Meet Our Investment Advisors

Anca is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) who specializes in helping high net worth families, business owners, and professionals reach their financial goals. Prior to coming to Canada in 2013, Anca achieved a bachelor’s degree in Law from the Police Academy in Romania.

After graduating top in her class, Anca worked for Ministry of Internal Affairs helping to mitigate organized crime.

Anca’s life experience, creative approach, and keen attention to detail allows her clients to feel confident that all their

options have been explored.

In her free time, Anca is an avid theatre-goer who enjoys exploring the outdoors and discovering new food

combinations with her husband Laurian and their son Sebastian.

Andrew Haefling started with BMO in 2014 where he was an Investment Specialist with BMO InvestorLine. After that he moved on to be a Financial Planner with BMO Financial Group before joining BMO Nesbitt Burns as an Investment Advisor in 2018. Andrew is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University majoring in Honours Economics and Financial  Management.

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Our approach is simple; provide an exceptional client experience built upon a foundation of strong financial literacy and trust. This approach has served our clients effectively for well over a decade, and I take great pride in helping each achieve their sense of financial freedom. Above all, I am most grateful for the enduring relationships we have nurtured with our clients. It is truly a win-win situation.

With a passion for continuous learning, I'm committed to helping make your financial journey feel clear, approachable, and tailored to your life. I focus on translating financial concepts into everyday language so you feel informed and confident in the decisions you're making. No jargon, just real conversations. That said, I also enjoy connecting with clients who appreciate a more technical discussion. I hold the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation and am a licensed Life Insurance Advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns, which allows me to support a wide range of planning needs from foundational advice to more advanced strategies. No matter where you are at, I'm here to guide you with thoughtful, personalized support.

My young family and I have a passion for health, fitness, and travel. We love to explore new destinations along with friends while enjoying an active lifestyle!
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A Financial Advisor for 2 decades, David focuses on assisting individuals, business owners and self-employed professionals build wealth and develop sound financial and estate plans, that meet their personal needs. An additional focus, is the use of tax efficient investing techniques to reduce the overall income tax burden.

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Dilk Dhanapala is dedicated to providing highly personalized wealth management service to a select group of individuals, families and corporations.

Dilk graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, Canada) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, and he is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP)® professional.  He has been providing financial, investment, insurance, trust and estate planning advice to families, professionals and business owners since 1995.

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With almost 30 years of experience guiding families to stay on the correct path to financial success, I assist a select group of families in Kitchener-Waterloo and throughout Southwestern Ontario to manage their investments and plan proactively to achieve their goals.

My customized investment strategies emphasize preservation of capital and long-term growth. My team and I will also work with your lawyer and accountant to ensure your retirement and estate plans for wealth transfer are in good order.

Through personalized advice, we can help you to ensure you have enough resources to live as you want to, help you to make sense of what you have and understand what it means for your future, and bring clarity amidst the noise and insight into how it impacts your finances.

With vision for the big picture and a sharp eye for details, we will work closely with you to ensure you are well prepared and confident in your financial decisions for your family’s future.

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Phone: 519-886-6135

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Jason joined Nesbitt Burns in 2016 after spending several years in Wealth Management at another major Canadian financial institution. He works closely with clients to develop a customized investment strategy for their needs, using a variety of investment, retirement, financial, estate and tax planning strategies in the process.

Jason is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and will leverage their Financial Plan to help them navigate their journey. Jason has obtained his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Financial Management Advisor, and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute designations, and is also a Life Insurance Advisor with BMO Estate Insurance Advisory Services Inc.

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James’s career as an investment professional has spanned over 30 years. He is a Senior Investment and Wealth Advisor servicing clients out of the Waterloo office of BMO Nesbitt Burns.
He continues to take a keen interest in professional development by attending national conferences and seminars. To help accumulate, manage and preserve personal wealth, James provides a full range of wealth management services. Be it investment strategies, financial planning, banking services, philanthropy or legacy planning. With our in-house specialists and access to the expert resources within BMO Wealth Management, he has the services and resources you need to reach your financial goals. He offers timely, relevant, high quality investment advice.

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Jeremy Zymerman offers top-tier investment and wealth management services with experience, knowledge and care and builds a comfortable, personalized relationship with our clients. Jeremy has over 27 years of experience in the financial services industry and has completed the Canadian Financial Planning designation (CFP) with FP Canada.

Inspired by his father’s career in the financial services industry, Jeremy started working for the bank part-time while earning his Diploma in Police Foundations from Conestoga College. He loved the many different career opportunities and continuing education available within the bank and discovered that he has a talent for providing great service and helping clients understand complex ideas. So he pivoted from a career in law enforcement to a career providing wealth advisory services. Jeremy has also attained the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.

Jeremy is a member of the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo, Jeremy now resides in Elora with his lovely wife, Georgina, and their two boys, Wyatt and Logan. Jeremy loves doing home renovations and pursuing his lifelong love of camping. Jeremy inherited his mother’s love for the arts, and they are a big part of his life. He plays several instruments and loves listening to music, painting and doing stained glass.

