Kara R. Mitchell, CFP®, CPWA®, CDFA®

Director of Wealth Advising

Kara is a senior member of the Private Planning Group at ISTO. She takes great pride not only in financially guiding but also in educating clients, team members and the next generation of advisors.

Kara believes that clients should understand the ‘why’s’ and spends time making sure each client understands the different facets of their financial plan. She also works closely with the younger advisors at ISTO to be sure they are always putting clients’ needs first. She believes that proper mentorship leads to a better team at ISTO and will lead to a better experience for our clients. She has been an adjunct Finance Professor at Walsh College since 2013.

Kara has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner since 2013, a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® since 2020 and received the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst certification in 2022. She received her Bachelor and Master of Finance degrees from Walsh College.

Kara and her husband, Reed, a retired Navy veteran, love to travel and experience other cultures and foods. She’s proud of the fact that her children, Makaella and Charles, have grown into such kind, caring, and responsible adults. She is deeply involved in women and children’s causes. Her family is active in their church and community. Kara is involved in Building Bridges, Habitat for Humanity, Gleaners of South East Michigan, and is part of the CFP® Board Mentor Program.

Jill J. Wall, CFA

Chief Investment Officer

Jill is the Chief Investment Officer at ISTO and heads our investment committee. Jill is responsible for investment research and due diligence and works closely with external portfolio managers, analysts and investment industry experts. She provides our Private Planning Group with investment education and analysis for client specific situations.

Jill has been an impactful member of the ISTO team since 2008 with experience across several areas of the firm. She was previously a portfolio manager with Munder Capital Management. Jill graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology in 1990. She earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1995 and is currently enrolled in the CAIA Fundamentals of Alternative Investments program.

Jill enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband Brian reside in Troy with their three children Matthew, Elizabeth and Benjamin. Her family is active in their church and community. Jill serves on the Executive Board of the Christ Child Society of Detroit and is an Advocate for the Building Bridges program.

Karole D. Lams

Director of Operations

Karole is ISTO Advisors’ Director of Operations, having worked in client service on Paul’s team since 2009. She is passionate about getting things done the first time. She previously spent 9 years with a local institutional investment firm. Her extensive industry knowledge, outstanding organizational skills and focused attention to detail create great behind the scenes efficiency to processing client requests.

Tyler D. DeCoster

Director of Wealth Planning

Tyler is the Director of Wealth Planning for ISTO Advisors. He focuses on building a world class team of Planners who work behind the scenes to complement the Advising Team by completing detailed analysis and research for client meetings and questions. Through a commitment to excellence and innovation, Tyler’s team works diligently to come up with strategies that fit our clients’ specific needs.

Tyler joined ISTO Advisors at the beginning of 2018. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 2016 as a member of the University Fellows Experience with his Bachelor’s degree in both Finance and Accounting. Before joining our team, Tyler worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers providing tax services to high-net-worth individuals and private companies.

Tyler lives in metro Detroit and enjoys running, finding new restaurants, and spending time outdoors.

Sandra L. Noworul

Director of Coaching and Culture

Sandra is the Director of Coaching and Culture for ISTO Advisors. Her personal mission is to empower individuals to optimize every aspect of their life, in service to building a better world.  

She has had great success helping organizations develop thriving cultures and developing people to be their very best, both personally and professionally. Sandra has coached thousands of individuals and has facilitated seminars around the world, on 5 of the 7 continents.

Sandra draws on thirty years of business experience in training, human resources, and coaching. Her diverse background ranges from running an entrepreneurial start-up to working for a company ranked on the Fortune 100 list.

Having Sandra as a coach is like having a trusted advisor in your corner, encouraging and empowering you to achieve your most important dreams and goals.

Professional Certifications:  Executive Coach, Dream Manager® Life Coach, Culture Coach, Heroic Coach, Lifebook Lifestyle Design Coach

Education: Bachelor of Science, double major in Human Resources Management and Business Administration

Sandra lives in the suburbs of Chicago. She treasures time with her family, enjoys fishing with her husband, and volunteer work that brings joy to children with serious illnesses.

Katie M. Gillman, CFP®

Senior Wealth Advisor

Katie has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional since 2017. She graduated with her Master of Business Administration degree from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan in 2007 after completing her undergraduate investments degree at Central Michigan University in 2002. Having spent the majority of her career working with Chris and Paul, Katie specializes in individualized client service, implementation of financial plans and firm operations. 

Katie is a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Chicago and a mentor with the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana through their Camp CEO program. Her volunteer leadership experience focuses on connecting community voluntarism, development and empowerment with stakeholders. Katie's family resides in Highland Park, Illinois with their rescue dog, Suzy Snowflake.

Joshua D. Kinnee, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

Josh joined ISTO Advisors in early 2019. He has worked in the financial services industry since 2011, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Josh enjoys building relationships and working with clients, assisting them in gaining clarity and peace about their financial future.

Josh earned his Bachelor of Arts in Math-Secondary Education from Trinity International University in 2006, followed by his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University in 2009.

Josh lives in Buffalo Grove with his wife, Becky, and their three children, Jane, Miles, and Jenna. They enjoy going on hikes together and exploring new places. Josh’s family enjoys serving at their church, Feed My Starving Children, and supporting other local causes.

Michael A. Vendittelli, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

Michael joined ISTO Advisors in 2020, after having most recently worked for JPMorgan Chase. He has worked in in the financial services industry since 2006 and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. Michael has a passion for relationship building and unsurpassed client service.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Finance from Walsh College.

