OUR TEAM

Michael Bautista started his Financial Services career in 1988 and Aspire Financial Group in 2013. His practice is focused on the retirement and estate planning needs of retirees, business owners, and professionals. He believes that financial success is an ongoing process that benefits greatly from the guidance of a trained and knowledgeable professional. A graduate of SUNY Albany, Mike is a CFP^®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and holds the CLU and ChFC professional designations from the American College. He is a member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and a past president of the Hudson Valley Chapter. Mike resides in Red Hook, NY with his wife and enjoys traveling, giving back to the community and spending time with his two grown children.

Carlos Perez is a senior advisor at Aspire Wealth Management, where he helps individuals, families, and business owners build structured, income-focused financial strategies designed to support long-term confidence and clarity.

He specializes in helping clients turn their investments into reliable, sustainable income—particularly for those approaching or living in retirement. His approach combines thoughtful portfolio construction, tax-aware planning, and ongoing, proactive management to help clients navigate changing market conditions with a clear plan in place.

Carlos works closely with each client to simplify complex financial decisions and create strategies that are both practical and personalized. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, he focuses on aligning each portfolio with the client’s real-life goals, income needs, and risk tolerance.

Clients often turn to Carlos when they are:

• Preparing for retirement and need a clear income strategy
• Looking to reduce portfolio volatility while maintaining growth potential
• Seeking more proactive guidance and consistent communication
• Interested in tax-efficient withdrawal and Roth conversion strategies

Known for his disciplined and straightforward approach, Carlos emphasizes transparency, structure, and consistency in every client relationship.

At Aspire Wealth Management, his goal is simple:

to help clients move forward with clarity, control, and confidence in their financial future.

When Carlos is not working he is active in his church and community.  He loves to teach children about financial literacy and is a very big animal lover. He loves hockey and is also a pilot and aviation enthusiast.

I am a life long resident of the Hudson Valley. I reside in Kingston New York with my wife and three children. I have been working as a Financial Advisor since January of 2000. I strive to develop lifelong relationships with my clients working with them in a consultative, face to face manner. This consultative approach allows us to come up with customized strategies based on their needs and goals. I help my individual and business clients using the following products and services:

• Fixed income investments - Mutual Funds, ETF's
• Retirement Planning - IRA's, Roth IRA's, SEP & Simple IRA's, 401 k, 403b, 457, profit sharing, and pension plans
• Education Planning
• Investment accounts
• Investment Advisory programs
• Life Insurance
• Annuities
• Disability & Long Term Care planning
• Health Insurance -Business planning
• Financial planning

Steve Knapp has been with Equitable Advisors since 1998. Prior to that, he held other trading related positions in the industry. 

He's been awarded the title of Retirement Planning Specialist based on his receipt of a certificate in Retirement Planning from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Steve was named a Five Star Wealth Manager - Best in Client Satisfaction Award Winner in conjunction with Hudson Valley Magazine. He received the award each year from 2011 through 2026, each year since it has been awarded.

Steve and his wife Kathryn live in East Fishkill, have four children and four grandchildren.

Financial professional that aims to provide financial solutions for both individuals and businesses. Strategies include but not limited to retirement strategies, 401 (k) plans, IRA's (ROTH), pension maximization strategies, asset protection, long-term care planning, buy/sell agreements, employee benefits, executive benefits, highly compensated employee benefit programs, estate planning strategies, risk management, asset allocation, group health, group and individual life insurance, college savings and all aspects of individual brokerage account managing.

Whether as simple as setting up your first retirement plan, or as complex and confusing as funding college education, planning for aging parents, long term care decisions, business planning, and estate planning, you can always expect that I can guide you with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.

Collin Ford joined Equitable Advisors, LLC in 2023 after graduating from The University of Rhode Island with a degree in Finance and Management and currently holds his New York State Life and Health License as well as FINRA Series 7 and 66 Registrations.

As a financial advisor, Collin is passionate about helping people develop their own personalized financial strategy plans. His supportive approach can help you make well-informed decisions about your financial future. Collin is excited to work with teachers and first responders to assist them in working towards their financial goals.

Residing in Kingston, NY Collin enjoys playing golf at the local courses and watching sports with his family. In addition, he is active in his community and is a member of the Church of the Comforter.

Kathy joined Equitable in 2012. She currently supports Patrick Ford and Steven Knapp for their business processing, marketing, and client service needs. Prior to working at Equitable, Kathy was a research scientist in the consumer products industry and spent time raising her two sons. Kathy resides in Lagrangeville with her husband and enjoys cycling, gardening, and spending time with her family.

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Rayne currently works with Carlos Perez helping with processing and supporting client needs. She is someone who finds joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her spending time with her two fur babies, Kate and Theodore, and her partner, Jackson, who all bring so much happiness and energy into her days. She loves unwinding with a good puzzle, challenging her mind while relaxing at the same time. She’s also happiest outdoors, whether it’s soaking up fresh air, exploring nature, or just enjoying a peaceful moment outside. She values balance, connection, and making the most out of everyday life.

Summer Shami is a Registered Producer Assistant to Michael Bautista at Equitable Advisors, where she has spent the past five years helping support clients through each step of the financial planning process. She holds her Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and earned her bachelor’s degree from Marist College.

Summer particularly enjoys building relationships with clients and getting to know their unique goals and stories. She believes that strong financial planning begins with meaningful connections and thoughtful support.

She lives in Kingston, New York with her husband and enjoys cooking, traveling, and reading in her free time.