SMALL TEAM
Who We Are
We are smaller than most by design. Deeper relationships don’t get formed when you’re working with too many people. We care for each other, just the way we care for our clients. It’s best to serve from a place of strength and confidence where everyone around you is there to support you.
Waterway Wealth Management is an independent financial planning firm that provides comprehensive financial planning and asset management. We serve as guides and teammates for executives, professionals, small business owners and their families. Our commitment is to build and maintain deeper relationships and empower clients to live a full life right now.
Waterway Wealth Management is a Federally Registered Investment Advisory firm. *
Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
The Woodlands Team
Daniel P. Michalk
CFA, CFP®, ChFC
Dan Michalk is the founder and owner of Waterway Wealth Management and has been doing financial planning for 25+ years. He graduated from Texas A&M University (which a few of his clients still hold against him) with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. In 1994, Dan began working in the financial planning industry.
Dan earned a Chartered Financial Analyst Designation, CFA, granted by the CFA Institute. The CFA designation is globally recognized and attests to a charterholder’s success in a rigorous and comprehensive study program in the field of investment management and research analysis. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a designation granted by the CFP® Board of Standards, Denver, Colorado, and a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), a designation granted by the American College of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. In plain English, this means he’s held to a higher standard as an advisor and is required to excel in the function of his work. Dan is also a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA).
Dan is, well, Dan. When you’re with him in the office, playing golf, or sampling some red wine from a tolerable vintage, he’s consistent, quick to smile, and honest when he speaks. Dan also loves to read, but we’re still unsure if audible counts while he trains for triathlon competitions. Dan is a member of The Woodlands United Methodist Church, but his faith is the daily kind; it’s as much a part of him at his desk as it is in the pew. He is also a proud supporter of Children’s Safe Harbor, Meals on Wheels, and various other local charities.
Naturally, Dan lives here in The Woodlands, Texas, with his wife, Lisa Benge Michalk, and his three sons.
Jack D. Cowling
CFA
Jack graduated with a BBA/finance from the University of North Florida. He also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.
Jack joined Waterway Wealth Management in April 2019 as Portfolio Manager and has over 20 years of investment experience. The last seven years have been in investment leadership roles. He started his career in larger banking organizations primarily in analyst or portfolio management roles. He later co-founded an Independent, registered investment advisor firm in 2012 which sub-advised private partnerships and mutual funds for institutional investors, high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients of well-known banking and investment institutions.
Jack moved to the Houston area with his wife Lisa and son Liam in 2015 and later, in 2016, moved to The Woodlands where they currently reside. Jack enjoys reading, spending time with his family on the weekend and Astros baseball.
281.363.0000 ext. 821
Annie Hames
Annie Hames graduated from Houston Baptist University in 2004 with a B.B.A. double major in Management and Marketing. After graduation, Annie began her career in the banking industry, working in several divisions throughout the bank with most of her time in Commercial Lending. After listening and learning from clients, Annie wanted to make an impact on the people within the commercial businesses she was serving. She joined Waterway Wealth Management in March 2015 as an Associate Financial Planner and is currently studying for her Certified Financial Planner designation. She enjoys working with individuals and their families to shape their financial future.
Annie has served as a past board member of the Klein ISD Education Foundation and as a Leadership Volunteer within the school district on several committees including: Superintendent Search, Bond Committee, and Pathway Leadership. Annie currently serves on the Scholarship Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and as a Reading Buddy with Bridging for Tomorrow outreach ministry in the Title I school areas of Klein ISD.
Annie currently resides in Spring with her husband, Eric, and their two children Ethan (8) and Addison (2). They are active members of Faithbridge Church and are current members of Cub Scout Pack 1655. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and entertaining family and friends.
281.363.0000 ext. 804
Ross King
JD, CPA, CFP®
Ross graduated with a Bachelor of Accountancy and Master of Taxation from Mississippi State University. He also earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi. Ross is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (Texas), and holds a Texas law license.
Ross joined Waterway Wealth Management in April 2024 as a Senior Financial Planner. Ross has 10 years of experience in Wealth Management. He previously worked with Private Wealth Divisions of 2 banking organizations. Ross is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Personal Financial Planning Division).
Ross currently lives in Houston with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children Catherine (8) and Zachary (5). They are active members at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. He enjoys spending time with his family, college sports, and traveling.
John Roach
John joined Waterway Wealth Management in August 2023 and is the Chief Operating Officer. He is a seasoned team player with a strong drive for growth. His extensive experience in overseeing administrative, financial, and operational functions is a valuable asset for advancing Waterway's client-centric mission.
