Meet the team - WESTHILL Financial Advisors

Kirk Ludwig

Leadership and Commitment at WestHill Financial Advisors®
A dedication to client-focused financial planning

Kirk Skiing Kirk is the co-founder and a shareholder of WestHill Financial Advisors®, bringing a wealth of experience and a distinct vision to the firm. With academic credentials that include a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Linfield College and a Master’s in Financial Services from The American College, Kirk’s foundation in the industry is both broad and deep.

Prior to co-founding WestHill, Kirk gained valuable industry experience as a registered representative with Equitable. Over time, he became aware of the limitations imposed by large institutional firms—namely, ever-changing requirements and bureaucratic hurdles—that could interfere with offering truly client-centric service. This realization inspired Kirk to help create an independent, local advisory firm, focused on delivering the highest level of personalized financial guidance.

As Chairman of WestHill’s Investment Committee, Kirk plays a pivotal role in overseeing Investment Management team. He advocates for each client to have a tailored, written investment and financial plan, one that explicitly details investment objectives, acceptable risk thresholds, and the time horizon necessary for achieving established goals.

Kirk’s approach to financial advising is deeply rooted in effective communication, meticulous attention to detail, genuine care, and compassion. These values are essential, he believes, to earning clients’ trust and building enduring relationships that empower individuals to meet and exceed their financial aspirations.

Beyond his professional commitments, Kirk enjoys an active lifestyle that includes water skiing, wakeboarding, and travel, reflecting a well-rounded approach to life and work.

kirk@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1565

Meghan Hyland

Meghan Hyland and family Meghan Hyland is a Managing Principal at WestHill Financial Advisors®, where she combines financial expertise with deep compassion to help families turn their dreams into reality. She joined WestHill in 2015 and quickly found her calling in financial planning—not just for the numbers, but for the transformative impact it can have on people’s lives. Meghan leads WestHill’s long-term vision, committed to expanding the firm’s reach while cultivating a workplace that sets the industry standard for purpose and employee fulfillment.

Meghan graduated summa cum laude from Dominican University of California with a double honors major in Business (Finance) and Political Science (International Political Economy). She went on to study for the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ exam at UC Berkeley, earning a scholarship for academic achievement and recognition as Outstanding Student of the Year. She later obtained her MBA with a focus on Leading and Managing Organizational Change from Pepperdine University. In 2025, Meghan was selected as a Woman of Distinction in the 2025 Honors Edition.

Outside of work, Meghan is a triathlete, mother of two boys—Maverick and Mason—and a passionate advocate for women in leadership. She completed her first (of many) Ironman in 2019 and thrives on the joy and discipline of athletic training. As a volunteer with SHE-CAN (Supporting Her Education Changes a Nation), she has mentored young women and traveled to Liberia to help select the next generation of scholars pursuing education in the U.S. Her work reflects a larger mission: to empower people everywhere to embrace possibility, rewrite their financial story, and lead with courage.

meghan@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1570 | Podcast: Unlocking Resources and Creating Great Opportunities with Meghan Hyland

Nico Safrit

Nico is a planner by nature. A native San Franciscan, he lives with his wife and two daughters in Mill Valley. Planning has always been a part of Nico’s personality: he enjoys preparing for life and adventures almost as much as he enjoys experiencing them. He has a passion for all forms of business and brings that to a successful client relationship.

Nico holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University and a masters of business administration degree from the University of Oregon. Most recently, he served as Vice President Wealth Planner at Fidelity Investments, where he developed plans for a wide variety of clients and households. Nico is a big believer in customizing plans for each individual situation in order to achieve goals and reduce anxiety in an ever-changing economy and marketplace.

Nico considers himself an outdoorsman, both in the mountains and on the sea. He is an avid sailor, skier and tennis player. Happily, his entire family shares the same interests: he and Beth, Sophie and Scarlett spend quite a bit of time together. Planning for and experiencing his family is one of the great joys of Nico’s life.

nico@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1560

Samantha Keeler

Samantha joined WestHill as an Associate Advisor in 2024, bringing with her both practical proficiency and a strong educational background. Previously, Samantha was a Financial Solutions Advisor for four years at Merrill Lynch. Samantha earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from University of Phoenix and is a Certified Financial Planner™. In her current role, Samantha works closely with WestHill clients, providing investment and financial planning advice.

