Andrea Freedman, CFP®, is a seasoned financial advisor with over 30 years of experience in financial planning and asset management. She specializes in retirement and education planning, asset allocation, investment selection, and risk analysis. Andrea holds FINRA Series 7, 63, 65, and 31 licenses and earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been an instructor in Rice University’s CFP®️ Certification Education Program for more than 13 years, teaching the General Principles and Psychology of Financial Planning, Insurance and Risk Management, and Case Studies in Financial Planning modules. She was appointed Academic Program Co-Director of the program at Rice University's Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies in 2019 and became the sole Academic Program Director in 2025.

Kristen Shearin, JD, CDFA®️, joined the IDFA in 2024 as a Subject Matter Expert, bringing extensive experience in family law and divorce financial analysis. A licensed attorney in North Carolina, she is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®️ (CDFA®️), and a mediator.
Drawing on her background as a family law litigator, Kristen offers a unique perspective to the CDFA community. She is passionate about helping CDFA professionals grow their practices, strengthen their confidence, and better understand the legal aspects of divorce. A strong advocate for alternative dispute resolution, Kristen believes that incorporating financial expertise into the divorce process leads to more informed decision-making and better outcomes for families.
Kristen is particularly committed to empowering women to take control of their financial futures through education and awareness. She believes that when individuals fully understand the financial implications of divorce, they are better equipped to negotiate fair and sustainable settlements.