Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

We are the Quarterbacks of Your Wealth Team

About us

At Ascent Wealth Management, we take on the role of financial quarterback, coordinating with your other trusted advisors—such as estate planning attorneys, tax advisors, and insurance professionals—to ensure every aspect of your financial plan is cohesive and aligned with your goals. This integrated approach ensures that no detail is overlooked and that all components of your financial strategy work together harmoniously.

Our Values

As fiduciaries, we are legally and ethically bound to act in your best interest. This means our advice is solely focused on what is best for you, without any influence from third-party commissions or incentives.

Our Team

Our team at Ascent Wealth Management is comprised of experienced and credentialed professionals who are passionate about helping you achieve your financial goals. We work collaboratively, leveraging each team member's expertise to provide you with the best possible service.

Meet the Ascent Wealth Management Team

Our Advisor Team

Christina Lindsey Orta, CFP®, CKA®, AEP®
CEO | President | Certified Financial Planner™
(805) 312-7200
[email protected]
Alissa Kroeger, CFP®, CAIA®, CKA®, AEP®
Partner | Certified Financial Planner™
(805) 312-7200
[email protected]
Shannon Beahan, CFP®, AEP®
COO | Partner | Certified Financial Planner™
(805) 312-7200
[email protected]
Photo of John Lindsey, Founder of L&L and AWM
Our Founder

John Lindsey

Before he retired from the Lindsey & Lindsey, Founder John Lindsey spent more than 15 years of his financial career working for Edward Jones. He was extremely successful: He became a regional leader for 65 Edward Jones offices across California after building his first office from scratch and served as a general partner from 2001–2006. But everything changed for John when two of his daughters, Christina Lindsey Orta and Alissa Kroeger, entered the financial services field. With the firm in their capable hands, John has since retired and is no longer an active financial professional.

Affiliated Parties: General Counsel, Attorney at Law

James L. Cunningham, Jr.

 Jim Cunningham has been a licensed attorney for over 30 years, and in that time has helped countless families and individuals in all areas of estate planning preserve their legacies. Certified by the State Bar of California’s Board of Specialization as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law, Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a Juris Doctor from Whittier College of Law. Jim and CunninghamLegal’s attorneys are experts in California estate planning, trust administration, real estate law, advanced tax planning for high net-worth families, business law, probate, disability/special needs planning, asset protection, and much more. *James is not affiliated with Cambridge.

Powered by Our People

Our Service Team

Devonney Thurman
Chief of Staff & Advisory Associate
(805) 312-7200
[email protected]
Katy Thomas
Client Relations Coordinator
(805) 312-7200
[email protected]
Laura Spear
Office Coordinator
(805) 312-7200
[email protected]
Emily Wall
Client Service Coordinator
(805) 312-7200
[email protected]
Sami O’Shaughnessy
Manager of Client Accounts & Service
(805) 312-7200
[email protected]
Emily Harris
Client Accounts Coordinator
(805) 312-7200
[email protected]
Carrie Trudgeon
Client Service Manager
(805) 312-7200
[email protected]

Contact Us

If you are a client referred by Cunningham Legal and have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us today! We are here to help you achieve your financial goals and secure your legacy.

Main Location

4195 East Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Suite 125
Westlake Village, CA 91362

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Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

Christina Lindsey Orta
CFP®, CKA®, AEP®

CEO | President | Certified Financial Planner™

Christina Lindsey Orta, CFP® is the CEO and majority partner of Lindsey & Lindsey Wealth Management, Inc.  She now has nearly 20 years’ experience in the financial industry.  In 2014 she left the corporate world after nearly a decade to join her father, John Lindsey (founder), to grow Lindsey & Lindsey. Most formerly, Christina was a Vice President of Sales for Walton International Group, a Real Estate Private Equity Investment and Development company.  While working for Walton, she helped the company expand their distribution throughout the United States raising over $70 Million in securitized private equity capital, making her one of the top producers globally. 

Prior to joining Walton, Christina worked for Countrywide Home Loans in the mortgage business for nearly 3 years, most formerly as a Branch Manager in Chandler, AZ.  She was one of the youngest branch managers in the firm’s history, and certainly a minority as a female.  Mrs. Lindsey Orta started in the financial services industry in 2002 at Edward Jones, working as a Branch Office Associate and on the Equity Marketing & Trading Desks while completing her degree. 

Christina received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.  She currently holds the securities licenses 7, 63 and 24. She is a Certified Kingdom Advisor and holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation; due to her focus on advanced high net worth planning, she completed the Accredited Estate Planner designation in 2023. 

