Financial Wellness Champions Spotlight
A Message from our CEO
We are proud to highlight the dedication and achievements of our team members who have earned their Credit Union Financial Counselor Certification (CCUFC). This program equips our teams with the skills and knowledge to guide our members toward sound financial decisions. With certified financial counselors on staff, we can provide not only our employees with the knowledge and guidance on financial wellness but also the ability to share and guide our members to financial health. Our team members' commitment to this certification reflects our dedication to professional development and excellence in financial advisory services. Their achievements empower us to make a meaningful difference in the financial well-being of those we serve, supporting our long-standing purpose of people-helping-people.
Certified Financial Counselor
Viktoria Earle
President/Chief Executive Officer
"Obtaining the Credit Union Financial Certification has been rewarding and enlightening. I am passionate about sharing this knowledge with all of our employees and members, with the goal of enhancing their financial well-being. By fostering a culture of financial literacy and empathy, we can make a profound impact on the lives of our members, truly being difference-makers."
"Obtaining the Credit Union Financial Certification has been rewarding and enlightening. I am passionate about sharing this knowledge with all of our employees and members, with the goal of enhancing their financial well-being. By fostering a culture of financial literacy and empathy, we can make a profound impact on the lives of our members, truly being difference-makers."
Certified Financial Counselor
Lisa Brown
Chief Strategy & People Officer
"I loved many things about the program that helped me earn my CCUFC designation, and what I found to be most impactful is: 1) I wish I had this knowledge in my early 20s since it would have helped me make more informed financial decisions as I was starting out in my career and in life; and 2) No matter what life stage we’re in, there is always something more we can learn!"
"I loved many things about the program that helped me earn my CCUFC designation, and what I found to be most impactful is: 1) I wish I had this knowledge in my early 20s since it would have helped me make more informed financial decisions as I was starting out in my career and in life; and 2) No matter what life stage we’re in, there is always something more we can learn!"
Certified Financial Counselor
Jennifer D’Amico
Chief Marketing Officer
"This program provided valuable tools, resources and knowledge that will benefit me in my personal financial life and help me to guide others. It’s also exciting, that as an organization, we can learn from each other and collaborate on the best ways to be difference makers to our members."
"This program provided valuable tools, resources and knowledge that will benefit me in my personal financial life and help me to guide others. It’s also exciting, that as an organization, we can learn from each other and collaborate on the best ways to be difference makers to our members."
Certified Financial Counselor
Val Ovrootsky
Chief Information Officer
"Pursuing certification in Financial Counseling allowed me to connect technology with financial wellness, aligning with our new mission and vision. By combining technical expertise with financial counseling skills, I can better support our members and help them confidently navigate their finances through the digital tools we offer."
"Pursuing certification in Financial Counseling allowed me to connect technology with financial wellness, aligning with our new mission and vision. By combining technical expertise with financial counseling skills, I can better support our members and help them confidently navigate their finances through the digital tools we offer."
Certified Financial Counselor
Vince Salinas
Chief Lending Officer
"Pursuing certification in financial counseling matters to me because it formalizes a lifelong commitment to helping people make confident, values-aligned financial decisions. With decades in lending, I’ve seen how guidance changes outcomes. Certification strengthens my credibility, deepens my skills, and ensures I serve members ethically, holistically, and with lasting impact while advancing trust, education, resilience, and opportunity across communities nationwide."
"Pursuing certification in financial counseling matters to me because it formalizes a lifelong commitment to helping people make confident, values-aligned financial decisions. With decades in lending, I’ve seen how guidance changes outcomes. Certification strengthens my credibility, deepens my skills, and ensures I serve members ethically, holistically, and with lasting impact while advancing trust, education, resilience, and opportunity across communities nationwide."
Certified Financial Counselor
Madelynn Arlia
Financial Services Representative
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I find it incredibly rewarding to help members achieve financial independence. Guiding them as they create and stick to a budget, pay off debt, save for important goals, and work toward greater security and freedom is truly fulfilling. Being part of their journey toward financial confidence is an amazing experience."
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I find it incredibly rewarding to help members achieve financial independence. Guiding them as they create and stick to a budget, pay off debt, save for important goals, and work toward greater security and freedom is truly fulfilling. Being part of their journey toward financial confidence is an amazing experience."
Certified Financial Counselor
Wendell Arreola
Financial Services Representative
"As a certified financial counselor, I find the most rewarding aspect of my role is the help that the members gain for financial stability and confidence. Whether it’s guiding someone out of debt, helping them build savings, or educating them on smart financial decisions, seeing positive impact on their lives can be incredibly fulfilling."
"As a certified financial counselor, I find the most rewarding aspect of my role is the help that the members gain for financial stability and confidence. Whether it’s guiding someone out of debt, helping them build savings, or educating them on smart financial decisions, seeing positive impact on their lives can be incredibly fulfilling."
