2890 N. Main Street, Suite 206 • Walnut Creek, CA 94597

Meet the Team

Kirsten Howe, Esq.
Founder and Managing Attorney

For more than 26 years, individuals and families in Walnut Creek, California, and the surrounding areas have trusted Absolute Trust Counsel Managing Attorney Kirsten Howe and her team to help them secure their legacy.

Uniquely qualified to create individualized estate plans, Kirsten and her team provide focused counsel on estate planning, trust administration, probate, Medi-Cal planning, special needs planning, and other estate-related issues.

“I began my law career as a business planning attorney, but soon realized that I was most passionate about estate planning and elder law. I founded Absolute Trust Counsel as a firm dedicated exclusively to providing full-scope, client-centered estate planning services, and I’m very proud of the specialized counsel we’re able to provide to families as they plan for their futures.”

She earned her law degree cum laude from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and a B. S. in Biology from the University of Michigan. While in law school, she was a member of the Thurston Society and managing editor of The Hastings Law Journal.

A noted speaker on estate planning issues, Kirsten is a member of the Trust and Estates Section of The State Bar of California, the Estate Planning and Probate Section, the Elder Law Section, and the Women’s Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association.

Jessica Colbert
Associate Attorney

Jessica has been a member of the Absolute Trust Counsel team since 2015, when she joined as an Administrative Assistant. By day, Jessica was the firm’s responsive and customer-oriented member at the front desk, offering swift solutions for our clients, and by night, she was hustling to obtain her paralegal certificate, and in 2017, she was appointed to Absolute Trust Counsel’s paralegal after earning her certification. While it was a thrill to help clients protect their future in a more official capacity, she knew she wanted to expand her legal education and decided to attend law school, with a focus on trusts and estates.

During her time in law school, Jessica was also a member of the Medical-Legal Partnership for Seniors, a collaboration with UCSF that provides legal services to elderly patients who have legal challenges ranging from estate planning and public benefits to housing issues. There, she was able to personally assist older adults with estate planning documents, applications for public benefits and Veterans Affairs benefits, and securing a highly sought-after position in new low-income housing.

Jessica earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2023 from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), graduating magna cum laude. Before earning her J.D., Jessica graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in philosophy.

“I always knew I would return to Absolute Trust Counsel after law school. I greatly admire the team’s dedication to clients and deeply appreciate the collaborative and supportive environment Kirsten and the other team members have cultivated. I am so fortunate to have been a member of the employee family through many phases of my career and education, and I’m so excited for the opportunity to continue serving the firm’s clients in a new capacity as an attorney.”

Ariana Flynn
Associate Attorney

Ariana Flynn is an Associate Attorney at Absolute Trust Counsel. Prior to joining the firm, Ariana worked as a trust and estate litigation attorney in Walnut Creek. Now, she practices primarily in the areas of estate planning, trust administration, probate, and other estate-related issues.

“Transitioning from trust and estate litigation to estate planning has allowed me to focus on the preventative side of law. My goal is to work closely with families to safeguard their assets, plan for their legacy, and provide them with peace of mind knowing their future is secure.”

Ariana earned her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology at the University of California, Davis. While in undergraduate college, she also played NCAA basketball (at Dominican University). After graduating, Ariana earned her Juris Doctor from University of California, Hastings College of the Law (now known as University of California College of the Law, San Francisco).

While in law school, Ariana was the Executive Editor for the Hastings Science and Technology Law Journal and a Senior Student Associate for the UC San Francisco/UC Hastings Medical Legal Partnership for Seniors Clinic. Ariana earned the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in the Medical Legal Partnership for Seniors Clinic. She was also a member of the prestigious Hastings Health Law Moot Court Team and the Internal Vice President of the Women’s Law Society.

Ariana is an active member of Contra Costa County Bar Association, including the Estate Planning and Probate Section, Women’s Section, and Barrister’s Section. She is currently the Co-President and executive board member for the Contra Costa County Bar Association Barrister’s Section. Ariana is also actively involved in the Tri-Valley area, serving on the executive committee of the Pleasanton Young Professionals and as the Secretary of the Tri-Valley Estate Planning Council. In 2023, Ariana was a recipient of the San Francisco Business Times Tri-Valley 20 Under 40ish award.

