Her Story
About Kathryn
Kathryn Bryan, Ph.D., is a comprehensive financial planner at Skylight Financial Group with more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her practice focuses on helping individuals, families, and business owners understand their financial situations, establish meaningful goals, identify gaps, and develop strategies to address their long-term needs. She provides guidance in areas including financial planning, investments, insurance, retirement planning, and business exit and transition planning.
A significant part of Kathryn’s practice is dedicated to supporting families who have children or adults with special needs. As a Chartered Special Needs Consultant®, she has specialized knowledge of estate and tax planning concepts, special needs trusts, government benefits, and the unique emotional and financial considerations faced by families navigating disability and caregiving. Her academic background further strengthens her analytical approach: she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in neuroscience from Baldwin Wallace University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience and psychology from Kent State University. Before transitioning into financial planning, she spent years conducting scientific research, including work as a research associate at Cleveland Clinic.
Beyond her professional practice, Kathryn is committed to community leadership and advocacy. She serves as Vice Chair of the Benjamin Rose Board of Trustees and is involved with organizations including Welcome House and other community-focused initiatives supporting individuals with disabilities, older adults, caregivers, and families. Her achievements include being recognized as a Crain’s Business 40 Under 40 award recipient and as a Rising Leader. Kathryn combines scientific rigor, financial expertise, creativity, and a strong commitment to service to help clients build thoughtful financial strategies and navigate complex life transitions.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kathryn
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The question I always come back to is, “Why not me?” I encourage young women to ask themselves that whenever they are considering something new—whether it’s pursuing an opportunity, asking for a raise, negotiating a contract, taking on a leadership role, or changing careers. Someone else has already done it, so why can’t you? I believe in having the confidence to recognize your own value, overcome self-doubt, and give yourself permission to pursue the opportunities you want.
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