Certified Financial Counselor
Jaclyn Aviles
Financial Services Representative
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I am eager and looking forward to offer members effective solutions that provide relief, instill hope, and empower them to make sound financial decisions during challenging times and setting them up for financial success. Helping others is what I find most rewarding because we see that our efforts are making someone's day/life better."
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I am eager and looking forward to offer members effective solutions that provide relief, instill hope, and empower them to make sound financial decisions during challenging times and setting them up for financial success. Helping others is what I find most rewarding because we see that our efforts are making someone's day/life better."
Certified Financial Counselor
Essel Baile
Loan Administration Specialist
"During my journey to becoming a Certified Financial Counselor, I learned how my own behavior and attitude of money including my past experiences triggered my personal financial decisions. It helped me understand by putting myself in the members’ shoes on how to listen, communicate, and advise them to help meet their financial goals."
"During my journey to becoming a Certified Financial Counselor, I learned how my own behavior and attitude of money including my past experiences triggered my personal financial decisions. It helped me understand by putting myself in the members’ shoes on how to listen, communicate, and advise them to help meet their financial goals."
Certified Financial Counselor
Susie Barraza
Fulfillment Specialist
"What I find most rewarding about earning my Certified Financial Counselor designation is the opportunity to continually learn new techniques that enhance my ability to support our members and truly understand their financial needs and goals."
"What I find most rewarding about earning my Certified Financial Counselor designation is the opportunity to continually learn new techniques that enhance my ability to support our members and truly understand their financial needs and goals."
Certified Financial Counselor
Paula Burkey
Human Resources Specialist
"I had a lot of “Aaawww-haaaa” moments during my studies that were very impactful to me. It helped me step back and think about my financial wellness and ways I can implement positive changes in my life. I wish I did this years ago. If this program helped me, I am so excited for what we can offer to our members. This could be a game changer for our members & employees. Hopefully, we can reach our younger members before they need to learn lessons the hard way."
"I had a lot of “Aaawww-haaaa” moments during my studies that were very impactful to me. It helped me step back and think about my financial wellness and ways I can implement positive changes in my life. I wish I did this years ago. If this program helped me, I am so excited for what we can offer to our members. This could be a game changer for our members & employees. Hopefully, we can reach our younger members before they need to learn lessons the hard way."
Certified Financial Counselor
Liliana Caballero
Loan Funding Specialist
"I chose to pursue financial counseling certification because I wanted to deepen my understanding of the financial challenges people face and how I can better support them—even from behind the scenes. In my role in loan funding, I may not work directly with clients, but the decisions I help facilitate have a real impact on their financial well-being. This journey has given me a stronger foundation to ensure the work I do contributes to positive outcomes for others."
"I chose to pursue financial counseling certification because I wanted to deepen my understanding of the financial challenges people face and how I can better support them—even from behind the scenes. In my role in loan funding, I may not work directly with clients, but the decisions I help facilitate have a real impact on their financial well-being. This journey has given me a stronger foundation to ensure the work I do contributes to positive outcomes for others."
Certified Financial Counselor
Arcelia Campos
Fulfillment Specialist
"The most rewarding aspect of being a Certified Financial Counselor is empowering individuals through financial education. I hope to help build confidence in managing their finances and for them to make informed decisions for a secure future."
"The most rewarding aspect of being a Certified Financial Counselor is empowering individuals through financial education. I hope to help build confidence in managing their finances and for them to make informed decisions for a secure future."
Certified Financial Counselor
Desiree Campos-Lucatero
Financial Services Representative
"One of the most impactful moments during my journey to becoming a certified financial counselor was when I involved my kids in the learning process. Not only did it solidify the concepts I was learning, but it also opened meaningful conversations with my kids about money, needs versus wants, and the importance of savings. It deepened my commitment to this path not just to help others, but to break the cycle and set up the next generation for success."
"One of the most impactful moments during my journey to becoming a certified financial counselor was when I involved my kids in the learning process. Not only did it solidify the concepts I was learning, but it also opened meaningful conversations with my kids about money, needs versus wants, and the importance of savings. It deepened my commitment to this path not just to help others, but to break the cycle and set up the next generation for success."
Certified Financial Counselor
Gabriel Cardoza
Member Service Representative
"My journey to becoming a certified financial counselor really helped broaden the scope of how I view my money habits. Learning the tools necessary to be a successful financial counselor using empathy and an increased knowledge will make me better equipped to set up others for financial success throughout all stages of their life, which will feel so rewarding."
"My journey to becoming a certified financial counselor really helped broaden the scope of how I view my money habits. Learning the tools necessary to be a successful financial counselor using empathy and an increased knowledge will make me better equipped to set up others for financial success throughout all stages of their life, which will feel so rewarding."
