The Educators’ Advantage: Our Team

Ryan Dales, FMA, CIM, FCSI – Eastern Ontario

Originally from Elliot Lake, otherwise known as ‘the jewel in the wilderness’, Ryan left the vast landscapes of Ontario’s north – deciding to go… east. A graduate of the Business Administration Accounting Program at St. Lawrence College, Ryan has also completed the Canadian Securities and Professional Planning courses, and has earned Financial Management Advisor (FMA), Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) Designations. Ryan’s experience in financial services is as rich as his education, having held several prominent roles within the investment industry over the last decade. In all instances he was, and continues to be, a proven top performer. And what inspires him about bringing financial solutions exclusively to Canadian educators? “I find the education community to be a very kind and generous group,” says Ryan. “It’s an absolute pleasure to now be in a position where I can take on the role of educator, working with them closely to help achieve their financial goals. It is something I find to be extremely rewarding.” Looking to achieve your financial goals? Ryan can help you make the right investment choices to meet your needs and make your financial dreams a reality. Email Ryan: rdales@educatorsfinancialgroup.ca

Dan Martonfi - Eastern Ontario

If Dan was a teacher, there’s a good chance his specialty would have been geography. While he’s now calling Peterborough home to best serve our eastern region, he lived south of the border for some time – first in the windy city (also known as Chicago) and then in Jacksonville, Florida, working as a Financial Advisor for a large American financial planning firm. Dan studied English and Psychology at York University, and has completed the Canadian Securities Course, Financial Planning I and II, as well as the Conduct and Practices Course. He has also passed the CFP exam and is currently working towards achieving his CFP designation. With over 11 years of experience in the financial industry, Dan says his “passion for helping people” and his “keen interest in financial planning” led him to choose his current career path. A path that has led him to Educators Financial Group, where he’s applying both his passion and expertise in helping our clients reach their financial goals. If you’re in the Kawartha Pine Ridge/Trillium Lakelands region – book your free one-on-one financial planning session with Dan today. Email Dan: dmartonfi@educatorsfinancialgroup.ca

Nadeem Ibrahim, CIM, FCSI, CSWP, M.Sc Honour - Central Ontario

With a high school teacher sister and a university professor brother, it seems only fitting that Nadeem Ibrahim’s career path has led him to a role where he educates educators on how to grow their finances. Nadeem has earned his Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) and Chartered Strategic Wealth Professional (CSWP) designations, and has completed such industry-related courses as: Portfolio Management Techniques, Professional Financial Planning, Investment Management Techniques, Advanced Retirement Management Strategies, Advanced Estate Planning and Trust Strategies and Canadian Securities Course, among others. Furthermore, his background reflects more than 13 years of experience in financial services on both sides of the border – specifically within the areas of private wealth management and advisory services. He began his career in California working for such names as the Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Then in 2006, Nadeem and his family moved to Canada – laying down roots in Richmond Hill, Ontario, where prior to joining Educators Financial Group he was leading a team of 15 branch managers as a District Manager for CIBC. And the rest, as they say, is history. So how does Nadeem transfer his strong knowledge of financial solutions to benefit his clients in the education community? “I appreciate having in-depth conversations with my clients”, he says, “getting to know what their needs are – then presenting options to help them achieve their financial goals.” Are you ready to take the first step in achieving your financial goals? Nadeem is more than ready to help you get started. Email Nadeem: nibrahim@educatorsfinancialgroup.ca

Sandra Walsh, CFP candidate - Central and Northern Ontario

Having worked as a teacher at Georgian College in Barrie, Sandra Walsh is able to relate to the financial needs and goals of the educational community – adding valuable insight to her current role of Financial specialist with Educators Financial Group. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a BA in Science, Sandra has over 13 years of experience working in various roles within the financial sector. In addition, she has completed many industry-accredited courses such as the Canadian Securities Course (CSC), Life License Qualification (LLQP), Conduct and Practices course (CPH), Wealth Management Techniques (WMT), and is currently working towards the completion of her CFP designation. When asked about the unique dynamic she brings to her clients, Sandra responds, “I would have to say it’s my commitment of helping my clients reach their financial goals through education, information, options, and guidance.” Want to reach your goals sooner rather than later? Sandra can provide you with the options to get you well on your way. Email Sandra: swalsh@educatorsfinancialgroup.ca