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Phone: 519-823-1532

Kelly’s experience in the Financial Services Industry spans over 30+ years with BMO Financial Group.   After progressing through many roles in retail banking she left my last role as Area Manager in 2007 to   join Nesbitt Burns as an Investment Advisor. The combination of past experience and her continuing education allows her to work closely with clients to understand the challenges they face and work  together on financial solutions specific to their needs.

As a Wealth Advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns, she is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional and also an Insurance Advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns Financial Services Inc.

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Kyle is part of the DKM Wealth Management Team who’s mission it is to provide thoughtful, client-centered wealth management grounded in exceptional service, disciplined goals-based investing, and comprehensive financial planning. We take pride in building long-term relationships, understanding what matters most to each client, and helping them navigate life’s financial decisions with clarity and confidence. While we are grateful to be recognized among the leading teams in our region, we remain focused on continuous improvement and delivering consistent, dependable outcomes that align with our clients’ goals.
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Leif has been working with business owners and their families for the better part of a decade. Prior to joining BMO Nesbitt Burns, Leif was apart of our Commercial Banking and Global Asset Management division in both Vancouver & Toronto. His many years of experience has him well equipped to offer affluent individuals and their families customized wealth management & tax planning services. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, Leif actively serves on the board of directors for both the National Service Dogs Charity and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo region. Leif can often be found around town playing golf or walking his chocolate lab, Cello.

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Mark has worked in the investment industry for 30 years. Prior to joining BMO Nesbitt Burns in 2008,  Mark specialized in financial planning with BMO Bank of Montreal.He prides himself on building long lasting relationships with his clients and their families. He brings a depth and breadth of knowledge surrounding the ever changing market atmosphere and provides specialized solutions for clients with complex wealth management needs.

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For over 20 years I have had the pleasure of working with clients not only on managing their investment portfolios but in helping to guide them through their each unique life changes.  Prior to joining BMO Nesbitt Burns in 2002, I specialized as a financial planner with BMO Bank of Montreal. 

My goal as your Wealth Advisor is to help you make the best choices for you and your family. My disciplined and personalized approach to managing your financial affairs makes me uniquely qualified and differentiates myself from my competitors. Working with me you will find that I identify obstacles and opportunities and provide you with tools that youeed to make informed financial decisions.

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Nadine Meek, Senior Wealth Advisor, BMO Nesbitt Burns is the principal of Meek Wealth Advisory.

Each day Nadine is rewarded with the opportunity and privilege of helping families. She genuinely appreciates the responsibility she has to her clients and greets her role as Senior Wealth Advisor with honesty and integrity. Nadine believes that what matters most in life are family, health and happiness. She strives to combine her core beliefs with her investment management and financial planning expertise to assist families in enjoying what matters most to them.

Nadine is committed to ongoing professional development to maintain her leadership role in the constantly changing world of financial services. Nadine has received the Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designation which is recognized as the security industry’s highest mark of distinction. In addition, she is a Certified Investment Manager (CIM), Financial Manager Advisor (FMA) and Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM). As a designated CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® or CFP® professional, Nadine is dedicated to the highest level of professionalism in providing financial planning advice. Nadine is also proud to be a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging and understands how the process of aging influences the health, social and financial considerations of mature Canadians. Nadine is active in the community of Orangeville where she makes her home with her husband, Robert.

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With over 33 years of experience in the financial services industry, Pam is recognized for her disciplined investment approach and passion for empowering clients to achieve clarity and confidence in their financial lives. Pam excels at transforming complexity into actionable strategies, delivering proven results with reliability, honesty, and trustworthiness, while infusing every client interaction with warmth, directness, and a sense of fun.

Pam’s journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, instilling a deep appreciation for growth, stewardship, and long-term vision. She later earned her Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, strengthening her commitment to guiding individuals toward financial security and well-being.

Outside of her professional life, Pam is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing, pickleball, cycling, and exploring the natural beauty of Thornbury, Ontario, where she resides with her husband. She frequently visits British Columbia to spend time with her two sons, especially during winter ski trips.

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Rick Brenneman started his career in financial services in 1999 with Manulife Financial working with Manulife Securities International. In 2003, Rick joined CIBC Wood Gundy as a Financial Associate and then as an Associate Investment Advisor. After 15 years with CIBC Wood Gundy, Rick has joined BMO Nesbit Burns as an Investment Advisor.  Rick takes pride in working with clients and assisting them in achieving  their financial goals and dreams. He enjoys working closely with clients and getting to know them. He takes pride in doing what is right for his clients, with the utmost honesty and integrity. Rick is fully Life Insurance & Securities Licensed, and holds a Professional Financial Planner designation.

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Russ grew up in Kitchener and attended Conestoga College, where he graduated with honours from the Financial Planning Program.

He holds several industry designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), Financial Management Advisor (FMA), and Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA).

