About Us
Our mission is to understand you.
Your needs, your wants, and your long-term goals.
We’re not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom in our approach to investing and preserving wealth.
Experience. Empathy. Knowledge.
Financial planning should feel personal — because it is.
Your goals, your values, and your story get the spotlight.
Explore your values
We’ll have collaborative conversation about what matters to you.
You’re in a judgement-free space
We support your unique life, whatever shape it takes.
Your plan has only what you need.
No product sales. No commissions. No “kickbacks.”
Align your investments with your Values
We can help you invest in what you believe in and avoid what you don’t.
Louis J. Leyes (he/him)
Owner and Financial Planner
(717) 430-8914
lou@stagesplanning.com
Lou is a jack of many trades, and master of one. (No, not pickleball – but not for lack of trying). For the curious: the answer is at the end.
He DOES enjoy a semi-competitive game in almost any sport, except soccer. With his two left feet, we can probably add dancing to that list as well. He also loves writing (trying his hand at fiction), woodworking (building frames-as-art for Susan’s remarkable watercolors), and music (guitar and trumpet). He may be caught singing the 80’s tunes playing at the grocery store, where he quite literally “feeds” another passion: healthy vegan cooking (and of course eating)!
He’s a forever-student of physical, mental and societal health, and seeks every chance to create meaningful change through his work with our clients and in the local community (which is Virginia Beach, for now).
Lou graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in mechanical engineering and later obtained his MBA at Boston College.
He has moved 17 times, all to places on the East Coast, and a third of those being in Philadelphia. Susan and Lou moved to Virginia Beach in 2021 to be closer to her parents in case they need help. They share their couch with their dogs Clyde (10) and Wally (4), and have a regular morning visitor named Poe – a crow, not a raven, but you get the idea.
The answer?
Our clients comment that his biggest strength is his listening. He truly hears our clients, both in their words and their emotions.
Shelley Canalia (she/her)
Director of Operations
(717) 937-8707
shelley@stagesplanning.com
With her outgoing, dynamic personality, gift of gab, and the talent for making connections and bringing people together, Shelley is the shining light of Stages Planning – which is why she’ll be your first point of contact and your guide through the client onboarding process. She strives to make each client feel like they’re the only client – ensuring they feel valued, supported and heard.
When Shelley is not searching for ways to improve processes and client experience – within an ethical and sustainable framework – she is active in the local theater community, for which she is passionate. She is working toward visiting all of the light houses, and she also makes a mean cannoli – which takes patience, precision and a little magic.
Shelley had an unconventional childhood, bouncing around the U.S. and hob-knobbing with famous artists. While Shelley still jumps at any chance to travel, she now calls Idaho home, where she lives with her playwright husband, Chris. She is the proud mother of a first-year college student (daughter) and a trans son and is passionate about supporting human rights, equality and inclusion, and generally doing everything she can to make the world a better place for all.
Tanisha Caravello (she/her)
Director of Planning
(717) 220-8779
tanisha@stagesplanning.com
Tanisha is a DIY-enthusiast and lover of historic architecture, interior design, great food and Japanese whiskey. She has traveled to twenty-three different countries (so far). She is a former molecular geneticist, artist, writer, web designer, professional stained glass restorationist, and has held several positions in the craft beer and wine industry before (finally!) finding her true passion.
With a thirst for learning, an eye for detail and a love of spreadsheets, Tanisha is passionate about financial planning and is truly honored to be able to help people accomplish their goals and fulfill their dreams.
Tanisha studied biology at the University of Illinois in Chicago and graduated from the University of California at Davis with a degree in Plant Biology. Having recently passed the rigorous exam, she is now a proud Candidate for CFP® Certification.
Tanisha is currently living in Lubec, Maine with her husband – an artist and avid cyclist – and too many cats – and is restoring their new home while writing her first novel!
Rowan Smith (he/him)
Behind-the-Scenes Wizard
(717) 430-8914
rowan@stagesplanning.com
Rowan is the newest member of the Stages team and is so delighted to be here! He’ll be answering the phones, relaying messages, and doing admin work on the back end to help keep things running smoothly. Before joining Stages, Rowan spent the past three years writing full time and continues to do so in his spare time. His work has been featured in GO Magazine, pride.com, and The Advocate.
Rowan recently returned to school at Portland Community College this past spring with the intention of finally finishing his bachelor’s degree. His major is still undecided, but he’s currently picked up where he left off, focusing on American Sign Language studies and political science. Eventually, Rowan would like to pursue a Master’s in Library Science.
When he’s not working or studying, Rowan enjoys a myriad of activities including road cycling, swimming, weightlifting, and spending time with his siblings. He loves going to the movies, is an avid reader, and solves a mean crossword puzzle. This year, Rowan is most excited to try out playing ice hockey for the first time!