Our Team

As Reno health insurance brokers, it’s our goal to help you understand and purchase only the policy that fits your medical needs and budget.

Meet the Health Benefits Team dedicated to finding you the right plan

Alex earned his health insurance license in 2008 and graduated from the University of Nevada in 2009. As a lifelong resident, he's familiar with how Northern Nevada has expanded and how much health insurance has changed from what it was in 2008.

Alex is focused on the overall success of the organization. As a former sales professional, his primary job today is to make sure brokers are fully capable of handling client questions. He directs the overall strategy and operation for all 5 locations. Alex also handles complex situations, compliance, accounting and very limited client operations.

Matt was born and raised in Mountain View, CA. He moved to Reno in 2008 to attend college and he fell in love with Reno in the process. Matt graduated from University of Nevada in 2012 with a double major in Criminal Justice and Speech Communications with a Minor in Psychology. In 2023, Matt was honored with the Twenty Under 40 Award for his professional and community-based achievements in Northern NV.

Since 2012, he has been assisting Nevadans and Californians with their health care needs. Matt specializes in Medicare, individual & family health insurance, and employer-based health plans.

Grant earned his bachelor's degree with a dual major in Accounting and Information Systems at the University of Nevada after moving to Reno in 2015.

Grant shows appreciation for his clients by providing them excellent service and immediate help. He's become an expert in various lines of insurance with the goal of having a long-lasting relationship between you and this office. Not only does he help clients obtain insurance but is a constant resource of information and problem solving all year long.

JT was born and raised in Reno NV. He began his career in health insurance in 2008, and has become a dedicated resource for individuals, and businesses who want to simplify the headache of health insurance. JT knows how to communicate with the health insurance companies in order to receive the best service for his clients. He has the expertise to recognize upcoming changes in the health insurance market and to confidently make the appropriate recommendations at each and every renewal. He is the father of two wonderful children, and enjoys spending as much time out in the Sierras as possible.

Kyle was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. He graduated from the University of Nevada with his bachelor’s degree in 2012 and majored in Community Health Science. After living in Las Vegas for four years, he returned here to Northern Nevada in 2016.

Kyle started his career in insurance in 2016 when he obtained his Health, Life, Property, and Casualty licenses. His goal is to listen to your needs and help you figure out the best option to protect you and your family. Kyle can help with your small business health insurance, individual and family, or your Medicare needs. He works with all health companies in Nevada and can shop all plans to make sure you, your family, or your business are getting the best possible option. Kyle’s professional opinion and services are free of charge so you can come to him throughout the year with any questions or concerns with your insurance.

After growing up in California’s Central Valley, Trevor moved to Reno to attend the University of Nevada and study Business. In 2021, Trevor graduated with a B.S. in Marketing.

Since joining Health Benefits Associates in 2021 and becoming a licensed broker, Trevor has made it his mission to provide outstanding guidance and ongoing support for his clients. Keeping up with the latest news, changes, and trends in health insurance has enabled him to fulfill his mission year after year. Trevor looks forward to continuing to be your local resource for health insurance assistance.

Katie Mendoza is a licensed health and life resident producer. Before beginning with HBA, she was an assistant soccer coach at the University of Nevada. Prior to Nevada, Katie was a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Washington. While at UW, Katie received her master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic leadership. She was also a student-athlete for the West Virginia University women’s soccer team. She graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in sport management and a double minor in business administration and communications studies.

Health insurance is designed to protect you both physically and financially. Katie works with all major health insurance companies in Northern Nevada and is dedicated to connecting with her clients so she can navigate the complexities of insurance until she finds the right plan for you. She will continue to represent her client’s needs first, and she would like to help you today.

CJ was born at an Army base in San Francisco, California. Being in a military family, CJ traveled quite a bit. From the ages of 14 to 21, he raced motorcycles professionally all across the US. Once he retired from racing, CJ graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2018 where he earned his B.S. in Nutrition.

CJ worked as a food service director for different clinical settings, but ultimately changed his career to become a licensed broker and specialized in Medicare. CJ is recently married, and spends his free time cycling, and hiking with his two dogs.

