About

My Philosophy

I have built my career on understanding my clients, their family lives, and their unique goals.

The key is delivering a plan for them that is fluid, flexible, and will provide guidance for the long term.  I work hard to earn their trust within a very intimate part of their lives and their respect for the guidance I provide, which is both an honor and a privilege.  Many of my clients become close friends and part of my extended family.

This is how we do it!

I will not be the financial advisor who tells you that you cannot spend your money. We all work too hard, and nothing in this life is guaranteed. If we knew our expiration date, we could do the perfect planning, but that requires a magic mirror that doesn’t exist! I will give you prudent and proper advice on spending, but I recognize that a life well-lived is a life that is actually lived. We can help you live your life AND accomplish your goals. It’s meant to be a joint venture, not a choice between the two. I blinked, and my oldest child graduated high school. It is true what they say that time waits for nobody.
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Unexpected Life Changes.
How do we plan for them?

I know from firsthand experience that the path we think we are on can change in the blink of an eye, forcing us to evaluate and alter our plans. My husband and I have three wonderful children. When my eldest daughter was 3, she was diagnosed with autism. I felt out of my element as we entered an unknown arena because I am a planner, highly organized, and I like to know where I am headed. Living with a child with autism was a whole new world to me – and one that I didn’t understand. So, life changed, and I needed to pull up my bootstraps and dive in head first. I had to learn what she needed to have the opportunity to live an independent and meaningful life, and we wanted to afford her every opportunity to thrive. Special needs planning has become a niche part of my practice, and I am incredibly passionate about this work.
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Family First

I believe in family first. You can find me at every one of my kids’ events, from art classes, science fairs, school plays and sporting events.. You will find me on the golf course when the CNY weather permits because our summers are short, and our winters are long and I do not like the cold weather (plus my son asked me to teach him how to play!). I’m not a fan of the expression “work hard, play harder,” mainly because I work hard all the time. My clients have a lot of accessibility to me, so when my family has events, or we have the opportunity to spend a little extra time together, I think that is one of the best investments I can make.
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I want to work with you.

In the 20 years since I started my career, I have made so many connections and learned so many things in the financial world, but this changes every day. The key is to ensure we are ahead of the issues and regulations that impact your finances so we can proactively plan. If I don’t know the answer to your question, I will find it, and if you have a situation that requires specific expertise, I will engage outside professionals for help on your behalf. All the while, I coordinate the pieces you need to complete your plan so you can focus on the things you are passionate about and love to do. We love to do the dirty work for you because that is what we are passionate about.
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Iris Buczkowski

CEO

My husband, Ted, and I have lived in Rome NY for 20 years.

Here, we have been raising our three very active children, two of whom are now adults. I am a driven and passionate financial planner who has built a successful career from the ground up, starting my own business with a vision to empower individuals and families to take control of their financial futures. As a true go-getter, I combine my expertise with a hands-on approach, providing personalized financial advice that helps my clients achieve their goals and navigate the complexities of wealth management. 

When I am not working, I can be found aiming for par on the golf course (or at least avoiding sand traps!), supporting the Morrisville State College field hockey team where I am a proud goalie mom, watching school plays and helping with science fair projects, or enjoying the outdoors when the weather is warm.  I love a good book and my passions include advocating for autism awareness and inclusion, volunteering for several local not-for-profit agencies, gardening, musical theater, and cheering on the Rochester Americans or Buffalo Sabres!

Education

Master’s of Business Administration, Technology Management
Concentration in Accounting & Finance
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, New York

Bachelor’s of Business Administration, Finance
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, New York

Awards

  • 2025 Remarkable Women – National Award
  • 2017 40-Under-40 recipient by the CNY Business Journal
  • 2016 Commencement Alumni Speaker – SUNY Poly
  • 2016 Annual Benefit Dinner Honoree for philanthropic work on behalf of students with disabilities – SUNY Poly

Community Service

Present

SUNY Morrisville Foundation, Board of Trustees

iCan (Integrated Community Alternatives Network), Board of Directors

Past

The Kelberman Center, Board Secretary & Member

Rome Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors

SUNY Poly Foundation, Board of Trustees

Community Connected Schools, Board Member

Masonic Care Community, Development Advisory Board

Notre Dame Schools, Development & Governance Committees Member

Our Team

Maxwell Moore

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Manager

A lifelong student of financial markets, I bring more than six years of equity research experience to the firm. Before joining in March 2026, I served as an analyst at Citigroup, specializing in the Internet sector and helping institutional investors evaluate growth opportunities, competitive dynamics, and long-term value creation. My work there strengthened my disciplined, research-driven approach to analyzing companies and navigating evolving market conditions.
 
My passion for investing began at a young age after my uncle gifted me The Big Short. The lessons and stories within it sparked a deep curiosity about financial markets and the forces that shape them. On my 18th birthday, I opened my first brokerage account — a defining moment that transformed early interest into a lifelong pursuit. That foundation continues to guide my thoughtful, analytical approach to investing and financial planning.
 
