Welcome! My name is Ryan and I’m the FI Psychologist. I’m a 36 year-old clinical psychologist with a lifelong interest in money and finance. I’m married, have a 7 year-old daughter and a new puppy.
Since I entered college as a business major and discovered the fascinating world of psychology, I’ve tried to balance these interests and quickly found the exciting intersection. I switched my college major to psychology after taking an elective, later adding sociology and then business back as second and third majors. I graduated college in 2008, receiving both the Outstanding Senior in Psychology and Business Faculty Awards that year.
I weighed several graduate school options, choosing to head south and pursue a masters and doctorate in clinical psychology in Virginia Beach. I enjoyed diverse experiences during this period, including receiving certification as a traumatologist, traveling to Haiti and Qwa Qwa, South Africa as a member of a psychological first response trauma team, consulting with individuals and organizations, and co-founding a conference. I balanced my psychological study and practice with personal financial education. I also had the opportunity to serve as the teaching assistant for my mentor, Gary Collins’, coaching courses. I received an Army scholarship which paid for the second half of my doctorate. I graduated with a doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus on consultation in 2013. I was then blessed to be selected for my first choice internship and postdoctoral residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Following residency, I completed an assignment as the brigade psychologist for an infantry brigade combat team. I deployed to Afghanistan as the sole behavioral health provider for the brigade, participating on mounted and dismounted patrols and traveling to bases throughout Kandahar and Helmand Provinces. When I had access to internet, I would download finance podcasts, e-books, and set stock trades. Upon return from Afghanistan, I started an MBA, completing the program in 2018. We also utilized savings over the course of that deployment to purchase our first investment property, in cash, in 2016.
I’ve been through, and learned from, several challenges to include my cancer and my daughter’s epilepsy. I have since transitioned from the Army. I am now a civilian clinical psychologist, consultant, and coach. I currently work as the clinic chief for a military behavioral health clinic and serve on the board of trustees for an institution of higher education. I have presented on personal finance in military and civilian settings and enjoy playing a role in others achieving their goals.
Look forward to working with you!