In her free time, Ariana enjoys giving back to the youth in her community and volunteers as the director of a youth girls basketball program. She also enjoys playing basketball and coaches varsity girls basketball at Livermore High. Ariana loves working out and spending time outdoors with her family, partner, and pug.

Sandra Tanhuanpaa
Paralegal

With over 14 years of experience in estate planning, trust administration, and probate, Sandra plays a crucial role in ensuring Absolute Trust Counsel’s clients receive the highest level of support during some of life’s most challenging transitions. Since joining the firm in 2016, Sandra has been the backbone of trust administration and probate processes, expertly preparing legal documents, managing court filings, and maintaining clear, compassionate communication with clients and all members involved.

As a primary point of contact for clients, Sandra’s warm professionalism helps guide them through the often complex legal processes. Her responsibilities include drafting deeds, affidavits, and probate pleadings, as well as reviewing financial statements and organizing client matters. With an exceptional ability to multitask and stay ahead of deadlines, Sandra ensures that each case moves forward efficiently, offering clients peace of mind and confidence in the firm’s services.

“I enjoy working at Absolute Trust Counsel because it is a firm with heart and compassion, which is very important for the type of law that we practice,” Sandra says.

Sandra holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Hayward, and also attended UC Santa Barbara. Her extensive experience, attention to detail, and commitment to client service make her an invaluable asset to the firm and the many families she helps navigate estate planning and probate matters.

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Denette Grebe
Chief of Staff

As Chief of Staff at Absolute Trust Counsel, Denette Grebe is the driving force behind the firm’s seamless operation. With nearly a decade of dedicated service, Denette ensures that every aspect of the business runs smoothly, allowing the team to deliver the exceptional service and personal care that clients expect during the estate planning process. Her multifaceted role includes overseeing projects, managing internal processes, and ensuring every client’s experience is efficient, supportive, and worry-free.

Beyond her client-facing responsibilities, Denette manages vital operational areas, acting as a crucial problem-solver and behind-the-scenes leader.

“I enjoy working for someone I admire and respect and being part of a team where we truly care about our clients and each other.”

Denette’s ability to navigate the firm’s day-to-day intricacies, troubleshoot challenges, and support the team with unwavering precision makes her an invaluable asset to Absolute Trust Counsel and the clients it serves. Her dedication to fostering a cohesive, compassionate environment is at the heart of the firm’s success.

Cameron Klotz
Estate Planning Case Manager

Cameron joined the Absolute Trust Counsel team in the beginning of 2023 and brings a wealth of knowledge to the team as our dedicated Estate Planning Case Manager. With a robust background in mortgage, she possesses a keen understanding of financial management and asset valuation, making her an invaluable resource for clients navigating their estate planning needs.

In her role, Cameron is instrumental in drafting comprehensive estate planning documents and ensuring seamless signings with clients. Her expertise helps us continue to enhance our goals of simplifying the complexities of estate planning and ensures that each client’s unique wishes and goals are accurately reflected and securely implemented.

Outside of work, Cameron enjoys spending quality time with her family and embraces the great outdoors through hiking and gardening.

“I’m so thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the Absolute Trust Counsel team. I take great pride in serving clients and work hard to offer a compassionate and meticulous approach to support their needs as we work together to get their affairs in order.”

Suzette Ahmed
Administrative Support

Suzette joined our team as an Administrative Assistant in late 2021 and has been promoted to our Administrative Support role. In this vital position, Suzette is the backbone of our office operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. She manages a wide range of responsibilities, from coordinating day-to-day tasks to scheduling networking events. Suzette’s organizational skills and proactive approach directly contribute to the firm’s success, making her an indispensable part of our team.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Marketing from San Jose State University and has extensive experience working with several prominent Bay Area technology companies. Suzette also brings entrepreneurial insights from her time as a business owner, further enriching her ability to effectively support our team and clients.

“I am happy to work for a firm where all employees feel that they’re valued members of the team and have a passion to help clients protect their families.”

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