Our Team

Our Team
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BRADLEY DOWNES

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

Website-Update-Ross

ROSS BUTTENSHAW

SENIOR FINANCIAL ADVISER


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SALLY CONSIDINE

SENIOR FINANCIAL ADVISER


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MEGAN RICH

FINANCIAL ADVISER


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ANGELA KNAUS

PRACTICE MANAGER

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VANESSA CROMPTON

PARAPLANNING AND COMPLIANCE MANAGER

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TRISH HORTON

CLIENT LIAISON /BUSINESS LODGMENT



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LACHY KNAUS

SENIOR PARAPLANNER

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MICHELLE WATSON

SENIOR PARAPLANNER

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GEORGIA ALEXANDER

ASSOCIATE

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ALYSSA PALMER

FINANCIAL ADVISER SUPPORT



 

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RHEA CAMIGUING

FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSISTANT


 

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KAYLA MOKE

CLIENT LIAISON

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TRACY FARLEY

CLIENT LIAISON

BRADLEY DOWNES

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

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I am a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with 25 years’ experience advising clients on building financial security, with a very successful track record. I help my clients to identify what an “ideal life” looks like for them and then help set the plans in place to achieve that. Basically, I help people make smart choices about their money!

I am the Founder and Director of Progressive Financial Planners.

As you would no doubt know the world of finances changes and evolves rapidly which requires a 100% commitment to constant and never-ending education, training and development. My commitment to the Financial Planning profession has seen me chair a number of advisory boards such as product research consultancy groups, advice consultancy groups as well as both state and national Financial Planners Associations.

On a professional level often work closely with my client’s accountants, solicitors, bankers and other advisers to make sure there are open lines of communication, ensuring the best possible results for our clients.

I am proud to say the vast majority of my clients are referred to me through the word-of-mouth recommendations of very happy clients or indeed the recommendations of other professionals such as accountants and solicitors.

Our highly educated and professional team and I have successfully grown and developed Progressive
Financial Planners to be the customer focused business that it is today.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Diploma of Financial Planning (Dip FP)
  • Justice of the Peace (JP)
  • Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning (Grad Dip FP)

MEMBERSHIPS:

Financial Planning Association of Australia

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE YOU’LL FIND ME:

With my wife Kath and our three children, at our surf retreat in Crescent Head, flying a multitude of different aircraft, riding dirt bikes, kite surfing, camping, and caravanning with family and friends in our spectacular country.

BRAD’S DREAMS ARE:

To be an outstanding husband to wife Kath to raise our children to be happy, healthy, confident, grateful and fun-loving adults. To live a life on purpose to live a life by design. To be a positive influence in our local community and within the Financial Planning Profession. To help as many people as possible achieve their financial freedom!

ROSS BUTTENSHAW

SENIOR FINANCIAL ADVISER

For over 30 years now I have worked in the finance industry both in Australia and the UK across the Banking, Finance and Insurance sectors. Prior to joining Progressive I have had the privilege of leading a large Debt Management Charity which has helped tens of thousands of people break free from financial burdens.

At my core I want to see people succeed in all aspects of life and love working individually with people to set a plan for the life they want to live. I’m very excited to be working with a very professional team at Progressive and look forward to helping people achieve their financial goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Master of Business
  • Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
  • Certificate 4 in Mortgage Broking
  • Justice of the Peace (JP)
  • 25 Years’ experience in the Financial Industry

MEMBERSHIPS:

Financial Planning Association of Australia

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE YOU’LL FIND ME:

Kite Surfing, surfing (or anything on the water), keeping fit on my road bike, travelling, spending time with family and friends and helping out others when I can.

ROSS’ DREAMS ARE:

To be financially free to travel, to give and to choose how I spend my time. I also believe in investing in my local community and finding ways to help others that are less fortunate.

SALLY CONSIDINE

FINANCIAL ADVISER

I came to Progressive Financial Planners in July 2015 from another Financial Planning practice. Prior to this, I had collectively acquired 12 years’ experience within Financial Services, largely within Financial Planning and Banking.

I am someone that gets excited about growth and development, which is advantageous in light of our evolving industry. What I am passionate about though, is really getting to know people. Helping to not only uncover the big picture for our clients, but to provide clarity and peace of mind, while supporting them throughout their journey. That is why I became a Financial Adviser.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Diploma of Financial Planning (Dip FP)
  • Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning (Grad Dip FP)
  • Has worked in Financial Services since 2005
  • Started working at Progressive in 2015

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE YOU’LL FIND ME:

Often around our beautiful lake, either on my stand-up paddleboard or enjoying the company of good friends and family or completing my Masters in Financial Planning.

