About Us
We do the insurance shopping for you!
NW Strategic Insurance Advisors was founded in 2008 and has been dedicated to assisting customers through the fluctuating health and life insurance market. Their Agents have a combined 40+ years of industry experience. NW Strategic Insurance Advisors is appointed with all major Affordable Care Act (ACA) qualified carriers in the area and has invested in technology to best serve clients quickly and remotely.
For employers, NW Strategic Insurance Advisors always offers hands-on, in-person employee on-boarding when implementing or renewing a group plan of any size. When working with individuals and families, enrollment and renewals through The Marketplace and directly with Oregon ACA carriers can be done in-person, via screen share or over the phone!
Our Executive Team
Lisa Dixon
President/CEO-Owner
Lisa Dixon has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry and uses her expertise and broker affiliations to navigate the ever-changing health insurance market. She assists Business Owners, HR Directors and Managers from all-sized companies with comprehending and selecting customized employee benefit packages for their employees.
NW Strategic Insurance Advisors is appointed with all major carriers for both group and individual insurance coverages. Long term relationship building and strategic planning are incorporated into the annual review process for each and every client. Lisa’s dedication to meeting every client one on one and advising benefits adjustments annually is vital to ensuring her clients’ needs are fully met.
Lisa began her career in the insurance industry in 1985 as a licensed Property, Casualty, Life and Health Insurance Broker. She has worked for several major companies including Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Agency and The Principal Financial Group. Lisa formed Northwest Strategic Insurance Advisors Inc. in 2008.
Lisa was an active Vice President of the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation (TLC’s Show “Little People Big World”) where she has been a founder and member since 2007. The charity raised over one million dollars in cash and in-kind donations over the course of 10 years for kids both locally, nationally and internationally. As a hobby, Lisa has filmed episodes with Amy Roloff (Matriarch of the show) throughout the past 10 years. You can catch her on previously aired episodes or on a current episode Of LPBW depending on the show season.
Lisa specializes in writing and servicing the following insurance coverages.
- Individual Medicare, Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
- Small & Large Group Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance / Employee Benefits
- 401(k)
- Supplemental Products
Contact Lisa Dixon
Direct: 503-789-9938
lisa@lisadixoninsurance.com
Rachelle Thayer
Vice President
Born and raised in Kalispell, Montana, Rachelle is an Oregonian transplant as of 2008. She loves everything about Oregon and couldn’t see herself calling anywhere else home! Rachelle dubbed herself the PDX Insurance Nerd and is the agency expert in small group, individual & family coverage.
Rachelle is appointed with all major Affordable Care Act (ACA) carriers in the area and uses technology to best serve clients quickly and remotely. For individuals and families, she offers education and enrollment through the Federal Marketplace (often referred to as “healthcare.gov”, “Obamacare”, “The Exchange”, or “Private Health Insurance”) as well directly with ACA carriers in Oregon. Enrollment can be done in person, via screen share or over the phone!
Rachelle entered the insurance world in 2009. She worked at the administrative level for an independent insurance broker before joining a large agency in 2013. During that time, Rachelle obtained her Property, Casualty, Life and Health Insurance licenses, and had the opportunity to explore all lines of insurance; ultimately unveiling that Health Insurance is her calling. In 2019, she joined NW Strategic Insurance Advisors.
Rachelle’s past volunteer experience includes over 10 years with the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation and she is active in coaching and fundraising in the youth fastpitch softball community.
Rachelle specializes in writing and servicing the following insurance coverages.
- Individual Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
- Group Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance / Employee Benefits
- Supplemental Products
Our Agent Team
Lisa Bilgen de Herrera
Medicare & Benefits Specialist
Before falling madly in love with the PNW and realizing that Oregon is, in fact, “Home,” Lisa was a cross-cultural trainer. She’s lived and worked in at least 15 different cities, the farthest south of which was Quito, Ecuador (it was here she learned to speak Spanish, and welcomes every opportunity to practice!).
Just before moving to Oregon, a health issue prompted Lisa to look deeper into healthcare coverage options. Myriad spreadsheets later, she felt compelled to help others navigate these same waters and became a specialist in employee benefits. She is Life & Health licensed and helps business owners and HR teams design benefits packages that not only align with their budget, but also reflect their values and culture. Once a package is final, she begins the even more important work of making sure employees are educated about the choices they have as well as how to access care when they need it.
As many of the employees she worked with began to turn 65, Lisa became Medicare certified. She loves that she is able to continue working with the employees she’s gotten to know (as well as everyone else trying to make sense of all those crazy letters!).
Lisa has volunteered for Crescent Valley High School’s Career Center as well as several non-profits, including serving on the board of her local humane society.
Lisa Specializes in writing and servicing the following insurance coverages:
- Medicare: Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans
- Supplemental Insurance Products: Disability, Life, Critical Illness, Accident
- Employee Benefits: Small/Large Group Health, Dental, Vision
Contact Lisa Bilgen de Herrera (Se habla Español)
Direct: 650-485-9266
lisa.bilgen@pdxinsurancenerds.com
Elizabeth Sutton
Individual Specialist & Small Group Account Manager
Liz is a seasoned professional with multiple years of dedicated service at NW Strategic Insurance Advisors, where she thrives as a Small Group Account Manager and Agent. As an agent specializing in individual and family clients, Liz offers comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. With appointments from all major carriers in Oregon, Liz ensures her clients receive tailored solutions to meet their needs.
Beyond her professional expertise, Liz is deeply involved in community service, having volunteered with the Amy Roloff Charity Foundation for over a decade. Her diverse background includes past work with police, courts, and non-profits, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact.
In her leisure time, Liz finds joy in the serenity of the beach, the lively rhythms of line dancing, and the cultural richness of music and theater. Additionally, Liz brings her organizational skills and creativity to the realm of event planning, boasting experience as an accomplished wedding planner and coordinator. With a blend of professionalism, compassion, and versatility, Liz continues to inspire both professionally and personally.
Liz Specializes in writing and servicing the following insurance coverages:
- Individual: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life
- Small Group: Account Management
Contact Elizabeth Sutton
Direct: 503-807-1079
liz@nwsia.com
Michele Sanzobrin
Individual & Medicare Specialist
Michele specializes in writing and servicing the following insurance coverages:
- Medicare: Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans
- Individual Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision
Contact Michele Sanzobrin
Direct:360-209-5083
michele@nwsia.com
Our Administrative Team
Becket Wright
Large Group & Amazon DSP Account Manager
Contact Becket Wright
Direct: 503-754-6996
Becket@nwsia.com
Victoria Bogdanova
Small Group Account Manager
Contact Victoria Bogdanova
Direct: 503-830-6490
Victoria@nwsia.com
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