Originally from the picturesque landscapes of Minnesota, Samantha transplanted her life to the vibrant state of California, seeking new horizons and opportunities. In her leisure time, Samantha finds serenity in the tranquility of nature through hiking excursions and outdoor pursuits. A voracious reader, she often immerses herself in the pages of a compelling book. Committed to giving back to the community, Samantha volunteers her time and skills to uplift those in need. Most recently, Samantha volunteered at ICAN, a non-profit providing free after-school programs for low-income families. Samantha shares her home with her two cats Sansa and Jimmy, adding warmth and delight to her daily life.

samantha@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1576 | State of CA Insurance License #4479304

Matt Taddei

Matt is co-founder and shareholder of WestHill Financial Advisors® and serves as Director of Risk Management. For more than 30 years, Matt’s passion has been to build team excellence, enhance the company culture, and foster team members’ educational and professional growth. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Linfield University and master’s degrees in management and in financial services. In 2023, he was awarded a PhD in Financial and Retirement Planning from The American College of Financial Services.

He is also a member of Vistage, the world's largest executive coaching organization.

Matt inspires the team by sharing and using his knowledge of business and cultural development. As Director of Risk Management for WestHill, Matt works with clients to assess and advise on their insurance coverage needs as part of our broader financial planning process. Matt delights in creating long-term relationships with clients and the WestHill family.Matt's passions outside of work include community involvement through Rotary and nonprofit service. His hobbies include exercise, golf and spending time with family and friends.

matt@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1562 | State of CA Insurance License #0655127

Diane McCracken

Diane McCracken Diane is a shareholder of WestHill Financial Advisors® and serves as the director of the Group Retirement Plan team. Diane worked in banking from 1984 until 1994 and began her professional career managing local savings and loan institutions. She later became a business banking officer for a local commercial bank.

Diane joined WestHill in 1994 and became a shareholder in 1995. As WestHill's director of the Group Retirement Plan team, Diane helps business owners navigate the complex world of group retirement plans, plan design, investment selection and the review process. She also aids in the selection of investment and administration providers.

Continuing education is important to Diane. She stays abreast of tax law and regulatory changes that affect qualified and non-qualified retirement plans. She has earned the C(k)P® designation, a certification specifically for 401(K) professionals, awarded by the Retirement Advisor University at UCLA's Anderson School of Management. Diane recently earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary AIF® designation, allowing her to assist plan sponsor fiduciaries with implementing a prudent process for managing qualified retirement plan programs. Diane serves on the board for Wednesday's Gift, a local community outreach nonprofit organization that provides the basic necessities of life to Marin County residents.

Outside of work and volunteering, Diane enjoys spending time with her long-term beau, Kelly, and their two dogs, laughing with her family and circle of friends. She also enjoys gardening, yoga and hiking around beautiful Marin.

diane@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1561

John Ott

John joined the firm in 2019. Before joining Westhill Financial Advisors®, he performed client and trade operations for Lateef Investment Management. John holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Oregon. John provides investment client service and advisor support, which include opening accounts and facilitating rollovers and transfers, among other client and advisor support tasks. He brings a fresh perspective to WestHill and has been instrumental in streamlining and digitizing our workflow and creating efficiencies to create an even greater client experience.

A Marin native, John fully appreciates everything it has to offer. He enjoys all things finance and is always trying to learn more about the industry.

john@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1574

DJ Wood

Don Wood Don "DJ" has over 15 years of professional client service experience. Prior to joining our team in 2023, he was the operations manager for a Bay Area law firm, an East Bay wealth management firm, and worked five years as a client service associate at Capital One Investing in New York. In his role as CSA, Don provides ongoing service to Westhill investment clients and financial advisors. Don earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Old Westbury. He is an avid sailor and enjoys traveling. So far, he has visited 28 National Parks.

don@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1575

Sharyn Holmes

Sharyn launched her career in the United States Air Force, serving as a Military Police and Customs Officer while stationed in Aviano, Italy. Following her military service, she spent 15 years managing medical offices, where she honed her skills in operations, customer service, and team leadership.