John's impressive career includes roles as a Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer at a prestigious capital management firm, where he excelled in process optimization. Originally from New York, John graduated from Pace University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He began his career in banking, transitioning to investment firm operations. In 2004, he moved to Los Angeles as an investment operations manager and later settled in Memphis, taking on his first C-suite role.
Driven by a desire for a quieter life, John joined Waterway, attracted by its people-first, relationship-focused philosophy. He values nurturing his team and building strong client relationships, prioritizing accessibility, and accountability.
Outside of work, John coaches his kids' basketball teams and enjoys gardening with his wife, Nery. Their family is settling into Conroe and are enjoying the small-town feel of their new neighborhood.
Jeff Pusich
Jeff Pusich joined Waterway Wealth Management as an Associate Portfolio Manager in July 2023. He brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to personalized wealth management. Relocating from the Pacific Northwest, Jeff values the "listen and listen more" approach to client interactions that defines Waterway Wealth Management.
With a BBA from Gonzaga University, Jeff's journey began in Alaska before he ventured to the "lower 48" on a baseball scholarship. An investing club meeting changed the course of his career, leading him to become a research analyst and Investor Relations manager for a prominent national company. Jeff's expertise spans various financial products and services, showcasing his direct client service involvement. He approaches portfolio research with a careful, attentive eye and a holistic evaluation of financial options.
Settling into The Woodlands area, Jeff maintains his love for the outdoors and enjoys the local scene. He's a golf enthusiast, baseball fan, and a proud Gonzaga alum each basketball season - especially during March Madness.
Ariel Jasso
Ariel Jasso graduated from the University of Houston with a B.B.A in Finance. With seven years of experience in financial services, she began her career in 2016 as an intern in the holistic Financial Planning space. Ariel then moved to the broker-dealer side of the industry, where she gained valuable relationship management experience. She joined Waterway Wealth Management as an Associate Financial Planner in February of 2024 after being drawn to the firm’s stellar reputation and small team alignment.
Ariel currently resides in Kingwood with her husband, Pedro, and their daughter Grace. They are active members of the Pines Montessori Community. She enjoys traveling, cooking classes, and spending time with friends and family.
Yvonne Allen
Yvonne Allen, raised in College Station, Texas, is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Economics and Industrial Distribution. She moved to the Houston area in 1993 and has a back ground in the real estate industry. She joined Dan’s team in the summer of 2011 as the Office Manager.
Yvonne handles company operations including accounting, compliance and human resources. She keeps Waterway Wealth Management operating effectively and efficiently.
She is a member of the Houston A&M Club and the Reveille Club and an avid football fan. Yvonne now resides in The Woodlands where her hobbies include golf, travel, and spending time with friends and family.
281.363.0000 ext. 803n
Kewanna Thomas
Kewanna Thomas relocated to Houston from Dallas in 2005 to attend the University of Houston where she received her Bachelor of Education in Exercise Science. After graduating, she began a career in operations management for a commercial fitness facility and eventually transitioned to the financial services industry. Shortly after receiving her Master of Legal Studies in Risk Management and Compliance from Texas A&M University Law School, she joined Waterway Wealth Management as a Relationship Manager in January of 2024, Kewanna has a strong desire to create a welcoming experience and serves as one of the main points of contact for our clients.
During her free time, Kewanna enjoys trying out new recipes and spending time with her husband and four children.
281.363.0000 ext. 812
Aaron Hoge
Aaron Hoge graduated with a BBA/Management from Texas A&M University’s class of 1993. Aaron brings over 25 years of experience in customer service, operational efficiencies and adherence to compliance requirements. He joined Waterway Wealth Management in April 2019 as a Client Services Specialist.
Aaron grew up in The Woodlands, moving here in 1981 with his family. He currently resides in The Woodlands with his wife Stacey, also a long term Woodlands resident, and their two children. He enjoys traveling in the Texas Hill-Country and anywhere there is a beach.
281.363.0000 ext 820
Kristen Cardoza
Kristen Cardoza made her way to Spring, Texas in 2014 via Northern California and New Orleans.
Kristen joined Waterway Wealth Management in April, 2018 as our Client Care Coordinator. She acts as contact for client meetings and is the friendly voice you hear when you call our office. She keeps Waterway Wealth Management’s schedule running smoothly and efficiently.
During her off time, Kristen enjoys gardening, listening to many genres of music and time with friends and family.
Kristen and her husband Blaise live in Spring with their daughter Olivia.
281.363.0000 ext 800
