About Us

Ahmed brings a world of experience to his position at Educators – literally. After studying economics in Lausanne, Switzerland, and living in Dubai, Qatar and Egypt, he decided to build his future in Canada. With the Canadian Securities Course, Personal Financial Planner designation, and 7 years working with RBC under his belt, he now helps others create their futures as well. “Canada welcomed me almost 10 years ago and ever since I’ve tried to give back, providing advice to help Canadians grow their assets, maximize their retirement income and achieve their lifetime goals.” Ahmed’s grandfather was the Dean of a college, giving him an insider’s perspective of the education community. He is also fully bilingual in French and English. Ahmed appreciates Educators’ focus on the community and how it provides valuable, in-depth advice around issues unique to the education community, such as understanding the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan and OMERS pension, and navigating pension income gaps.

Alana’s career shows the value of pushing yourself to do and learn more. During her career with TD Bank and RBC as a Financial Advisor, Financial Planning Associate, and Real Estate Associate in Commercial Banking, she not only launched new products, ran Financial Planning campaigns, and developed training programs … she also hosted and produced a Canada-wide employee podcast!

She recently completed the MBA Essentials course at the Rotman School of Management, and has achieved accreditations with CSC, CPH and WME. She also completed the 90-day training for trading.

In terms of ‘why’ she pushes herself, it’s to be able to help people with her expertise. “Banking, investing and finance are complex topics, with many variables,” she says. “Nothing beats the satisfaction I get when a client tells me about the impact I’ve made on them and their loved ones.”

She enjoys working with Educators Financial Group. “I’m working with the most dedicated group of individuals, helping another set of the most dedicated group of individuals. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Alex is an experienced investment professional who has worked as an Investment Associate at Aligned Capital Partners and as an Investment Specialist at BMO Investment Centre. In these positions he acquired experience in financial planning and portfolio analysis, and advised clients on both registered and non-registered investments.

He graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Economics and Finance. Since then, he has completed the Canadian Securities Course, and become a Registered Investment Sales Representative. He takes satisfaction in providing helpful advice. “I enjoy providing guidance to clients in the areas of investments, investment accounts, and the markets,” he says.

An avid golfer when not working, on the job it’s ‘par for the course’ for Alex to be assisting his Educators clients with achieving their goals, whether it’s a retirement plan or simply general advice when it comes to their investment decisions.

There’s a lot to managing ones finances today – from establishing convenient and economical day to day finances, to understanding debt, to choosing investments to save for your future. With his diverse experience, Bill can help Educators Financial Group clients with it all. At the Bank of Montreal, Bill started as a teller and worked his way up to become Financial Services Manager, acquiring his mutual fund license along the way. He has helped clients build their portfolios with investments such as GICs and mutual funds. “I am looking forward to helping education members with their financial needs at every stage in their careers – from just starting out, to preparing for retirement”, says Bill.

After graduating from Sheridan College with a Business Administration – Marketing Diploma, Brad quickly established the financial industry as where he wanted to be. Starting as a teller at BMO nearly 2 decades ago, he quickly progressed through various roles of Lender, Compliance Officer, Private Banker, and Branch Manager, until he became a Financial Planner and found his true calling. Along the way, he obtained his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Responsible Investment Specialist (RIS) designations.

Brad finds great satisfaction in being part of people’s financial journey through life, as an advisor, mentor, and partner. He especially enjoys working with teachers, saying, “I have huge respect for them. A teacher was the one who inspired me to reach for the stars. And, like teachers, I have a passion for educating others and empowering them with the right tools and resources to make smart financial decisions.”

Outside of work, Brad’s passions include sports – golfing, skiing, and rooting for the Toronto Maple Leafs – and his 4 kids.