SALLY’S DREAMS ARE:

To have adventure holidays around the world, continue to grow personally and professionally and to have a positive impact on as many people as I can.

MEGAN RICH

FINANCIAL ADVISER

I have over 27 years’ experience in the Financial Planning industry including the last 16 years as a Financial
Planner. I love helping my clients prioritise and achieve their goals and help them understand the complex
legislation that surround this industry.

I aim to guide my clients and help them make informed decisions and
give them comfort that they can live the lives they want.

I grew up in country North West NSW and moved to Newcastle in 1994 to further my studies.

I love to travel with my husband to experience new places and together we are slowly ticking off all the places on our
bucket list.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Accredited Aged Care Professional
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Diploma of Financial Planning (Dip FP)
  • Diploma of Financial Markets (Dip FM)
  • Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning (Grad Dip FP)
  • Justice of the Peace (JP)

MEMBERSHIPS:

Financial Planning Association of Australia

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE YOU’LL FIND ME:

When I am not at work I enjoy dabbling in photography, the company of family & friends, going on walks with my husband or attending a yoga class!

MEGAN’S DREAMS ARE:

To continue to travel the world with my husband until all the places on our bucket list are ticked off and combine this with my growing interest in photography! I also wish to keep both the body & mind healthy & active!

ANGELA KNAUS

PRACTICE MANAGER

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
  • Graduate Certificate of Business Administration (GCertBA)
  • Studying a Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
  • MYOB Data Entry
  • Started working at Progressive in 2000

ANGELA’S DREAMS ARE:

To enjoy quality time with family and friends. To be present and available for my grandkids. Finish my MBA and continue to travel.

VANESSA CROMPTON

PARAPLANNING AND COMPLIANCE MANAGER

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning
  • Self Managed Superannuation Fund
  • Diploma of Leadership and Management
  • 17 years in the Financial Planning industry
  • Started working at Progressive in 2014

VANESSA’S DREAMS ARE:

To build my dream home and enjoy life. To be financially free.

TRISH HORTON

CLIENT LIAISON /BUSINESS LODGMENT

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Has worked in the Financial Planning Industry for more than 30 years
  • 15 years in AMP Life Ltd.
  • Started working at Progressive in 2000

TRISH’S DREAMS ARE:

To see my son and daughter be successful and fulfil their dreams.

LACHY KNAUS

SENIOR PARAPLANNER

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Diploma of Financial Planning
  • Justice of the Peace (JP)
  • Started working at Progressive in 2015

LACHY’S DREAMS ARE:

To travel around Australia in a 4×4 and grow my family, starting with a dog #livelaughlove.

MICHELLE WATSON

SENIOR PARAPLANNER

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)
  • Has worked in the Financial Planning industry since 2016
  • Started working at Progressive in 2019

MICHELLE’S DREAMS ARE:

To finish my degree and have my own home by the age of 30.

GEORGIA ALEXANDER

ASSOCIATE

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Psychological Science with Distinction (BPsycSci)
  • Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning (Grad Dip FP)
  • Justice of the Peace (JP)
  • Started working at Progressive in 2020

GEORGIA’S DREAMS ARE:

I want to continue learning and challenging myself through new experiences and additional study. I would also love to own a property in Newcastle in the next 5 years.

ALYSSA PALMER

FINANCIAL ADVISER SUPPORT

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Management Diploma in Office Management
  • Worked in the Financial Planning Industry since 2014
  • Justice of the Peace (JP)
  • Started working at Progressive in 2022

ALYSSA’S DREAMS ARE:

To travel and enjoy life with my husband and our two children.

Rhea Camiguing

Financial Planning Assistant

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor of Industrial Engineering
  • Certified Yellow Belt Sigma Six trained (Efficiency and Management Course)
  • Skilled in Production Planning and Inventory Management

RHEA’S DREAMS ARE:

  • To give back to my parents
  • To have enough savings for my personal future plans
  • To travel & experience new culture & activities

KAYLA MOKE

CLIENT LIAISON

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Justice of the Peace
  • Started working at Progressive in 2015
  • Part-time Crossfit Coach

KAYLA’S DREAMS ARE:

To continue to explore this big beautiful world and be a positive influence on all those around me. To stay fit and healthy and be surrounded by my beautiful family and friends.

RHEA CAMIGUING

Financial Planning Assistant

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor of Industrial Engineering
  • Certified Yellow Belt Sigma Six trained (Efficiency and Management Course)
  • Skilled in Production Planning and Inventory Management
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RHEA’S DREAMS ARE:

  • To give back to my parents
  • To have enough savings for my personal future plans
  • To travel & experience new culture & activities