Our Team

I didn’t get an allowance as a kid; I got an hourly wage. So, I did what any entrepreneurial country kid would do: saved it, bought a cow, and watched that cow turn into eight cows. That’s compound growth, Kentucky-style. Growing up in a place where buying livestock was perfectly normal childhood behavior taught me how money actually works, long before I had all these letters after my name.

I founded Brio because I wanted to help people understand their money so they can stop worrying and start living. I wanted an impact I could actually see, and I'm a big fan of controlling my own destiny (let's be honest, I'd probably get fired as an employee). My job is to get you to think, laugh, and cry in the same meeting. 

The core of my work is making complicated things simple and then lovingly nudging you into doing what you know you should do. I ask big questions, listen deeply, and hear what’s said and unsaid. After working together, you’ll know what needs to be done, what’s possible, and how to move forward. And often, my favorite part is when you realize you have enough money and can start focusing on the people and causes that matter to you.

Here's what I believe, in no particular order: Time matters more than money. Relationships matter more than anything else. How you spend your time is who you become. The adversity of being gay created my success. The best things in life are always the hardest.

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS 

• M.S., Biochemical Nutrition, University of Kentucky
• B.A., Biology, University of Colorado
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification
• Chartered Life Underwriter designation (CLU®)
• Chartered Financial Consultant designation (ChFC®)
• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®)
• Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor (ADPA®)

Industry Focus 

• Charitable Giving
• Domestic Partner Planning
• Employee Stock Options
• Estate Planning Strategies
• Retirement Planning Strategies
• Small Business 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 

I moved to San Francisco in 1999 to experience the unique culture and lifestyle that the Bay Area provides. Over the years, I've been able to contribute to and create a community that I care deeply about. Whether I'm hosting a nonprofit fundraiser, campaigning for a cause, or simply picking up the litter on the street, I'm always searching for new ways to give back. In particular, I regularly support: 

• Horizons Foundation
• Human Rights Campaign Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
• National Center for Lesbian Rights
• SF-Marin Food Bank 

LIFE PASSIONS 

I've got a master's in biochemical nutrition, read personal finance books for pleasure (absolute dork), and can't fathom retiring. A perfect weekend is spent with my kids, friends, and my partner Duane, maybe some gardening, definitely dancing until 2am. I practice what I preach, and I'm building something bigger than myself in a company that helps people recognize their money dysmorphia, love themselves anyway, and live without fear or guilt.

Mike is no stranger to farm life—growing up in Sonoma, he’s got dreams of one day having his own fleet of backyard chickens. And trust us, he’s already got a list of quirky names ready for his future feathered friends!

Keeping people happy, well-fed, and taken care of comes naturally to Mike. With a background in hospitality and catering, he’s all about great service and making sure everyone leaves satisfied. As a first-generation kid, the world of finance caught his eye as a way to build a solid future—not just for himself, but for his family, too. What drew him to Brio? The collaborative, team-focused approach and the chance to soak up as much knowledge as possible as he works toward becoming a Financial Planner. 

At Brio, Mike is your go-to for all things client service. Whether you’re scheduling an appointment, reaching out to your advisor, or handling account paperwork, he’s there to help—always with a smile. 

Education & Accreditations 

• Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Finance – Sonoma State University  

Life Passions 

Once upon a time, Mike dreamed of becoming a Michelin-star chef. But after seeing the grueling hours and high-pressure kitchens up close, he realized that path wasn’t quite the right recipe for him. That hasn’t stopped him from loving food, cooking, and hosting a great gathering! 

When he’s not entertaining guests, you’ll find Mike entertaining himself with video games, sketch comedy, and outdoor adventures—preferably with a delicious bite along the way. 

As a dog lover, Ceci dreams of owning a ranch where she can house any and all pugs that need a loving home.

Ceci brings a strong background in client-facing roles, administrative coordination, and investor communications to her new position as a Client Service Specialist at Brio. With experience in both corporate and nonprofit environments, Ceci is skilled at keeping operations running smoothly and ensuring that clients feel supported every step of the way. 

At Brio, Ceci is focused on scheduling client meetings, managing paperwork requests, and making sure no detail falls through the cracks. Her prior roles have sharpened her ability to juggle priorities with grace, maintain strong relationships, and communicate clearly - whether in English or Spanish. 

Ceci is currently pursuing her Associate of Science in Accounting at Golden West College and continues to bring her efficiency, warmth, and passion to client service to everything she does 

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS   

Golden West College, AS, Accounting in progress - Expected graduation date 06/28 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT   

Pug Nation a So-Cal based rescue focused on matching abandoned pugs with loving homes.  

LIFE PASSIONS   

Ceci is deeply committed to social justice and advocates for migrant rights and mental health support, with a focus on creating safe, inclusive spaces for those in need. In addition to her passion for pugs, Ceci believes strongly in giving back to the community and wants to be a resource to foster financial literacy for low-income families and individuals.  

Dance teaches you something most people don't expect: how to really pay attention.

