Meet Our Team
Our team of professionals are all part of Sonder because they believe in their motto: better together.
Meet the people behind Sonder.
Laura Donovan
Founder & President
Hi, I'm Laura and so excited to virtually meet you!
I got my start as a financial professional somewhat by chance- at the time, I was working with non-profits & theaters (still a major passion of mine) and a family friend suggested I explore finance as a career. At first, I thought it was a crazy idea but as I came to learn more about what a career in financial services meant, it fit all of the things I already loved. Connecting with people, hearing their stories, getting excited about goals for the future and mapping out a way (at least financially) to help them get there. I've been in this industry for over five years and love working with my clients and helping people take control of their finances.
I am also a bit of a trailblazer. Currently, the average age of financial professionals is 50, only 16% of them are women and only 10% of those women are under the age of 35.* So as a woman, under the age of 35 - I am proud to be helping break down barriers and create my own unique path in finance.
I created Sonder Financial because I wanted to break free of the "old boys club" and start my own. A place where people of all different backgrounds, occupations, financial situations, life experiences and unique stories all feel welcome. Where we are united by common values - a love of learning, giving back, take care of each other striving for the future and fighting for causes we care about. Because, we are better together.
I am always here for a 15 minute phone call - you can schedule a time with me here.
*Source: InvestmentNews.com, "Beware the gap coming in the number of financial advice professionals"
Catherine Geeslin
Managing Director
Hey there! My name is Catherine.
I made my way to finance via a winding road. After graduating Mount Holyoke College in 2014 with a degree in Philosophy, I ended up getting a job at a tech company working in their marketing department. After 5 years, I realized the tech world wasn't for me. I started shopping around for new career ideas when I interviewed a family friend about his work as a financial advisor. It only took a few minutes of talking to him to realize that finance was where I wanted to be. It had everything I was looking for: problem solving, human connection, and making a difference in people’s lives. I’ve now been working in this industry for two years, and I've never looked back.
I am so thrilled to be joining Sonder Financial!
Kelly Andersen
Marketing Director
Hi there, Kelly here!
I have the joy of working with the Sonder brand with all of their marketing and digital media. Laura and I have been working with each other for 3+ years and have both been recognized as Top Millennial Award Winners in Fairfield County and have a deep commitment to the community.
I attended Sacred Heart University and obtained my MBA from them, as well. I currently teach their Social Media Strategy course and Intro to Business course.
Susana Tompkin
New Business Director
Hey there! My name is Susana.
I manage all of Sonder's new business and work with Laura and her team to grow their practice and make sure their clients are all taken care of - from a paperwork perspective. I have been in the Financial Services field for over 10 years and am passionate about working with our financial professionals to help their clients achieve their goals.