FinanceForward Team
Cynthia Klein Goldberg, CLU
Partner
Cynthia joined FinanceForward (formerly Joseph Klein Associates) in 1987 and specializes in investment management, wealth accumulation, and retirement and college planning. She holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree in Education from The Johns Hopkins University, and is a Chartered Life Underwriter. Her registrations Series 7 is held with LPL Financial, and Series 66 held with Private Advisor Group and LPL Financial. She also holds Life and Health Licenses. Cynthia is registered as an Investment Advisor Representative with Private Advisor Group.
*Series 7 securities registration held through LPL Financial and Series 66 registration held through both LPL Financial and Private Advisor Group.
CA Insurance # 0F46521
Elaine M. Shanley, CFP®, AIF®, CDFA®
Partner
Elaine joined FinanceForward (formerly Young & Company) in 1998 and became Partner in 2003. She provides comprehensive wealth management services and is licensed in life, health, disability, and long-term care insurance, helping clients navigate every stage of their financial journey. She is a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) professional, holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation, and is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), allowing her to provide specialized guidance during life's most significant financial transitions.
Elaine has been recognized as a Women's Choice Award recipient from 2014–2026.* She earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of Baltimore. She holds the Series 7** and Series 66 securities registrations through LPL Financial and Private Advisor Group and is registered as an Investment Advisor Representative with Private Advisor Group.
Outside the office, Elaine enjoys spending time outdoors, creating memories with her family, and giving back through volunteer work. She believes meaningful relationships are the foundation of both strong financial planning and a thriving community.
*The Women's Choice Award® by WomenCertified Inc. is a recognition award for advisors who provide quality service to their female clients. The Award is based on 17 objective criteria associated with providing quality service to women clients such as credentials, experience and a favorable regulatory history. Financial advisors may have paid a basic program fee to cover the cost of comprehensive review and client survey.
**Series 7 securities registration held through LPL Financial and Series 66 registration held through both LPL Financial and Private Advisor Group.
Kalen D. Baxter, CFP®
Partner
Kalen entered the financial services industry in 1997 and joined FinanceForward (formerly Joseph Klein Associates) in 2002. Kalen specializes in financial and investment planning and helps clients organize their financial affairs and implement strategies to pursue their financial goals. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Loyola University in Maryland, and is a Certified Financial Planner® practitioner.
Kalen holds the Series 7, 63 and 6 securities registrations with LPL Financial as well as Life and Health Insurance licenses. He is registered as an Investment Advisor Representative with Private Advisor Group.
Thomas M. Brown, CLU
Partner
Thomas joined FinanceForward (formerly Joseph Klein Associates) in 1983. He specializes in estate, financial and charitable planning, insurance, and medical underwriting. Tom holds a bachelor's degree in Intellectual History from the University of Michigan; a master's degree in the History of Science from The Johns Hopkins University; and is a Chartered Life Underwriter.
He holds the Series 65, 6, and 22 securities registrations with LPL Financial and Series 65 held with Private Advisor Group, as well as Life and Health Insurance licenses. He is registered as an Investment Advisor Representative with Private Advisor Group.
Thomas O'Connor
Associate Advisor
Thomas joined Finance Forward in 2025. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) from Elon University, graduating magna cum laude with a concentration in Business Analytics and a minor in Economics.
Prior to joining the firm, Thomas spent five years in the defense contracting industry, where he was selected for a finance leadership development program and gained experience across several areas of corporate finance, including Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), program finance, and pricing. His analytical background and passion for problem-solving help him develop thoughtful, data-driven financial strategies tailored to each client's unique goals.
Thomas holds the Series 7* and Series 66 licenses, as well as a Life and Health Insurance license. He is currently pursuing the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification and plans to sit for the exam in March 2027.
Outside the office, Thomas enjoys being active in his community by coaching Special Olympics basketball and softball. He is also an avid distance runner who enjoys the discipline, perseverance, and goal-setting that come with endurance sports.
*Series 7 securities registration held through LPL Financial and Series 66 registration held through both LPL Financial and Private Advisor Group.
Bridget Shanley
Associate Advisor
Bridget joined FinanceForward full time in 2025 after completing three summers as an intern with the firm. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in Information Systems from Loyola University Maryland, where she graduated summa cum laude as a member of the Sellinger Scholars Business Honors Program.
Bridget supports client engagement, financial planning, and marketing initiatives, helping enhance the client experience while guiding thoughtful financial decisions. She is focused on building strong relationships and helping clients gain clarity and confidence in their financial future.
Bridget holds the Series 7* and Series 66 licenses, as well as her Life and Health Insurance license. She is currently working toward her CFP® certification and plans to sit for the exam in November 2027.
Outside of the office, Bridget enjoys staying involved in her community and making a positive impact. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and maintaining an active lifestyle through running, sports, and time on the water.
*Series 7 securities registration held through LPL Financial and Series 66 registration held through both LPL Financial and Private Advisor Group.
Nicole Race
Wealth Manager Assistant
Nicole is our Wealth Manager Assistant. She joined FinanceForward in 2023. She assists Tom Brown, Cynthia Goldberg, and Kalen Baxter with insurance administrative work, investment back office tasks, and financial planning data entry.
Lauren Wickenheiser
Client Relationship Manager
Lauren joined FinanceForward in 2023. She is a Client Relationship Manager specializing in everything relating to our broker/dealer LPL Financial.
Suzanna Emmerich
Client Relationship Manager
Suzanna joined FinanceForward in 2023 as the Client Relationship Manager assisting partner Elaine Shanley.
Karin Rittenhouse
Operations Manager
Karin is our Operations Manager. Karin joined FinanceForward (formerly Young & Company) in 1994. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the company.
Bridget Shanley
Associate Advisor
Cynthia Klein Goldberg, CLU
Partner
Kalen D. Baxter, CFP®
Partner
Karin Rittenhouse
Operations Manager
Lauren Wickenheiser
Client Relationship Manager
Nicole Race
Wealth Manager Assistant
Suzanna Emmerich
Client Relationship Manager
Thomas M. Brown, CLU
Partner