Christina has been married to her amazing husband, Brian Orta, since 2006 and they have 2 girls, Paige (8) and Peyton (4).  Being a mother is one of her greatest joys and in her spare time she enjoys collecting and drinking fine wines, gourmet cooking, baking, travel, running, pilates, and spending time with family and friends.  For many years she has served on the board of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley in some capacity and is particularly passionate chairing the Constitution Day project, ensuring every 8th grade student in the community gets a personal copy of the U.S. Constitution.   Currently, Christina serves on the school board at Hillcrest Christian School as Treasurer.  Brian and Christina are very involved in the community and ministry at Godspeak Calvary Chapel of Newbury Park, CA.

Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

Alissa Kroeger
CFP®, CAIA®, CKA®, AEP®

Partner | Certified Financial Planner™

Alissa (Lindsey) Kroeger, CFP®, CKA®, AEP®, CAIA®, BFA™, joined Lindsey & Lindsey Wealth Management in 2018 and is a Partner in the firm. In addition to growing up in the industry, as her father, John, founded Lindsey and Lindsey, she has actively worked in and been licensed since 2010. She began her career in the Insurance Services Department at Edward Jones in Tempe, AZ. This is where she became so passionate about providing insurance solutions to our clients. Prior to working directly with clients, Alissa utilized her expertise in wholesaling and distribution for various Alternative Investments ranging from: Hedge Funds, Managed Futures, Private Equity, and Real Estate Investment Trusts. As part of multiple capital raises, she has helped in raising over $4 Billion in assets under management.

Alissa received her bachelor’s degree in Economics from San Diego State University. Over the course of her career, Alissa has constantly strived to continue to grow and develop her expertise. As a result of her continuing education, she has become a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, Certified Kingdom Advisor®, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst®, Accredited Estate Planner®, and is a Behavioral Financial Advisor™. In addition, she holds the following securities licenses: Series 7, 65, 66.

In 2012, Alissa got married to her wonderful husband John. They have three children, Jackson (2014), Camdyn (2017), and Irelyn (2022). After living in San Diego for about 14 years, she and her family returned to her hometown of Moorpark to not only join the family business but to live closer to her family. Alissa enjoys cooking/baking, interior design, running half marathons, and spending time with the people she loves. John and Alissa are regular attendees at Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park, CA where Alissa also volunteers in their Children’s ministry program.

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states ofAK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI,ID, IL, KS, KY, MD, MN, NC, ND, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, WA, WI, VA, UT. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

Shannon Beahan
CFP®, AEP®

COO | Partner | Certified Financial Planner™

Shannon Beahan, CFP® has been in the financial services industry since 2006. She joined Lindsey & Lindsey Wealth Management in the spring of 2021, transitioning from working with individual clients as a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments. Shannon has had the pleasure of serving clients in several capacities, spending a large portion of her career at Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management (LTAM), most recently as Vice President, Regional Consultant. While working for LTAM, Shannon served as a subject matter expert and resource to financial advisors, building and implementing customized investment strategies for their clients. During her tenure, Shannon’s efforts contributed to a quadrupling of the firm’s assets under management.

Shannon received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting from Excelsior College in Albany, New York. She also completed a Certificate in Financial Planning from New York University (NYU) in New York City. She currently holds the securities licenses Series 7 and 66. She obtained her Certified Financial Planner™ Certification in 2019.

A California native, Shannon spent many of her childhood years in Idaho, before moving to New York City to pursue a career in Finance. Missing the sunshine, she returned to California for good in 2014. She resides in Thousand Oaks with her yellow Labrador, Eleanor. Shannon enjoys being physically active, traveling with those she loves, and spending time at the beach with Eleanor.

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states ofAK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI,ID, IL, KS, KY, MD, MN, NC, ND, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, WA, WI, VA, UT. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

John Lindsey

Founder

John Lindsey is a former apparel industry Senior executive who worked for key brands such as Oshkosh B’ Gosh and Jantzen Sportswear. He was with Edward Jones for over 15 years beginning in 1996. His office in Simi Valley was among the top 3% volume offices in the country for Edward Jones. He served as Regional Leader for 65 Edward Jones offices in the south central coast and southern central valley region of California. He founded Lindsey & Lindsey Wealth Management, Inc. in 2012, then founded Ascent Wealth Management in 2013, to better serve his client base with an expanded universe of investment offerings.

Mr. Lindsey holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern California. 

