Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, finance and economics from Sacramento State University

Derrick joined the team when AWA Wealth Management became Modern Wealth Management in September 2026. He is the managing director for Modern Wealth’s Auburn, California office. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a CERTIFIED ESTATE PLANNER™ Practitioner, Derrick has assisted families and individuals with financial planning, wealth management and wealth transfer goals, and life and long-term care insurance needs since beginning his career in 1988. He has also obtained his FINRA Series 7, 24, and 63 designations.

Derrick founded AWA Wealth Management in 1994. Five years later, Derrick opened his office in Auburn, California, which is close to his hometown of Grass Valley. He uses a “big picture” approach when helping clients work toward their retirement goals. Derrick strongly believes that financial matters should be conducted on a personal level.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Regis University

Grant joined the team when AWA Wealth Management became Modern Wealth Management in September 2026. He guides and supports clients as they work toward their financial goals. Grant aims to bring knowledgeable professional service in each interaction as he assists clients with account services and questions.

Grant arrived at AWA Wealth Management in April 2022. Shortly thereafter, he earned his Series 66 and Series 7 licenses in 2023 and his CA Life Insurance Exam in 2024. Grant looks forward to gaining more experience within the industry and receiving ongoing education with the goal of delivering a high degree of service to his clients. Outside of work, Grant enjoys exercising, skiing, camping, and sports.

Education: Bachelor of Science in organizational and professional communication from Pennsylvania State University

Chelsea joined the team when AWA Wealth Management became Modern Wealth Management in September 2026. She helps with processing new accounts, beneficiary changes, wealth transfers, contributions, value inquiries, redemptions, and assists in the day-to-day operations in our Auburn, California office. Chelsea is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and has completed her FINRA Series 6, 7, and 63 and CA Life Insurance exam.

She came aboard at AWA Wealth Management in May 2011, following in the footsteps of her late uncle. Chelsea has honed her customer service skills and enjoys connecting with clients, whether it’s in the office or during a phone call. Her friends often call her a social butterfly, so it surprises a lot of people when she tells them that she is a CFP® professional. Chelsea thinks that many people think financial planners are introverted number crunchers who live in spreadsheets, but she thrives on connecting with people and believes financial plans should be built on trust, meaningful conversations, and long-term relationships.

When Chelsea isn’t in the office, you might find her studying the martial art of taekwondo, performing in theatrical productions at various local theatres, or playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration from UC Davis

Toni joined the team when AWA Wealth Management became Modern Wealth Management in September 2026. As the director of operations for Modern Wealth’s Auburn, California office, Toni’s responsibilities center on client and staff management, customer service care, operational oversight, human resources, and compliance. She assists clients with a wide range of tasks, from implementing new accounts and account operations to facilitating thorough client inquiries and strategies.

Toni originally joined the AWA Wealth Management team in March 2017, bringing with her 10 years of upper-management experience in business operations and a strong focus on client service. Over the years, she has developed a deep understanding of the firm’s clients and values the relationships she has built with them. She enjoys getting to know clients personally, being a trusted resource when they need assistance, and helping ensure they feel well cared for throughout their experience with the firm.

Outside of work, Toni enjoys traveling and staying active outdoors with her husband and two sons.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in business & human resources management from Simpson University

T.J. joined the team when AWA Wealth Management became Modern Wealth Management in September 2026. She provides a vast range of client customer service needs and assists advisors with tax planning for clients. T.J. became an Enrolled Agent with the IRS in 2013 and completed her FINRA Series 6 & 63 and became a Registered Administrative Associate in 2011.

T.J. started at AWA Wealth Management in January 2004. She has enjoyed getting to know our clients to better understand their specific situations and strives to serve them with a high level of care and professionalism. Outside of work, T.J. enjoys exploring the outdoors. Some of her favorite activities include fishing, camping, and hiking with her family and friends.