Certified Financial Counselor
Jenny Chau
Branch Operations Manager
"Becoming a financial counselor was a special opportunity and investment in me, by the credit union. I learned about the different life stages and financial challenges people face and how I can help our members on their journey to financial wellness. From the skills and knowledge acquired, I can impact our members' lives, my family, friends, and my own life, positively influencing our financial wellness. Being first-generation in the U.S., my parents didn't have the luxury to learn about budgeting, investments, or retirement. I gained many insights from this course that I will apply to my own life and use to guide our members toward financial well-being."
"Becoming a financial counselor was a special opportunity and investment in me, by the credit union. I learned about the different life stages and financial challenges people face and how I can help our members on their journey to financial wellness. From the skills and knowledge acquired, I can impact our members' lives, my family, friends, and my own life, positively influencing our financial wellness. Being first-generation in the U.S., my parents didn't have the luxury to learn about budgeting, investments, or retirement. I gained many insights from this course that I will apply to my own life and use to guide our members toward financial well-being."
Certified Financial Counselor
Amy Cimorelli
Senior Director of Human Resources
"Completing this course provided me with knowledge and insight into the depth of support and guidance we can offer to our members. Budgeting, saving and managing debt can be overwhelming to many. Knowing that our credit union is investing in providing our employees with financial counselor tools and resources to in turn educate and assist our members on their financial wellness journey is incredible. Added bonus…I LEARNED SO MUCH!"
"Completing this course provided me with knowledge and insight into the depth of support and guidance we can offer to our members. Budgeting, saving and managing debt can be overwhelming to many. Knowing that our credit union is investing in providing our employees with financial counselor tools and resources to in turn educate and assist our members on their financial wellness journey is incredible. Added bonus…I LEARNED SO MUCH!"
Certified Financial Counselor
Saul Coronado
Financial Services Representative
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, the most rewarding part of my role would be seeing members move from feeling overwhelmed to being in control of their financial lives. It is very meaningful to see people overcome the problems they have been dealing with for a long time. It makes you feel like you are making a difference in people's lives."
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, the most rewarding part of my role would be seeing members move from feeling overwhelmed to being in control of their financial lives. It is very meaningful to see people overcome the problems they have been dealing with for a long time. It makes you feel like you are making a difference in people's lives."
Certified Financial Counselor
Antonio DiFrancesco
Financial Services Representative
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I find being able to provide counseling not only to members, but family and friends as well to its most rewarding aspect. Watching as my guidance helps others achieve their financial goals warms my heart and puts a smile on my face."
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I find being able to provide counseling not only to members, but family and friends as well to its most rewarding aspect. Watching as my guidance helps others achieve their financial goals warms my heart and puts a smile on my face."
Certified Financial Counselor
Sandra Edusada
Member Care Center Manager
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, it gave me the opportunity to help others take control of their financial futures. I felt empowered by making a difference in people’s lives. It’s all about listening and helping individuals to achieve their financial goals. It’s not just about numbers but it’s also about building and binding trust, fostering relationships, and providing emotional support, it’s about people.
This is an opportunity for me to continue to provide the knowledge and tools they need to manage their finances effectively. And ultimately hope that it will not only affect those individuals’ financial well-being but will also ripple out to their own friends and families."
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, it gave me the opportunity to help others take control of their financial futures. I felt empowered by making a difference in people’s lives. It’s all about listening and helping individuals to achieve their financial goals. It’s not just about numbers but it’s also about building and binding trust, fostering relationships, and providing emotional support, it’s about people.
This is an opportunity for me to continue to provide the knowledge and tools they need to manage their finances effectively. And ultimately hope that it will not only affect those individuals’ financial well-being but will also ripple out to their own friends and families."
Certified Financial Counselor
Brandon Farris
Financial Services Representative
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I am most excited about guiding members in a positive direction so that they can achieve financial wellness and stability. Helping them understand how to manage and minimize debt is one of my biggest goals. I also want to encourage members by instilling confidence in them so that they feel motivated to progress throughout their financial future. "
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I am most excited about guiding members in a positive direction so that they can achieve financial wellness and stability. Helping them understand how to manage and minimize debt is one of my biggest goals. I also want to encourage members by instilling confidence in them so that they feel motivated to progress throughout their financial future. "
Certified Financial Counselor
Stacy Freitas
Administrative Manager-Office of the CEO
"The most impactful “aha” moment in my journey to becoming a Certified Financial Counselor was realizing my attitude towards money and how it was influencing my financial freedom. I came to understand that my wants were often mistaken for needs, and that true financial wellness begins with recognizing the difference. Training to become certified provided me with the tools that I needed to realize that saving is key to obtaining the ultimate goal of financial wellness not only for myself, but for my family!"
