Our team

“I help people make financial decisions they can stand behind, today and years from now.”

I grew up seeing two very different versions of what “enough” could mean.

My parents built their own business from the ground up, a private medical clinic in rural Mexico. As it grew, I saw firsthand the risks and responsibilities of entrepreneurship. I watched my father quietly waive his own surgeon’s fees so patients without means could still receive care, while keeping the business sustainable for our family. Witnessing the divide between those with access and those without left a lasting impression. It taught me that money is more than comfort or security. It shapes choices, determines access, and carries responsibility.

Family has always been central to my life, which is why leaving home at age 15 to come to Canada for school was one of the hardest decisions I have made. I knew it offered better long-term opportunities, but it came at a real personal cost, time away from family and the familiarity of home. That experience showed me how financial realities influence major life decisions, often requiring sacrifice long before the benefits are clear.

That perspective deepened during the 2008 global financial crisis. While studying economics and finance at the University of Manitoba, I was surrounded by stories of uncertainty and loss. Friends struggled to find work after graduating. Families and family friends lost jobs or businesses. Some peers left school to help support their families. Seeing how quickly circumstances could change reinforced why I was drawn to this profession, to help people think clearly during important life moments, when the stakes feel personal and the consequences matter.

Today, I help families, professionals, and business owners bring structure and clarity to their financial lives. My work combines thoughtful investment management, tax aware planning, and long-term strategies that support each stage of wealth, from accumulation to preservation and estate considerations. Clients describe me as calm, direct, and disciplined, especially during periods of uncertainty. They value my ability to put myself in their shoes and walk them through the implications of their decisions, both today and years down the road.

I bring over 12 years of experience in the financial industry. Earlier in my career, I worked as a commercial insurance broker and underwriter, helping people protect what they were building. That experience shaped how I think about risk and reinforced the importance of recommending protection only when it adds real value. Today, my practice focuses on discretionary portfolio management, comprehensive financial planning, and guiding families and business owners through every stage of wealth.

Outside of work, my time revolves around my family, my wife, Sabrina, and our daughter, Sofia. I enjoy staying active, travelling, especially back to Mexico to see my family, and playing acoustic guitar. I am self-taught, and when I am in the flow, I can play for hours, or until Sofia lets me know it is time to stop singing.

“Good guidance starts by seeing the decision through the client’s eyes. I approach every decision as if the outcome matters personally – because it does.”

From an early age, I saw what it meant to take responsibility for outcomes, set your own standards, and build something with intention and discipline. I grew up in South Africa, surrounded by entrepreneurship. My father worked for himself and started several businesses, my mother was a self-published author, and my godfather founded an asset management firm. Observing their worlds shaped how I approach work, decision-making, and stewardship.

My original training in television journalism taught me the value of listening closely during meaningful conversations about people’s ambitions and perspectives. This skill is crucial for truly understanding what matters to clients and what they hope to achieve - especially as motivations and circumstances change over time due to family dynamics and personal bias.

Alongside this, an interest in global markets, business and finance led me to a role in public relations consulting, where I worked closely with banks and financial institutions on topics ranging from the market, economy and the decisions people make when money meets emotion.

Upon moving to Canada, wealth management revealed itself as the intersection of my interests. A blend of finance, business, and human psychology – centred on people, their stories and guiding them through life’s key decisions. I originally joined Fidelity Investments before transitioning to National Bank Financial, where I work closely with clients to understand their needs and help them make thoughtful, informed decisions.

Today, with Trivela Family Wealth I guide clients through a range of financial and life transitions. Some of which include, selling a business, planning a smooth transfer of wealth between generations, or planning for retirement. Working alongside my clients, I develop tailored financial strategies that clearly outline the impact of each choice on tax, estate planning, cash flow and lifestyle. So, they gain clarity on their options and a deeper understanding of what each path truly means for their future.

Beyond the office, I cherish time spent with my wife and young son, who bring a steady sense of balance to everything I do. My travels keep me connected with family around the world, with South Africa holding a special place in my heart. I enjoy being outdoors, staying active in endurance sports on both land and the water. More recently, I’ve set my sights on returning to sailing – a pursuit inspired by my experience in the yachting world.

“At its core, my work is about empowerment. When people truly understand their options, they make better decisions – and feel better living with them.”

I didn’t start out in finance. I started out trying to understand people.

Before wealth management, I worked in hospitality, studied sports psychology, and spent much of my early life immersed in sport – playing competitive soccer and hockey, coaching both, and working as a snowboard instructor. Athletics taught me discipline, resilience, and shaped how I think about progress: it happens when people feel supported, not judged.

I came to school later than most, at 24, and eventually pivoted into business administration where I discovered a natural aptitude for math. But more importantly, I realized financial planning offered a way to genuinely help people.

I began my career in financial services in 2000, shifting into wealth management as a Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Advisor at ScotiaMcLeod in 2005. Later I continued in the same role here at National Bank Financial, with a deepened focus on long-term planning and disciplined investment management.

Today, I help business owners, professionals, and families understand their relationship with money so they can make considered decisions. Advice only matters when people understand the trade-offs and consequences, so they can act with confidence. My role is to guide clients through their options so they can make decisions with clarity and – and look back on those decisions without regret.