With over 20 years of experience, Russ has been helping clients achieve their financial goals through thoughtful wealth planning and long-term strategies tailored to their individual needs.

Russ lives in Breslau with his children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and being at the cottage.

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Phone: 519-823-7751

Sara began her career at BMO in 2015 , with a brief period at Scotia Global Asset Management before returning back to BMO Nesbitt Burns 2021. She graduated from Western University with an Honors degree in Criminology and Minor in English Literature. Sara is Life Insurance licensed, and she is currently working on completing her PFP (Personal Financial Planner) and CIWM (Certified International Wealth Manager) designations. Sara grew up in Waterloo and now lives in Conestogo with her husband, Keegan and Newfoundland Poodle, Murphy. Outside of work she is an avid reader, enjoys golfing, and loves spending time with her friends and family.

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My passion within my career is to demystify many of the complex financial anxieties that the majority of Canadians face.  From the most simplistic budgeting and savings strategies to intricate wealth planning techniques; I am proud to be a breadth of knowledge and hopefully a refreshing voice on how to manage your money, your investments and retirement planning.

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Scott Ellis was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario. He attended the University of Guelph, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, in Management Economics Industry and Finance. Scott joined the BMO Financial Group in 2009 and he brings both focus and enthusiasm to the office every day to ensure that all of our clients' needs are met. Scott has completed the Wealth Management Essential and the Professional Financial Planning course through the Canadian Securities Institute.

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Sean is a Senior Portfolio Manager with more than 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. With a strong track record in investment strategy and portfolio optimization, Sean is passionate about helping clients achieve long-term financial success through disciplined planning and data-driven decision-making. Sean brings years of experience in managing diverse portfolios and fostering trusted relationships.

Sean is a graduate of Queen’s University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Sean’s ideology in portfolio management stems from a place of finding a solid foundation to build from.

Outside of work, he enjoys skiing on the slopes of Blue Mountain, cycling along Georgian Bay, and exploring local trails.

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Steve has been an Investment Advisor at BMO Nesbitt Burns since 2000 and is a recipient of the Director’s Award in recognition of his successful practice. Steve has pursued additional accreditation to further support his clients; he maintains designations as a Chartered Investment Manager, Financial Management Advisor and Professional Financial Planner. He is a Portfolio Manager as well as being a Life Insurance Advisor with BMO Estate Insurance Advisory Services Inc. Steve graduated with Honours from the University of Waterloo in 1994.

Steve is one of the few hands-on Investment Advisors left in the business. He spends a great deal of time at the initial consultation gaining an understanding of his client’s goals as well as at subsequent review meetings ensuring he is on track to helping achieve them. As the lead Investment Advisor of the Schaefer Wealth Advisory Group, he is responsible for overseeing all the investment recommendations and decisions that are implemented in his clients’ accounts. Steve draws on the information extracted during the Financial Plan process to ensure his clients receive the highest level of guidance as it pertains to preserving their wealth. In addition to investment strategies, this may include estate planning, tax planning, insurance planning, pension planning, and succession planning and Steve also has received tremendous appreciation as a result of his expertise helping his clients strategically arrange their income during retirement.

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Phone: 519-886-2505

Fax: 519-886-3698

Strachan’s career began at the Bank of Montreal in 1996 directly following her graduation from Queen’s University.  Strachan began with the Bank of Montreal at the main branch in Ottawa, followed by 3 years with BMO Private Bank and then transferred to BMO Nesbitt Burns in 2000 to begin her career as an Investment Advisor. 

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Tanya has enjoyed helping clients achieve their financial goals and working with families managing wealth strategies for more than 20 years.
 
She has lived in the city of Guelph for the past 25 years with her husband Mike and two children Mila and Aidan.  Tanya values quality time spent with her family. She enjoys travelling, exploring different cultures, hiking and curling up with a great book.

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Phone: 519-823-1934

Teri offers clients a wealth of experience and expertise with over 25 years of experience in the financial planning and investment advisory industry. This experience gives her insight and understanding to provide specialized solutions for clients with complex wealth management needs. Teri has several industry accreditations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, and is a Life Insurance Advisor with BMO Estate Insurance Advisory Services Inc.

If you need personal guidance with your investments, we would be happy to help. Whether you are investing for a business, organization or yourself, we can custom-design a portfolio to meet your specific needs.

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Tom moved to Waterloo in 2010. He comes to us from BMO Nesbitt Burns in Toronto where he was a senior business development manager in our Head Office's Managed Assets Group. Tom brings with him, 20 years of experience in developing customized portfolio solutions for investment advisors at BMO Nesbitt Burns.

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For over 20 years I have had the pleasure of working with clients not only on managing their investment portfolios but in helping to guide them through numerous life changes.  My role as a Wealth Advisor has provided me with the knowledge to help clients explore their options beyond simply retirement and consider other avenues that their wealth allows them to afford, such as helping children, philanthropic initiatives and exploring individual passions.  It has been a pleasure to develop genuine relationships with my clients that extends beyond a simple rate of return.

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