Years of performing, rehearsing, and moving in sync with others trained me to notice what’s needed before anyone has to say it out loud. That people-first instinct has followed me everywhere, from choreographing dances to managing a sandwich shop and supporting sales in the fitness industry, and now to my work as Brio’s Manager of Operations and Facilities in San Francisco.

I didn’t set out to work in financial services, but when I walked into a Brio Pride party, something in me lit up. Brio felt warm, genuine, and full of people who actually care about each other. I love being part of creating that feeling for others by helping things run smoothly, creating an environment everyone can thrive in, and making sure our clients experience the care behind every detail. The most fulfilling part of my job is building confidence in my colleagues and helping them find their voice. I learned that from my mom, who raised five kids on her own and taught me that showing up for people is everything. To me, that's what makes Brio special: you're not treated like a number, you're treated like a person.

Outside of work, you'll find me deep in a fiction book (heavy on the adventure and magic) or planning my next trip with my partner, Michael. Ten years together, and we still live by one question: where to next?  

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS   

B.A, Double Major Psychology and Dance, University of California Davis 

People who know me will tell you I’m an optimist. Glass half full, ice cubes clinking, add a lemon wedge, please. I bring that energy into every conversation, whether I’m sitting down with a client or talking through an idea with someone on our team.

I chose this career because I love people. I love hearing about someone's life, what they care about, what makes them stressed, and what gets them excited about the future. As Associate Wealth Advisor, I get to build real relationships and then watch our work change their life. (Don't get me wrong; I love learning about investments and sharing that knowledge. But it doesn’t mean anything without the people.)

My dad is the reason I think about money the way I do. When he became the primary caregiver for me and my two brothers, he restructured his career and cut his hours so he could be there for us. It was the first time I understood how money fits into building a life you love.

I think of myself as a translator; I take the money jargon and turn it into everyday speak. And I don't sugarcoat it. If someone's in a tough spot, we provide a path on how to fix it. If it’s good news, we explain why, celebrate it, and help them keep the momentum going. The most fulfilling part of my role is telling them their hard work has paid off (literally). 

On a perfect weekend, you'll find me spending time with the people I love, trying a new restaurant, watching soccer, exploring somewhere outside, or FaceTiming friends and family. The things that matter most to me aren't complicated, and I don't think they should be for my clients either. 

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS  

• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with a minor in Economics
• Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 

Jonathan serves as an inaugural member of the San Francisco Advisory Board for the Volo Kids Foundation, helping expand the organization’s Bay Area presence through fundraising, events, and community engagement. He also volunteers as a coach, leading free weekly sports programs that support local youth in building confidence, creativity, and healthy habits.  

Pam spent 10 year volunteering as a finish-line team captain at the Dipsea Race. Corralling timers, handlers and medical personnel—not to mention all the runners—is a gig she likens to a symphony conductor.

In Loving Memory of our Pam

Pam Schmitz helps clients plan for tomorrow by taking care of today. With a clear understanding of each client’s unique financial vision, she works to develop a tailored path forward. Whether buying a home, saving for college, or planning for Medicare and retirement, Pam helps each client prepare for life’s many stages.

From her perspective, a healthy financial life begins with a clear picture of your cash flow, so she works with clients to help support their lifestyle without sacrificing their goals. She also gives each client the time and attention they deserve to make sound financial decisions and feel confident they are prepared for the future.

Pam has over two decades of industry experience, and has worked in options and equity trading, as well as institutional real estate. Today, she applies this wealth of knowledge to help clients enjoy the financial lives they deserve.

Education, Accreditations & Awards

• Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
• Certificate of Financial Planning from San Francisco State
• B.S in Legal Studies from UC Berkeley

Industry Focus

• Tax Planning Strategies
• Family Finances
• Wealth Preservation Strategies
• Investments
• Retirement Plan Distribution
• Cash Flow Management Strategies
• Estate Planning Strategies

Community Involvement

Pam is a new Board Member for the Golden Gate Business Association, who's mission is to champion opportunity, development, and advocacy for our LGBTQ & Allied business community. In addition, she supports the following organizations:

• 2019-2021 FPA NorCal Conference, Speaker Liaison
• AIDS Lifecycle ride 2007, 2017 & 2019 Finisher
• California Society of Pioneers
• Dipsea Race 1997-200, Finish Line Team Captain
• Dress for Success San Francisco
• Financial Planning Association
• L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
• Our Family Coalition
• San Francisco AIDS Foundation
• SF-Marin Food Bank

Life Passions

Pam is passionate about exercise, specifically yoga, long-distance cycling, and running. She completed the AIDS LifeCycle race for the second time in 2017 and has run the marathon distance over 100 times. She has even served as a 3x pacer for the famed Western States 100 mile race. She loves spending time with her family: Leslie, Charlie, Dave, and Max, the cat.

