Skip to content Skip to footer
ABOUT US

The Team

Wendy V.

Commercial Lines Department Manager

Email me

408-265-2800 ext. 40681

Get vCard

Read bio
Wendy has over 16 years of professional experience at Walton Insurance as well as a Master’s degree from Santa Clara University. Prior to insurance, she was a Human Resources Business Partner for high tech corporations. Her favorite saying is “You got this” because she feels that with a positive, can-do attitude, one can make virtually any dream or goal a reality. Wendy enjoys traveling, especially to any place with a beach, and her favorite destination abroad is Italy. A few of her free-time favorites are hanging with family and friends and hiking with her dogs, Vizsla, at the beach or mountains.

Monica Castaneda

President

Email me

408-265-2800 Ext 47034

Get vCard

Read bio

Katie Rudd, CLCS

Commercial Lines Account Manager

Email me

408-265-2800 ext. 47032

Riley Nawrocki

Commercial Assistant Account Manager

Email me

Read bio
Riley is new to insurance with a knack for quickly mastering this new field. Transitioning from a career in hospitality management, he has embraced the changes of property casualty insurance with enthusiasm and provides a wealth of knowledge of client care. Outside the office, Riley’s adventurous spirit leads him and his dogs on hikes through out Oregon. Riley has a passion for philanthropy and has raised over $30,000 through various charitable events in online spaces.

Karen Patrick

Commercial Lines Account Manager

Email me

408-454-7035

Read bio
I have more than 40 years in the Insurance world with experience in Life & Health sales & service and Commercial Property & Casualty sales and service and oversaw all of accounting for 10 years with a prior Insurance Agency. Have been with Walton & Associates/Heffernan Walton for 10 years. Helping people navigate their insurance needs is very rewarding. I firmly believe that what you put out in the World you will get back 10-fold. I love the Beach, being with friends, family and my Kitty! I am also involved with CASA helping foster children while they go through challenging times.

Marissa Valdez

Commercial Lines Account Manager

Email me

925-280-2209

Read bio
Marissa Valdez is a Commercial Lines Account Manager with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in commercial insurance. She joined the Heffernan Group in 2020 and became part of Heffernan Walton Insurance Services in 2025. Marissa holds an active California Property & Casualty license and is bilingual in English and Spanish allowing her to effectively serve a diverse client base.
When she is not working, Marissa enjoys spending quality time with her husband, three children, and 3 grandchildren. Whether it’s a family day at Disneyland or simply being together, she treasures the opportunity to create lasting memories with those she loves most. Her family, meaningful relationships, and celebrating life’s special moments are at the heart of what matters most to her.

Christen Farris

Commercial Lines Account Manager

Email me

408-404-0689

Read bio
With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Christen has built a career rooted in trust, expertise, and genuine care for clients. Licensed since 2009, Christen began her career at State Farm Insurance, developing a strong foundation in personal lines and client service. In 2014, Christen made the transition to commercial insurance, expanding her expertise to help businesses protect what they’ve worked so hard to build.
Today, Christen brings that same dedication and depth of knowledge to every client relationship, combining years of hands-on experience with a genuine passion for finding the right coverage solutions.
Outside the office, Christen loves spending quality time with family, whether it’s hitting the slopes for a day of skiing, hiking scenic trails, biking through the outdoors, or relaxing at the beach.

Michael Kelly

Commercial Lines Account Manager

Email me

Read bio
Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter
54 years experience in business insurance.
Former agency president.
Enjoy traveling and fly fishing.

Christina Reed

Commercial Lines Account Manager

Email me

408-475-7758

Read bio
Christina began her insurance career in 2016 following a career in logistics supporting NASA and a stint in the technology industry with a startup. In 2018, she found her niche in commercial insurance, where she has continued to build her expertise and passion for helping businesses navigate their insurance needs. Outside of work, Christina enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, and watching movies.

Jamie Anderson

 Senior Account Executive

Email me

408-265-2800 ext. 40588

Get vCard

Read bio
Jamie began her professional insurance career at Walton Insurance Agency in 1997 and enjoys finding the best insurance coverage, at the lowest cost while going the extra mile to ensure happy, satisfied clients. One of her favorite C.S. Lewis quotes reflects never giving in or giving up, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” During her personal time, she enjoys volunteering at her daughter’s school and various events, as well as attending her daughter’s baseball and basketball sport events. Jamie also enjoys gardening, traveling, camping, music events, bike riding, going to the beach, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.

Jerri Combs

Personal Lines Department Manager

Email me

408-265-2800 Ext 40594

Get vCard

Read bio
Jerri loves reading fiction mystery novels, her favorite movies range from You’ve Got Mail to the Marvel Comic Movies. She loves watching football and baseball – go Rams and Dodgers! – and is a fan of the San Jose Sharks. Staycations are her favorite way to spend days off, or going to the coast for the day with her husband. Jerri is a proud mom of three adult kids and loves spending time with her fur-babies. After starting in the Insurance industry in 1996, Jerri loved it so much she got licensed in 2000 and has an extensive background in Personal Lines and Commercial Insurance. She enjoys the personal touch of Personal Lines. Jerri prides herself in her exceptional service to clients and loves working with people to help them through some of the best times in life as well as the most difficult times in life. She believes that showing kindness and compassion is the most important thing you can give to someone.

