes of her children. Isabel also finds value and joy in learning client “why” stories – meaning, the drivers behind why clients seek financial wellness at any particular point in their lives.
At home, Isabel’s husband and four children keep her very busy, whether learning the new way to do math, figuring out how to sneak in more vegetables at dinner, encouraging them to find their passions, or simply getting in as many snuggles before they outgrow her. But what Isabel and her husband enjoy most is spending quality time with their kids outdoors either in the country or on the beach – disconnected from technology and the internet. This allows all to return to their daily routines re-charged to take on whatever life brings.
That re-charge is what Isabel brings back to her role in wealth and client service. This essential fresh perspective allows her to better aid clients and her team members in their journey towards wellness.