Our Team
Ed Botelho
Founder & Financial Advisor
Ed Botelho grew up in Rhode Island, where the ocean, sports, and family shaped his character. Ed, the son of a union mason, inherited a deep pride in craftsmanship and the belief that whatever you put your name on should be built to last. From hockey and football to years of coaching, he learned that discipline, competition, and teamwork make people stronger. Those lessons carried beyond the field and became the foundation of his approach to business: success is about showing up every day, putting in the work, and elevating those around you.
Finance first caught Ed’s interest at sixteen when he bought his first stock, but his true professional path began after college when a friend introduced him to the insurance business. Early experiences in the insurance world tested his grit, forcing him to refine his sense of responsibility and commitment to doing right by clients. His career took a turning point after a compliance setback that became both his greatest challenge and his greatest teacher. It pushed him to fully own his career, sharpen his focus, and grow from adversity. Within a few years, he went from surviving to thriving, building WealthMax Financial Group into a growing firm committed to detail, discipline, and client-centric service.
Today, Ed leads his team with the same mindset he brought to coaching: guiding, encouraging, and challenging them to reach their full potential. He believes financial planning is not just about numbers; it’s about freedom, flexibility, and control, the true measures of success. Ed started WealthMax to bring the values he lived on the field into financial planning, helping people build retirements they can stand behind with confidence. For him, every client plan is like every brick his father laid: a reflection of his name, reputation, and commitment to doing it right.
Chris Zollo
With over seven years of experience in the financial services industry, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals and families create confident, sustainable retirement strategies. As a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC®) and an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ (AWMA®), I bring specialized knowledge and a deep commitment to developing customized financial plans that align with each client’s unique goals.
At the heart of my practice are the Christian values I hold dearly—integrity, honor, and service. I believe in putting my clients’ best interests above all else. As a fiduciary, I am bound not just by duty, but by conviction, to provide transparent and ethical advice every step of the way.
Before joining WealthMax Financial Group, I spent three years as a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch, where I had the opportunity to work with a broad range of clients and deepen my expertise in retirement and investment planning.
Whether you’re approaching retirement or already enjoying it, I’m here to help ensure that your financial future is rooted in wisdom, security, and peace of mind.
James Pati
With over a decade of experience in the financial industry and five years as a fiduciary, James has built a reputation as a trusted expert in retirement planning for individuals, families, business owners, and ultra-high-net-worth clients. James’s approach is rooted in one simple but powerful principle: listen first, then guide.
Throughout his career, James has the privilege of helping clients navigate complex financial landscapes with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s designing multi-generational wealth strategies, or creating personalized retirement roadmaps, James is committed to delivering solutions that reflect each client’s unique goals, values, and circumstances.
As a fiduciary, acting in clients’ best interest isn’t just a legal obligation to James—it’s the foundation of his planning mentality. Asking the right questions, taking the time to understand what truly matters in the heart of the individual, and provide advice grounded in integrity, expertise, and a deep understanding of long-term financial planning.
“My clients consider me their go-to resource for retirement planning not only because of my knowledge, but because they trust me to guide them through life’s transitions with insight, care, and unwavering commitment to their financial wellbeing.”
Mark Feldman
John Gower
John Gower serves as our Client Relationship Specialist with a background in banking, life insurance, and client service. He graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2025 with a degree in finance and a minor in financial analytics. His experience has helped him build strong communication skills and a passion for helping clients feel comfortable and confident when making important financial decisions. As an aspiring financial advisor, John is committed to helping clients work toward their long term goals.
Born and raised in Rhode Island, John values strong relationships, trust, and putting clients first. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, following New England sports, and cheering on the Boston Bruins. Growing up playing hockey, lacrosse, and golf helped shape his competitive mindset, team focused attitude, and dedication to helping others.
Michelle Way DaSilva
Simplifying Medicare so you can focus on enjoying retirement, family, and life’s adventures.
Michelle brings a unique blend of experience in education, leadership, and financial services to her role as Medicare Specialist at WealthMax Financial Group. With nearly three decades as a mathematics teacher and twelve years serving as a teachers’ union president, Michelle has built her career on educating, advocating, and guiding others through complex decisions.
Transitioning into the insurance and financial services industry over the past two years, Michelle has focused her expertise on helping clients navigate the often-confusing world of Medicare. She is passionate about simplifying the process, clarifying options, and ensuring clients feel confident in the coverage decisions that support their retirement goals.
“As a lifelong advocate, I’m committed to guiding clients through Medicare with care, clarity, and a focus on what truly matters for their retirement years.”
Michelle is a graduate of Roger Williams University, where she earned her degree in Mathematics and a double major in Dance/Performance. A proud longtime resident of Bristol, she and her husband have raised their two grown children in the community they still call home.
Outside the office, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts and shows, exploring artistic endeavors, staying active, and spending time with family—including her dog, Cashew.
Lisa Gallant Stanzione
Lisa brings nearly 30 years of experience in administrative and client support roles and is the welcoming face of our office.
Born and raised in Bristol, RI, she is often the first person clients see when they walk through the door, setting the tone with professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. Behind the scenes, she keeps everything running smoothly so both clients and advisors stay on track.
