Meet Team Empower

I am proud of my team—Regina and Katherine—who work hard every day and genuinely care for the families we serve.

"We’re more than just co-workers, we’re a team. Each of us possess different strengths but have one thing in common: we are passionate about helping our clients. We understand not everyone fits into the same box; rather, your situation is unique." — Kat

We get to know you, your family, and your dreams so we can empower you to reach them. We are blessed to be a part of the lives of some amazing families, and we look forward to sharing in many more of their unforgettable life events.

You share so much of your life with us, we thought it would be appropriate to share a little about our lives.

Click a photo to learn more about each of us.

Christopher (Chris) Powers

Owner/Wealth Advisor

About me. . .

I was born in San Diego, California, but consider myself a Texan. Let me explain.

After my dad finished numerous carrier deployments as a naval aviator, his post-service career required our family to move to multiple cities across this great nation. We grew up in Richardson and Houston, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; Jackson, Mississippi; Rochester, New York; then returned to Texas for college. My amazing mom helped my sister and me adjust and adapt to new schools and new homes while dad kept us in line and supported me through soccer and scouts, all the way to Eagle Scout. Periodically leaving friends behind and having to forge new ones every few years was tough. One of my dad’s favorite phrases was, “Son, it builds character.” After a while, I responded with, “I think I have enough character now, thanks, Dad.”

Eagle-Ford-Shale---Chris-Photo (Resized)

After completing high school in Rochester, I accepted an Air Force scholarship and chose to attend Texas A&M University in College Station. After four years in the Corps of Cadets (more character building. . .) I graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree and an Air Force commission. Immediately after college, I worked as a field engineer for a water well drilling company, drilling wells on leased land for the big oil rigs. After that, I served five years as an officer in the Air Force. During my service, I attended night school and completed my master's from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1998.

In 1999, I was blessed with my first daughter, Laurel. A mere 363 days later, I was blessed with my second daughter, Avery. Raising my two daughters with Godly values is my most important charge in life and they are the light of my life.

We have been members of Community Bible Church in San Antonio since 2002. I served as a founding board member and support Real 4 Christ Ministries, whose mission is reaching East African lives for Christ. If you’re interested in Real-4-Christ-Ministries - Chris knowing “Moore,” visit www.Real4Christ.com. “Moore” is a play on words. Chris and Lisa Moore are the founding missionaries, friends, and former Sunday school friends before they sold everything and moved to Kenya. Now that’s a leap of faith!

In 1999, after achieving the rank of captain, I separated from the Air Force to plant my family’s roots in San Antonio. Honestly, I was tired of moving and we all liked San Antonio, so we made it our home. In May 2000, my career as a financial advisor began.

After several years of professional development courses covering topics on financial planning, investment planning, insurance planning, tax cfp1(Resized) - Chris planning, and estate planning, and passing the comprehensive examination, I achieved the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional in 2004.

To better help people get their estates in order to protect their spouse, children, or grandchildren, I furthered my expertise in estate planning by becoming an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) in 2006. The AEP designation is a NAEPC logo(Resized) - Chris highly respected credential governed by the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils. I currently serve as the vice president of the San Antonio Estate Planners Council.

Over the last 18 years, I’ve experienced the joy of couples welcoming newborns and adopted children into their families, the excitement when business aspirations turn into reality, and the relief when hard-earned retirement dreams come to fruition. I’ve also observed the heartache and torment caused by divorce and, in fact, experienced that same pain in my own divorce, which occurred in 2010. Unfortunately, divorce is much too common in today’s society and comes with both emotional and financial costs. Over the years I noticed most divorcees, as well as their lawyers, don’t understand the financial challenges ahead, ranging from higher taxes to furnishing not one but two bedrooms for children, to determining what rights an ex-spouse has when filing for social security. Because of this, I became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professional which helped me develop the expertise needed to properly advise and guide clients past the many financial pitfalls associated with divorce.

When I’m not working, I value the time I have with Laurel and Avery. I enjoy fishing on the coast, hunting, scuba diving, and travel. Over the past few years, my travel adventures have taken me to South Africa, Zambia, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Greece, Germany, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Future travel plans include Kenya to visit my missionary friends running Real 4 Christ Ministries.

Oh, yeah, why I consider myself a Texan. Well, I’ve lived in Texas 70 percent of my life, I’m a Texas Aggie, I have five pairs of boots (technically three pairs of ropers and one pair of boots and one pair of senior boots from the Corps of Cadets), I drive a black Chevy pickup truck with a lift kit (my girls call it Tatonca), I cook a mean brisket, I hunt, have worked in the oil field, worked cattle. . . As the saying goes, I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.

