J TIMOTHY ESSMAN, CHFC® RICP ®

Financial Planner | Financial Services Representative

(800) 683-6347 | TIM@WESTCOASTWS.COM | Linkedin

Timothy Essman is the Founder and Senior Financial Planner at West Coast Wealth Strategies and Insurance Solutions, leveraging over 27 years of expertise in financial planning. He collaborates closely with clients to help them achieve their financial goals and approach retirement with confidence. Tim's specialization includes tax mitigation, asset management, and crafting personalized distribution strategies tailored to individual retirement objectives.

Tim holds prestigious designations as a licensed Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and possesses FINRA Series 6, 63, and 7 licenses. Based in San Diego and San Francisco, his firm serves a diverse clientele.

Tim consistently achieves Top of Council, Firm Financial Planner** and Wealth Management Conference***, demonstrating his unparalleled dedication and proficiency to his field.

In his leisure time, Tim enjoys hiking acting as a pilates instructor and creating lasting memories.

*Recognized by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) based on prior calender year sales. Issued from 2018-2024. Recipients are agents of MassMutual.
**Issued for the years 2017-2024 by MassMutual northern California, recognizing financial planners with top total planning fees.
***Recognized by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) from 2017-2024, recognizing the top 25 wealth managers based on prior calender year sales. Recipients are registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC., a MassMutual subsidiary.

Amber Essman

Chief Operating Officer

(800) 683-6347 | AMBER@WESTCOASTWS.COM

Amber Essman has been an integral part of West Coast Wealth Strategies since its inception, playing a key role in building the firm from the ground up. With a background spanning operations management, Human Resources, and accounting, she brings a unique blend of structure, organization, and heart to the business. Amber’s behind-the-scenes leadership helps keep the firm running smoothly while supporting both the team and the client experience.

In addition to her role at WCWS, Amber has been a licensed REALTOR® for 25 years, giving her deep insight into real estate, long-term planning, and the many financial decisions families face over time. Together with Tim, she shares a passion for creating a family-oriented business. They are proud parents to three children: Hannah, a UC Berkeley graduate and architect based in San Francisco; Cole, a San Diego State University finance graduate and advisor with MassMutual in Austin, Texas; and Aaron, a San Diego State University graduate who now works as a paraplanner at WCWS. Building a firm that creates space for family, growth, and shared purpose has always been a meaningful part of their vision. 

Outside of work, Amber loves to travel, spend time with family and friends, practice Pilates, and enjoy life with her dogs. She values connection, balance, and creating experiences—both personally and professionally—that bring people together.

Kyle Kirkham

Director of Financial Planning

Kyle Kirkham is the Director of Financial Planning at West Coast Wealth Strategies and Insurance Solutions, where he brings more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and families build, preserve, and confidently navigate their financial lives. Having held senior roles at J.P. Morgan, Merrill Lynch, and Charles Schwab, Kyle blends institutional-level expertise with a highly personalized, client-first approach. 

As a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, Kyle adheres to the CFP Board’s rigorous fiduciary standard, ensuring every recommendation is made in the best interest of his clients. Kyle holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from San Diego State University and an MBA from National University, along with FINRA Series 7, 66, and 24 licenses. 

A lifelong Southern California native, Kyle lives in San Diego with his wife, Olivia, and their daughter, Lola. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling, supporting youth sports, and spending quality time with family and friends.”

Cole Essman

financial planning consultant

(800) 683-6347 | cole@westcoastws.com

Cole is a Junior Advisor for West Coast Wealth Strategies with four years of experience. He specializes in overseeing clients’ investment portfolios, conducting financial analyses, and developing and implementing distribution strategies. Beyond client service, Cole is adept at integrating non-correlated assets into financial plans. He is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and is committed to helping our clients achieve their financial goals.

Cole graduated from San Diego State University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Business Finance. He holds a California Life Insurance License as well as FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses. In his spare time, Cole enjoys traveling and spending quality time with friends and family.

ALANA CECCONI

CLIENT SERVICE ASSOCIATE

(800) 683-6347 | alana@westcoastws.com

Alana is the Client Service Associate for West Coast Wealth Strategies and Life Insurance Solutions.

Alana has top-notch customer service skills and ensures a quality client experience. With experience in administrative work paired with a marketing background, Alana utilizes her unique abilities to excel in her position.

Alana is born and raised in San Diego. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing in 2023. In her spare time, Alana loves to try new food spots, go to the beach, and spend time with family and friends.

JUSTICE MADISOn

APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST

(619) 436-4907 | JUSTICE@WESTCOASTWS.COM

Justice is the New Business Coordinator and brings eight years of industry experience, with a strong drive to continue growing and advancing in his field. In his role, he oversees the processing of all new business contracts and money movement requests, prioritizing exceptional customer service and ensuring investment accounts are funded accurately and efficiently. 

A San Diego native, Justice enjoys staying active, catching sporting events, and spending quality time with friends and family.