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There’s advice. And then there’s educator-specific advice.

Our financial specialists work exclusively with members of the education community and as such, understand the complexity of educators’ financial realities. These realities are different. Our financial specialists work closely with you providing customized financial planning advice that gives you confidence that you will achieve your dreams and aspirations by focusing on things like protecting you against educator-specific pitfalls such as cash flow concerns, potential pension income gaps, gratuities, etc.

 

I like how they really understand our members, which means advice on cash flow, pension, and other things, that they can count on.

Paul Caccamo
Vice President – OSSTF/FEESO

Meet our Specialists

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Ahmed Rageh
Toronto, Thunder Bay
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Ahmed Rageh
PFP - Senior Financial Advisor - Toronto, Thunder Bay

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.

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Alana Gould
Alana Gould Portrait
Alana Gould
Relationship Development Manager

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.”

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Alex Mazzonello
Head Office
Alex Mazzonello
Financial Advisor - Head Office

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.

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Bill Rakovitis
Toronto, Near North, Algoma
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Bill Rakovitis
Certified Financial Planner professional - Toronto, Near North, Algoma

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.

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Brad Thompson
Halton, Avon-Maitland
Brad Thompson Portrait
Brad Thompson
RIS - Certified Financial Planner professional - Halton, Avon-Maitland

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.

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Caitlin Buchko
London, Thames Valley, Greater Essex, Lambton Kent
Caitlin - Educators Financial Group
Caitlin Buchko
RRC - Certified Financial Planner professional - London, Thames Valley, Greater Essex, Lambton Kent

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.”

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Chris Knoch
South Western Ontario
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Chris Knoch
AMP – Mortgage Agent Level 1 - Regional Director, Lending Services - South Western Ontario

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.”

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Chris Tamber
Head Office
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Chris Tamber
Financial Advisor - Head Office

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.”

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Corrinne Mallender
Greater Essex, Lambton Kent (Chatham area)
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Corrinne Mallender
RRC, RIS – Certified Financial Planner professional - Greater Essex, Lambton Kent (Chatham area)

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.

Email Corrinne
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Darryl Martella
Ottawa Region
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Darryl Martella
RRC® – Certified Financial Planner professional - Ottawa Region

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.

Email Darryl
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Dennis Rojas
Head Office
Dennis Rojas
Financial Advisor - Head Office

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.”

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

Email Dennis
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Edward (Ed) Gougeon
Ottawa Region
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Edward (Ed) Gougeon
Senior Financial Advisor - Ottawa Region

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.”

Email Ed
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Franc Oliveri
York Region
Franc Oliveri
Certified Financial Planner professional - York Region

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.

Email Franc
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Jim Wanamaker
London, Thames Valley
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Jim Wanamaker
Certified Financial Planner professional - London, Thames Valley

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.”

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Lisa Raponi
Toronto
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Lisa Raponi
FMA, FCSI, RRC - Certified Financial Planner professional - Toronto

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. She completed the Registered Retirement Consultant designation through the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning. Lisa’s love for knowledge and dedication to learning motivated her to join the Junior Achievement Program.

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Malavika Menon
Head Office
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Malavika Menon
Financial Advisor - Head Office

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.

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Marjan Gholami
Head Office
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Marjan Gholami
Financial Advisor - Head Office

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.

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Matthew Dang
Durham and Trillium Lakelands
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Matthew Dang
Senior Financial Advisor - Durham and Trillium Lakelands

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 has completed CFA Level 1, the Certificate in Advance Financial Advice with CSI (Canadian Securities Institute) and is working towards becoming a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner).

Email Matthew
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Michael Graves
Kingston, Belleville
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Michael Graves
CIM®, FCSI® – Certified Financial Planner professional - Kingston, Belleville

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.

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Michail Tsirikos
Kawartha Pine Ridge and Algoma Districts
Michail Tsirikos Profile Picture
Michail Tsirikos
PFP®, Senior Financial Advisor - Kawartha Pine Ridge and Algoma Districts

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 9 years at Educators Financial Group, he’s honed his skills as a Customer Service Rep, Account Manager, and now Senior Financial Advisor, to help his clients reach their financial goals. Certified as a Personal Financial Planner, his own goals include completing the CFP® certification, and then moving on to become a Chartered Financial Analyst. 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.

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Mohammad Kazmi
Head Office
Mohammad Kazmi Portrait
Mohammad Kazmi
Financial Advisor - Head Office

Mohammad has had two major influences in his life: the study of finance and the love of basketball. While working towards his Bachelor of Commerce degree at York University, he was able to apply both – studying Finance while playing basketball. After graduation he worked for CIBC, where his background in finance helped him grow quickly, hold multiple positions, and acquire an in-depth understanding of the industry.

