Book a meeting with Katie Garber

I am a financial advisor and leader at Thrivent, where I lead the Compass Group and bring nearly three decades of experience in the financial services industry. Since joining Thrivent in 2007, I have built a practice centered on helping clients make confident, well-informed financial decisions—especially during periods of uncertainty or transition.

My career spans both institutional and advisory roles, including experience on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and on the bond trading desk at Performance Trust Capital Partners. This foundation in market dynamics, risk management, and portfolio strategy informs my evidence-based approach to investing and planning.

I focus on the human side of money, helping clients understand how behavior, emotion, and personal values influence financial decisions, particularly during stressful market environments or major life changes. My work emphasizes confidence, clarity, and alignment, not just performance.

My team specializes in wealth building, advanced tax planning and mitigation strategies, strategic portfolio management, concentrated wealth and risk management, estate and legacy planning coordination, and career-compressed income planning for professionals such as athletes.

My practice is best suited for career professionals, high-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, pre-retirees and retirees, and professionals with irregular or compressed income who are seeking a long-term strategic partner.

A former college basketball player, I bring a competitive mindset and a love of complex challenges to my planning work. Outside of my practice, I enjoy racquetball, traveling, live music, dancing, discovering great restaurants, watching sports, and exploring films.

My philosophy: Help clients make better financial decisions by understanding how behavior, emotion, and values drive money choices.

If you are thinking about retirement, in retirement or have questions about retirement; this is why I work for Thrivent. As the oldest of eight kids, money was always constrained, and my parent’s struggled mightily through most of their life. Through their love, support, and farm work ethic, I was able to go to college. Like many of today’s college graduates, I was in debt, spending more than I should and a newlywed with a baby on the way. I was adulting before it became fashionable!

Using my local library, I read everything I could about personal finance, including budgeting, insurance, investing or planning for retirement. I was a biology teacher, lab assistant and most of my career was spent in medical corporate sales. I've been a member of Thrivent for over 30 years.

Financial planning is more than accumulating dollars in an account. Because of our emotions around money, planning is more about your goals than what I think you should be doing. How many miserable wealthy people do you know?

What really drives me is people's health in retirement. As a former altar boy, I have assisted in more funerals than most. I have seen friends die of disease. I watched my own parents go through their own mortality. There is an adage, “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” Let's work together on your plan.

Call me or use the link below if you would like a friendly discussion.

Book a meeting with me

PhD

I have been with Thrivent since 2021 and have 24 years of experience in financial industry. I am passionate about providing tailored financial guidance to my clients so they can focus on the most meaningful and enjoyable pursuits in their lives. I specialize in helping successful professionals and business owners implement wealth accumulation, retirement income, and estate planning strategies.

Prior to joining Thrivent, I was a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley and was in quantitative research and firm-wide trading risk teams at global hedge fund firms Citadel and Balyasny, developing expertise in investment portfolio construction and risk management.

In my free time, I enjoy playing golf and tennis, listening to my favorite rock musicians, exploring brewery scenes, and watching professional soccer and thriller movies.

With 38 years of experience in financial services and counting, I’m deeply passionate about helping people plan for their financial future. I’m excited to continue this journey with Thrivent, guiding individuals and families toward financial confidence and security.

Family has always been at the heart of my life. Growing up in a large Italian family instilled in me the importance of legacy, community, and giving back. That same passion drives me to help others build meaningful, lasting legacies for their loved ones.

Whether you’re planning for your family’s future or looking to make a greater impact in your community, our expertise and purpose-driven guidance can help you protect and nurture what—and who—matters most.

I’m based in Mount Prospect, IL, with an office in Rolling Meadows, but I’m not bound by location. Whether you’re nearby or across the country, I’m available to meet virtually and provide guidance wherever you are.

Schedule an appointment with me

Helping families navigate complexity, protect what matters, and plan forward with clarity.

I’m Michele Westmaas — a financial advisor who works with families facing complexity, transition, and long-term planning decisions.

My work often centers on:

• Families raising or supporting a loved one with disabilities
• Women seeking financial clarity and independence
• LGBTQ+ individuals and families building secure, values-aligned futures

Whatever brings you here, you deserve an advisor who listens carefully, explains...

As a Thrivent financial professional, I am honored to offer personalized financial guidance to individuals and families at every stage of life. At Thrivent, we see money not just as a goal, but as a powerful tool—one that enables you to live a life filled with purpose, gratitude, and meaning. We believe that when people make the most of their resources, they thrive—and so does their community. My mission is to help you harness that potential and create a life rich in both financial stability and personal fulfillment.

I chose this career because it allows me to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of others. My journey—from serving in the U.S. Navy to leading teams and mentoring individuals—has fueled my passion for guiding people toward achieving their fullest potential. I understand the value of personalized advice and the transformative power of mentorship. My role extends beyond managing finances; it’s about being a trusted partner who empowers you to make informed decisions and foster positive, lasting change in your life.

I joined Thrivent in 2015 and have served in multiple customer service roles before joining the Compass Group. My goal is to provide a great service experience by simplifying processes to make any task easy for our clients and financial advisors.

I'm a father to a 6 year old daughter who loves Super Mario and anything Disney. There is no greater joy then helping her learn and creating new experiences with my family.

I have been with Thrivent since August 2020, serving as an office professional for various financial advisors. Whether you hear from me by email or phone, I’m here to help schedule introductory meetings and review appointments, ensuring a smooth experience. Outside of work, my two sons, Michael (32) and Charles (28), are my greatest joy, along with my adorable Maltipoo, GiGi. I have a passion for salsa dancing and love traveling—especially to the beautiful shores of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I’m excited to be part of the talented team at Compass Group and look forward to supporting the advisors and their wonderful clients.

I help prepare the financial advisors for their meetings with reports and account information. I also confirm meetings direct with clients.