Born and raised in the London area, Caitlin has the know-how and experience to help with all of your financial needs, from mortgage and savings advice, to planning for retirement. A Certified Financial Planner professional, she is also a Registered Retirement Consultant and Registered Financial and Retirement Advisor. Caitlin has worked with 2 of the 5 major banking institutions in different roles, from working closely with mortgage specialists to various Senior Financial Advisor roles. “The best part of my day is celebrating financial milestones with people,” she says. “It can be advising how to pay down debt, purchase a new car or retirement! My satisfaction comes from knowing I helped in some way.” At Educators, she loves “working with members of the education community who are shaping our future leaders. They deserve the best sound advice, and a financial service team dedicated to helping shape their financial future.”

Education members working with Chris Knoch truly have the best of both worlds. As he worked as a teacher for 32 years, Chris knows first-hand about an educator’s financial challenges, and the importance of financial literacy. “As a teacher I witnessed the gaping void in educating our youth in the area of financial literacy, therefore my favourite aspect of working in the financial field is educating clients of all ages in the intricacies of the financial world”, he says. Now, as an Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) and experienced Mortgage Agent, he combines this personal insight into educators’ needs with an in-depth and specialized education in mortgages and the real estate market. Working at Educators, Chris has found that there is a “team atmosphere, which creates an atmosphere of ease and camaraderie as we all strive to assist our clients.”

Chris Tamber brings to Educators more than 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining the Educators team, Chris spent many years working for Phillips Hager and North, RBC Global Asset Management as an Investment Funds Advisor, working with both private and non-profit clients providing financial and investment advice and solutions to guide them on the path to financial success. Chris earned an Honours Business Administration Diploma from Seneca College and is working towards becoming a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner). He also holds a financial planning certificate from George Brown College. Chris explains why he was drawn to Educators: “Advisors and teachers share a sense of service. They both want to make a clear, tangible difference in the lives of others.”

One look at Corrinne’s accreditations and you know that she clearly values education and lifelong learning. In the 20 years that she’s worked for major banks such as TD Wealth, CIBC, TD Canada Trust, and Canada Trust, she’s achieved her CFP (Certified Financial Planner), RRC (Registered Retirement Consultant), and RIS (Responsible Investing Specialist) accreditations. As the daughter of a teacher and parent of 3 grown children, she knows firsthand that “teachers educate, shape and influence how our children see the world, setting the tone for how they will become contributing members in our society.”

Corrinne embraces the fact that Educators truly promotes financial literacy via workshops, webinars and personal client meetings. “By increasing our clients’ financial literacy, we give them peace of mind about their future, which in turn lets them focus on what they do best – teach. It also gives them essential financial knowledge which they can teach their students.”

Corrinne is always excited to make a difference and share her knowledge. Give her a call today.

With 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Darryl brings specialized knowledge in the realms of pension and retirement plans, in addition to his proven ability to offer sound, strategic advice on a wide range of other financial planning areas. Darryl has a diploma in Business Administration from Algonquin College in Ottawa, a Registered Retirement Consultant (RRC^®) designation from the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning, as well as a Life Insurance License from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. He also recently achieved his Certified Financial Planner^® designation. As for what he enjoys most about working with the education community, “I would have to say it’s educating the educators… helping them to clarify and prioritize their financial goals, then implement a plan of action.” Darryl can answer your needs in both French and English.

After receiving his Financial Services-Business Management Diploma from Humber College, Dennis embarked on a career in financial services by taking a position with the Bank of Montreal as a Customer Service Representative, working his way up to Personal Banker over 4 years. During that time he attained his IFIC certificate, and realized he found it very rewarding to help friends, family members and clients grow by increasing their financial literacy.

Now at Educators Financial Group, Dennis is studying for his Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) certification. He is excited about working with the education community. “Educators bring a tremendous value to our society, and play a vital role in shaping the future,” he says. “Empowering teachers with the knowledge and skills to navigate their personal finances will help them thrive both personally and professionally, and become the positive role models they are destined to be.”

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dennis is also fluent in Spanish, which allows him to connect with a diverse range of individuals and communities.