No matter what she is doing, two sayings drive Pam’s zeal for life:

• Passion changes everything
• There is no traffic on the highroad

Vivian originally aspired to become an aerospace engineer after witnessing the retired Endeavor Space Shuttle fly over her middle school. However, her path shifted when she discovered a new passion for finance. A job at a credit union and an externship with the Financial Planning Association introduced her to the world of financial planning, a field she is now eager to pursue. 

Vivian’s job at Brio as a Client Service Specialist provides the ideal opportunity to learn the job from the ground up as she assists the advisors and associates with back-office and paperwork duties. She looks forward to working her way up and eventually focusing her talents on helping immigrants and underserved communities take charge of their money. 

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS   

B.A, Finance, Humboldt State University 

LIFE PASSIONS 

Vivian enjoys hanging out with her friends, as well as her cat and two needy dogs. But she really loves spending time with her family, where their stories of what they endured to come to this country never cease to amaze her. 

She is also fond of getting outdoors, particularly if she’s sitting on a beach or overlooking any body of water and with a good book. 

Growing up, when people asked me what I wanted to be when I was older, I always said one of two things: work with numbers or be a therapist. Financial planning turned out to be the perfect blend of both—highly analytical, while helping people navigate something deeply personal and often scary.

My earliest money memory is being told "no" by my mom for something I REALLY wanted. That's when I realized people's "money doesn’t just grow on trees." It made me curious about the “hows” and “whys” of money, and it spurred me to want financial independence for myself and my family. I learned early that working hard isn't enough; you need a plan.

I became an advisor because I wanted to take the taboo out of talking about money. Clients usually come to me with a specific question, like "Can I afford to retire?" or "Should I take this job?" My job is to show them it's all connected. You can't know if you have enough to retire without understanding your cash flow, your spending, and most importantly, what you value in life. Together, we dig deep into the core of your fears and concerns, ask the questions that get us to the real issue, and then build a plan. I get to be a cheerleader along the way, showing you that the goals you want to accomplish might not be as far-fetched as you think. At the same time, I’m your guide, providing clarity on how to course-correct when your financial plan is off track (and what trade-offs may come with that).

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS   

• B.A., Finance/ Financial Planning, California State University
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification
• Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam – FINRA 

LIFE PASSIONS 

As an Orange County native based in San Francisco, I love being by the water, exploring the city's parks, and knowing the mountains are only an hour away. A perfect day includes a concert and dinner with friends and cooking at home for the people I love. Music, dancing, and seeing my favorite artists live is what makes me the happiest!

Even as a little kid, Michael liked to tinker with budgets, making financial services a natural fit for him. Part of what he thoroughly enjoys is helping clients connect their spending habits with influences such as how they were raised, while also showing them how these behaviors are controllable and the way that small changes can have a huge impact on their future. Add in his talent for reading between the lines to help clients express their true dreams, and it’s no wonder Michael forges strong, trusting relationships with his clients. 

Michael has a passion for details and efficiencies, so it was only natural for him to evolve into Brio’s Director of Operations as well. When wearing that hat, he oversees the entire Brio operations team to improve the customer experience. Michael is also part of the leadership team, committed to making Brio the best it can be for all clients and empowering his colleagues to do the same 

 
EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS 

• B.S., Economics, North Carolina State University 
• FINRA Series 65 licenses 

LIFE PASSIONS 

Michael enjoys going on long walks with his half Lab, half Australian Shepherd dog, Cali, trying new restaurants around San Francisco, and bourbon tasting with anyone. He also enjoys playing golf and watching sports. He is generally cheering along for the South Africa Springboks, Carolina Panthers and NC State Wolfpack.

Jake Zalewski serves as the CEO and CCO of Brio Financial Group, where his thoughtful approach helps each client feel supported, accepted, and valued. His commitment to upholding clients’ best interests infuses every aspect of our team’s work. Whether he is making simple operational decisions or major strategic choices, Jake strives to ensure his leadership creates positive, intentional client experiences.

From his perspective, providing in-depth financial guidance is only half of Brio’s job — Jake is proud of our unique commitment to being there through every twist and turn in a client’s life. He knows that listening to each client, remembering and understanding their goals, and helping them navigate the financial advising process are responsibilities that matter. 

Jake brings deep leadership experience to his role as our team’s President. He has served as Vice President of Western Operations for the Follet Higher Education Group and Chief Operating Officer for PBA Galleries. Today, he finds meaning and fulfillment in helping our team to truly support clients’ lifelong needs and bring them closer to their most important goals. 

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS  

• B.A., Business, Saint Mary’s College of California 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 

Jake is an active and engaged community member and is proud to support a number of Bay Area organizations, including: 

• Marine Mammal Center
• Horizon's Foundation
• GLAAD Media Awards
• Our Family Coalition Annual Gala 

LIFE PASSIONS 

Jake loves his life, his work, his home, his friends, his community, and most of all, being such a deep part of the kids, Boone and Grayson's, life.  He also finds balance by cycling, running, skiing, hiking, paddle boarding, and traveling. His newest passion is spending time on his farm managing his orchard, garden and the merlot grapes.  He even has his own tractor!