Josh joined the team in 2018 as a Portfolio Manager, after spending six years at iA Private Wealth’s head office as a part of the team managing the firm’s fee-based investment platforms. Having interacted with hundreds of investment advisors nationwide, Josh has had the unique opportunity to identify the traits that make a financial service practice successful. Drawing on this experience, Josh believes in a disciplined approach to investment management, supported by a rigorous client discovery process and regular client interaction.

Josh graduated from the University of Guelph in 2012 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Economics & Finance. He has since attained his Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Investment Manager designations. He makes use of his education and academic mindset, combined with his passion for everything investing and financial markets, as a member of our Portfolio Management Com

Upon completion of his BA in Economics at McMaster in 1986, Steve’s career began more than three decades ago – in the very early days of discount brokerage. He was fortunate to join that facet of financial services during its infancy stage and to be a key player in driving the implementation of technology and service standards to build the foundation that discount brokerage in Canada continued to grow on.

Steve joined the team in 2019, and before that spent 15 years Steve working closely with Investment Advisors across the country to help them develop and maintain a focus on investment management while sharing his ethos of “just doing the right thing” for clients. Steve is passionate about the critical importance of embracing a logic-based approach to investment decisions; never allowing undue influence from emotion or media, instead concentrating on long-term results.

A graduate of the University of Ottawa, Diandra received a degree in Commerce, majoring in finance. Inspired by an eye-opening visit to Toronto’s Bay Street in 2010, Diandra is committed to reshaping the financial industry’s landscape by advocating for greater gender parity while educating and empowering families to make informed decisions about their wealth.  

Joining Verecan was a natural choice for Diandra, drawn by our client-centric approach and commitment to positive change in the industry. With a decade of experience spanning brokerage, wholesale, and multi-family office settings, she possesses a deep understanding of industry dynamics and client needs. Diandra is a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and is currently pursuing the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification to further enhance what she can offer clients. Diandra firmly believes in using the transformative power of financial planning to shape individuals’ and families’ futures by answering life’s critical questions. 

In her spare time, Diandra enjoys running, mountain biking, yoga, and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs with her husband.  

Raj Vaidya joined us in 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience in business administration, process improvement, training and leadership roles in Canada’s fast-paced, productivity-driven financial services, insurance and investment industry. Analytical-minded with an in-depth awareness of leadership goals, business analysis, and client needs, Raj is committed to excellence and the client’s best interest.

At Verecan, Raj enjoys working with the team providing strong administrative support and takes pride in helping build & maintain solid client relationships by providing superior service experience to our valued clients, team members and partners.  

A strong believer in the power of positive thinking, Raj regularly shares internal wellness practices to assist family & friends with effective mental health techniques. As a proud mother, Raj’s top priority is connecting and chatting with her beloved daughter, Shalvaree and Son (in-law) Yash, along with their fur babies-Ms.Clio (an adorable Havanese) and Mr.Lobo (A gentle German Shepherd). 

Shawna’s extensive background in the financial services industry began in 1997 after becoming licensed with IIROC and starting her career at Beacon Securities Ltd. Throughout her career, Shawna has held senior positions with multiple organizations in the financial services industry, including DundeeWealth, Hollis Wealth and Assante Wealth Management. 

Shawna has a reputation for achieving results with an emphasis on team development and relationships. She has a proven track record of leadership, managing corporate risk, building employee engagement, and implementing & leading the success of major corporate initiatives.

Shawna sat on IIROC’s NS District Council for eight years and served as Chairperson representing Nova Scotia on IIROC’s National Advisory Committee for 2 years.

Fun fact about Shawna that you might not know — she’s a huge Walt Disney World fan. She loves WDW for the attention to detail – from taking care of guests to honouring the past with little touches all around the parks to the completely immersive experience of being there. One of her favourite quotes is by Walt Disney, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible” — we think that’s fitting based on her track record of getting results!

Arlene joined us in 2023 as a Wealth Administrator, bringing over 25 years of accounting and financial services experience. In her previous roles, she travelled nationwide, providing expertise in administration, client service, HR and Tax Compliance to various firms and businesses in Yukon, BC, Alberta, Nova Scotia & Ontario. She holds diplomas in Tourism Management and Office Management Services. 

Arlene loves building client relationships and is driven to help create exceptional client experiences.

Outside the office, Arlene is a Life Member of the Burl-Oak Theatre Group, where over the years, she has had memorable roles on stage and behind the scenes on numerous productions. She is a poet, baseball fan, history buff, avid reader, and she treasures time spent with her family and friends. On weekends in the summer, Arlene and family can be found at African Lion Safari listening to the lions roar!

Sadie has been serving our clients in Nelson since 2007. In 2016 she embarked on a new role within our team and has continued to expand her responsibilities. Her problem-solving abilities are second to none, and she has proved to be an invaluable part of our team’s success. Today, Sadie is responsible for company-wide operations as well as day-to-day management and professional development of the administrative team across Canada.

Sadie was born and raised in Nelson, BC and is a proud supporter of the community, serving as a member of the local Rotary Club and the Kootenay Swim Club. Sadie is a loving mother to Sawyer and Grayson, who are also growing up to appreciate Nelson and enjoy an active Kootenay lifestyle.