As Lead Advisor, Ben consults with our investment clients in all areas of financial planning. Everyone faces financial challenges - big and small - Whether we are concerned with protecting a lifestyle that depends on two incomes, wanting to give our children the freedom to choose any school, or wondering how and when we can ever stop working. With a comprehensive, collaborative, and thoughtful process, Ben works directly with our clients to establish a complete picture of their current finances, analyze life goals, and develop a highly personalized financial plan to make it all work and help plan for financial threats such as taxes, inflation, potential long-term care expenses, or an unexpected death or disability.

Ben joined Northwestern Mutual in 2014, and has been a part of Matt’s team since 2018. He holds a degree in Financial Management from the University of Connecticut, and went on to earn his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Ben is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy submarine force, serving between September 2003 and October 2011.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. They love going boating on Candlewood Lake.

Christopher Castellanos is an Investment Operations Associate with over 25 years of experience in investments and client relationship management. Christopher specializes in investment operations and is responsible for client onboarding and new account processing. Christopher prides himself on providing excellent client service and due diligence. Satisfaction in meeting our client’s needs and exceeding their expectations drives Christopher to excel in his field.

Outside of work, Christopher enjoys spending time with his family hiking and camping, practicing baseball/softball with his children, and studying Iaido.

Karen is responsible for providing all insurance related services such as; guiding the client through the application process, scheduling medical exams, and servicing existing policies. Prior roles at Northwestern Mutual included duties such as calendar management, meeting preparatory, and running illustrations. Karen prides herself on providing excellent client service. She takes great pleasure in meeting our client’s insurance needs, while exceeding their expectations.

Karen has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2011. She obtained her Life and Health license in 2012.

Outside of work, Karen enjoys spending time RV’ing the countryside with her husband, three children and family pets.

Pat joined Northwestern Mutual in September 2020. Pat is responsible for Administrative Services such as: calendar management, answering client calls, taking payments by phone, beneficiary changes, and sending summary of account documents.

Pat has been an Executive Assistant for 34 years. She began her career working for CPG companies in their marketing department, eventually working for the CMO/COO of Snapple Beverage Group. Pat then moved on to other firms and added to her responsibilities Office Management and Payroll/Benefits Services.

Outside of work, Pat enjoys spending time with her husband and two rescue dogs. She is an avid tennis, racing, and football fan.

Christopher Zrowka, CPA, joined Sound Financial Strategies in April of 2023 as the Practice Manager. Christopher’s responsibilities include the day-to-day operations of the business, including strategic initiatives, human resources, marketing and process improvement.

Prior to joining Sound Financial Strategies, was a Director at KKR Financial Services Company, a multi-family office providing various accounting, tax and advisory services for current and former senior executives at KKR. Prior to KKR Financial Services Company, Chris was a Tax Manager in the Private Equity and High Net Worth tax practice at Deloitte.

Christopher received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Richmond, and his Masters of Science in Taxation from Fordham University. He maintains his Certified Public Accountant license in the State of New York.

Christopher resides in Valhalla NY with his wife and two children.

Anne has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2009 and joined my team in 2010. Besides being responsible for a wide variety of investment operations including client on-boarding, and new account processing, Anne attends to client needs that arise in the insurance and investment areas. Her dedication, compassion, expertise and knowledge is a tremendous asset to our team’s goal of building strong relationships and helping clients attain their goals.

Anne was originally in IT as a Program Analyst for over 20 years before moving into the insurance and investment area working for A.G Edwards & Sons and then Merrill Lynch. Anne has an Accounting and Computer degree from Pace University. She also has a Life and Health License along with investment licenses; Series 7 and 66.