Outside of work hours, Dennis enjoys playing soccer and basketball, and spending time in the great outdoors camping and fishing.

A resident of Orleans, Ottawa, Ed comes to Educators Financial Group from BMO Nesbitt Burns. After 20 years of helping people from all walks of life achieve their financial goals, he’s enjoying working specifically with education members. “It’s an opportunity to apply my skills to a unique group, which I believe is underserved by the financial community”, he says. A believer in ongoing education, he has his Financial Planner 1 and 2, Personal Financial Planner certification, Canadian Securities Course, and is taking his Certified Financial Planner certification. A father of two, Ed says, “serving the education community is a way to say thanks for their service to our children and communities.”

With a passion for putting financial plans into action, it’s no surprise that Certified Financial Planner professional Franc Oliveri is a big fan of Warren Buffet quotes. One of his favourites is “In the world of business, the people who are most successful are those who are doing what they love.” Before joining Educators, Franc put his love of the financial field to work at Scotiabank, providing proactive planning and advice so individuals and families could put their finances on autopilot and focus on other aspects of their lives. He is pleased to be at Educators, because he believes it provides incomparable service to education members who work so hard in the formation and development of others.

Gregory has worked in the financial industry since 2001 with some of Canada’s largest financial institutions, including CIBC, Co-operators, RBC Dominion Securities, Scotia Wealth Management and MD Financial Management. In his roles as Financial Planner and Investment Manager, he has focused on strategic financial planning including Estate Planning, Insurance Planning, Cash Flow and Net Worth Planning. He says he “tailors my approach to reflect the individual needs of each client, ensuring each is confident in their investment strategy and financial plan”.

A graduate of Mohawk College, Gregory has also achieved numerous certifications including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM), Financial Management Advisor (FMA). He also has a certificate in Advanced Investment Advice from the Canadian Securities Institute.

Because his wife has taught for over 30 years, Gregory brings a personal connection with education professionals to Educators. “I see the daily challenges and rewards of the community and like the idea of serving the community’s specific financial needs and concerns,” he says. He adds that, “Educators Financial Group provides a unique culture that sets them apart from the large and impersonal financial institutions”.

Outside of work, Gregory gives back to the community by volunteering and has been on the Board of Directors of several Peterborough corporations including the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.

A graduate of University of Ottawa, Jessica’s experience with detailed, step-by-step planning in making one’s dreams come true is vast.  Prior to entering the financial industry, she displayed her entrepreneurial skills as a wedding planner!  Jessica decided to change her career path becoming an accredited Mortgage Broker and has spent the last five years in the mortgage industry before joining Educators. She expressed that it is “so rewarding to help people, whether it’s a first-time homebuyer getting their first house, someone needing financial relief from debt, people planning for retirement, or parents wanting to provide their children with an early inheritance.”

As a mother of two boys, Jessica finds working at Educators to be personally gratifying, because she sees it as an opportunity to help a community which is continually helping her loving family.

When it comes to knowing educators firsthand, Jim Wanamaker has an advantage—he comes from a family of educators. Jim brings many years of experience in financial planning, retirement counselling, and investment advice. Prior to joining our team, he was a Financial Services Manager at one of the largest banks in Canada and has also worked for a leading insurance company. Jim holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Windsor, a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Guelph and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. What advantages does he bring to his clients? “It’s the fact I understand the financial concerns of our client. This enables me to recognize their needs, and assist them in attaining their personal financial goals.”

Lisa is dedicated to empowering members of the education community and their families through financial literacy to achieve their goals. She is passionate about helping others which she has demonstrated in her over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry and over 10 years working at EFG. This passion, dedication, and experience also transcends into her personal development, gaining designations like the Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Registered Retirement Consultant (RRC) and the Trust and Estates Practitioner (TEP). Her clients and the education community are fortunate to have her on their side.

Malavika graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies degree. During her three years working in the financial field, she achieved her certification in Mutual Funds (IFIC) and rose through the ranks at TD Canada Trust to the position of Financial Advisor.

