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SonRise Strategies, LLC

With sound financial strategies;

You can rise beyond your dreams.

We help clients—individuals and businesses in all stages of life—carefully weigh their options. Together, we tackle tough questions and navigate complex situations. Then, we formulate a plan that allows them to grow with confidence. Ultimately, our goal is to empower them to make decisions that are right for them, their families, their businesses, and their employees.

Should they be investing more in kids' college funds or funding an account to manage costs for extended periods of care? Are they achieving the returns they aimed for on their investments?

What if something happened to a business partner today? What impact might that have on the continued success of the business? What if something happened to one of us? What would happen to our share in the business?

What steps are we taking to retain critical employees and protect the business against their death or disability? Are our employees investing in their future? Are they and their families protected in the event of death or disability?

These are often the difficult questions that families and business owners tend to put off. No one can predict the future, but through comprehensive analysis and strategic investing, we can help prepare for it.

AR Insurance License #4557385

CA Insurance License #4001640

About Our Founder

Colleen Stutz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, RICP

Once upon a time, in a world where financial advice often felt impersonal and rigid, Colleen recognized a growing need for a more holistic approach to financial planning. She understood that every individual and family has unique preferences, values, and aspirations. With this vision in mind, she founded SonRise Strategies, LLC —a full-service financial planning firm dedicated to serving high-net-worth clients and their families.

Colleen’s mission was clear: to create a space where clients could connect deeply with their financial journeys. She believed that financial planning should be more than just numbers; it should reflect the story of each client’s life, dreams, and goals. Rather than pushing specific products, Colleen aimed to provide tailored solutions that honored her clients’ distinct circumstances.

Through SonRise Strategies, Colleen sought to bridge the gap between industry resources and the personal narratives of those she served. She wanted to empower individuals and businesses alike to take control of their financial futures, ensuring that every decision made was a step towards achieving their broader life objectives.

Over more than 20 years, Colleen and her team have not only met their goals but have exceeded them, building lasting relationships with clients who appreciate a more personalized and flexible approach to financial planning. At SonRise Strategies, every client’s story is valued, and together, they navigate the path toward a secure and fulfilling future.

By choosing SonRise Strategies, you’re not just selecting a financial advisor; you’re partnering with a team that genuinely cares about your unique journey and is committed to helping you realize your dreams. Welcome to a new era of financial planning, where your story takes center stage.

Colleen Stutz

Principal

Originally from St. Louis Missouri she has been in the Northern Virginia area for over 20 years. Colleen started as an agent with New York Life 23 years ago. During these years she has worked closely with customers in the field while serving in several capacities.

Colleen brings a creative and comprehensive approach, collaborating with Business owners, their employees, and individuals in the areas of business succession planning, employee benefits and retirement. She is known for her practical teachings and engaging, conversational style of presentation, speaking frequently to groups about the need to plan for college funding, retirement planning, extended periods of care and pension strategies.

Colleen earned her bachelor’s degree in actuarial science from Maryville University in St. Louis. Before joining New York Life, she began her career as an actuary with companies including CIGNA Insurance Company, Ernst and Young and the Employee benefits firm of William Mercer. .

Sarah Zorio

Registered Service Assistant

Sarah secured the spot of favorite child in her family when she followed in her father’s footsteps to join the financial services industry. While pursuing her Psychology degree, she began working in her father’s office over summer breaks. She became a licensed and registered agent in 2014 and has a particular interest in the emotions surrounding financial decisions.

Leading up to his retirement from New York Life, Sarah began working with her father’s successor who is a long-time colleague and friend of Colleen’s. Shortly thereafter, the opportunity arose to also work with Colleen, who was her trainer as a new agent. Sarah joined the SonRise Strategies team in 2020 and enjoys the challenge of supporting two brilliant, successful women.

Sarah met her wonderfully patient husband at New York Life. They are outnumbered by three daughters who keep them on their toes and one very loud cat. She and her family escape to the water as often as possible.

Candice D Guillaudeu

Assistant

Maryanna Lanham

Assistant

Maryanna Lanham is an integral member of the financial team at SonRise Strategies, where she focuses on streamlining processes, enhancing client outreach, and supporting day-to-day operations across various projects. With a foundation in finance that began in 2014,

Maryanna has shared her insights and experiences in a chapter of the book The Extraordinary Makeover: Hidden Expressions of the Everyday Woman. Recognized as a “Woman to Watch” in both 2022 and 2023, she has been featured in several local newspapers for her impactful work in the community. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and has received the Beacon of Light Award from Calvert County, along with more than $70,000 in grants for local initiatives. In 2023, she became an alumnus of Leadership Southern Maryland and was included in Marquis Who’s Who.

At the core of Maryanna's success is her deep passion for helping others, along with gratitude for those who have supported her journey. In the coming years, she plans to develop a leadership and mentoring course aimed at empowering women and fostering strong community connections.

Maryanna has also embraced her role as a caregiver, having supported her father in 2024 and now welcoming her mother into her home. She takes this responsibility seriously while remaining dedicated to supporting the clients and partners of SonRise Strategies.

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.