Mohammad says that basketball has taught him countless lessons about life, and his profession. As an athlete, he experienced the impact a good coach can have. That’s one of the reasons why he’s now with Educators. “Some of the most influential people in my life were my coaches in school,” he says. “To be able to give back to that community is a major reason I chose Educators Financial Group.”

Now, he’s continuing to pursue both his passions. As a Financial Advisor at Educators Financial Group, he is augmenting his studies by acquiring his Certified Financial Planner certification, while in his spare time volunteering as a coach/trainer for youth in the non-profit organization, Play Forever.

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Nadeen Israel
Waterloo, Avon-Maitland
Nadeen Israel Profile Picture
Nadeen Israel
Certified Financial Planner professional - Waterloo, Avon-Maitland

Nadeen acquired her true passion for financial planning early in her career when she started to see the impact her advice and guidance had on her clients.  She has since obtained her Personal Financial Planner (PFP®), Qualified Association Financial Planner (QAFPTM), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designations.

Before joining the team at Educators Financial Group, Nadeen has spent over a decade in banking including a position as an Assistant Branch Manager at RBC, where she also volunteered for community events. She is excited about how Educators is dedicated to helping the education community with their financial needs.  “Teachers are my super-heroes,” she says. “They’ve made a huge impact on who I am today, and I am proud to give back to this incredible community.”

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Natalie Adamczyk
Natalie Adamczyk Portrait
Natalie Adamczyk
Relationship Development Manager

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.

Email Natalie
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Nick Rao
Toronto/York Region
Nick Rao Profile Picture
Nick Rao
Mortgage Agent Level 1 - Regional Director, Lending Services - Toronto/York Region

“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.

Email Nick
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Nigel Goetz
Guelph/Halton
Nigel Goetz
Certified Financial Planner Professional - Guelph/Halton

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.

Email Nigel
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Phil Blouin
Barrie
Philip Blouin Portrait
Phil Blouin
PFP - Senior Financial Advisor - Barrie

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.

Email Phil
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Shannon Lamont
Guelph, Orangeville, Bluewater
Shannon Lamont Profile Picture
Shannon Lamont
RRC® – Certified Financial Planner professional - Guelph, Orangeville, Bluewater

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.

Email Shanon
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Shubam Bajaj
Head Office
Shubam Bajaj Portrait
Shubam Bajaj
Financial Advisor - Head Office

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.”

Email Shubam
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Simon Moriello
Hamilton, Niagara, Grand Erie
Simon Moriello
PFP - Senior Financial Advisor - Hamilton, Niagara, Grand Erie

Simon has been in the financial industry for 6 years, acquiring hands-on experience in banking, lending, and advising. He started as Client Advisor with RBC and worked his way to Senior Financial Advisor with Scotiabank, his most recent role before coming to Educators Financial Group.

Since graduating from the Goodman School of Business at Brock University (BBA Honours), he has taken the Canadian Securities Course and many other financial courses and acquired his Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation.

Simon enjoys helping customers meet their goals. “I enjoy witnessing the life changes that can result from expert advice and a thoughtfully-devised financial plan,” he says. “Being able to assist education professionals is particularly satisfying because these are the people we count on to empower and inspire our youth and future leaders.”

After work hours, Simon keeps active by playing soccer and tennis, cycling, and hiking, as well as traveling and immersing himself in different cultures.

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Our Leadership Team

 

Our Board of Directors

 

Peter von SchillingICD.D, CIM

Board Chair

Peter von Schilling has 25 years of experience in investment management and capital markets. Peter has extensive experience investing institutional capital in U.S. and Canadian listed equity securities with Polar Asset Management, as well as previous experience as an equity research analyst and investing in private equity. As a corporate and not-for-profit director, Peter strives to bring a broad range of skills and experience to boards including independent mindedness, critical judgement, stakeholder understanding and governance aptitude. Peter is currently on the board of Educators Financial Group, JAZZ.FM91 and the Adoption Council of Ontario and on the Investment Committee of the Institute for Research on Public Policy. Peter holds a MBA from INSEAD, a B. Math (Honours) from the University of Waterloo, a Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

 
Chuck Hamilton Profile Picture

I want to know about the financial concerns that keep education members awake at night.

Chuck Hamilton

President and Chief Executive Officer

Inquisitive by nature, Chuck enjoys interacting with members to learn about the education community, and the unique financial issues they face. He thrives on bringing value to members, drawing from his experience in marketing, investment management and financial planning. In his role, he leads corporate strategy and business development. Chuck earned a B. Sc. degree from the U. of Winnipeg, a M. Sc. degree from the U. of Manitoba, and the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation from The Directors College.

I want to know about the financial concerns that keep education members awake at night.

