Our counsellors and compass holders

We provide steady navigation during certain and increasingly uncertain times. The financial industry is not easy to understand or guide. We have been at this for a long time, and our clients understand and trust that we get them and have their backs. We balance individual needs against uncertain markets.

Adam Payne, CFA

President//Chief Compliance Officer

Anything by Malcolm Gladwell, can lift heavy objects.

It’s not surprising that the founding members of Kinsted jumped at the chance to hire Adam. He graduated in the top ten percent of his class, received the Queens Venturer Award, and is remarkably kind-hearted and easy to talk to, or as his daughter describes him “selfless and nice”. Adam likes to spend his time travelling with his wife and their three children, powerlifting, and reading anything by Malcolm Gladwell or Michael Lewis. He also manages to squeeze in volunteer work for Scouts Canada, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Calgary Food Bank. 

Jeff Howard, CFA

Wealth Counsellor//CEO

Top-ranked cribbage player in the office.

When it comes to wealth management Jeff has done it all — he ran his own very successful financial planning business, he worked for a large multinational bank, as well as an insurance company, and has been managing portfolios for close to a decade. He’s a great listener, a man of convictions, and makes time to know his clients on a personal level. Personal, and industry accolades aside, Jeff’s biggest claim to fame, aside from finding a charming lawyer lady to marry him, may be his wonderfully dry sense of humour. If his penchant for hilarious side-comments delivered with a stone-cold expression doesn’t at least garner a chuckle, you’re probably not human. A real family man, Jeff is happiest spending time with his wife and two kids at their cabin, and thoroughly enjoys a game of cribbage. Outside of time with the family, Jeff can be found golfing or playing hockey, two sports which he professes to enjoy mostly for the post-game beer. He’s also a massive fan of the NFL, with a life-long dream of making it to every stadium in the world. 

Royce Baker, CFA

Chairman//Wealth Counsellor

Excellent campfire vocalist, passionate about the market.

Royce’s gregarious, fun-loving nature is immediately apparent to anyone who meets him. Anyone who spends time with him knows that in addition to enjoying a good laugh Royce is also a perceptive and intuitive leader with a huge heart. He was called to the industry by a deep passion for the market and behavioural finance and has spent the past three decades as a portfolio manager, crafting investment strategies for private clients, foundations and trusts. Before he entered the world of finance, Royce spent years chasing pucks on a scholarship from Dalhousie. Nowadays, along with his wife Lisa, he’s chasing his three sons across Canada, as they pursue degrees at various universities. Outside of work Royce loves golf, socializing, coaching team sports, fly-fishing and a good campfire sing-along.

Josh Nakesch, CFA

Wealth Counsellor

Board sport enthusiast, part time dog trainer.

Josh has a positive, straightforward disposition. He joined the Kinsted team from a large independent firm. A true financial whiz, when he’s not at work, he donates his time to the Dear Heart Foundation as their Director of Finance. Outside of his passion for numbers, he loves any sport that involves a board. Summers alongside his wife and daughter are dedicated to surfing, winters to snowboarding, but he’ll also say yes to golf, hiking, or just about anything that involves being outside. The dynamic duo have also added a German Shepherd puppy to the mix to join them on their adventures.

Mike van Son, CFA

Wealth Counsellor

College basketball champ, recreational creative thinker.

Known as 'Smiley Mike,' this guy finds a way to prosper with positivity in every situation. Mike has worked with multiple teams within the wealth management industry and has experience ranging from portfolio management to client acquisition. When he's not hitting the office, he's hitting the court for some post work b-ball, or learning classic rock songs on his guitar. In his university years he played for the Concordia Thunder before moving to Lethbridge. As a people person, Mike has brought loads of success to the team. He takes his radiant personality wherever he goes, including his jaunts to Costa Rica, Norway, and Texas, to name a few.

Chris Perry, MBA, CFA

Wealth Counsellor

Philomath with a soft spot for board games.

The definition of a Philomath is a person who loves to learn and study. Chris, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a CFA Charter and an MBA with a Finance concentration, seems to fit this definition. However, he is so much more. Chris can be described as an energetic motivator who is personable and determined. He started his career as a Petroleum Engineer, before a love of capital markets and finance had him transitioning to Investment Banking and finally, to Wealth Management. An avid reader, Chris has been gravitating to more fiction in his spare time, and you can find Ayn Rand and Michael Lewis as well as J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin on his bookshelf. When he’s not hitting the books, you can find Chris hitting the links, cooking exciting meals with his lovely wife, playing board games, or going on walks with his new baby and his dog , Maggie. 

