Meet the Kelly Marsh Team

Kelly Marsh

NMLS #245822
Vice President / California

Kelly has more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry. In the past four years alone, Kelly has closed over $400 million dollars in loans ranking in the Top 125 Scotsman Guide in the nation for 2012 - 2016. Her industry experience and vast knowledge has been featured in the Santa Barbara News-Press, the trade journal Origination News, and other publications. Additionally, Kelly regularly facilitates seminars for real estate professionals.

Born and raised in the community of Santa Barbara which she now serves, Kelly is committed to helping her clients navigate the most complex financial transaction, a home mortgage. Kelly believes clients are clients for life and continues to nurture relationships beyond the closing of the loan. Her clients are referred from a network of local businesses, including financial planners, accountants, real estate agents, and satisfied past clients. Kelly strongly believes in the power of face-to-face client meetings and with this has developed her own system to originate a loan from start to finish.

Kelly leads a team of highly skilled and experienced support staff and loan originators. Kelly meets weekly with her team to thoroughly review their current pipeline and to improve and streamline their systems. The systems Kelly has implemented in her business have led to some of the best and brightest to come work with Kelly. She believes anything is possible with the right people on her team.

Kevin Cravens

NMLS #317607
Production Partner

Kevin Cravens graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a BSB in Finance and a BSB in Human Resource Management. He went on to graduate from The University of Illinois College of Law with a JD and was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1990. For 30 years as a mortgage loan consultant, Kevin’s education and experience have given him the essential tools needed to provide his clients with optimal guidance and support in obtaining a loan aligned with their financing needs.

Kevin’s diligence, integrity, and professionalism have inspired many of his clients to work with him time and time again. He is delighted to receive referrals from his satisfied customers. Outside of work, Kevin has a passion for eco-friendly design and landscape. This is reflected in the beautiful, unique environment that surrounds his home.

Heather Ntem

NMLS #1064305
Director of Client Services

Heather wears many hats in her role as Director of Client Services. She's a quick problem solver, a caring listener, a marketing visionary, and a detailed planner of events big and small. No matter the task at hand, Heather's creativity and can-do attitude help team members expand homeownership opportunities in the communities they serve.

Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, Heather has lived in Santa Barbara since 2003. She majored in Communication Studies at Santa Barbara City College and the University of California, Santa Barbara. One of her greatest life experiences was studying and living abroad in Ghana, West Africa for six months during her senior year at University of California, Santa Barbara. Before joining the mortgage industry in 2012, Heather honed her exceptional communication skills and customer service in the retail, hospitality, and real estate fields.

Heather devotes her time outside of work to her husband and two children. She loves being a mom, traveling and exploring new places, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Heather also takes time to recharge her mind, body, and spirit with work outs, spin classes, and energizing walks at the beach.

Sheila Moser

NMLS #1590372
Branch Operations Manager

Before joining The Kelly Marsh Team in 2013, Sheila served in accounting and real estate. Her meticulous attention to detail and prompt service help create efficient, seamless mortgage transactions.

Sheila also truly cares about her team members and their clients, and is always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Her commitment to excellence shines in everything she does, and you can always count on her to do the job right and on time, every time.

Chelsea Kootstra

NMLS #1570671
Loan Partner

Born and raised in Bakersfield, Chelsea has lived in Santa Barbara since 2012. The Westmont College graduate worked for an architecture firm before making the move to the mortgage industry in 2015. She quickly discovered she had found her true calling: Helping people make their homeownership dreams come true.

Chelsea takes the time to listen and learn what’s most important to her clients. She understands how overwhelming getting a mortgage can seem, so she does everything she can to simplify the process. Quick to laugh and make others laugh, she is also quick to answer questions, keep clients updated at each step, and help team members deliver smooth, on-time closings.

Chelsea's favorite thing to do outside of work is spending time with her family and friends. Whether it’s walking downtown, watching a movie, or playing with her baby nephew, what’s most important to her is the company she keeps.

Kess Hazlewood

Front Office Administrative Assistant

Kess was inspired to join the mortgage industry because of its dynamic nature and the opportunity to help others. She brings her impeccable organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a cheerful disposition to her team and everyone she encounters, both inside and outside of the office. Before joining the Kelly Marsh Team, Kess served her community in hospitality. In her previous position, she was awarded employee of the month in April and July 2019.