Now you know a little about me. If you decide you’d like to work with Team Empower, we look forward to getting to know you and your family.

Sincerely,

Chris

Ryan Canales

Wealth Advisor

Born in the West Texas town of El Paso…

I grew up with an appreciation of the diverse cultures that make up the city of El Paso, where one of the largest military bases in the United States, Fort Bliss, juts up against the beautiful and majestic Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande, which serves as the border between the U.S. and Mexico.

I still miss the views of the mountains and the “world’s best Mexican food!"

It was a blessing to have had instilled in me when I was young the spirit of entrepreneurialism and the virtue that hard work and an honest day’s labor can provide. When I was young, my godfather would let me hang around his shop, where he installed CB radios, auto alarms, and stereos. I would help run wire, do small errands, and sweep up.

I am the only son of my mother, Noella, and the oldest of five children from my father, Johnny. I love my siblings to death: Jana, Jamie, Johnny, and Laurita! After graduating from Eastwood High School, I came to San Antonio to attend St. Mary’s University on an academic scholarship and walked onto the men’s soccer team. I also wrote for the school newspaper, The Rattler.

I fell in love with San Antonio, and it’s been home for me ever since I started college. I graduated from St. Mary’s University in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in English communication/arts. While in college, I started a technology company that originally involved building custom computers but eventually grew to offer web design and branding.

In 2002, I started my career in the world of financial planning. After 10 years in business, I was made an incredible offer to sell my practice, which put me on a journey to search for what I wanted to do next with my life. The time away from the financial planning world expanded my horizons and gave me knowledge of other businesses but ultimately made me long to come back to what I loved doing—helping individuals and businesses make good financial planning decisions.

In 2016, I came back to the world of financial planning, and, in early 2019, I was introduced to Chris. Shortly thereafter, we realized that we shared a common philosophy in how clients should be cared for, and, in September 2019, I joined the team as a wealth advisor. My area of expertise is with the compliance and efficiency of qualified retirement plans. I am passionate about helping clients, and after the many years of being of service, I am glad to say I have been a part of a number of clients leading happy and fruitful retirements, or successfully passing along their businesses to their children and/or grandchildren, or providing monetary relief to a family after a loved one’s unexpected passing. I was once told that being a good advisor to your clients means this isn’t about having a job, it's about having a passion.

In 2014, I married my longtime girlfriend, Irene, and we combined our families into one. In 2015, our youngest, Ethan Joel, or “EJ,” was born. My oldest daughter, Gabriella, currently attends Texas State University in San Marcos; my oldest son, Nathan, is a senior at Smithson Valley High School and works for Santikos, Embassy Theaters. We attend Church at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stone Oak, and I am part of the That Man Is You, Men’s Ministry.

When I am not working, I enjoy golfing, fishing, kayaking, and anything that has to do with cars.

Regina Bell

Operations Manager

I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, yes, home of the Whataburger!

My mom raised my sister and me to go above and beyond. She always told us, “You can do anything you want to do as long as you set your mind to it.” She supported us through our academic achievements and was there cheering us on in every sport we played. She was definitely my role model and set a perfect example for us.

With the encouragement and support of my family, I moved to Alamo City in 2009 so I could attend

the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). After a long road of studies in management science, I proudly became a Roadrunner graduate on Mother’s Day in 2015. That day was one of the proudest moments, not only for me but for my family. I continue to attend UTSA football games as a loyal fan, avid tailgater, and UTSA alumnus. Birds up!

San Antonio is not only where I received my higher education and found my career, but also where I found my future husband. He says I caught his eye first, but who could miss those captivating green eyes of his? He asked me on our first date for ice cream and just a walk in the park. I agreed. I had never met a kinder person with a heart of gold. Then, just a year and four months later, he asked me to marry him. We are now in the process of planning our wedding and raising our family. We love to spend time exploring the outskirts of San Antonio, visiting my hometown of Corpus Christi, and my fiancé’s hometown in South Carolina. With so much going on, we still make time for family and grow closer. We travel around Texas, frequently making trips home or venturing up to Dallas to watch the Cowboys play. They’re going to the Super Bowl next time! We also hope to make it to Disney World very soon.

I have a wonderful pair on my hands, a caring son and a loving daughter. Although they are 8 years apart, they are two peas in a pod. My son, Jairen (pronounced like Aaron with a J; I had to make it different right?), has the kindest heart I know and is a ball of energy. He keeps me active and on my toes. We love to play football and basketball (he’s good). My daughter Bria, born December 20, 2016, is such a joy. She’s growing fast and becoming a feisty, smart, and amazing little girl. We enjoy spending time with our four-legged family members, Daisy and Penny. Penny, although half Chihuahua and half Dachshund, swears she is a pit bull. However, deep down, under her protective instincts, she is a cuddly bear. Now, Daisy, she is as sweet as they come. Some even argue she always has a smile on her face.

