Meet Our Staff

Riane grew up in Champaigne-Urbana, Illinois. She came into real estate when she and her husband, Chris, were looking to purchase a home… from Bryson Smith. Bryson and Chris had worked together at GNC. At the time, Bryson happened to be looking to add an administrative team member, so Chris suggested Riane – the rest is history.

Riane has been with the Bryson Smith Team since inception in 2013 and LOVES what she does. She facilitates and coordinates each and every Bryson Smith Team transaction and makes sure that they all close smoothly and on-time. In her career, she has single-handedly coordinated the sale of over 3,000 properties.

Riane earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wester Michigan in 2010. She enjoys watching sports – avid Chicago Cubs fan, working out, spending time with her family, and friends. She and her wonderful husband have two children.

Her strong organizational skills, conscientious attitude, and knack for detail are treasured attributes that help with assisting the team in providing the best customer service to our clients at all times.

Sarah grew up in Washington, IL and has always had a strong sense of wanderlust. She has moved to quite a few different states for several years before returning home to Central Illinois. She joined the Bryson Smith Team in September of 2020 as the Listing Coordinator. Coming from a background in customer service, Sarah brings with her a plethora of organizational skills as well as a passion for helping people. She enjoys coordinating with the sellers, agents, and the photographer to make the selling process as seamless as possible.

An avid Harry Potter and Hamilton fan, any free time Sarah has is spent reading or watching the Great British Baking Show. She can often be found curled up on the couch with her Kindle, a blanket, and her fur baby, Trixie.

Born in Peoria, Illinois and raised in Washington – Clayton has always had a knack for the arts. He attended Illinois Central College with a focus in Business Marketing. Real Estate was something he was drawn to considering the opportunities for growth that can be presented with it! In 2018, he obtained his real estate license and started his career as a Buyer Specialist. Clayton had a passion for the industry, but it wasn’t too long in that he discovered that he wasn’t crazy about sales and took a break from the industry.

Clayton joined the Bryson Smith Team in June of 2020 to become their first ever, full-time, on-staff photographer. The role allowed Clayton to tap into his creative side and do work he is passionate about while remaining in the industry. He loves being able to preview all different styles and types of properties, and capture them according to his vision. Now, as the team’s Media Manager, Clayton is able to take his creativity to new heights as he oversees all marketing for the company, digital and print.

Clayton brings a unique skillset along with him into his role, as he has actually sat in the seat of the agent – so he is fully aware of the perspective required to market a property to it’s fullest potential. In addition to his marketing skills, Clayton also brings a vibrance to the team that is valued by man. He has a sense of positivity that radiates off of him and through the rest of the team.

Cydni spent most of her life in Chicago before moving to Nevada briefly post high school. Wanting to be closer to family, Cydni found her way back to Illinois and primarily worked in the service industry before exploring a career in real estate. Cydni was looking for financial freedom and a flexible schedule and when she sat down with Bryson. She knew right away that she had found her home on the Bryson Smith Team. Cydni’s skillset is broad and she utilizes it daily in her comprehensive role. Her creative mind and keen eye allow her to plan and execute any and all client and team events down to the last detail.

When she is not working, Cydni enjoys cooking and baking. She owns and operates Homegron Macaron, a local cakery that specializes in macarons, cakes, and events. Cydni and her husband, Chase, live in Peoria with their three pets.

Rachel Knight, Client Care Coordinator

Rachel was born and raised in Pekin, Illinois. She initially got into a real estate career after a lifelong love of architecture, especially in older homes. She loves working with people and appreciates the flexibility the schedule allows. Rachel is also currently enrolled in school with a focus in Elementary Education. 

In her spare time, Rachel love crafting and anything outdoors like hiking and kayaking. She is a lover of all music, but has a special interest in Classic Rock, Folk, EDM, and Country.

Licensed in 2019, Rachel has worked with both buyers and sellers and is currently in a Client Care role, communicating with all Bryson Smith Team clients to ensure an excellent experience. She is full of energy and prides herself on assisting her clients through their tailored real estate experience.

Ashley Roe, Chief Administrative Officer

Native to the Central Illinois area, Ashley has called Washington “home” for most of her life. She is a mother to three beautiful children, plus a bonus kiddo that each keep her busy on a daily basis. She loves attending their sports events and has been known to shout a “woo” or two from the stands. She and the kids LOVE music passionately, and can often be found having an impromptu concert or kitchen dance party.

Growing up, Ashley was always drawn to the industry – and attended college with a focus in Architecture and Design. She has said she wanted to “do everything from blueprints to throw pillows.” She was working as Director of Sales and Marketing for a local hotel chain when an acquaintance called and asked if she was ready to change her life.

Since joining the real estate industry, Ashley has made a point to become proficient in each administrative role and she has done so by sitting in each seat personally. This gives her a unique perspective when recruiting, training, and retaining talent. She uses this experience to support her team with the day-to-day function and operation. Ashley brings with her an unparalleled drive, paired with a passion for creativity and innovation to execute the team’s vision. A skilled solution provider, Ashley prides herself on her ability to coach and mentor her team members to empower them in delivering an amazing client experience.