Meet The Sharpe Mortgage Team

About The Sharpe Mortgage Team

Sisters, friends & female leaders working together for our customers

A Team of Strong Female Leaders

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The Expert Advice You Need

When you work with The Sharpe Mortgage Team, you get more than a lender—you get a trusted group of mortgage professionals who know how to guide buyers through real-world scenarios. From answering quick questions to structuring complex loans, the team is known for clear explanations, responsive support, and strategy that helps clients feel confident in every decision. Whether you’re buying your first home or planning your next move, you’ll always have expert advice and a reliable team behind you.

Competitive Rates

The Sharpe Mortgage Team helps clients buy, build, or refinance with loan options tailored to their goals, lifestyle, and long-term plans. From conventional, FHA, VA, and renovation loans to first-time homebuyer education and specialty programs, the team offers guidance that goes beyond a simple quote. With a streamlined digital process and transparent numbers, clients can move forward with clarity, confidence, and financing that fits their bigger picture.

Ready to Guide You

Clients and partners choose The Sharpe Mortgage Team for a process that feels organized, proactive, and easy to follow. The team prioritizes clear communication, honest guidance, and calm expertise—so clients always know what’s happening and what comes next. With decades of experience navigating changing markets, Ashley and her team are prepared for tough situations and committed to problem-solving without pressure. The result is a smooth, supportive experience from application through closing.

The Triad and Beyond

Rooted in Winston-Salem and the greater Triad, The Sharpe Mortgage Team is built on long-term relationships—not one-time transactions. Ashley and her team stay connected well beyond closing and serve as ongoing mortgage and home equity advisors for clients as life changes. Originally from Kentucky, Ashley has built strong ties throughout the region and enjoys fitness, Pilates, travel, and exploring local coffee and food spots. The team’s culture is built on availability, connection, and community.

Our Mascot

Birkin is the team’s beloved English bulldog and unofficial Chief Happiness Officer, bringing personality and fun to the mortgage process. She’s a reminder that homebuying doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—it can feel exciting, supported, and even enjoyable. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or preparing to make an offer, Birkin and the Sharpe Mortgage Team are here to make the process feel approachable, friendly, and guided every step of the way.

The Leadership Team Behind Your Homebuying Journey

Ashley McKenzie-Sharpe

Branch Manager

NMLS# 100776

NC# I-131870

VA# MLO-30162VA

Cell: 336.575.9448


Ashley McKenzie-Sharpe is a Branch Manager with Highlands Residential Mortgage. She is in the top 1% of mortgage originators in the country, helping people finance their dream homes in the Winston Salem area since 2005. Her passion is creating a pathway to homeownership for families in NC, SC, and throughout the Southeast.


Ashley is a very proud dog mama to Birkin – an English Bulldog who is the light of her life. An avid gardener and exercise fanatic, Ashley spends her weekends cuddling with her fur babies, listening to her father preach at Pinedale Christian Church, and tending to her backyard oasis.

Jennifer Kaydas

Loan Officer


Jennifer McKenzie is a Loan Officer Assistant in Winston-Salem, NC, focused on disclosures, documentation, and keeping buyers and agents informed every step of the way. Clients appreciate her organization, proactive updates, and calm problem‑solving when issues pop up. When she’s not helping clients get to the closing table, Jennifer enjoys time with family, outdoor adventures, and making memories around the golf course.

Cara Zimmerman

Loan Officer Assistant


Cara Zimmerman is a Loan Officer Assistant based in Winston-Salem, NC, with more than eight years of experience supporting homebuyers from disclosures through closing. Clients count on her for clear explanations of numbers, quick communication, and a genuine commitment to doing what is best for them. Originally from Kentucky, Cara now enjoys golf, gardening, and mountain getaways with her husband and their three cats.

Arwen Jessup

Loan Officer Assistant


Arwen Jessup is a Loan Officer Assistant in Winston-Salem, NC, managing loan files and keeping borrowers and agents informed so closings stay on track. She’s known for clear communication, strong organization, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. When she’s off the clock, Arwen enjoys life in Pilot Mountain with her husband, their two cats, and a backyard full of plants and visiting birds.