"The most impactful “aha” moment in my journey to becoming a Certified Financial Counselor was realizing my attitude towards money and how it was influencing my financial freedom. I came to understand that my wants were often mistaken for needs, and that true financial wellness begins with recognizing the difference. Training to become certified provided me with the tools that I needed to realize that saving is key to obtaining the ultimate goal of financial wellness not only for myself, but for my family!"
Certified Financial Counselor
Sandie Garcia
Loan Administration Specialist
"The tools that we learned becoming a certified Financial Counselor, better allow me to help members at every stage of life. The most rewarding part is knowing we are giving our members the tools they need as well as peace of mind and they are not alone in their journey."
"The tools that we learned becoming a certified Financial Counselor, better allow me to help members at every stage of life. The most rewarding part is knowing we are giving our members the tools they need as well as peace of mind and they are not alone in their journey."
Certified Financial Counselor
Sylvia Granger
Senior Director of Branches
"I recall as a young adult not being prepared for all the financial decisions that I was faced with. This program reminded me how important financial education is to young adults and the impact a credit union can have. It brought in the reality of what many people are challenged with and the excitement of how we now have the tools to help them through their financial journey."
"I recall as a young adult not being prepared for all the financial decisions that I was faced with. This program reminded me how important financial education is to young adults and the impact a credit union can have. It brought in the reality of what many people are challenged with and the excitement of how we now have the tools to help them through their financial journey."
Certified Financial Counselor
Alex Tapia Gonzalez
Assistant Branch Manager
"The cooperative philosophy of “people helping people” continues to drive my commitment to form trust and provide compassionate professional service to members. As a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC), I am now equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to help members make sound financial decisions, guiding them through financial challenges, offering personalized advice, and developing strategies to improve their financial well-being."
"The cooperative philosophy of “people helping people” continues to drive my commitment to form trust and provide compassionate professional service to members. As a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC), I am now equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to help members make sound financial decisions, guiding them through financial challenges, offering personalized advice, and developing strategies to improve their financial well-being."
Certified Financial Counselor
Jennifer Guevarra
Lending Director
"For me, the most rewarding part is gaining a deeper understanding of the member experience. Attaining my certification opened my eyes to the real financial journeys people are on, and it motivates me to lead with purpose. It strengthens how I make decisions and helps me shape lending solutions that truly make a positive difference in our members’ financial well being."
"For me, the most rewarding part is gaining a deeper understanding of the member experience. Attaining my certification opened my eyes to the real financial journeys people are on, and it motivates me to lead with purpose. It strengthens how I make decisions and helps me shape lending solutions that truly make a positive difference in our members’ financial well being."
Certified Financial Counselor
Joanna Hernandez
Financial Services Representative
"Becoming a Certified Financial Counselor taught me that this journey isn’t just about numbers, it’s about understanding people’s unique situations and empowering them to take control of their financial future."
"Becoming a Certified Financial Counselor taught me that this journey isn’t just about numbers, it’s about understanding people’s unique situations and empowering them to take control of their financial future."
Certified Financial Counselor
Veronica Ibanez
Branch Manager
"As a Financial Counselor, I am excited to be able to teach/help our members with whatever life brings to them. Everyone’s financial lives differ, so now I can either help manage one’s finances, I can help them create a savings plan or help create a retirement plan. Working for CommonWealth, I have learned that a financial institution doesn’t just hold one’s money, we are there to guide to success and we care about their financial wellness."
"As a Financial Counselor, I am excited to be able to teach/help our members with whatever life brings to them. Everyone’s financial lives differ, so now I can either help manage one’s finances, I can help them create a savings plan or help create a retirement plan. Working for CommonWealth, I have learned that a financial institution doesn’t just hold one’s money, we are there to guide to success and we care about their financial wellness."
Certified Financial Counselor
Briana Inzunza
Marketing Specialist
"Receiving my Certified Financial Counselor certification has been incredibly rewarding because it has deepened my personal understanding of finances and strengthened my belief in the importance of financial literacy. I am passionate about using what I’ve learned to help those in my life in any way I can, empowering them to make informed decisions and build a stronger financial future."
"Receiving my Certified Financial Counselor certification has been incredibly rewarding because it has deepened my personal understanding of finances and strengthened my belief in the importance of financial literacy. I am passionate about using what I’ve learned to help those in my life in any way I can, empowering them to make informed decisions and build a stronger financial future."
Certified Financial Counselor
Punitha Jayaraman
Information Security Director
"This course provided me with a foundational knowledge that covers the entire financial lifecycle from building an effective budget to understanding investment basics. The tools & techniques dealt with helped me to understand how to maximize income & increase savings. I felt that I have invested my time and effort rightly and can’t wait to use these powerful tools in my life to improve my family financial wellbeing."
"This course provided me with a foundational knowledge that covers the entire financial lifecycle from building an effective budget to understanding investment basics. The tools & techniques dealt with helped me to understand how to maximize income & increase savings. I felt that I have invested my time and effort rightly and can’t wait to use these powerful tools in my life to improve my family financial wellbeing."