I am passionate about delivering an educator-specific experience that allows our members to achieve their financial goals.

Angèle Lévesque

Vice President, Marketing

After 20 years developing marketing for clients such as American Express, RBC, CIBC, D+H, Zag,Bank and Collabria, Angèle knows how easy it is for clients to feel confused about their finances. “People can get stressed by money. It’s satisfying to get to know your customers and help them make smart financial decisions.” Her busy career has taken her to Toronto, New York, and London, and included roles on both the client and agency side. Her personal life is just as busy – she’s a hockey mom, as well as the co-chair of her sons’ School Council, and on the Board of a national charity.

I am passionate about delivering an educator-specific experience that allows our members to achieve their financial goals.

Nick Hrebicek Portrait

I enjoy championing professional development, investments in new capabilities, and contributing to the communities in which we live.

Nick Hrebicek

Chief Financial Officer

As CFO, Nick is responsible for leading Educators’ Corporate Services team, comprised of high-calibre professionals, providing accurate, timely and actionable information. Working closely with business leaders, he pursues tangible solutions that address stakeholders’ needs and grow market share, while meeting regulatory requirements with sound risk management and governance practices. Nick has held senior roles with several leading Canadian financial institutions, focusing on retail banking, wealth and asset management. He earned his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University, holds the Chartered Professional Accounting designation and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.

I enjoy championing professional development, investments in new capabilities, and contributing to the communities in which we live.

I believe in working for a purpose. At Educators, this purpose is helping educators meet their financial goals.

John Busch

Vice President, Business Technology

John comes to Educators Financial Group after a successful career spanning two decades and a myriad of leadership roles and mission-critical endeavors at NCR, Manulife Financial, Manulife Securities, and Wellington-Altus Private Wealth. He brings a deep technical set of skills and wealth management experience to the new role of Vice President, Business Technology. “Educators has made significant investments in technology in the past few years,” John says. “Ensuring that this technology works reliably, and is secure, is essential to maintaining the trust our clients put in us every day.”

John’s commitment to helping others reach their goals can be seen in his personal life as well, where he’s chalked up 18 years coaching the hockey, baseball, and basketball teams that his three sons have played on.

I believe in working for a purpose. At Educators, this purpose is helping educators meet their financial goals.

Pat Bellissimo Profile Picture

I believe employee engagement is a key factor to delivering  an exceptional client experience.

Pat Bellissimo

Vice President, Human Resources

In over 25 years working in financial services, Pat has learned that happy, productive employees make for happy clients. Pat also believes that you lead people with your heart as well as your head – you use your heart to listen to the needs and feelings of others, and your head to interpret their words to establish next steps. Today, Pat is responsible for Educators’ Human Resource Strategy, including; cultural environment, talent acquisition, learning and development, compensation policy, new employee onboarding and performance management programs. She has been instrumental in utilizing human resource initiatives to establish a culture of employee engagement.

In addition to her HR responsibilities, Pat holds the position of Principle Broker of record for Educators’ brokerage unit. Pat has participated in a variety of human resources programs through Dalhousie, York and the University of Toronto and has obtained her Principal Broker of Record designations.

I believe employee engagement is a key factor to delivering  an exceptional client experience.

Helping employees and education members achieve success is very rewarding for me.

Dan Martonfi

Regional Vice-President, Client Advisory Services

With over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, 8 of which spent working specifically with education members, Dan enjoys helping people achieve their financial goals. Dan completed his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, Canadian Securities Course, Financial Planning I and II, Wealth Management Essentials and the Conduct and Practices Course. While he’s now calling Brooklin home, he lived south of the border for some time working as a Financial Advisor for a large American firm. 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 not only led him to Educators Financial Group, but also to volunteer with the Junior Achievement Program, where he applies both his passion and expertise to increase the financial literacy of our youth. Dan also volunteers with FP Canada, assisting with scoring the Certified Financial Planner exam.

Helping employees and education members achieve success is very rewarding for me.

Karen - Educators Financial Group

I truly enjoy working with our advisors and members in finding new ways to enhance our overall client experience.

Karen Hubbard

Regional Vice-President, Client Advisory Services

In addition to being an educational advocate, Karen brings to the team over 20 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 and has her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) 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.”

I truly enjoy working with our advisors and members in finding new ways to enhance our overall client experience.

 

Working at Educators Financial Group

We’re made up of talented, creative, dedicated, and passionate problem solvers. We appreciate people who help make dreams a reality for our clients and our organization.

Thank you for your interest in applying to work at Educators Financial Group.

Current Positions

Not sure if you see a fit right now?

Send us your resume with cover letter at careers@educatorsfinancialgroup.ca and when there’s something available, we’ll get in touch.

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