Alex Maclean, CFA

Wealth Counsellor

Potterhead with a shocking shoe collection.

Although she is still early in her career, Alex has already dipped her toes into several areas of the financial services industry. A notorious go-getter, she has represented Mount Royal University as team captain at the CFA Institute’s Research Challenge in addition to acting as a Supervisory Analyst in the Student Investment Fund. But finance isn’t the only thing Alex dips her toes into; she is a proud shoe collector with over 150 pairs and counting - we have yet to see her rocking the same pair twice. In addition to her flourishing collection, Alex can’t seem to take a break from continuing her education. Already strapped with a Finance degree, Alex has obtained her LLQP license, a land administration certificate, and passed her CFA Charter exam. When she’s not hitting the books or shopping for shoes, you can find Alex at the gym, listening to podcasts, watching murder mysteries, or binging Harry Potter with a glass of wine and her sassy cat, Doris.

Nick Dooley, CFA

Wealth Counsellor

Venturesome musician, fan of Nickelback.

Born in Calgary, Nick has an aptitude for outdoor sports and music, stemming from hobbies like skiing, camping, hiking, and even recording his own rock album. His persistent lifestyle challenges him every time he tries something new and is a solid quality to portray in his education and industry work. Having worked at multiple private wealth firms, Nick brings a breadth of knowledge in portfolio management and financial markets to the Kinsted team. He is a CFA Charterholder and attended the University of Calgary with a focus in finance. On top of everything else, he’s an easygoing and amiable person to those around him. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music ranging from Nickelback to Brad Paisley, traveling with his girlfriend, and watching Wall Street thrillers such as Margin Call or The Big Short, to name a few. 

Adam Osterling, CIM

Associate Wealth Counsellor

Life-long athlete, forever student.

Born and raised in Calgary, Adam lives for any chance he gets to be outdoors and active. Regardless of the season, you can find Adam shredding down a mountain by bike, skis, or snowboard. Adam came to Kinsted with a broad depth of experience in the investment industry, where he focused on solving the issues most prevalent to investors. Not only is he known to be respectful, empathetic, and enthusiastic, Adam has a team-oriented disposition which explains his life-long love for football. This passion goes way back and landed him as the University of Calgary Dinos team receiver and also sees him as a youth community football coach for the past several years. Aside from sports, Adam holds the Chartered Investment Manager designation, is registered as an Associate Advising Representative and is pursuing his MBA. When he’s not reading the GMAT study guide, you can also find Adam working on his “A” game on the golf course and spending time with his beloved pooch, Winston.

Josh Carter

Associate Wealth Counsellor

Sensible Sky Diving Spaniard

We introduce you to the Josh of all trades… or he’s just the guy who’s run multiple Marathons, can speak fluent Spanish, and has gone sky diving, to name a few things. With such a versatile personality, it’s no surprise that Josh also has a passion for the markets, and to further his financial knowledge, he’s currently pursuing the CFA designation. Over the years, Josh has developed a strong skill set in the financial services industry, striving to provide excellent service and advice to clients. Apart from his professional life, Josh is also easygoing and loves outdoor activities like golf, basketball, and being out on the water, but at the end of the day, he always enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two daughters. And if we haven’t already told you enough about Josh, he’s also a bit of a bookworm, as he’s currently tackling 5 different novels with a particular interest in self-improvement stories.

Jodi Johnston

Team Lead, Client Services

Ginger-coloured cat owner, might be magic.

With more than a decade of experience managing relationships and logistics in the financial industry, Jodi is a beacon of positivity wherever she goes, but has really brought the magic to Kinsted where everyone who meets her greatly appreciates her cheerful, enthusiastic disposition. An easterner at heart, Jodi was raised in PEI wearing cleats on the rugby field and point shoes on the stage — the perfect metaphor for her elegant, no-nonsense approach to work. In addition to a very handsome ginger-coloured feline, her house is home to her young daughter and an exceptionally enthusiastic NBA fan who also happens to be her husband. When she’s not with her family, Jodi loves a hardcore workout (she’s been known to goad co-workers into participating) and anything to do with interior design. She has yet to meet anyone who rivals her passion for throw pillows.

Danelle Cini

Client Services

Foodie Fanatic with a knack for organization.