Originally from Syracuse, I remain a loyal fan of the Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orange. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter. My wife and I especially enjoy sailing with her family aboard their 34’ Catalina on Lake Ontario, and I also enjoy playing golf whenever I can — a balance of patience and competition that mirrors my approach to investing.

Education:
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst: Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst: Bachelor of Science in Economics
  • CFA Level III Candidate

Paige Nashton

Associate Advisor

I joined the firm in June 2024, bringing with me valuable experience from a year spent at a financial planning firm in Rochester, NY. My interest in the financial services industry was shaped early on by my father, whose guidance and passion for the field inspired me to pursue a similar career. His influence has been instrumental in helping me develop a strong foundation and a deep appreciation for the complexities of financial planning.

Outside of work, I’m committed to advancing my professional knowledge through certification exams, while also maintaining an active lifestyle. I enjoy going to the gym and playing in an indoor soccer league. I’m excited to step into a client-facing role at the firm and look forward to building meaningful relationships while continuing to pursue advanced designations in the field.

Education:

  • St. John Fisher University: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance

Present:

  • Leadership Mohawk Valley Class of 2025
  • Rome Young Professionals Exchange (RYPE)
  • Utica Chamber Catalyst Member

Omer Aktas

Investment Analyst

Curiosity and analytical thinking have always shaped my academic and professional path. I grew up in Rochester, NY, and am currently in my final semester at the University of Rochester studying Data Science, with minors in Finance and Mathematics. My coursework has provided a strong quantitative foundation, strengthening my ability to evaluate data, assess risk, and think critically about financial decision-making.
I began my career in financial services as an intern at ESL Federal Credit Union, where I gained hands-on experience in financial reporting, data analysis, and risk management. That experience solidified my interest in investing and portfolio management, and I am currently pursuing the CFA designation to continue deepening my expertise and commitment to the field.
 
Outside of work and academics, I stay active and engaged in my community. You can usually find me on a soccer field, organizing youth events within Rochester’s Turkish community, or traveling with family and friends to explore new places. I’m passionate about health and fitness and enjoy staying active year-round — golfing in the summer, skiing in the winter, and hiking in the fall. I’m very family-oriented and value spending quality time with my siblings. Naturally curious, I’m always learning — whether that means studying great investors, reading about finance, or diving deep into whatever new topic captures my interest.

Education:

  • B.S. in Data Science – University of Rochester
  • Minors in Finance & Mathematics
  • CFA Level I Candidate

Melissa Grogan

Operations Specialist

As a wife and mother of two boys, I thrive on staying active and engaged—both at home and in my professional life. I consider myself a lifelong learner, always seeking opportunities to grow in knowledge and wisdom across different areas of life.

I spent the first ten years of my career as an Elementary Teacher and Library Media Specialist before stepping away from the workforce to focus on raising my children. When the opportunity to join Birch Wealth Management as an Administrative Assistant arose, I gratefully embraced the chance to re-enter the professional world in a meaningful way.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about travel and cultural exploration. My husband and I have had the joy of visiting Poland, the Bahamas, and Mexico—each experience offering something uniquely beautiful. I also enjoy hiking, reading, and spending quiet evenings around a campfire with my family and friends.

Life’s challenges have deepened my perspective, particularly through my advocacy for individuals with autism and cystic fibrosis—causes that are close to my heart due to personal family experiences. I find fulfillment in connecting with others and look forward to getting to know both longtime and new clients of Birch Wealth Management.

Education:

  • Utica College: Bachelor of Science in Health Studies
  • Grand Canyon University: Master of Education-Elementary Education
  • SUNY Albany: Master of Library Science

Leanne Mundell

Office Manager

I grew up in Floyd with my twin sister, Christina, and older sister, Lisa, and attended Holland Patent Central School District. Much of my childhood was spent on the ice as a member of the Clinton Figure Skating Club, and I went on to skate on the synchronized skating team at SUNY Oswego, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Human Communications.
 
I have lived in the Utica/Rome area my entire life and now make my home in Remsen with my fiancé, Bill. Together, we share a blended family of six children—three boys and three girls.  Life is busy, but never boring, especially with our two dogs. Living on over 60 acres has also brought out my love for country life, from riding snowmobiles and four-wheelers to hunting, fishing, and boating.
 
My career began in Human Resources within the Civil Service sector before I found my passion in nonprofit work, where I gained over a decade of experience in administration, compliance, and organizational leadership. Joining Birch Wealth is a natural next step for me, as I believe deeply in helping others, educating, and empowering individuals to achieve their goals.
 
Outside of work, I’m a proud member of the Bills Mafia, a 30+ year Buffalo Bills fan who values loyalty, perseverance, and community.

Education:

  • SUNY Oswego: Bachelor of Science in Human Communications
  • Certified Notary Public

Career Opportunites

We're Growing!

Are you looking for a career in the financial services industry, or are you an established professional looking for a change?  Are you an existing advisor without a retirement or exit strategy and looking to collaborate with an established firm in an RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) environment? 

We welcome the opportunity to discuss our ongoing staffing needs, both in support and advisory roles, as well as our long-term firm growth plan with qualified candidates. 

Please send a letter of interest along with your resume to [email protected].  All inquires will be kept confidential.

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