Our Team

Darron Mink
Director
Darron Mink | Director
Darron is the director of Pinnacle Financial.
What you do outside the office: I love to play golf and will go to great lengths to get a game in every weekend. My favourite football team is the Newcastle Knights and Sydney Swans. Throughout Covid-19 lockdown I have taken up fishing off my jetty with my neighbours and I enjoy spending time at home with my wife and two dogs. My wife and I often like to travel throughout Australia and overseas. My three children have all left home however we always make time to spend with each other, often for dinners or weekends away.

Rebecca Mossman
Financial Adviser
Rebecca Mossman | Financial Adviser
Qualifications: Adv. Diploma Financial Planning. Accredited Mortgage Broker (AMC) and B.a. Health Science (OT)
Experience: 15 years working as a Financial Adviser
What you provide advice on: Wealth Creation, Retirement Planning and Structures, Risk advice, Debt Advice/ Home Loans
I enjoy working with clients and developing long term relationships with my clients.
Studying: Masters in Financial Planning
What you do outside the office: Most of the time I’m moonlighting as a taxi driver for my son and two daughters who seem to find activities to do every weekend!
Favourite part of the weekend is going for a run with friends in the early morning and then spending time at the beach with my family. I’m looking forward to exploring more of Australia in our caravan – we are so lucky where we live!

Tom Hesse
Financial Adviser
Tom Hesse | Financial Adviser
Qualifications: Bachelor of Finance, Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Adv Diploma of Financial Planning, Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking
Experience: Financial Planner since 2009 (12 years)
What you provide advice on: Superannuation & Retirement Planning, Self-Managed Super Funds, Personal Insurance, Mortgages & Lending, Investments
What you do outside the office: Massive Rugby League fan, play weekly local Oztag and enjoy the gym and spending time with my wife and 2 young boys.

Howard Rodman
Financial Adviser
Howard Rodman | Financial Adviser
Qualifications: Adv. Diploma Financial Planning
Experience: 10 years in financial services, 5 years as an adviser
What you provide advice on: Superannuation (Including SMSF), Wealth Creation, Retirement Planning, Personal Insurances, Investment Strategies, Budgeting and Cashflow, Estate Planning, Centrelink
Studying: Master of Financial Planning
What you do outside the office: 2 young children keep me busy. Of a weekend we love going to Nelson Bay, Hunter Valley or Nobbys beach.
Darron Mink | Director
Darron is the director of Pinnacle Financial.
What you do outside the office: I love to play golf and will go to great lengths to get a game in every weekend. My favourite football team is the Newcastle Knights and Sydney Swans. Throughout Covid-19 lockdown I have taken up fishing off my jetty with my neighbours and I enjoy spending time at home with my wife and two dogs. My wife and I often like to travel throughout Australia and overseas. My three children have all left home however we always make time to spend with each other, often for dinners or weekends away.
Rebecca Mossman | Financial Adviser
Qualifications: Adv. Diploma Financial Planning. Accredited Mortgage Broker (AMC) and B.a. Health Science (OT)
Experience: 15 years working as a Financial Adviser
What you provide advice on: Wealth Creation, Retirement Planning and Structures, Risk advice, Debt Advice/ Home Loans
I enjoy working with clients and developing long term relationships with my clients.
Studying: Masters in Financial Planning
What you do outside the office: Most of the time I’m moonlighting as a taxi driver for my son and two daughters who seem to find activities to do every weekend!
Favourite part of the weekend is going for a run with friends in the early morning and then spending time at the beach with my family. I’m looking forward to exploring more of Australia in our caravan – we are so lucky where we live!
Tom Hesse | Financial Adviser
Qualifications: Bachelor of Finance, Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Adv Diploma of Financial Planning, Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking
Experience: Financial Planner since 2009 (12 years)
What you provide advice on: Superannuation & Retirement Planning, Self-Managed Super Funds, Personal Insurance, Mortgages & Lending, Investments
What you do outside the office: Massive Rugby League fan, play weekly local Oztag and enjoy the gym and spending time with my wife and 2 young boys.
Howard Rodman | Financial Adviser
Qualifications: Adv. Diploma Financial Planning
Experience: 10 years in financial services, 5 years as an adviser
What you provide advice on: Superannuation (Including SMSF), Wealth Creation, Retirement Planning, Personal Insurances, Investment Strategies, Budgeting and Cashflow, Estate Planning, Centrelink
Studying: Master of Financial Planning
What you do outside the office: 2 young children keep me busy. Of a weekend we love going to Nelson Bay, Hunter Valley or Nobbys beach.