She is excited to work with Educators Financial Group as it allows her to sit down with her clients and curate an in-depth and personalized financial plan to reach their personal goals. “Coming from a family with generations of educators, I am eager to help understand what the members of the education community need to help reach their financial goals,” she says.

Malek pursued a career in business before turning to the financial industry. After receiving his Accounting Diploma and Bachelor of Business Administration degree, he worked in the marketing and operations department of a restaurant. When his focus switched to the financial industry, he took the Canadian Investments Fund Course and gained experience working for several years at the Bank of Montreal as a financial advisor, and for the Canadian government. He enjoys getting to know his clients and building a long-term, genuine relationship with them, which enables him to give personalized advice that complements their lives.

As a bilingual Financial Advisor at Educators, Malek’s work with his clients reflects his favourite quote: “Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment”.

Marjan’s background combines post-secondary studies in business, working with one of Canada’s major banks, and a personal commitment to helping educators – making her the perfect addition to Educators Financial Group!

After graduating from Ottawa’s Carleton university with an MBA degree, she developed a solid understanding of financial products and services as a financial advisor at the Royal Bank of Canada for 4 years.

Marjan’s interest in educators is personal. She has two teachers in her family and admires them for their efforts to increase levels of education and culture in our society. Because of this, she says, “I want to live in a world where educators have no financial concerns … where teachers are in good financial standing, especially when they retire.”

To ensure she helps Educators’ clients achieve their personal financial goals, she is committed to continuing to increase her own financial knowledge and keep up-to-date. To this end, she will complete her PFP designation in the near future.

Matthew’s strong interest in investments and finances began in his early years. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a major in both Statistics and Economics. His passion for educating others in finance started with tutoring at a young age and translated successfully into a position at TD Bank, and consequently as Senior Financial Advisor at Educators Financial Group.

Matthew is thankful for the guidance of his mentors in leadership roles who helped him achieve his career goals. Today, at Educators, Matthew delivers the same positive experience to his clients by providing the utmost care and attention in helping them make informed financial decisions. By offering detailed explanations and honest guidance, he hopes to alleviate all the complexities that come with financial planning. “I’m here to make your life easier, that way you can start focusing on your life goals.” says Matthew.

Matthew holds the CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) designation.

Michael started his career in the financial services industry in 2010. Before joining Educators Financial Group, Michael worked as a Wealth Planning Specialist with a large Canadian wealth management firm providing portfolio analysis and investment planning services. Michael also worked as an Investment Analyst and Manager, Marketing & Communications with a boutique discretionary portfolio management and fund management company, and as a Financial Advisor with one of the major retail banks in Canada.

In addition to his Advanced Diploma from St Lawrence College in Business Administration, Michael holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation, is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) and holds the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) designation.

Michael’s passion is helping clients navigate the often complex and sometimes frustrating world of money management. “I like working with the education community to ensure they get advice tailored to their unique needs. Educators Financial Group provides a reliable resource not typically available to this niche group,” he says.

When he’s not advising or guiding clients, you will find him spending time with his two children, playing pick-up basketball, or working on his ROUGH carpentry skills in his garage to the delight of his wife.

Michail Tsirikos is all about focusing on goals. In his spare time, he’s an avid soccer player and coach who shows his team how to score. And professionally, for the past 10+ years at Educators Financial Group, he’s honed his skills as a Customer Service Rep, Account Manager, Senior Financial Advisor, and now Director, Client Advisory Services, to help his clients reach their financial goals. Certified as a Personal Financial Planner and a Certified Financial Planner®, his own goals include completing the CFA® certification one day. Michail believes that being a member-driven institution helps to make Educators unique. “Being part of a community and looking out for one another is great,” he says. He looks forward to continuing to make a difference in his clients’ lives and knowing they are on the right path.