Certified Financial Counselor
Giron Jualo
Member Service Representative
"Throughout my journey of becoming a Certified Financial Counselor I’ve retained information that will help carry me for a lifetime. With the information that I’ve attained, its motivating to know that I can do more than just help assist our members with their transactions . I’m now able to provide help to our members that will impact their financial wellness."
"Throughout my journey of becoming a Certified Financial Counselor I’ve retained information that will help carry me for a lifetime. With the information that I’ve attained, its motivating to know that I can do more than just help assist our members with their transactions . I’m now able to provide help to our members that will impact their financial wellness."
Certified Financial Counselor
Noel Juarez
Financial Services Representative
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, the aspect of my role that I find most rewarding is the building of member relationships for life.
The impact of credit advice to either build up or repair helps members to be in a better financial situation and that is always remembered."
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, the aspect of my role that I find most rewarding is the building of member relationships for life.
The impact of credit advice to either build up or repair helps members to be in a better financial situation and that is always remembered."
Certified Financial Counselor
Brenda Lara
Branch Manager
"I pursued certification in financial counseling to help others achieve financial stability and independence. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to manage their finances effectively. This journey will enhance my ability to assist others with personalized financial plans, budgeting, saving strategies, and support in overcoming financial obstacles. Ultimately, I aim to empower individuals to take control of their finances and achieve their long-term financial goals.
"I pursued certification in financial counseling to help others achieve financial stability and independence. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to manage their finances effectively. This journey will enhance my ability to assist others with personalized financial plans, budgeting, saving strategies, and support in overcoming financial obstacles. Ultimately, I aim to empower individuals to take control of their finances and achieve their long-term financial goals.
Certified Financial Counselor
Alyx Leatherman
Member Service Representative
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I find that being able to assist our members with providing knowledge and resources to help them meet their goals in the financial world and providing them with peace of mind that we are here to help them during hard times."
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I find that being able to assist our members with providing knowledge and resources to help them meet their goals in the financial world and providing them with peace of mind that we are here to help them during hard times."
Certified Financial Counselor
Kristabelle Lee
Loss Mitigation Specialist
"Preparing for this Certification made me realize how integral this training is for those working at CommonWealth Central Credit Union. It reflects the foundation of our duty providing the best service to our members. This helpful knowledge extends beyond the office, as it benefits our understanding of our personal finances. No wonder, then, that our company has advocated this certification for its employees."
"Preparing for this Certification made me realize how integral this training is for those working at CommonWealth Central Credit Union. It reflects the foundation of our duty providing the best service to our members. This helpful knowledge extends beyond the office, as it benefits our understanding of our personal finances. No wonder, then, that our company has advocated this certification for its employees."
Certified Financial Counselor
Eric Lindeman
Branch Manager
"I’ve always enjoyed budgeting and reviewing my family’s cash flow, so this was a great opportunity for me to dive deeper into the process of analysis, gain resources, and learn more about the aspects of financial health that I didn’t know about."
"I’ve always enjoyed budgeting and reviewing my family’s cash flow, so this was a great opportunity for me to dive deeper into the process of analysis, gain resources, and learn more about the aspects of financial health that I didn’t know about."
Certified Financial Counselor
Ivonne Madrigal
Member Service Representative
"As a financial counselor, the most rewarding part is helping members shift from financial stress to confidence. Empowering them through education, guiding them in building life-lasting skills - whether it's paying off debt, improving credit, or saving for a home. Seeing their lives improve and knowing I contributed to that transformation brings true purpose and fulfillment to our work."
"As a financial counselor, the most rewarding part is helping members shift from financial stress to confidence. Empowering them through education, guiding them in building life-lasting skills - whether it's paying off debt, improving credit, or saving for a home. Seeing their lives improve and knowing I contributed to that transformation brings true purpose and fulfillment to our work."
Certified Financial Counselor
Tania Martinez
Branch Manager
"Having earned the certification in financial counseling will help deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to guide others effectively. This journey will equip me with advanced skills and tools to address diverse financial challenges, allowing me to provide tailored advice and empower members to manage their finances more confidently and successfully."
"Having earned the certification in financial counseling will help deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to guide others effectively. This journey will equip me with advanced skills and tools to address diverse financial challenges, allowing me to provide tailored advice and empower members to manage their finances more confidently and successfully."
Certified Financial Counselor
Holly O'Leary
Emerging Markets Specialist
"I truly have a passion for interacting with members to help them achieve their financial goals. I find it gratifying when I can celebrate their success, through the results of their hard work."
"I truly have a passion for interacting with members to help them achieve their financial goals. I find it gratifying when I can celebrate their success, through the results of their hard work."
