Angela Vahue - President & Financial Specialist
Angela Vahue is the proud owner and president of AVA Wealth Advisors (Angela Vahue & Associates Wealth Advisors). She finds it greatly rewarding to use her skills to help others achieve financial health and the independence that financial health can provide.
Her reasons for becoming a financial professional are deeply personal. Angela was one of three kids and did not come from a lot of money. This taught her at a young age to never give up and to always figure out a way. It wasn’t a matter of IF something could be done, it was a matter of HOW to get it done.
Having experienced multiple life events herself, has given her an intimate understanding behind the true power of being financially healthy and independent.
Success to her is when a client leaves their meeting saying that they feel so much better having met, and they will sleep better tonight. She helps to save people from financial distress by teaching and educating them on how to create a balanced and fulfilling life.
Following a successful career in the financial services industry with M&T Bank and HSBC, Angela joined Guardian Life Insurance Company and its affiliates in 2011. Angela has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades over the past decade with Guardian, including “Best in State” Financial Security Professional by Forbes, Top 50 Financial Advisors of New York State for Finance & Investing and is a perennial Court of the Table qualifier at the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), a global, independent association of the world’s leading insurance and financial services professionals. She was also recognized by the Rochester Business Journal as a Financial Leader of 2022, which recognizes financial professionals who have made outstanding contributions to their organizations and to the community.
Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities and Financial Representative of Guardian. CA Insurance License #0M97999. The Forbes award is not issued by Guardian or its subsidiaries. The annual Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Financial Security Professional is based on criteria developed and obtained by SHOOK Research, LLC. No compensation was provided in connection with obtaining this rating. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Million Dollar Round Table is endorsed by but not affiliated with Guardian or its subsidiaries. Applicants must annually qualify for membership based on productivity and pay an annual fee.
Kathleen guay - director of marketing & client relations
Kath has had the privilege of working alongside Angela since 2021—and counting. From the very beginning, there was an instant connection, rooted in a shared vision for how the business should be run and a deep appreciation for building the kind of community and brand Angela had always envisioned.
With a background in administrative business and marketing, Kath has a natural passion for creating, organizing, and delivering work that goes above and beyond expectations. She graduated from Ithaca College in just three years—right as the world was shifting in March 2020—an accomplishment that reflects her drive, discipline, and commitment to excellence. That same energy shows up in her work today, where new ideas are constantly flowing and evolving. Each week brings fresh inspiration for marketing initiatives, all with the goal of pushing boundaries and creating a thoughtful, personalized experience that keeps clients feeling valued and connected.
Outside of work, Kath finds joy in the simple, meaningful moments—whether she’s cooking, staying active, organizing her space, or spending quality time with her husband, Connor, family and friends. She’s intentional about surrounding herself with people and experiences that bring positivity and balance.
While she may be young, Kath has an old soul—a quality that has deepened her connection with Angela and continues to shape the way she shows up, both personally and professionally.
"My worthy ideal is to mindfully elevate and enrich others towards achieving their highest level of balance and true happiness. I do this by giving back through my own life experiences, allowing me to live my best life and keep my cup full."
sarah mietlicki - director of business development
Passion. Growth. Integrity.
These aren’t just words—they are the values that guide how Sarah lives and leads.
Since earning her MBA 15 years ago, Sarah has viewed life as her greatest teacher. Her personal and professional experiences have shaped her into a thoughtful, adaptable leader, deepening her empathy and fueling her passion for helping others move forward with clarity and intention.
Earlier in her career, Sarah had the opportunity to work with Angela of AVA Wealth Advisors, where she witnessed firsthand how deeply these values are embedded in the firm’s culture and leadership. Now, as Director of Business Development, she is honored to work alongside Angela once again—this time playing a key role in expanding the firm’s reach and impact.
At AVA, Sarah is committed to inspiring like-minded professionals and families to pursue financial freedom and build lives rooted in happiness and purpose. She takes pride in contributing to that mission each and every day.
Outside of her professional life, Sarah is the wife of her husband, Kevin—known for his fun-loving spirit, passion for hockey, and talent in IT—and a proud mom to her daughter, Ellie Mae. They serve as her daily reminders to lead with faith, live with love, and find joy in every step of the journey.
THE PODCAST
The Slight Shift Show focuses on the transformative power of micro-changes. Chris and Angela discuss how making small, conscious adjustments, and often choosing to do less, can lead to multidimensional success and a more fulfilling life.
OFFICE MANAGER
Mellie became part of the Vahue family in February 2023, and ever since, our days have been filled with extra cuddles, laughter, and unconditional love. She’s a Morkie—a Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier mix—with the sweetest personality to match her one-of-a-kind look.
With her spotted nose and patches along her body, she even resembles a tiny cow, which only adds to her charm and makes her impossible not to notice wherever she goes. Mellie has quickly become the heart of the household, bringing energy, comfort, and plenty of smiles to everyone she meets.
JR OFFICE MANAGER
Angela’s Airedale puppy is already making a big impact with her playful spirit, curious energy, and unmatched ability to brighten the workday. While she’s still mastering office etiquette (and resisting nap time), she already excels at boosting morale, reminding us to take breaks, and bringing smiles to the team!
We’re paws-itively thrilled to have her join the crew!
MARKETING ASSISTANT
Nala is our resident nap queen, happiest when she’s curled up in a blanket, dozing the day away without a care in the world.
She’s a Shih-poo—a Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle mix—with a gentle personality and a serious love for being close to her people. In fact, personal space isn’t really in her vocabulary—if there’s a lap available (or even if there isn’t), she’s finding her way onto it.
Whether she’s snoozing beside you or sneaking in for extra cuddles, Nala brings a calm, comforting presence and just the right amount of sweetness to every moment.