Mychelle is committed to making a difference in the financial lives of her clients, and has demonstrated this commitment in the over two years she has been at Educators as a Client Service Representative and now as a Financial Advisor. She believes that “having a good handle on personal finances and investments can set you up for financial stability and less stress in life.” As proof of her commitment, since graduating with an Honours degree at University of Toronto she has acquired a certificate in Financial Analysis and Investment Management from UofT and has completed the Wealth Management Essential course and Canadian Securities Course from the Canadian Securities Institute.

Mychelle is proud to work with her clients, saying “Workers in the education community are essential to building the new generation, and impact a student’s success and personal growth. My own teachers ignited in me a passion for lifelong learning.

She also believes in challenging herself and pushing her limits, as seen in her hobbies, which include long distance running and rock climbing.

Naimul is a dedicated and experienced Retirement and Financial Advisor, with over 7 years’ experience with financial and investment products as well as relationship-building and banking. Before coming to Educators Financial Group, he worked at TD Investment Services as an Investment Consultant. He sees his role as empowering clients to make informed decisions and guiding them through key milestones in their financial journey. As his clients’ trusted partner, he helps them feel secure and confident in achieving their goals.

His education and industry experience help him improve his clients financial well being. He graduated university with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Diploma in Engineering; and since then, has completed the Investment Funds in Canada (IFC), Personal Financial Service Advice, Financial Planning I, and a Certificate in Financial Planning Service Advice.

At Educators, Naimul appreciates that “the emphasis is always on providing sound, client centered advice and upholding our fiduciary duty. Our success is measured by the quality of our guidance, not by the volume of sales”. It’s personal for him, too – serving the education community will let him achieve his passion for helping others meet their financial goals, while honoring the memory of his grandmother, a dedicated principal.

Natalie enjoys helping her clients feel at ease. In fact, one of the things she enjoys most about working in the financial field is the challenge of helping others achieve peace of mind about their finances. “Especially during volatile times, you have to stay on top of market updates, and be able to educate your clients in plain language about how their hard-earned income is being impacted.”

And she’s been doing just that over the last few years. Shortly after receiving her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph, Natalie worked at TD Bank for over 4 years where she gained experience in Asset Management. She also has experience in project management for commercial real estate and has successfully obtained her Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) certification from the Canadian Securities Institute.

When asked about why she chose to come to Educators Financial Group, she said, “It’s very rewarding to help the education community, to give back to those shaping our kids and young adults today.” She feels that Educators Financial Group is unique, because its specialists “speak the same language” as their clients in the education community, making it easier for clients to feel more comfortable in making life-impacting decisions about financial planning, investments, and lending services.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending her time at dog volunteering and fostering events, finding forever homes for dogs.

“As a coach, you need two things – you need to understand your subject, and you need to understand people,” says Nick Rao. Coaching and relationship building are Nick’s passions. As a mortgage specialist for the Royal Bank of Canada for 7 years, he helped hundreds of clients achieve their short- and long-term goals. Then, as a lending consultant at Canada Life for 3 years, he coached a team of financial planners on how to help their clients achieve their financial goals by utilizing their lending solutions.

At Educators Financial Group, Nick brings these passions – along with his Bachelor of Commerce degree – to help members of the education community with their finances. “I am proud to be at Educators Financial Group and find it extremely rewarding to help the people who are shaping the future of our nation,” he says.

Nigel has a diverse range of experience in the financial industry, including positions as an Investment Specialist (providing expert investment advice) and as an Associate Advisor (providing holistic financial planning, including estate and tax). But he’s the first to say that, although his resume states that he provides expert investment advice and holistic financial planning, the reality is that he crafts meaningful relationships.

Nigel graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts, and followed that by studying Professional Financial Services at Fanshawe College. He has since achieved his CFP (Certified Financial Planner) and RIS (Responsible Investment Specialist) designations.