Certified Financial Counselor
Marissa Pena
Financial Services Representative
"What I find most rewarding of being a Certified Financial Counselor is helping people gain clarity and confidence in their financial lives. Many individuals feel overwhelmed or stressed about money, and being able to guide them toward practical solutions, improved financial habits, and long-term stability is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing our members reach milestones—whether it's paying down debt, building savings, or simply feeling more in control of their finances, makes the work truly meaningful."
"What I find most rewarding of being a Certified Financial Counselor is helping people gain clarity and confidence in their financial lives. Many individuals feel overwhelmed or stressed about money, and being able to guide them toward practical solutions, improved financial habits, and long-term stability is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing our members reach milestones—whether it's paying down debt, building savings, or simply feeling more in control of their finances, makes the work truly meaningful."
Certified Financial Counselor
Gricelda Pennell
Financial Services Representative
"My motivation to pursue a certificate in financial counseling stems from a deep desire to empower individuals and families to achieve financial stability by providing them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their money, ultimately improving their overall wellbeing."
"My motivation to pursue a certificate in financial counseling stems from a deep desire to empower individuals and families to achieve financial stability by providing them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their money, ultimately improving their overall wellbeing."
Certified Financial Counselor
Eilish Perry
Compliance Director
"Attaining my Certified CU Financial Counselor (CCUFC ) designation was much more rewarding and beneficial than I anticipated. It has equipped me with additional knowledge and skills to help support individuals & families through various life stages. Helping others navigate financial challenges and achieve financial wellbeing is incredibly rewarding. I am delighted to see that CommonWealth has invested in so many of its employees for the benefit of its members."
"Attaining my Certified CU Financial Counselor (CCUFC ) designation was much more rewarding and beneficial than I anticipated. It has equipped me with additional knowledge and skills to help support individuals & families through various life stages. Helping others navigate financial challenges and achieve financial wellbeing is incredibly rewarding. I am delighted to see that CommonWealth has invested in so many of its employees for the benefit of its members."
Certified Financial Counselor
Jayne Perryman
Loan Administration Director
"With 40+ years in financial services, I found that the topics covered in the certification were what I have focused on in my career. Assist the member with a focus on long term goals and well-being."
"With 40+ years in financial services, I found that the topics covered in the certification were what I have focused on in my career. Assist the member with a focus on long term goals and well-being."
Certified Financial Counselor
Dan Racimo
Emerging Markets Director
"I am particularly passionate about helping those who are on the "up ramp" of their financial journeys — whether they are just learning the ropes of financial literacy or recovering from significant financial missteps. I want to help alleviate the extreme worries that so many feel about their finances and coach them toward a clear and secure path forward."
"I am particularly passionate about helping those who are on the "up ramp" of their financial journeys — whether they are just learning the ropes of financial literacy or recovering from significant financial missteps. I want to help alleviate the extreme worries that so many feel about their finances and coach them toward a clear and secure path forward."
Certified Financial Counselor
Karina Rangel
Operations Supervisor
"The most rewarding part of my role as a financial counselor is I get to help people rebuild their life after struggling with debt. "
"The most rewarding part of my role as a financial counselor is I get to help people rebuild their life after struggling with debt. "
Certified Financial Counselor
Karina Reyes
Member Service Representative
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I find it most rewarding to be able to answer members’ questions and assist them with their financial needs with confidence, after all the information I learned through the certification course. Learning and implementing how to understand how sensitive some of our members’ cases can be, and knowing the best way to handle them really helps with member trust."
"As a Certified Financial Counselor, I find it most rewarding to be able to answer members’ questions and assist them with their financial needs with confidence, after all the information I learned through the certification course. Learning and implementing how to understand how sensitive some of our members’ cases can be, and knowing the best way to handle them really helps with member trust."
Certified Financial Counselor
D’Wayne Rice
Marketing Director
"Becoming a Certified Financial Counselor is important to me because it deepens my understanding of financial behaviors and overall well-being. It helps me create content that goes beyond products and connects more to the real goals and challenges our members face. I can approach our messaging through a wellness lens and be more intentional about the impact we’re making."
"Becoming a Certified Financial Counselor is important to me because it deepens my understanding of financial behaviors and overall well-being. It helps me create content that goes beyond products and connects more to the real goals and challenges our members face. I can approach our messaging through a wellness lens and be more intentional about the impact we’re making."
Certified Financial Counselor
Jacob Richmond
Jr. Core and Systems Administrator
"During the CCUFC course, we were presented with a lot of useful information and strategies for tackling debt and for developing savings plans based on short-term and long-term goals. These skills were immediately useful in helping me to understand the different ways I could personally approach my own savings goals."
"During the CCUFC course, we were presented with a lot of useful information and strategies for tackling debt and for developing savings plans based on short-term and long-term goals. These skills were immediately useful in helping me to understand the different ways I could personally approach my own savings goals."