I started at Empower Wealth Advisors as an intern in February 2015. After completing my internship in June, I was offered a full-time position. I started with an eagerness to grow and learn as much as I could. Working here has opened my mind to multiple worlds. I thank Chris for being a mentor and giving me the opportunity to enhance my abilities and teach me so many things along the way. Not too many people find a job right out of college, but I was blessed with an awesome opportunity. I enjoy coming to work every day and have a blast working with Team Empower. We not only work together, but we also challenge and encourage each other to grow.

Katherine (Kat) Gonzalez

Client Relations

Oh, hi there!

I was born in a small California town nestled in the suburban outskirts of the “City of Angeles” called Covina. When I was 14, my family moved to San Antonio in search of a bigger home. My uncle was also moving here so he didn’t have to come alone. I hated the idea of moving. I knew I would be leaving friends I grew up with, as well as most of my family. Looking back, it was a much-needed change of pace and a blessing in disguise.

I have grown to love San Antonio. Don’t get me wrong, I still can’t acclimate to the humid summers, and during those few months, I wish desperately I could move somewhere else for a little while…

My family roots trace back to the Central American country of Guatemala. My parents made the difficult decision to leave everything they knew to come to the United States in hopes of giving their children an opportunity for a better future. I have to say, it is through them that I developed a good work ethic and value living in this country.

After high school, I continued my education at the University of Texas at San Antonio. In May 2015, I graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree in biology. During my studies, I volunteered as a research assistant in a neurobiology lab through the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program. My older sister and I are the first in our family to graduate from college.

I’m sure you’re thinking, “A bio major with a neuro undergrad background working in a business field?” As odd as it may sound, the answer is yes; now let me explain.

I intend on continuing my education by obtaining an MBA. Why? Well, it diversifies my skill set and makes me more competitive in the biology field, I would like to work on the business side of a pharmaceutical or biomedical company, and I enjoy learning and challenging myself outside my educational comfort zone.

Now, as much as I enjoy countless hours studying, I like spending time outdoors. I am an avid runner with a goal of someday running a major marathon, specifically the Boston Marathon. As a science major, I find working out and enjoying the fresh outdoor air an amazing stress reliever.

I also have this boy, his name is Javier, so let me brag. We met in college while we were both drowning in the world that is junior/senior year. He was an electrical engineering major with big goals. I was a biology major, with more studying to do than there are hours in the day. Yet he figured out the right words to make me like him. He said to me: “On your most stressful day during the semester, let me take you out for your favorite treat… coffee. You don’t have to tell me right now. Whenever you are ready, the offer stands.” OH. MY. LANTA. I have never heard such perfect words. He had me at free coffee! (I have physical proof of this exchange, ask me about it…).

KJ - Kat Here we are, almost seven years later. What started as a great friendship evolved into a wonderful relationship. He makes life brighter and growing up more enjoyable. We’ve watched each other (and often helped each other) transition from college to work/adult life, grad school, and now onto parenthood. With a long and exciting journey ahead of me, I couldn’t think of anyone else I would rather share the adventure with. With that said, on February 28, 2016, we got engaged, were married on bw_PEM8396(resize)

November 4, 2017, and welcomed our first baby boy, Eliel, on September 19, 2017. On May 19, 2019, we welcomed our second boy, Levi Mateo. My son has just given life a whole new meaning. It's not that it was incomplete before, it just that it's gotten even better now. I can't explain how incredibly blessed I am to be their mom, and to get the unique opportunity to watch them grown and learn!

I have, and will always have an obsession with dogs (that is not an understatement). Javier and I are the proud owners of three: Rockie, a shih-tzu; and two (yes, two!) rambunctious Siberian huskies, Gaea (Guy-UH) and Kronos (K-rown-os). My life is always full of muddy paw-printed tile floors, annoying squeaky toys, and dog hair (dog hair EVERYWHERE, except the kitchen), but it’s also full of kisses, affection, and unconditional, unselfish, innocent love… and for that, I wouldn’t change a thing. Watching my son grow up with them just makes everything worthwhile for me! There is just something about being with dogs that gives life a new breath.

I’m a big fan of adventures, so I often try to dabble in new things. I would love to travel to random cities… just because. I would also like to eventually say I traveled to every corner of the country. Although I am deathly afraid of heights, I would like to ride a hot air balloon and backpack through Europe. My ultimate goal is to deep-sea scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef.

Cheers!

Katherine (Kat)

Nicholas Rodriguez

Paraplanner