A lifetime Californian, Kess was born and raised in Hesperia and now lives in Goleta. She is pursuing a degree in Business from Santa Barbara City College and enjoys spending her free time with family, friends, and her pets, preferably at the beach.

Brittany Meyer

Front Office Administrative Assistant

Fiercely client-focused, Brittany’s greatest joy is finding ways to let clients know how important they are. She was attracted to Cornerstone because of this shared value and is thrilled to serve clients alongside her team. She brings with her positivity, diligence, and impeccable organization skills.

A native of Elk River, Minnesota, Brittany came to California to attend the University of California Santa Barbara, where she earned a BA in Communications and a minor in Education. Before joining Cornerstone, she worked as a box office manager for several live theaters in downtown Santa Barbara. Outside of the office, Brittany enjoys spending her time going on adventures with her boyfriend and their dog, Pipsqueak.

Kaitlin Rudnick

NMLS #1113276
Loan Set-Up Specialist

Energetic, optimistic, and with a keen eye for detail, Loan Set-Up Specialist, Kaitlin Rudnick works closely with clients and her team to gather information and ensure every point is in place for a smooth loan process. She is delighted to work in the service of others and is always eager to provide the most possible value.

Kaitlin is pursuing her master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, cooking, traveling, and reading.

Cassie Benoza

Senior Loan Processor

When it came time to pursue a career, Cassie didn’t have to look too far for inspiration. Her family has been involved in the finance industry for years. Before joining the lending side of the business, Cassie served in residential and commercial real estate. She offers an insider’s view of the entire home-buying process gained from 13 years of combined experience in mortgage and real estate.

Cassie is a skilled multi-tasker with a passion for hard work. She approaches each day with 100% commitment to ensuring clients have positive home financing experiences. Like her fellow team members, Cassie offers clear communication and prompt resolution of any issues. She works closely with customers and co-workers, making sure loan files are complete and ready for the underwriting stage of the process.

Cassie enjoys seeing the pride and joy homeownership brings. She is especially grateful for the opportunity to help clients who may have been overlooked by other lenders. Because of the Kelly Marsh Team’s broad understanding of investor guidelines, those customers were able to secure the right financing for their needs.

Born and raised in Northern California, Cassie has lived in Santa Barbara since 2000. She graduated from the University of California-Santa Barbara, and spent several semesters studying abroad in Costa Rica and Spain. Outside of work, Cassie enjoys yoga, hiking, and trying new restaurants. She also loves planning vacations, so let her know some of your favorite destinations!

Angelica Chavez

Senior Loan Processor

"My goal is to provide educated and swift solutions in a friendly and concise way."

As Senior Loan Processor, Angelica Chavez works closely with clients and her team, preparing loans for closing, and helping clients get into their new homes. With over 14 years of experience in loan processing, she is knowledgeable and professional, providing exceptional service to all.

Born in Mexico and raised in Santa Barbara, Angelica moved to San Diego in 2013. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two boys and visiting her family in Santa Barbara.

Erica Kasson

Assistant Processor

Erica considers each day an opportunity to learn something new. She loves applying the knowledge she gains to help clients achieve their homeownership dreams.

With her laser focus and boundless energy, she excels in meeting quick deadlines in this fast-paced industry. Dedicated, dependable, and delightful to work with, Erica strives to provide customers and co-workers with above-and-beyond service.

Outside of work, Erica concentrates on improving her overall wellness. She enjoys unplugging from the day-to-day grind by exploring the outdoors, staying active, learning new recipes, and catching up with family and friends.

Catherine Nevarez

Assistant Processor

Catherine lives by the motto, Make every moment count. Whether it’s a walk along the beach with her dogs, a weekend trip to visit her daughter at college, or an outdoor concert under the stars, Catherine finds joy and gratitude in her heart for moments big and small.

Catherine brings this same passion to helping people during a big moment in their lives: Becoming a homeowner. She offers trusted insight gained from nearly 30 years in title and escrow and 10 years in loan processing. Catherine is also quick to jump in and resolve issues that may affect the loan closing. Both customers and team members value her work ethic, instant accessibility, and caring service.

Born in Santa Barbara, Catherine grew up in Carpinteria, where her family was one of the first to reside in the area. She currently lives in Oxnard with her children. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, supporting the local arts and culture scene, and volunteering at her church.