Driven by a passion for justice and advocacy, Sharyn transitioned into the legal field as a Paralegal. Over the years, she has successfully managed legal offices specializing in criminal, domestic, and bankruptcy law. Her extensive experience is matched by a strong command of office management, data entry, and organizational systems. Known for her people-first approach, Sharyn believes that everyone deserves to feel seen and heard.

Sharyn lives in Foley, Alabama, with her husband Chris, an engineer for CSX Railroad. Together, they enjoy life near the Gulf Coast’s beautiful beaches. They are proud parents of three adult children and grandparents to seven—soon to be eight—grandchildren. In her free time, Sharyn loves taking long walks on the beach, soaking up the sunshine, and watching the sunset.

sharyn@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1578

Yanina Moroz

Yanina Moroz Yanina has been a valued member of the WestHill Financial Advisors® family since 2014. She graduated from Sonoma State University with a master’s degree in organization development. Her leadership roles have demonstrated her high skill level in the areas of communication, project management, implementation of sales goals and the facilitation of meetings. Yanina has a strong aptitude for computers and software, and she manages the firm's cybersecurity and technology needs.

As a member of the investment team, she is instrumental to the team’s client service operations by creating, enhancing and implementing workflows and processes. Yanina’s inspiration comes from her desire to make a difference and be a catalyst for change, both at work and outside it. She believes that if we can learn to embrace change and are supportive of the outcome, we can overcome any challenge. Yanina’s strong global systematic perspective and her passion for creative problem solving allow her to thrive in leading teams through complex proceedings.

Yanina has spent time volunteering for Kaiser Hospital and the City of Novato. On weekends, you can find her on the water or riding horses along coastal mountain trails.

yanina@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1572

Rosalyn Davis

Rosalyn Davis Rosalyn began her journey with WestHill Financial Advisors® as an intern in 1997. After earning her degree in Business Administration, she transitioned to a full-time role in 1998. Over the past 25+ years, Rosalyn has contributed to the firm in a variety of capacities—including receptionist, client service and office manager, compliance service technician, and Human Resources representative.

As WestHill continues to grow and evolve, Rosalyn has proudly earned the Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA®) designation. She remains committed to ongoing professional development and is focused on deepening her expertise in Qualified Retirement Plans. In partnership with Diane McCracken, Rosalyn’s top priority is delivering an exceptional experience to both Plan Sponsors and their participants.

In addition to her retirement plan responsibilities, Rosalyn serves as WestHill’s Benefits Coordinator under the leadership of Meghan Hyland. In this role, she helps shape and implement effective HR policies and training programs, all aimed at enhancing the employee value experience across the firm.

Outside of work, Rosalyn cherishes time with her husband Keith, their children, and their growing families. She is actively involved in her church community as a choir director and serves on the event planning committee, supporting initiatives that provide clothing and essentials to those in need. Rosalyn and Keith share a love of music and frequently perform together at weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.

rosalyn@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1567

Elizabeth Lee

Elizabeth joined WestHill Financial Advisors® Feb. 1, 2015. She has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Arizona State University. Her previous work experience includes 20 years in sales and marketing. She worked as Sales Manager and Western Regional Manager for E&J Gallo Winery and as Vice President, Sales & Marketing, at Landmark Calendars and At-A-Glance. She also opened U.S. and Canadian markets as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ink Group in Australia. Elizabeth also has more than eleven years’ experience in the financial industry.

Elizabeth uses her years of professional experience and knowledge in her role as Business Operations Manger to the CEO and other C-level executives at WestHill, working in budgeting, finance, management, team meetings, and client support; as well as insurance administration for the Risk Assessment team. She is a solutions-based client advocate whose attention to detail, follow-up and multi-tasking ability allows her to work diligently, efficiently, and effectively to bring the best client experience possible. Among other invaluable contributions to WestHill, Elizabeth delights in serving as the firm’s Events and Gift Planning Coordinator, responsible for planning client events, employee events and WestHill’s community outreach and volunteerism projects.

Elizabeth grew up in Hawaii and enjoys traveling home every year. Besides travel, she enjoys spending time with family, as well as water sports, playing the piano, working out, and being a part of St. Anthony’s' church as Lector Coordinator.

elizabeth@westhillfa.com | 415.482.1566

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