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

I earned my health insurance license in 2008, and graduated from the University of Nevada with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 2009.

I’ve been heavily involved in the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) since before it was passed into law in 2010. As a 3rd generation Nevadan, I understand the value of standing behind the promises I make to clients. Health insurance is designed to not only protect your health, but also your financial well being. Working with a no-cost broker like me can help make sure you’re taken care of, both physically and financially, when you need it the most.

I was born and raised in Mountain View, California. I moved to Reno in 2008 to attend college and fell in love with Reno in the process. I graduated from University of Nevada in 2012 with a double major in Criminal Justice and Speech Communications with a minor in Psychology.

Since 2012, I have been assisting Nevadans and Californians with their health care needs. I specialize in Medicare, Individual and Family, and Employer based medical plans. With 4 separate licenses and years of experience, I understand that every person’s needs are unique. As your broker, I will help you navigate the complex world of insurance until I find the right plan for you.

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

I show appreciation for my clients by providing them excellent service and immediate help. I have become an expert in various lines of insurance with the goal of having a long-lasting relationship between you and this office. Not only do I help my clients obtain insurance but I expect myself to be 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.

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

I started my career in insurance in 2016 when I obtained my Health, Life, Property, and Casualty licenses. My goal is to listen to your needs and help you figure out the best option to protect you and your family. I am also able to help you with all your Medicare needs and make your transition into Medicare as seamless as possible. I work with all major health companies in Nevada so I can shop all plans to make sure you, your family, or your business is getting the best possible option. My professional opinion and services are free of charge so you can come to me throughout the year with any questions or concerns with your insurance. I am looking forward to talking with you.

After growing up in the Central Valley of California, I moved to Reno to attend the University of Nevada. In 2021 I graduated with a B.S. in Marketing.

Being a part of the Health Benefits Associates team means that I am surrounded by invaluable sources of information that keep me up to date with the latest trends, changes, and news in health insurance. As your health insurance expert, it is my mission to utilize these resources and assist you through all things Medicare. I look forward to getting to know you and choosing an option that best suits all of your needs.

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.

I have a longstanding background in the Optical & Healthcare Industry with a passion for helping others in any way that I can. I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration with a specialization in Health Information Management in 2022.

Afterwards, I decided I would leave my hometown in Southern California & move to Reno. Being someone who is fluent in two languages has allowed me to connect with many different people throughout my career. I understand that individuals with limited English proficiency often face challenges when it comes to seeking answers & solutions. As a Bilingual Spanish Speaker, it is my goal to provide assistance to those with a language barrier & ensure they are also able to receive the highest level of service here at Health Benefits Associates.

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

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

I'm excited to be a resource for Medicare beneficiaries, small business owners, and individuals who need support navigating the complex healthcare system. When I’m not thinking about insurance, I enjoy rooting on the Wolf Pack, eating homegrown tomatoes and visiting Disneyland.

Amy was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. In 2015, she graduated from Spanish Springs High School & went on to college to become a Registered Medical Assistant.

Amy is now an Administrative Assistant and works closely with the Vice President, Matt Law. In addition, she provides an immense amount of support within the office and is also fluent in Spanish. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family. She looks forward to watching her younger brother play soccer over the weekends. She also loves to spend time with her sweet and loving dog, Oji.

I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and moved to Fernley, Nevada to be closer to my family.

I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s in psychology, and I obtained my Nevada health insurance license to take on Part D prescription drug plan enrollments for Medicare beneficiaries. My focus is to give our clients the best possible experience when dealing with complex situations that happen when finding the right plan for your medications. Many new problems and challenges can come from the ever-changing world of Medicare. Fortunately, working closely with experienced professionals at Health Benefits has given me precious experience and knowledge in this field which I will use to find the best plan for you.

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.

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

Over these last 25+ years, we have dealt with virtually every health insurance company that has done business in Nevada, and our brokerage continues to offer products from the highest rated insurers combined with the most competitive premiums possible. We have always represented our client’s needs first, and we would like to help you today.

Amy was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. In 2015, she graduated from Spanish Springs High School and went on to college to become a Registered Medical Assistant.

Amy is now an Administrative Assistant and works closely with the Vice President, Matt Law. In addition, she provides an immense amount of support within the office and is also fluent in Spanish. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family. She looks forward to watching her younger brother play soccer over the weekends. She also loves to spend time with her sweet & loving dog, Oji.