Michael lives in Royal Oak, Michigan with his wife, Andrea, and their two sons, Anthony and Alessandro. They enjoy spending time with family and are active in the Italian-American community. Michael is an accomplished guitar player, and enjoys golf and skiing. He frequently volunteers with the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

Julia Maguran, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

Julia joined ISTO Advisors in 2024. Prior to joining the team, she worked as an advisor at Plante Moran Financial Advisors and earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2022. She graduated from Oakland University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and minors in Mathematics and Marketing. Julia's unwavering commitment to providing excellent client service and her passion for developing authentic relationships with clients makes her a perfect fit for ISTO.

Julia lives in downtown Clawson with her husband, Michael. They enjoy exploring new places together, being active outdoors, and spending time with their family and friends.

Robin Tyrrell, EA, CFP®

Wealth Planner

Robin joined ISTO Advisors in 2021. She has been in the financial services industry since 2013 and received her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2016. She graduated with a Master of Science in Finance with a specialization in Personal Financial Planning from Walsh College in 2017.  In 2020, Robin became an Enrolled Agent admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.

Robin enjoys helping others reach their goals by analyzing data and preparing effective financial plans. Her accumulation of knowledge combined with her passion for planning is a powerful combination for serving clients.  

Robin lives in Troy with her husband, Rob. They have three children.

Adam J. Legg, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®

Wealth Planner

Adam joined ISTO Advisors in 2022 and has been in the financial services industry since 2015. Adam has earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, and Retirement Income Certified Professional designations. He graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science with minors in Finance and Mathematics.

Adam enjoys analyzing data, creating financial plans, and finding ways to make people’s lives more efficient, especially by using technology. He also loves to spread positivity and joy to those he comes by. The area of financial planning that interests him the most is charitable giving strategies.

Adam and his wife Ashley met in High School at Everest Collegiate. They currently live in downtown Clarkston and enjoy spending time with their friends and family. Adam’s favorite vacation is their annual family trip to Florida with his 23 first cousins!

Jenna M. Peppers

Wealth Planning Associate

Jenna joined ISTO Advisors in 2022. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2020 with her Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Prior to joining the team, Jenna worked in the life insurance division of a financial planning firm, where she was dedicated to serving the long-term goals of clients and their families. 

Jenna frequently volunteers as a Young Life leader for high school students in Lake Orion. She also loves to read, travel, and be outdoors.

Alexander E. Legg

Wealth Planning Associate

Alex joined ISTO Advisors in 2023. He is a graduate of Oakland University, where he received a B.S. in Exercise Science. His attention to detail, strong work ethic, and strong character makes Alex a perfect fit for ISTO, as he provides excellent service to our clients, and is always looking for opportunities to assist others.

Alex enjoys spending his free time playing sports, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. He enjoys traveling to new places, forging new relationships, and has a strong sense of adventure. Alex will be getting married to Isabella in 2024.

Craig A. Einhorn

Wealth Planning Associate

Craig joined ISTO Advisors in July of 2023. He came to us with strong financial/operations experience gained in the Investment Department at Allstate. His attention to detail, solid work ethic, and strong character makes Craig a perfect fit for ISTO, as he supports our Wealth Planning and Operations teams.

Craig enjoys traveling, sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Vernon Hills, IL with their son, Dylan, and rescue dog, Cooper.

Kayla A. Smiley

Operations Associate

Kayla joined ISTO Advisors in February of 2017. She came to us with strong administrative experience gained in the Human Resources Department at Allendale Association, a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting troubled youth and their families.

Kayla’s industrious habits bring a high level of organized support to our team. She finds satisfaction working in an efficient matter while maintaining our firm’s database. She has experience across several areas of the firm, supporting our Wealth Planning department and our Chief Compliance Officer.

Kayla resides in Illinois with her two children, Kase and Kinsley. They enjoy spending their time playing with their golden retrievers, Nala and Pumba, and creating memories with their family.

Myah E. Burke

Operations Associate

Myah is second generation ISTO, the daughter of our Director of Operations, Karole Lams. She has a great background in client service, both in her family’s floral business and as a dispatcher for a nationwide auto glass repair company.

Myah’s work at ISTO focuses on effective and efficient back-office solutions for our clients. Since joining the firm in March of 2020, she has proven a deep sense of dedication, ownership, and talent in her new career.

Myah lives in Madison Heights with her husband, Chris, their sons, Jamison and Connor, and rescue dog, Murphy.

Megan L. Hogrebe

Operations Associate

Megan joined ISTO Advisors in February of 2021 as an Operations Associate with an extensive background in administrative services and office management.

Megan loves to help clients and to assist our team in providing outstanding service. She works very closely with our operations team and advisors under the direct supervision of the Director of Operations, Karole Lams.

Megan lives in Clinton Township with her husband, Dave, their daughter Savannah, and two rescue cats, Salem and Leo.

Eddie Sharrak

Business Operations Specialist

Eddie joined ISTO Advisors in 2021. He serves ISTO clients and employees behind the scenes developing and implementing company-wide quality control measures and new procedures for increasing the efficiency of day-to-day operations.

Eddie possesses extensive experience from his work at JPMorgan Chase, AT&T Mobility, and Saddleback College. He graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He also served in the United States Marine Corps for four years and was honorably discharged in 2015.

Eddie lives in Troy with his wife, Melanie, and enjoys spending his time with family and his dog, Ruby.

Meg Robinson

Team & Community Specialist

Meg joined ISTO Advisors in 2023. Meg brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, from her problem-solving skills to her ability to listen, empathize, and ask great questions to find meaningful solutions. Meg also has a background working in real estate and is good at getting parties to find consensus. 

Meg and her husband have 5 children. Meg enjoys spending time with her family and is a trained level 1 CrossFit instructor who loves fitness and healthy living.