Founder's Story
Stella Maris is a Latin phrase meaning “Star of the Sea,” a title long associated with the Blessed Mother Mary. For centuries, sailors looked to Mary as their guiding star—trusting her to help calm life’s storms. Inspired by this image, Stella Maris Wealth was founded on the belief that financial planning should bring clarity, peace, and steady guidance through every season of life.
A few years ago, Katrina experienced a renewal of her Catholic faith that reshaped both her life and her work. Today, she sees her role as a financial advisor as a vocation—serving God by helping others steward their financial resources with wisdom and purpose. Faith and family remain the foundation of her life.
With over 15 years of experience in corporate finance and financial services, including seven years as a financial advisor, Katrina brings both technical expertise and a deeply personal approach to her work. She began her career in Silicon Valley corporate finance before discovering her true calling: helping individuals and families navigate money decisions with confidence, clarity, and peace.
Katrina works with clients across the country, including business owners, retirees, widows, and families who want their money to support what matters most. She is especially passionate about helping both spouses—particularly women—feel informed, involved, and confident in their financial plans. She believes money is a tool meant to be stewarded well, used generously, and aligned with the mission God has for each person’s life.
As an independent, fiduciary advisor, Katrina is committed to putting her clients’ best interests first. To her, financial planning is ultimately about legacy—not just what we accumulate, but how we love, serve, and impact others.
Katrina holds the ChFC®(Chartered Financial Consultant), CEPA® (Certified Exit Planning Advisor), and AAMS® (Accredited Asset Management Specialist) designations. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Tennessee at Martin and an MBA in Finance from California State University, Fullerton. She and her husband, JJ, have been married for 17 years and have two sons, Trey and Rhys, who are the greatest joys of her life. Outside of work, Katrina enjoys reading, cooking, playing tennis, and cheering on her boys at sporting events. As she often says, “As long as my boys are happy and healthy, life is good.”
I used to believe that prayers changes things.
But now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things.