In addition to developing relationships, he believes that a large part of his role is teaching his clients about finances so they can build positive habits that will set them on the path to increasing their financial health. He is looking forward to working with the education community because they lead complex and demanding lives, and that by providing tailored advice, he will be able to save them time and money as well as give them more peace of mind in the future.

Norshat is a Certified Financial Planner professional and holds both his CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) and CIM® (Chartered Investment Manager) designations. His clients benefit from the breadth of experience he acquired during 12 years’ in the financial industry – which runs the gamut from a part-time teller position while still in school, to personal banker, financial advisor, relationship manager and financial planner. He brings a fascination and passion to his work with finances, saying, “Everyone is so unique in his or her relationship with money and it’s fascinating to learn about them. The markets are a window to the world, and how individuals react to the macro environment.” Norshat’s commitment to providing clients exemplary advice is seen in his ongoing learning – he is currently working on his CIWM certification (Certified International Wealth Manager). His mother and father-in-law are both teachers, so he brings a personal understanding of the education community to his work. Outside of Educators, Norshat spends time with his wife and son, and loves experiencing new cultures, soccer, and podcasts!

Phil’s wealth of experience includes working with several of Canada’s largest financial institutions, including RBC for 15 years, BMO for 1 year, and Scotiabank for 4 years. After receiving a degree from Seneca College in Golf Course Management, he took the Canadian Securities Course and received his accreditation as a Personal Financial Planner (PFP®).

Outside of work, Phil stays active by playing many sports, including hockey, golf, and practising Taekwondo.

He is looking forward to working with Educators Financial Group’s clients because “some of Educators’ clients are so focused on their career that dealing with finances can be daunting and sometimes confusing. I look forward to helping educate them on finances and planning for their future.

Raquel started her financial career over 20 years ago as a bank teller at CIBC, working while earning her BA degree from the University of Waterloo.  Since graduating, she has taken a number of industry courses, obtained her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and gained further advisory experience in various roles, including, most recently a Financial Consultant at MD Financial Management.

Raquel is aware of the importance of understanding financial issues, and feels deeply about helping people navigate the complexities of personal wealth management. “I enjoy getting to know my clients, hearing their stories and their visions for their future. It is the most rewarding feeling to know that your guidance can pay dividends (pun intended!) … and help people sleep a little better at night, without worrying about finances.”

With friends who are teachers, Raquel has noticed how much effort and energy goes into what they do, which leaves very little for other facets of life like creating a financial plan. “Educators Financial Group understands every nuance of the education community, which allows me to provide specific advice that resonates and sets teachers up for success. It’s an honour to give back to the education community in this way”, she says.

Shannon knows how to make a dream become a reality. Growing up, she had two dreams: becoming a teacher, and working in the business world. Today, she has achieved both, through a career where she teaches clients about the business of finances. She has her CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) and RRC® (Registered Retirement Consultant) designations and aims to ultimately become a CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst).

Working as a Financial Advisor at Scotiabank, she developed in depth knowledge of borrowing and investing. She has chosen to work with Educators Financial Group because, “Some of the most influential people in my life have been my teachers. Working for a company that has the teaching community’s best interests at heart really drew me in.” Shannon looks forward to helping her clients at Educators achieve their dreams.

Shubam’s admiration of analytical thinking has held him in good stead, from his post-graduate studies to his career in the financial field. He studied Electronics and Communication Engineering and Electromechanical Engineering Technology in India and Canada, but his career took him another direction, into the financial industry. In his 5-year association with RBC as a Client Advisor and Investment Representative, he applied himself to achieve the Canadian Securities Course, Conduct and Practices Handbook, Derivatives Fundamentals and Options Licensing Course (DFOL). And that’s in addition to being a Certified Scrum Master and Certified Associate in Project Management. Currently, he is working towards the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.

One of the aspects of Educators Financial Group that Shubam finds most satisfying is increasing the financial literacy of our clients. “By helping members of the education community increase their financial literacy,” Shubam says, “we not only help them achieve their own financial stability and security… but through them we create brighter futures for learners around the world.”