About Water Street
Financial
Since 2016, Water Street Financial has been helping individuals, families, and business owners in Winchester, VA build, preserve, and transfer wealth with personalized strategies and transparent guidance.
Built on Relationships
Water Street Financial was founded in 2016 with a simple belief: financial planning should be personal, transparent, and built around real people — not products. Our Winchester, VA team has grown from that founding principle into one of the Shenandoah Valley’s most trusted financial planning firms.
Led by Managing Partners Ryan Oates, CFP® and Chris Cotterell, CFS®, our team brings deep expertise in financial planning, investment management, tax strategies, retirement planning, and estate planning — all under one roof.
Meet the People Behind Your Plan
Ryan Oates, CFP®, MBA, CPFA®
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Chris Cotterell, CFS®
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Angela Morrison
Founding Member & VP of Operations
Thomas E. Stine, CFP®, CEPA®, AIF®, PPC™
Sr. Planning & Wealth Advisor
Katie Lopez
Wealth Advisor
Katie Hershey, FPQP®
Paraplanner
Birdie Hughes
Administrative Assistant
Peyton Cotterell
Communications & PR Assistant
Staci Nova
Virtual Admin Trainer
Cerella Layfield
Administrative Assistant – Virtual
Lindsey Shaver
Administrative Assistant – Virtual
Cerella Layfield
Cerella brings strong experience in advisor support, workflow management, and team collaboration. She is organized, dependable, and thoughtful in the way she serves advisors. She works well independently while staying connected to the larger team, which makes her a steady and trusted support partner.
Before joining the team, Cerella worked as an administrative assistant for her church and managed the financial and administrative side of two family businesses. She also brings many years of experience in bookkeeping, reporting, scheduling, and administrative organization.
Cerella lives in East Tennessee and enjoys spending time with her three children, their spouses, and her five grandsons. She also enjoys traveling and attending her church.
Lindsey Shaver
Lindsey graduated in 2014 with an Associate’s Degree in Office Administration from Jefferson State Community College. For four years, she worked as an Administrative Assistant for the children’s ministry at her church. She was responsible for the office administration and assisted in event planning, coordination, and leading worship. Lindsey also assisted at camps and ministry outreaches as a staff member. After her tenure with the children’s ministry, she began working in the service industry while living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
In 2020, Lindsey began her career in the finance industry as a bank teller where she honed her skills for high quality customer service with integrity and focus on attention to detail. Because of this dedication, she was promoted to a higher position with greater responsibilities.
Life led her to Tennessee where she lives with her husband and young daughter. She loves to explore new places, hike, camp, ski, and do anything outdoors. She values quality time with family and friends.
Staci Nova
Staci is a highly professional and dedicated virtual assistant who joined the team in 2023. She is a proud graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Human Development and Family Studies. During her academic career, she was recognized for her achievements as a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma national honor societies.
With over seven years of experience in customer service and administrative roles, including three years within the finance industry, Staci brings a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of client support. She is proficient in a wide range of custodian platforms, CRM systems, and other industry-specific software. She also has extensive experience navigating firm processes and enhancing operational efficiency by developing and implementing streamlined workflows.
Staci is committed to delivering exceptional service and takes pride in tailoring her support to meet the unique needs of each client. She values building strong, reliable partnerships and consistently strives to contribute to the success of the advisors she supports.
Staci currently resides in Colorado with her husband and their cat. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending quality time with her family.
Our Standard Fee Schedule
Backed by Industry Partners
LPL Financial
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Wealthcare Advisory
Investment advice through Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC, a registered investment advisor.
CFP® Certified
Our team holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.
Common Questions by Service
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