Our Story
About Approach Path Financial Advisors

At Approach Path Financial Advisors, we believe financial planning shouldn’t feel mysterious, intimidating, or overly complicated. We’re a team‑based advisory practice serving South King County and surrounding communities near or far, and we’re here to help you make sense of your money and feel good about the decisions you’re making with it. As a Thrivent Financial affiliated team, we guide clients through retirement planning, investments, insurance strategies, and generosity planning with one clear belief at the center: money is a tool, not the goal. Our job is to help you use that tool in a way that supports the life you want to live and the people and causes you care about.

We work together, share ideas, and support one another so you’re never relying on just one person you’re backed by an entire team.

Alan Writer
Alan WriterWealth AdvisorCFP®, ChFC®, CASL®, FIC, RICP®, CLTC®

Alan leads the advisory efforts of the practice and works closely with clients to understand their goals, values, and financial priorities. He focuses on getting to know clients and helping them connect their financial decisions to what matters most in their lives. He focuses on building long‑term relationships and guiding clients through ongoing planning conversations as their lives and needs evolve.

View profile
Paul Rittierodt
Paul RittierodtAssociateBFA™

Paul partners with individuals and families as they navigate financial decisions and life changes. As part of the Approach Path team, he brings a calm, steady approach that helps clients think through options, ask good questions, emphasizes education and stay focused on their long‑term goals.

View profile
Paul Sharp
Paul SharpDirector of Investment Operations

Paul helps keep the planning process moving and coordinating next steps. He supports client relationships and planning coordination within the team. His role helps ensure continuity and follow‑through as clients move from strategy discussions to implementation, so no detail goes missed.

View profile
William Allen
William AllenFinancial Advisor

William supports the implementation side of planning, working closely with the advisory team to help client ideas align with their objectives. Contributing investment and planning support as part of the broader Approach Path client experience all while helping connect strategy to execution, so plans don’t just look good on paper.

View profile
Kassandra Perryman
Kassandra PerrymanInsurance Associate

Kassandra assists with insurance‑related coordination and documentation, supporting clients and advisors throughout policy service, documentation, reviews, and follow‑up. She plays a key role in ensuring accuracy, responsiveness, and compliance in client interactions, while keeping everything accurate, organized, and on track.

Outside of my professional life, I am a proud and active mom of two boys and a daughter who enjoy camping, swimming and spending time outdoors with family and friends. I’m deeply involved in my community, committed to raising awareness about the importance of building a strong, transparent financial foundation with a trusted advisor.

View profile
Kathy Welch
Kathy WelchOffice Professional (UNL)

Kathy keeps schedules, communications, and logistics running like clockwork. Her attention to detail helps ensure meetings happen smoothly, and clients always know what to expect next, all follow‑ups are handled smoothly and professionally. Her role reinforces the team’s commitment to reliable client service.

CJ Clark
CJ ClarkOffice Professional (UNL)

CJ provides administrative and operational support for the practice; she helps keep the office running smoothly behind the scenes. From coordination to organization she is helping facilitate client meetings and maintain efficient office processes that contribute to a seamless and positive client experience from start to finish.

Ready to connect?

We'd love to answer any questions you may have and start learning about your goals. We can meet however you're most comfortable—phone, virtual or in person.

Or call us directly: 253-218-3771

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Not all team members may provide all products, programs and services in all states.

Not all team members may office at the locations listed.

* as of December 31, 2024

** Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance. For information on this rating, visit the rating agency's website.

Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.