Certified Financial Counselor
Jasmine Rodriguez
Financial Services Representative
"My motivation for becoming a certified financial counselor was the desire to be able to further educate members during times of financial need by helping them feel confident and empowered enough to take control of their financial wellbeing. The journey to certification gave me invaluable knowledge that I will carry with me for reference not only personally but also when working with members to make a lasting positive impact on their lives."
"My motivation for becoming a certified financial counselor was the desire to be able to further educate members during times of financial need by helping them feel confident and empowered enough to take control of their financial wellbeing. The journey to certification gave me invaluable knowledge that I will carry with me for reference not only personally but also when working with members to make a lasting positive impact on their lives."
Certified Financial Counselor
Sean Ryan
Member Service Representative
"The aspect of my role that I find most rewarding, is being able to speak to members and helping them better understand aspects of their financial journey and applying it to their everyday lives."
"The aspect of my role that I find most rewarding, is being able to speak to members and helping them better understand aspects of their financial journey and applying it to their everyday lives."
Certified Financial Counselor
Leslie Salazar
Training & Development Specialist
"For several years, I’ve helped family and friends navigate their finances. Becoming a Certified Financial Counselor has deepened my knowledge and equipped me with more tools and resources to share. I am truly grateful for this opportunity!"
"For several years, I’ve helped family and friends navigate their finances. Becoming a Certified Financial Counselor has deepened my knowledge and equipped me with more tools and resources to share. I am truly grateful for this opportunity!"
Certified Financial Counselor
Norman Salom
Accounting Director
"Having obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to confidently provide guidance to those who need and want to seek advice in managing their finances effectively is a great personal accomplishment. Also, knowing that I would be in a position to be of help and make a difference is very satisfying."
"Having obtained the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to confidently provide guidance to those who need and want to seek advice in managing their finances effectively is a great personal accomplishment. Also, knowing that I would be in a position to be of help and make a difference is very satisfying."
Certified Financial Counselor
Cecilia Sanches
Support Services Director
"What motivated me to pursue my certification in financial counseling, was the need to help provide compassionate and dignified care to those members in need. Helping others not only allows me to contribute positively to our members’ lives but also enhances my own personal and professional development."
"What motivated me to pursue my certification in financial counseling, was the need to help provide compassionate and dignified care to those members in need. Helping others not only allows me to contribute positively to our members’ lives but also enhances my own personal and professional development."
Certified Financial Counselor
Noel Shankar
Senior Director of Member Care Center
"Serving members that might be financially “Challenged” and providing a path forward with realistic goals / objectives. Ultimately empowering them to improve their financial health and make sound financial decisions in the future."
"Serving members that might be financially “Challenged” and providing a path forward with realistic goals / objectives. Ultimately empowering them to improve their financial health and make sound financial decisions in the future."
Certified Financial Counselor
Connie Silva
Facilities Services Director
"Becoming a Certified Financial Counselor has highlighted the importance of meeting members at different stages of life. Educating them on managing finances, dealing with hardships, saving, and planning for the future has a lasting impact. I’m excited that our credit union invests in employees to guide members toward financial confidence. By having these meaningful conversations, we build trust and empower members to make smart financial decisions. Offering financial counseling not only helps them with immediate needs but also positions us as lifelong partners in their financial journey. It’s a life-changing service, and I’m proud to be a part of it!"
"Becoming a Certified Financial Counselor has highlighted the importance of meeting members at different stages of life. Educating them on managing finances, dealing with hardships, saving, and planning for the future has a lasting impact. I’m excited that our credit union invests in employees to guide members toward financial confidence. By having these meaningful conversations, we build trust and empower members to make smart financial decisions. Offering financial counseling not only helps them with immediate needs but also positions us as lifelong partners in their financial journey. It’s a life-changing service, and I’m proud to be a part of it!"
Certified Financial Counselor
Amber Ta-a
Financial Services Representative
"I was motivated to become a certified financial counselor because I knew it would provide me with the knowledge and new skills to help make a larger impact on our members' lives. No matter what age, situation, or stage in life, I want to do my very best to provide them with the ability and coaching to reach their financial goals."
"I was motivated to become a certified financial counselor because I knew it would provide me with the knowledge and new skills to help make a larger impact on our members' lives. No matter what age, situation, or stage in life, I want to do my very best to provide them with the ability and coaching to reach their financial goals."
Certified Financial Counselor
Danielle Teague
Financial Services Representative
"The best part of being a Certified Financial Counselor is having the ability to help people understand their finances and financial habits on a deeper level. This certification has helped me gain knowledge on things that are not only new, important, and helpful to me but also to members as well as my friends and family."
"The best part of being a Certified Financial Counselor is having the ability to help people understand their finances and financial habits on a deeper level. This certification has helped me gain knowledge on things that are not only new, important, and helpful to me but also to members as well as my friends and family."