Ally Chesher
Financial Adviser
Ally Chesher | Financial Adviser
Qualifications: Diploma of Financial Planning, Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking, currently completing a Masters of Financial Planning through Deakin university
Experience: Worked in the financial planning industry for over 8 years
What you provide advice on:
- Investments strategies (strategic asset allocation)
- Budget and cash flow management
- Debt management (including borrowing for personal and investment purposes)
- Salary packaging
- Superannuation strategies and retirement planning
- Personal insurance
- Estate planning (I am authorised to advise on limited estate planning solutions related to your financial products)
- Centrelink and other government benefits
I am also an accredited mortgage consultant and as a credit representative of AMP Financial Planning I am authorised to provide credit assistance in relation to loan products.
Subject to meeting lender credit criteria, I can advise on loans relating to:
- residential mortgages and home loans
- deposit bonds
- reverse mortgages
Subject to meeting the lender’s credit criteria, along with any additional lender or AFG accreditations, I can also advise on and/or arrange loans relating to:
- commercial loans and commercial asset finance
- SMSF loans
- rural loans
What you do outside the office: I enjoy an active and social lifestyle, when I am not working or studying most of my free time is spent with my fiancé, two dogs, friends and family. You will usually find me walking the dogs around Lambton park, training at F45 Newcastle or enjoying coffee or a meal with friends in one of the many beautiful cafes we have here in Newcastle. My fiancé and I enjoy to travel and try to get away on small camping trips whenever we can.

Shayley Suwald
Financial Adviser
Shayley Suwald | Financial Adviser
Qualifications: Diploma of Financial Planning, Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, Certificate iV in Finance & Mortgage Broking
Experience: 8 years in the financial planning industry through various roles
What you provide advice on:
- Investments strategies (strategic asset allocation)
- Budget and cash flow management
- Debt management (including borrowing for personal and investment purposes)
- residential mortgages and home loans
- Salary packaging
- Superannuation strategies and retirement planning
- Personal insurance
- Estate planning
- Centrelink and other government benefits
Studying: Bachelor of Commerce Majoring in Financial Planning
What you do outside the office: I’m a very social person & love catching up with my friends for a coffee or any outdoor activities, such as camping or going to the beach for a swim. My people personality shines through at work as I really enjoy getting to know people, their goals and researching a way to be able to help put them in the best financial situation possible.

Emma Craft
Associate Adviser
Emma Craft | Associate Adviser
Qualifications:
- Diploma of Financial Planning
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Bachelor of Mathematics
Experience:
- 2 years as an Associate Adviser
- 3 years as an Analyst/Paraplanner
What you do outside the office: Anything outside, preferably in the sun and close to the water.