My approach is grounded in financial planning first and investment planning second. We start with today’s reality, explore different scenarios and work collaboratively toward the future they want. I’m a deep thinker by nature, and spend time between meetings to reflect, refine, and stress-test ideas before bringing them back for discussion. I focus on making complex concepts clear, practical, and meaningful.

Money conversations can be uncomfortable, so I bring humour and non-judgement to the process. When people feel at ease, they’re more honest – and that’s when real progress happens.

Outside of work, I stay active in sports, play in local bands, and enjoy life with my partner and our blended family – consisting of three boys, two dogs, and a healthy dose of organized chaos. I also serve on the boards of local hospice and regional.

“Calm in fast markets, thanks to sunrise runs, two dogs, and well-managed caffeine.”

I entered the financial industry early, and somewhat accidentally. Though I knew I was drawn to working in a professional environment, fate intervened to tell me which one.

I joined Midland Doherty, a mid-sized investment brokerage firm, at age 19, not sure what I was getting into. What began as an administrative role quickly became something more. I was fortunate to work alongside people who recognized my aptitude and encouraged me to pursue formal credentials and expand my responsibilities. That early vote of confidence shaped a career that has continued to evolve through growth, acquisition and increasing complexity – including the transition to National Bank Financial.

Today, as a Senior Wealth Associate with Trivela Family Wealth, I’m often described as the team’s steady center of gravity, acting as a conduit between advisors and associates – part problem solver, part referee and unofficial office union rep. My primary responsibility is trading within discretionary portfolios, executing movements with discipline and attention to detail – where precision and timing matter. It’s work that requires focus, accountability, and a deep respect for the trust clients place in us.

What I bring to the role is balance. I combine analytical rigor with calm perspective, and I believe that in demanding environments, clarity and composure make better outcomes possible. I’ve loved the markets since the beginning. They reward curiosity, discipline, continuous learning – and keep you humble. I still start each day listening to CNBC, keeping pace with the markets and the broader context shaping them.

Equally important to me is people. I enjoy working directly with clients, helping them understand what’s happening beneath the headlines and feel confident in the decisions being made on their behalf. I also take pride in mentoring younger colleagues, supporting their growth and contributing to the strength and continuity of the team.

Outside of work, I stay grounded through movement and curiosity. I run almost daily – often with my two dogs setting the pace – and am rarely without a podcast or market commentary in my ears. Cooking is my other outlet. I enjoy experimenting with different cuisines, and yes, that includes making meals for my dogs. 

"I’m a lifelong learner who thrives on new challenges, meaningful connections, and a little organized chaos.”

I didn’t set out to build a career in wealth management, but once I found my way here it felt like the right fit.

My academic background is psychology and kinesiology, and after university I found myself unsure about what should come next. While working in hospitality, a contact I knew at Trivela mentioned they were looking for someone highly organized to support their team. I joined as an executive assistant to three senior advisors, and the role evolved into my current Associate position, where I ensure the client experience runs smoothly behind the scenes.

What I love most about my role is that no two days look the same. I’m a variety seeker by nature, so the constant opportunity to learn, adapt, and always take on something new energizes me. While much of what I do has been learned on the job, my education taught me strong time management, organization, and people skills – all of which I draw on daily. 

I enjoy interaction with clients and building genuine relationships. I try to bring empathy, optimism, and efficiency into every interaction, helping people move through tasks and decisions with confidence and ease. Clients often tell me they appreciate my optimistic cheerfulness. I credit my psychology background for helping me meet people where they are.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with family and friends, often over long game nights (Settlers of Catan is a favourite). I’ve recently gotten into Pilates to keep both my mind and body balanced. Outlets for my creativity and love of variety include painting, sewing and travel – especially when trips combine great food, meaningful sights, and time to relax. 

“My role is about making sure people feel supported, informed, and genuinely looked after. Both at work and at home.”

I sometimes joke that I won the job lottery, because this work – and my colleagues – align so closely with who I am. Finance has always mattered to me. Long before it was my profession, I was the person carefully tracking my own money and quietly becoming the go-to sounding board for family members with financial questions. Over time, I realized there was a natural intersection between my interest in financial planning and the business management skills I’d been building throughout my career.

My professional path has given me a strong foundation in service and operations. I spent 18 years with St. John’s Ambulance, starting as a call-centre agent and working my way into an operations management role. I later worked with the Canada Revenue Agency, providing frontline tax information to Canadians. After stepping away to welcome my daughter into the world, I returned to the workforce with a renewed focus and followed my long-standing interest in finance, finding my way to the Trivela Family Wealth team at National Bank Financial.

At Trivela, my role is deeply client focused. I’m the person behind the scenes ensuring the experience feels seamless. From coordinating appointments and client events to helping with online access and day-to-day needs. My goal is to make things easier and more personal for the people we serve, so clients feel supported and valued at every touchpoint.

Clients and colleagues alike tend to appreciate my reliability and calm adaptability most. I’m highly detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable keeping many moving parts on track at once. At the same time, I’m easy-going and quick to pivot when priorities change. People know they can count on me. If I don’t have an answer, I welcome the opportunity to find it. Continuous learning helps me always be able to give a solid response. Trust matters, and I take that responsibility seriously.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my daughter and my family – often playing board games and listening to music (my taste is eclectic – almost anything but heavy metal). Family is everything to me, and I’m grateful to work with colleagues who feel like an extension of that same support system.