John is a past director of the UC Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties and a past president of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley. He has been a past designee to the list of Who’s Who in Business and Finance by the Pacific Coast Business Times. John is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and a Leadership graduate. He served on the board of the Simi Valley Free Clinic as its Treasurer and Secretary and remains a board member. He is also the Finance Chair of the United Way of Ventura County and has served eight years on the board.

Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

James L. Cunningham, Jr.

Affiliated Parties: General Counsel, Attorney at Law

Jim Cunningham is a second-generation California attorney in his third decade of practice. He founded CunninghamLegal in 2005 to help families and individuals plan their estates and preserve their legacies. Certified by the State Bar of California’s Board of Specialization as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law, Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz (Honors in the Major) and a Juris Doctor from Whittier College of Law.

Jim is also a real estate investor, California real estate broker, and recognized expert on California property taxation. His many professional memberships include the California State Bar, Marin County Bar Association, Vistage International, WealthCounsel, California Advocates for Nursing Care Reform (CANHR), and ProVisors.

Jim Cunningham heads a team of lawyers in offices covering both Northern and Southern California. Please contact CunninghamLegal at (866) 988-3956 or https://www.cunninghamlegal.com/california-law-offices/contact/

Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

Devonney Thurman

Chief of Staff & Advisory Associate

Devonney joined the Ascent Wealth Management team in 2017. She attended Hillcrest Christian School in Thousand Oaks for high school and then left the Sunshine State for the Grand Canyon State for college. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Grand Canyon University with a degree in Business Management, which provided the framework for her career in finance where she can advance her skills within the industry. She currently holds her Series 7 license and is studying for the Series 66. Devonney stays busy by traveling, skiing, and spending time with her friends and family.

Meet Your Lindsey & Lindsey Team

Katy Thomas

Client Relations Coordinator

Katy joined Lindsey & Lindsey and Ascent Wealth Management in May of 2022. She graduated from the University of Channel Islands in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication emphasizing business and nonprofit management. This laid the groundwork for her career path which has provided her with experience in marketing, sales, and business management thus far. She has a strong desire to continue learning about all aspects of business, specifically wealth management, inspiring her next move within the financial industry. She now serves as the Client Relations Coordinator and a licensed California Notary for the office. Katy stays inspired through teaching and practicing hot yoga, snowboarding, getting creative in the kitchen, and spending time at the many beautiful beaches along the Ventura and Santa Barbara coastlines.

Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

Laura Spear

Office Coordinator

Laura comes to Ascent Wealth Management with a strong background in retail and customer service and is excited to work in a new industry that is innovative, exciting, and rewarding. She has been married to her husband Bill since 2013 and is a proud mother of four adult children and two grandchildren. She enjoys hiking, mountain bike riding, traveling, and adventures with her friends and family. Her goal is to zip-line in all the famous places around the world.

Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

Emily Wall

Client Service Coordinator

Emily joined the Ascent Wealth Management team in January of 2024. She has recently moved back to her hometown of Thousand Oaks, CA after living in Austin, Texas for the last 7 years. She comes from a background of teaching and wellness management, has a love for helping and serving people in any capacity, and is excited to grow and further her education in the financial industry. Emily enjoys serving at her church, being in the kitchen, and spending time with friends and family.

Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

Sami O'Shaughnessy

Manager of Client Accounts and Service

Sami joined Ascent Wealth Management in the summer of 2019. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Business Management from California State University of Channel Islands in 2015. After graduating, she pursued her love for cooking and entered the Patisserie Arts program at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, CA. After receiving her certification and working as a pastry chef for several years in Westlake Village, she chose to further her education and enter the financial industry, where she currently serves as the Manager of Client Accounts & Service. In August of 2022, she married her incredible husband and enjoys exercising, traveling, and sharing her love of food with her friends and family.

Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

Emily Harris

Client Accounts Coordinator

Emily started with Lindsey & Lindsey and Ascent Wealth Management at the beginning of 2015, with a strong background in administration, but little to no knowledge in the financial industry. She feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn and grow rapidly in this arena. With goals of furthering her education, Emily hopes to be securities licensed with the Series 7 and 66 soon. Emily got married in 2012 and she and her husband are excited to expand their family in the near future. In spare time, she is very involved in her community church and enjoys going to the movies.

Meet Your Ascent Wealth Management Team

Carrie Trudgeon

Client Service Manager

Carrie joined Ascent Wealth Management in March 2022.  She graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor’s of Science.  For the past 10 years she has worked in the accounting industry for various Business Management firms, but is new to Wealth Management and is looking forward to learning and growing in this area.  Carrie got married in 2018 and her and her husband welcomed their first child, Gianna in July 2021.  She enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.

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