Alesha Vavra
Associate Adviser
Alesha Vavra | Associate Adviser
Qualifications: Diploma of Financial Planning
Experience:
- 3 years Paraplanner/Analyst
- 1 year Advice Implementation
- 3 years Client Service Coordinator
Studying: Currently studying a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Finance and Financial Planning via distance with Charles Sturt University.
What you do outside the office: Summer; being active doing anything outdoors or near the beach. Winter; snowboarding or hibernating to keep warm. Year-round; Catching the sunrise or enjoying a wine.
Ally Chesher | Financial Adviser
Qualifications: Diploma of Financial Planning, Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking, currently completing a Masters of Financial Planning through Deakin university
Experience: Worked in the financial planning industry for over 8 years
What you provide advice on:
- Investments strategies (strategic asset allocation)
- Budget and cash flow management
- Debt management (including borrowing for personal and investment purposes)
- Salary packaging
- Superannuation strategies and retirement planning
- Personal insurance
- Estate planning (I am authorised to advise on limited estate planning solutions related to your financial products)
- Centrelink and other government benefits
I am also an accredited mortgage consultant and as a credit representative of AMP Financial Planning I am authorised to provide credit assistance in relation to loan products.
Subject to meeting lender credit criteria, I can advise on loans relating to:
- residential mortgages and home loans
- deposit bonds
- reverse mortgages
Subject to meeting the lender’s credit criteria, along with any additional lender or AFG accreditations, I can also advise on and/or arrange loans relating to:
- commercial loans and commercial asset finance
- SMSF loans
- rural loans
What you do outside the office: I enjoy an active and social lifestyle, when I am not working or studying most of my free time is spent with my fiancé, two dogs, friends and family. You will usually find me walking the dogs around Lambton park, training at F45 Newcastle or enjoying coffee or a meal with friends in one of the many beautiful cafes we have here in Newcastle. My fiancé and I enjoy to travel and try to get away on small camping trips whenever we can.
Shayley Suwald | Financial Adviser
Qualifications: Diploma of Financial Planning, Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, Certificate iV in Finance & Mortgage Broking
Experience: 8 years in the financial planning industry through various roles
What you provide advice on:
- Investments strategies (strategic asset allocation)
- Budget and cash flow management
- Debt management (including borrowing for personal and investment purposes)
- residential mortgages and home loans
- Salary packaging
- Superannuation strategies and retirement planning
- Personal insurance
- Estate planning
- Centrelink and other government benefits
Studying: Bachelor of Commerce Majoring in Financial Planning
What you do outside the office: I’m a very social person & love catching up with my friends for a coffee or any outdoor activities, such as camping or going to the beach for a swim. My people personality shines through at work as I really enjoy getting to know people, their goals and researching a way to be able to help put them in the best financial situation possible.
Emma Craft | Associate Adviser
Qualifications:
- Diploma of Financial Planning
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Bachelor of Mathematics
Experience:
- 2 years as an Associate Adviser
- 3 years as an Analyst/Paraplanner
What you do outside the office: Anything outside, preferably in the sun and close to the water.
Alesha Vavra | Associate Adviser
Qualifications: Diploma of Financial Planning
Experience:
- 3 years Paraplanner/Analyst
- 1 year Advice Implementation
- 3 years Client Service Coordinator
Studying: Currently studying a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Finance and Financial Planning via distance with Charles Sturt University.
What you do outside the office: Summer; being active doing anything outdoors or near the beach. Winter; snowboarding or hibernating to keep warm. Year-round; Catching the sunrise or enjoying a wine.

Aimee Gleeson
Banking and Loans Co-Ordinator
Aimee Gleeson | Banking and Loans Co-Ordinator
Qualifications: Certificate IV Finance and Mortgage Broking
Experience: 17 years’ experience in banking and loans
What you do outside the office: On weekends I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and in summer I enjoy being at the beach.

Rebecca Carmody
Paraplanner
Rebecca Carmody | Paraplanner
Qualifications: Diploma of Financial Planning (Kaplan), Justice of the Peace (NSW)
Currently studying Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Financial Planning (Deakin University) and completing Certificate IV in Finance and Broking (AAMC)
Experience: I started working in the Financial Planning industry in 2012. Since then I have gained over 8 years of experience, achieved my Diploma of Financial planning and currently studying to achieve the Bachelor of Commerce, Majoring in Financial Planning and to achieve the Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking.
What you do outside the office: Outside of work I like to go for walks by the lake or beach, catch up with my friends and family, reading books and traveling within Australia and overseas. My favourite places that I’ve travelled to within Australia are Byron Bay and the Mornington Peninsula and internationally are the Bahamas and New York. I also enjoy finding new local cafes for good coffee and visiting local wineries.

Melissa (Mel) Wright
Paraplanner
Melissa Wright | Paraplanner
Qualifications: Cert II and III in Business, Diploma of Financial Planning, Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, Justice of the Peace (NSW)
Experience: I have worked in the Financial planning industry since 2006 – During this time I have worked in many areas including Payroll/ Accounts, Client services (New business implementation and client reviews) and Paraplanning (Product research, Compliance and Statement of advice preparation).
What you do outside of the office : I enjoy spending time with Family and catching up with friends! – taking the kids bushwalking and motorbike riding, and heading away camping. I love a good coffee!! I also enjoy the occasional cake decorating for special occasions to test out the creative side