Sharif Darestani

Personal Lines Account Manager

Email me

408-265-2800 ext. 40697

Get vCard

Read bio
Sharif has been working in the insurance industry for over 10 years, she enjoys helping people manage their daily risks. She does not consider herself a sales person, but more of a risk manager! Sharif continues to learn and grow in order to provide new information for her clients. In her free time she enjoys going for hikes, dancing, watching a movie, and curling up with a good book.

Rosa Guajardo

Personal Lines Account Manager

Email me

408-265-2800 ext. 40684

Get vCard

Read bio
Rosa has been working in the insurance industry since 2004. Prior to insurance, she had many years in customer service. Rosa is fluent in Spanish and English, which has helped expand her ability to service a wider clientele. She comes from a large loving family and prides herself in strong family values. In her spare time she likes to bake cakes for her grandchildren.

Sarah Bylsma

 Senior Personal Lines Account Manager

Email me

408-265-2800  ext. 40414

Read bio
Sarah began her insurance career at State Farm in 2013 and made the switch to the broker world with Archway Valley General Insurance in 2014. She prides herself on providing outstanding customer service while also being thorough, personable, and professional. Prior to insurance, she was a full-time dance instructor for dancers of all ages. During her personal time, she keeps herself busy with her passion, musical theater. Though she has worked with and for several theater companies in the Bay Area, her theater “home” is Children’s Musical Theater San Jose. Her other hobbies include karaoke, dancing, singing, traveling, and reading. She is an avid 49er fan and loves anything Disney related.

Michelle Garza

Personal Lines Account Manager

408-495-5041

Linda Garza

Personal Lines Account Manager

Email me

408-475-9377

Read bio
I’ve been in the insurance industry for 24 years, starting out as a receptionist, working my way up to an account manager. I love getting to know my clients personally and listening empathetically to what they need. I’m fluent in Spanish and enjoy helping people make sense of the complexities of insurance. Outside of work I love spending time with family and friends, taking trips to the coast, and catching a good concert.

Rhonda Hendrickson

Personal Lines Account Manager

Email me

925-280-2211

Read bio
Rhonda began her insurance career in 1991 and worked for an Independent Insurance Agency for 17 years in Northern Minnesota before moving west in 2011. She obtained her insurance license in 1993 and her CISR designation in 1997. She has 35 years of experience in personal, health, and life insurance and believes it is important to treat customers with kindness and to explain the insurance protection they are purchasing in layman’s terms.
Rhonda enjoys nature and loves to hike, kayak and spend time with her family. She is a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan!

Gloria C

Accounting Manager/ Agency Management

Email me

408-265-2800 ext. 40592

Get vCard

Read bio

Gloria began her career in the insurance industry as an accounting assistant in 1985; little did she realize this would be the beginning of the evolution into a Professional Insurance Accountant position. Since 2004, she has been the Manager of Walton Insurance Accounting Department. In addition, she is the “go to gal” for our agency’s management system, TAM/Applied Systems. Gloria strongly believes that focusing on family is the key to a happy life. She enjoys spending time with her family and grandson. Outside of the agency, she is also busy with volunteer work in the community and is currently helping with the Committee for Green Foothills and other organizations. Gloria appreciates the beautiful valley we live in and loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and gardening.

Katrina C

Agency Account Administrative Assistant

Email me

408-265-2800 ext. 44103

Get vCard

Read bio

Katrina has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years. She first started out in the commercial lines department as a CSR. She now works in the marketing department. In her free time she enjoys sewing, spending time with family, and cooking. Her favorite place in the world is Disneyland.

Leonnie Francisco

Email me

408-265-2800 Ext 44099

 

David Tuckness, CIC, CPIA

Email me

408-265-2800 Ext 116

Get vCard

Read bio

Locally raised, attended Del Mar High School, then attended The Master’s University, in Southern California where he majored in Business and Biblical Studies. In 1989 David joined and then became a partner at Valley General Insurance Services. In 2002, David was one of the founding members of Archway Insurance Brokers, LLC, with a focus on Construction, Device and Technology. In June 2021, David was named President of Heffernan Walton Insurance Services, Inc., a member of Heffernan Network of Agencies. David continues to live in San Jose, with his wife, Chrystal and their three young adult children. David enjoys outdoor activities, playing guitar and is involved with several charity organizations, and local church.

  

Jennifer McKenzie

Group Health Insurance

 

Dan Pyne

Employment Law

 

 
About Us

Heffernan Walton Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency.

 

Give us a call, stop by, or request a quote online to find out how much we can save you on your insurance.

Contact

Heffernan Walton Office

 
1741 Technology Drive, 
Ste 260
San Jose, California 95110
 
877-265-2801
408-265-2800
 
408-265-9174
 
service@heffwalt.com
 
 

© 2026 Walton & Associates Insurance | This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy, state and federal laws. For an actual description of coverage, terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance policy or check with your insurance professional. The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication.


Website Built & Powered by Jump Suit Group