Certified Financial Counselor
Bernie Torres
Loan Underwriter
"Having completed the Certified Financial Counselor course has been like a breath of fresh air. The training offers a wealth of knowledge that is useful for me as an underwriter. We work in an industry that is ever changing and these courses offer a new approach to servicing our members and peers."
"Having completed the Certified Financial Counselor course has been like a breath of fresh air. The training offers a wealth of knowledge that is useful for me as an underwriter. We work in an industry that is ever changing and these courses offer a new approach to servicing our members and peers."
Certified Financial Counselor
Thu Tran
Loan Funding Specialist
"One impactful moment during my journey to becoming a certified financial counselor was sharing what I learned with my family. As a first-generation American, I saw how hard my parents worked while navigating financial systems that were unfamiliar to them. Helping them better understand credit, savings, and planning showed me how powerful financial education can be for families and future generations like my nephew Oliver and niece Charlotte."
"One impactful moment during my journey to becoming a certified financial counselor was sharing what I learned with my family. As a first-generation American, I saw how hard my parents worked while navigating financial systems that were unfamiliar to them. Helping them better understand credit, savings, and planning showed me how powerful financial education can be for families and future generations like my nephew Oliver and niece Charlotte."
Certified Financial Counselor
Sirisak Umpawa
Senior Director of Information Technology
"I learned a lot from the program and throughout the conversations and discussions, it is proof that our Credit Union is here to help and cares about its members’ financial well-being. I’m glad to have the opportunity to join the program and become a Certified Financial Counselor. The knowledge and skillset I gained from the program enable me to help others with their financial goals as well as help me reach my personal financial goals."
"I learned a lot from the program and throughout the conversations and discussions, it is proof that our Credit Union is here to help and cares about its members’ financial well-being. I’m glad to have the opportunity to join the program and become a Certified Financial Counselor. The knowledge and skillset I gained from the program enable me to help others with their financial goals as well as help me reach my personal financial goals."
Certified Financial Counselor
Maria Valladares
Process Specialist
"One of the most impactful parts of earning my Certified Financial Counselor certification was realizing how much of what I studied connected directly to my own personal life experiences. The material not only reinforced lessons I’ve learned along the way, but it also gave me valuable knowledge and tools I can carry forward into the future. I’m truly excited to take what I’ve gained from this journey and use it to help and support others in their financial lives."
"One of the most impactful parts of earning my Certified Financial Counselor certification was realizing how much of what I studied connected directly to my own personal life experiences. The material not only reinforced lessons I’ve learned along the way, but it also gave me valuable knowledge and tools I can carry forward into the future. I’m truly excited to take what I’ve gained from this journey and use it to help and support others in their financial lives."
Certified Financial Counselor
Yuriko Virrueta
Account Solutions Specialist
"Having earned the Certification for Financial Counseling will help me understand our members’ needs and goals more thoroughly, both short term and long term. It will effectively assist in getting a better financial picture to help them succeed financially as well as feel in control again."
"Having earned the Certification for Financial Counseling will help me understand our members’ needs and goals more thoroughly, both short term and long term. It will effectively assist in getting a better financial picture to help them succeed financially as well as feel in control again."
Certified Financial Counselor
Elizabeth Zamora
Training & Development Director
"Obtaining my CCUFC designation has provided valuable tools, resources and knowledge that will benefit me both personally and professionally. This knowledge not only enhances my ability to manage finances more effectively but also deepens my empathy and insight into the challenges people face with money management. Overall, it’s a rewarding journey that equips me to guide others toward financial wellness with confidence and integrity."
"Obtaining my CCUFC designation has provided valuable tools, resources and knowledge that will benefit me both personally and professionally. This knowledge not only enhances my ability to manage finances more effectively but also deepens my empathy and insight into the challenges people face with money management. Overall, it’s a rewarding journey that equips me to guide others toward financial wellness with confidence and integrity."
Certified Financial Counselor
Norma Zamora
Human Resources Specialist
"My journey to becoming a Certified Financial Counselor transformed how I think about money, giving me confidence, and the ability to better support others. My most impactful moment was realizing how different my path could have been with this knowledge as a young adult. Earning my CCUFC deepened my empathy and practical skills to help others build lasting financial wellness."
"My journey to becoming a Certified Financial Counselor transformed how I think about money, giving me confidence, and the ability to better support others. My most impactful moment was realizing how different my path could have been with this knowledge as a young adult. Earning my CCUFC deepened my empathy and practical skills to help others build lasting financial wellness."
Certified Financial Counselor
Matthew Zarate
Financial Services Representative
"What motivated me to become a financial counselor was the ability to assist our members in a greater capacity. Understanding what resources we can use to help our members manage debt and overcome hardships!"
"What motivated me to become a financial counselor was the ability to assist our members in a greater capacity. Understanding what resources we can use to help our members manage debt and overcome hardships!"
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