Bronwyn Cooper
Wrap Products Co-ordinator
Bronwyn Cooper | Wrap Products Co-ordinator
Experience: Bronwyn joined the financial planning industry in 2010 and has been part of the Pinnacle team since 2017.
Bronwyn loves working with people and places a high value on client relationships, helping her deliver exceptional client service.
What you do outside the office: Outside of work Bronwyn likes to bake, travel and spend time with her family.
Aimee Gleeson | Banking and Loans Co-Ordinator
Qualifications: Certificate IV Finance and Mortgage Broking
Experience: 17 years’ experience in banking and loans
What you do outside the office: On weekends I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and in summer I enjoy being at the beach.
Rebecca Carmody | Paraplanner
Qualifications: Diploma of Financial Planning (Kaplan), Justice of the Peace (NSW)
Currently studying Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Financial Planning (Deakin University) and completing Certificate IV in Finance and Broking (AAMC)
Experience: I started working in the Financial Planning industry in 2012. Since then I have gained over 8 years of experience, achieved my Diploma of Financial planning and currently studying to achieve the Bachelor of Commerce, Majoring in Financial Planning and to achieve the Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking.
What you do outside the office: Outside of work I like to go for walks by the lake or beach, catch up with my friends and family, reading books and traveling within Australia and overseas. My favourite places that I’ve travelled to within Australia are Byron Bay and the Mornington Peninsula and internationally are the Bahamas and New York. I also enjoy finding new local cafes for good coffee and visiting local wineries.
Melissa Wright | Paraplanner
Qualifications: Cert II and III in Business, Diploma of Financial Planning, Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, Justice of the Peace (NSW)
Experience: I have worked in the Financial planning industry since 2006 – During this time I have worked in many areas including Payroll/ Accounts, Client services (New business implementation and client reviews) and Paraplanning (Product research, Compliance and Statement of advice preparation).
What you do outside of the office : I enjoy spending time with Family and catching up with friends! – taking the kids bushwalking and motorbike riding, and heading away camping. I love a good coffee!! I also enjoy the occasional cake decorating for special occasions to test out the creative side
Bronwyn Cooper | Wrap Products Co-ordinator
Experience: Bronwyn joined the financial planning industry in 2010 and has been part of the Pinnacle team since 2017.
Bronwyn loves working with people and places a high value on client relationships, helping her deliver exceptional client service.
What you do outside the office: Outside of work Bronwyn likes to bake, travel and spend time with her family.

Michelle Willis
Wrap Products Co-ordinator
Michelle Willis | Wrap Products Co-ordinator
Qualifications: Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning), Cert IV in Mortgage Broking, Justice of the Peace (JP)
Experience: 33 years in the Financial Industry, 9 years working for Pinnacle Financial & Investment Services

Sarah Mossman
Practice Manager
Sarah Mossman | Practice Manager
Qualifications: Bachelor of Business Administration (Majoring in Human Resource Management)
Experience: I have been with Pinnacle since 2008
What you do outside the office: I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, my dog, my family and friends, exercising and going out for dinner on weekends.

Jade Bendeich
Accounts & Managing Co-ordinator
Jade Bendeich | Accounts & Managing Co-ordinator
Qualifications: Cert III Business Admin, Cert IV Bookeeping
What you do outside the office: Hang out with friends, family & my Dog, play sport and Cook.

Emma Smith
Ongoing Services Co-ordinator
Emma Smith | Ongoing Services Co-ordinator
Experience: Over 10 years’ experience in customer service and client relations working in various industries.
What you do outside the office: I love health and fitness and attend a CrossFit gym regularly. I’m also passionate about supporting charity organizations and am always looking for ways to become involved.
Michelle Willis | Wrap Products Co-ordinator
Qualifications: Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning), Cert IV in Mortgage Broking, Justice of the Peace (JP)
Experience: 33 years in the Financial Industry, 9 years working for Pinnacle Financial & Investment Services
Sarah Mossman | Practice Manager
Qualifications: Bachelor of Business Administration (Majoring in Human Resource Management)
Experience: I have been with Pinnacle since 2008
What you do outside the office: I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, my dog, my family and friends, exercising and going out for dinner on weekends.
Jade Bendeich | Accounts & Managing Co-ordinator
Qualifications: Cert III Business Admin, Cert IV Bookeeping
What you do outside the office: Hang out with friends, family & my Dog, play sport and Cook.
Emma Smith | Ongoing Services Co-ordinator
Experience: Over 10 years’ experience in customer service and client relations working in various industries.
What you do outside the office: I love health and fitness and attend a CrossFit gym regularly. I’m also passionate about supporting charity organizations and am always looking for ways to become involved.

