Click Here to Schedule an Appointment

My journey blends finance and care, recognizing the value of each person’s story and helping them pursue financial well-being that aligns with their life goals and values. Before reentering the world of finance in 2012, I spent five years as a youth pastor, where I discovered how deeply I enjoy walking alongside people and helping them build meaningful, purposeful lives.

My inspiration for financial stewardship came from my grandfather, a World War II veteran who built a successful business and retired early through wise planning. Growing up in a small Northern California town of just 500 people, I learned the value of hard work early, starting my first business at age nine by selling blackberries to neighbors.

I’m blessed to have married my best friend, Sari, in 2008. She’s the funniest and most sacrificial person I know. She left her teaching role at ASU to raise our three amazing kids: Elliot, Aiden, and Gracie.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing pickleball and investing in my community. Faith remains at the center of my life, and I’m grateful to mentor youth at Redemption Tempe and partner with organizations that seek to bring peace and wholeness to our city and beyond. These experiences continually remind me of the importance of living with purpose, humility, and love for others.

Click Here to Schedule an Appointment

Life has taken me on an unexpected journey, from a financially challenging upbringing to finding purpose in helping others navigate their finances. I grew up in a single-parent household where money was tight. In my late teens, I discovered a love for helping others.

Tragedy struck when my father passed away during my freshman year at Arizona State University (ASU). Although it was a difficult time, I received a stipend from his former employer each month as long as I continued my studies. I quickly realized the importance of basic financial planning – had he not taken the time to name me as a beneficiary, I wouldn’t have been eligible for the death benefit. After graduating from ASU with some savings to accompany the degree, I found myself unsure of what to do next.

Though I had studied to become a teacher, I ended up working with international students at ASU. While in this role, I visited 19 countries and learned how to relate well with people from all over the world. I observed that businesses commonly unlocked opportunities for people to pursue their dreams. The takeaway for me was to acquire a skill set that would benefit others and align with my interests.

As I got married, it was obvious from my experience with my dad that I needed life insurance and input on what to do with the savings I had accrued after his passing. I became interested in personal finance and sought guidance from a financial planner. I realized in those meetings that this was the profession I had been looking for. It involves trusting relationships, educating clients, and applying technical information to help them chart their course. Thankfully, this round of meetings ended up opening the door for me to join the financial planning industry.

Fast forward a decade, and I am still happily married to my wonderful wife, Amanda. Together, we have two endlessly energetic children, Macie and Zane. As a family, we’re involved in our local church and nearby school. We’re so grateful for all the meaningful relationships we’ve gained through our involvement over the years. Outside of this, depending on the day, you can find me playing pickleball, camping, or trying my hand at smoking briskets.

Working with an investment professional who is part of the SmartVestor™ advertising service cannot guarantee investment success or that you will achieve your financial goals. There can be no assurance that working with a SmartVestor™ Pro will produce better outcomes than working with an advisor not participating in the SmartVestor™ program. Investment professionals participating in the SmartVestor™ program pay advertising fees to have their name and information disseminated to the investing public via the SmartVestor™ program. Neither Ramsey Solutions nor the SmartVestor™ program is affiliated with Cambridge Investment Research and are not sponsored or endorsed by Cambridge Investment Research.

Bryna A. Kanarek is a lifelong learner with a commitment to professional growth. Although she has many accomplishments, her most prized is happy and confident clients.

With over 40 years in the financial services industry, Bryna has worked with clients starting out in life and seeing them into a happy retirement. She helps her clients adjust their plans as life presents new challenges, such as divorce, job loss, and caring for aging parents.

As Operations Manager at Solana Financial Group, I play an integral role in supporting the firm’s day-to-day operations, technology, client service processes, and overall growth initiatives. I work closely with our team to help ensure the firm operates efficiently while maintaining a high standard of service for our clients. From improving internal workflows and coordinating projects to supporting operational strategy and team collaboration, I enjoy helping bring structure and organization to the firm’s vision.

One aspect I value most about Solana Financial Group is the collaborative environment and strong sense of community within our team. I appreciate the opportunity to continuously learn, contribute new ideas, and help improve the client and team experience as the firm continues to grow.

I have always been fascinated by the financial markets and the broader impact financial planning can have on individuals and families. My interest in the industry drives me to continually expand my knowledge, stay current with industry developments, and support our advisors and clients in meaningful ways.

I have always wanted to make a difference and do meaningful work, and that desire has led me to join the team at Solana. Throughout my professional career, I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations, providing exceptional experiences and programs while doing so with care, quality, and always a smile. My first job out of college was at a wilderness therapy program in North Carolina, where I worked with youth. My passion for helping others was forged there, along with a steadfast pursuit of exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Many years later, after serving as a summer camp director, corporate team builder, afterschool program coordinator, and coordinating volunteers for a teen clothing closet at a non-profit, I am excited to support and serve the clients of Solana. My husband and I discovered Dave Ramsey years ago, which led us to the SmartVestor program, where we became clients of Brently. I understand the importance of budgeting, financial planning, and making plans for one’s future, and know that it’s not always easy to get started. When not in the office, I enjoy hiking, paddling the Salt River to see the horses, catching the latest movie on the big screen, and spending time with my husband, Douglas, and son, Boone. 

Lucy is our inspiration for treating others the way we want to be treated and helping people smile. She makes every person feel like they are known and loved. She doesn’t judge and wants to make a person’s day better. Though she doesn’t spend her day in the office, she lives in Tempe with the Klontz family. She aspires to get married one day and have a family of her own. If you know of a handsome medium-sized golden doodle or poodle, she is open to a blind date.