Karen Hubbard, CFP, CGA candidate – Southern Ontario, York Region

It was when volunteering at her daughters’ school that Karen first developed a true sense of the commitment and hard work that goes into being an educator. So when the opportunity presented itself to work with the education community doing what she does best (teaching people how to achieve their financial goals) – Karen jumped at the chance. In addition to being an educational advocate, Karen brings to the team over 18 years of financial specialist experience – spending a good part of that time as an advisor with the Private Wealth Management Division of a major financial institution. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University, has her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, and is currently working towards her Certified General Accountant (CGA) designation. When describing what she enjoys most about working at Educators Financial Group, Karen says, “it’s definitely sitting down with clients – helping them to employ wealth-building strategies and build effective financial plans for life events.” Whether you’re looking for a mortgage with the benefit of ‘Summer Freedom’, thinking ahead to retirement, or have questions about estate planning – Karen can help you build the right plan to meet your needs and lifestyle. Email Karen: khubbard@educatorsfinancialgroup.ca

Lisa Raponi, CFP, FMA, FCSI, RRC – Southern Ontario, Toronto/GTA

Lisa’s love for knowledge and comprehensive background in the finance and investment sector enables her to provide educators with the sound financial solutions they’re looking for with the right combination of smarts, and heart. The ‘smarts’ comes from 15 years experience in several roles within the financial services sector. Having graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Economics, Lisa has also obtained her Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Management Advisor (FMA), and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designations. Most recently she completed the Registered Retirement Consultant designation through the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning. As for where the ‘heart’ comes in, Lisa’s love for knowledge and dedication to learning motivated her to join the Junior Achievement Program. Junior Achievement is a partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers — all working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential. Do you have big dreams when it comes to maximizing your financial potential? Contact Lisa today – she’d be more than happy to get you started on the right track. Email Lisa: lraponi@educatorsfinancialgroup.ca

Michael Spohn, CFP, B.Ed - Southwestern Ontario

The roots of education run deep within the Spohn family. With a father who taught for 32 years, a mother who was a teacher, a wife who teaches, and having taught at the high school level himself – you could say Michael knows a thing or two about educators. Michael’s in-depth knowledge of the education community is complemented by over 12 years of experience in financial services. He holds a B.A., a B.Ed, has completed the Canadian Securities Course, and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). With such a rich family history steeped in education, does Michael miss teaching? “Well I am still teaching”, he says. “As a planner, I educate teachers on how they can best structure their finances in order to help them reduce debt and maximize their wealth.” Build financial plan + reduce debt = maximize wealth. Sound like a good equation? Leverage Michael’s expertise to help make it happen for you. Email Michael: mspohn@educatorsfinancialgroup.ca

Jim Wanamaker, CFP - Western Ontario

When it comes to knowing educators firsthand, Jim Wanamaker has a definite advantage – it’s all in the family (he comes from a family of educators and is married to a teacher). A resident of London, Ontario, Jim brings over six years of experience in financial sales, as well as 11 years of sales and management experience. Prior to joining our team, he was a Certified Financial Planner/Consultant at Investors Group, and has also worked for the Bank of Montreal, Royal Trust and The Mutual Group (Clarica/Sun Life). Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph, a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Windsor, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, and has completed the Canadian Securities Course and Professional Financial Planning (PFPC) course. Feeling right at home in his role as Financial Planner to the education community, what advantages does he bring to his clients? According to Jim, “it’s the fact I understand the financial concerns of our client. That insight enables me the ability to understand their needs, and then assist them in attaining their personal financial goals.” Ready to tap into the insight to help you achieve your personal financial goals? Jim is ready to help. Email Jim: jwanamaker@educatorsfinancialgroup.ca