Kelsey Green
Review Co-ordinator
Kelsey Green | Review Co-ordinator
Qualifications: Certificate III in Business
Experience: 3 years’ experience in the financial planning industry
What you do outside the office: I enjoy spending time with friends & family

Amy Warden
Executive Assistant
Amy Warden | Executive Assistant
Qualifications: Certificate III Business Administration, Diploma in Business
Experience: 9 years administrative experience, I started my administration career as a receptionist within an accounting firm in Newcastle and after some time within that role I branched out into a Legal Secretary role in Estate litigation in a firm in Charlestown, in 2017 I started my role as a Personal Assistant within Pinnacle Financial Services where I have grown both personally and professionally. My background in accounting, legal and the financial industry ensures I am well equipped to handle all client enquiries and assist clients wherever possible as a first point of contact.
What you do outside the office: Outside of the office you will find me in the gym, exploring somewhere new on a walking trail or wining and dining with friends.

Amanda Best
Administration Assistant
Amanda Best | Administration Assistant
Experience: 10 years with AMP Newcastle Office and 16 years with Pinnacle Financial
What you do outside of the office: On my non-work days I enjoy playing tennis, taking my dogs to the beach and catching up with friends

Shania Reid
Administration Assistant
Shania Reid | Administration Assistant
Experience: 2 years
What you do outside the office: I enjoy spending my free time with family, friends and my two dogs, Charlie & Rami. I love to travel and visit new and exciting places, though I also love spending quality time at home with family. I have recently begun studying Education at university so I dedicate quite a lot of time to this, though I very much enjoy this as I love learning new things.
Kelsey Green | Review Co-ordinator
Qualifications: Certificate III in Business
Experience: 3 years’ experience in the financial planning industry
What you do outside the office: I enjoy spending time with friends & family
Amy Warden | Executive Assistant
Qualifications: Certificate III Business Administration, Diploma in Business
Experience: 9 years administrative experience, I started my administration career as a receptionist within an accounting firm in Newcastle and after some time within that role I branched out into a Legal Secretary role in Estate litigation in a firm in Charlestown, in 2017 I started my role as a Personal Assistant within Pinnacle Financial Services where I have grown both personally and professionally. My background in accounting, legal and the financial industry ensures I am well equipped to handle all client enquiries and assist clients wherever possible as a first point of contact.
What you do outside the office: Outside of the office you will find me in the gym, exploring somewhere new on a walking trail or wining and dining with friends.
Amanda Best | Administration Assistant
Experience: 10 years with AMP Newcastle Office and 16 years with Pinnacle Financial
What you do outside of the office: On my non-work days I enjoy playing tennis, taking my dogs to the beach and catching up with friends
Shania Reid | Administration Assistant
Experience: 2 years
What you do outside the office: I enjoy spending my free time with family, friends and my two dogs, Charlie & Rami. I love to travel and visit new and exciting places, though I also love spending quality time at home with family. I have recently begun studying Education at university so I dedicate quite a lot of time to this, though I very much enjoy this as I love learning new things.

Kirra Viall
Administration Assistant
Kirra Viall | Administrative Assistant
Experience: I have 5 years retail experience and have recently starting my administrative career with Pinnacle Financial.
What you do outside the office: In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends and family, going out to eat, getting out in nature eg. Hikes, going to the beach and overall relaxing.

Jessica Chalker
Receptionist
Jessica Chalker | Receptionist
Qualifications: HSC
Experience: Previously worked as a junior accounts clerk
Studying: Currently studying a diploma of business
What you do outside the office: Socialise with friends & family, draw & paint, go camping and explore new places.
Kirra Viall | Administrative Assistant
Experience: I have 5 years retail experience and have recently starting my administrative career with Pinnacle Financial.
What you do outside the office: In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends and family, going out to eat, getting out in nature eg. Hikes, going to the beach and overall relaxing.
Jessica Chalker | Receptionist
Qualifications: HSC
Experience: Previously worked as a junior accounts clerk
Studying: Currently studying a diploma of business
What you do outside the office: Socialise with friends & family, draw & paint, go camping and explore new places.