Jasmine has a longstanding background in the Optical & Healthcare industry with a passion for helping others in any way possible. She obtained her Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration with a specialization in Health Information Management in 2022. Shortly after, she decided to leave her hometown in Southern California and move to Reno, to explore new opportunities.

Jasmine has been able to connect with many different people throughout her career by being fluent in two languages. She understands that individuals with limited English proficiency often face many challenges when it comes to seeking answers & solutions. As a bilingual Spanish speaker, it is her goal to provide assistance to those with a language barrier and ensure they are able to receive the highest level of service here at Health Benefits Associates.

Amy moved to Carson City in 2018, but as a fourth-generation Nevadan, her roots in the Silver State run deep. She was born at Saint Mary’s and spent her early years in Sparks before her family headed to the pine trees and mountains of Clio, California.

When it was time for college, Amy returned to Reno and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 2009 from the University of Nevada. She began her career as a local photojournalist and taught multimedia journalism courses at the university. Next came a professional detour into marketing, working in e-commerce and health insurance before joining the HBA team in 2023.

Amy is excited to be a resource for clients who need support navigating the complex healthcare system and their insurance options. When not thinking about insurance, she enjoys rooting on the Wolf Pack, eating homegrown tomatoes, and visiting Disneyland.

Mackenzie was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and moved to Fernley, Nevada to be closer to her family. She joined the HBA team in 2022.

Since then, she has mastered all products offered at Health Benefits. Her focus is to give her clients the best possible experience when dealing with the ever-changing world of health insurance. As most people know,deciding on a plan for themselves and their families can be difficult, but Mackenzie works hard to find the right fit. When she’s not thinking about health insurance, Mackenzie loves going to the lake, baking for her friends and family, and having backyard movie nights.

Born in Hawaii and raised across the U.S. in a military family—including time in Northern Nevada during her teenage years—Lani brings a broad perspective and a strong sense of discipline to her work. She earned her degree in Community Health Sciences with an emphasis in Public Health from the University of Nevada, Reno. She later completed her MBA at Grand Canyon University. Her education, combined with real-world experience in health, wellness, and business, equipped her with a deep understanding of how to navigate the often-complex world of insurance. Lani uses this knowledge to simplify the process for her clients and help them make informed, confident decisions.

As a lifelong athlete and part-time fitness coach, Lani has always been passionate about helping others lead healthier, more secure lives. Now, as a licensed insurance broker, she brings that same dedication to guiding individuals, families, and small businesses through their coverage options with clarity and care. Her mission is to provide smart, personalized insurance solutions that help protect what matters most—offering peace of mind through every stage of life.

Gissel was born and raised in the Biggest Little City in The World. Gissel is an advocate for childhood cancer and is a survivor herself, which contributed to her choosing to work in health insurance.

As an administrative assistant, she works closely with the brokers and provides support within the office. Gissel is family-oriented and enjoys spending time with her family and dog Mud. When she’s not with her family, she loves supporting local businesses and events in the Reno/Sparks area.

Flor was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and moved to Carson City, Nevada at the age of one. After graduating from Carson High School, she explored various professional opportunities and discovered a passion for the medical field, which led her to the world of health insurance and her role on the HBA team.

As an administrative assistant, Flor is excited to support both brokers and clients and is enthusiastic about growing within the company. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and creating beautiful floral arrangements. Passionate about personal growth, Flor continuously seeks opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge. She looks forward to making a positive impact both professionally and personally.

Kevin has been helping Northern Nevada employers with their group health insurance needs since 1987. In 1998, he formed Health Benefits Associates, a health insurance brokerage focused specifically on health insurance benefits for individuals, groups, and Medicare beneficiaries.

Kevin stresses that over these last 25+ years, Health Benefits Associates has dealt with virtually every health insurance company that has done business in Nevada. The brokerage continues to offer products from the highest rated insurers combined with the most competitive premiums possible. Health Benefits has always represented our client’s needs first, and wants to help you today.