Your Personal Team
Advisors | Team Leaders | Operations Associates
Michele Barnhill
Partner, Operations Manager
Michele received her Bachelor of Science degree, Magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Syracuse University in 1978 and the degree of Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law in 1982. After a brief stint in the world of Public Accounting, Michele engaged in the private practice of law, exclusively specializing in estate planning for 20 years which she ran out of her home while raising their three children.
After several requests from her spouse, Phillip, Michele joined the Advocate Group as a Partner in June of 2000 thus launching the multi-disciplined approach to financial planning which has become a cornerstone in today’s practice.
Life Focus:
When not spending time with family and friends, Michele keeps busy on the board of her children’s high school, exercising, knitting and entertaining.
Top 5 Strengths:
Harmony, Developer, Responsibility, Empathy and Communication
Haralds Bondaris, CFP®
Operations Manager
Haralds was born and raised in Latvia and his only career for a long time was in music as a drummer. In 2001, after graduating from Latvian Music Academy and becoming one of the most sought after drummers in Latvia, Haralds made a lifetime decision to move to the United States. Haralds enjoyed the new opportunities to grow as a musician, but he also decided to broaden his horizons and entered business school. This turned out to be another life changing decision, which later opened a door for Haralds to join The Advocate Group, where he is enjoying every opportunity to improve lives of many people.
Haralds currently holds degrees in Finance, Business Administration, and Music Performance, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner.
Life Focus:
As a professional drummer Haralds is regularly performing around the Twin Cities with some of the best musicians in Minnesota. In his free time, Haralds enjoys spending time and traveling with his family, as well as is actively engaged in karate training and other personal fitness activities.
Top 5 Strengths:
Achiever, Learner, Focus, Futuristic and Ideation
JaneAnn Lueck
Partner, Administrative Assistant
JaneAnn is a graduate of Pillsbury College with an Associate Degree in Administration Science. Before joining The Advocate Group, JaneAnn worked in a computer brokerage firm and later aided in the onset of a new computer brokerage firm.
Life Focus:
JaneAnn has devoted extensive energy and talent to home-educating her three children. With the last of the three closing in on graduation, she may have a little more time for her other passions. When she finds the time, JaneAnn enjoys spending time with friends, reading and sewing.
Top 5 Strengths:
Responsibility, Developer, Empathy, Connectedness and Harmony
Bobbi Flescher
Administrative Assistant
Bobbi is a graduate of St. Catherine University with a Bachelors of Arts in English Education, but has spent her working life in the world of business. Over the course of her career, Bobbi has managed an Estate Planning Legal Office and has worked with The Advocate Group since 2003. Through her experiences, Bobbi specializes in the office’s business analysis, bookkeeping, and technical writing.
Life Focus:
Outside of work, Bobbi enjoys reading, quilting, bowling, and spending time with friends and family. Bobbi is also a talented baker and shares her gift frequently with her family and colleagues.
Top 5 Strengths:
Connectedness, Communication, Input, Learner and Responsibility
Katie Gjerstad
Administrative Assistant
Katie has over 20 years of experience in security operations, portfolio administration and customer service. Before joining The Advocate Group, Katie previously worked at General Mills for more than 25 years and has assisted David Van Benschoten for most of her career. In 1992, Katie became a Portfolio Administrator at General Mills where she was responsible for the operational administration of nine separate institutional fixed income portfolios for five different entities.
Life Focus:
When Katie is not up at the front desk at The Advocate Group, she enjoys being with her long-time boyfriend, Rod, and her two children, Kyle and Lindsay. She also loves sports, camping, and when weather permits, riding around town on her pearl white Harley.