An inquisitive, bubbly, and energetic individual, Danelle’s curiosity has taken her from Calgary to Toronto and back in her several years of experience in the financial services and investment management industry. Although it may seem that she is always on the move, Danelle found home in Calgary with her husband, mother, and her quirky pup, Carmine. One could say that cooking is Danelle’s love language with her passion for the culinary arts. Known around the office as the ‘foodie’, she is always trying new restaurants and recipes. Danelle is the ultimate team-player and when she is not solving problems in the office, you can find her listening to podcasts, organizing her closets, cycling, traveling, and reading her current favorite, Off Script by Marci Ien.

James Scott

Client Services

Actor, comedian, and games master.

Not many people have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with years of industry work and a love for writing, acting, and comedy, but James does! He has a drive to progress with a creative mindset - James sets a fitting example through his vibrant and positive outlook; an attitude he always brings to his work while helping clients. He also brings that same spirit into his hobbies and interests, which include board games, puzzles, writing, and more! When he is not pursuing his hobbies, James is hard at work on his CSC and he is currently reading the Dragonlance novel series by Laura and Tracy Hickman. On the weekends you might find James in his hometown of Red Deer spending quality time with his family and his dog Molly.

Sherri Hassman-Schuler

Client Services

Property flipping connoisseur, coming soon to HGTV.

One of the many amazing qualities that Sherri brings to the team is her 15 years of experience in Insurance and Wealth Management, which pairs well with her calm and positive outlook. Over the years, Sherri has worked for a bank-owned investment firm, completed her Canadian Securities Course, and is pursuing a Conduct and Practice Handbook course. All these outstanding achievements show Sherri’s dedication to a career where she can establish and manage strong relationships with clients. Apart from her professional successes, Sherri has a passion for flipping properties and managing interior design and landscape projects. She always says, “This is my last one,” but why stop at 17?! At home, Sherri has two dogs named Bailey and Pumpkin, so you could say she’s an avid animal lover as well. 

Moataz Hassanen

Client Services

Natures Exec and Globetrotter.

Camper, captain, or cook? Most of us would only choose one of these lifestyles, but then we met Moataz… or better known as Mo. Having a range of passions, from basketball to cooking and always presenting a smile, tells you a lot about who Mo is and what he looks forward to from day to day. Mo was born in Qatar and raised in Egypt with his twin sister and three older siblings, and in 2016, he finally arrived in Canada to start a new journey. He established his leadership in high school and ACAC basketball, leading both teams to championships. Mo enjoyed being a team player while helping others achieve their goals by believing in their abilities. Now Mo is a business administration graduate working to receive his Canadian Investment Funds certificate. Still, at the end of the day, he always makes sure to walk his 8-year-old pup, Reggie.

Kaltrina Cook

Client Services

True Crime Enthusiast @ Bon Appetite, Inc.

We are glad to introduce you to one of the top binge-watchers that the Netflix true crime genre has seen to date. It’s an impressive feat of many, alongside receiving a BBA and majoring in Supply Chain and Logistics from MRU. Kaltrina had set herself on a different path from her studies, working in the oil and gas property tax services, and is now a part of our amazing client service team! Aside from a stellar work life, Kaltrina obsesses over cooking and spending time with her fiancé, parents, and two brothers, but everyone ends up being a taste tester for her recipes. When Kaltrina’s not working or practicing her cooking, you may find her skiing the slopes or soaking up the sun… that is when the sun decides to show itself!

Simon Lau, MBA

Wealth Counsellor

Life-long learner with two kids off the payroll.

A steady and reliable professional, Simon seems far too spry to have accumulated more than three decades of experience in the investment industry. He spent the first 20 as an investment advisor and then decided to pursue an interest in portfolio management. He’s a humble student of the market and is committed to evolving alongside it. He’s loved soccer since childhood and isn’t letting the aging process slow down his passion, although he’s quickly earning an appreciation for golf. Chipping or pitching tips are welcome. Alongside his wife, he’s raised two sons both of which are well into exciting careers of their own — one as a video-game designer the other as a civil-engineer.

Brent Knight

Manager, Strategic Partnerships

Part-time Panamanian, full-time businessman.

Meet the most interesting man in the world. Brent has been everywhere, sold everything, and has mastered the art of rollercoasters. His out-of-the-box business mindset has taken him to all points of the globe, including Japan, China, and South and Central America, to name a few. Throughout his career, Brent has spent his time helping companies grow and expand their businesses in the areas of financial planning, wealth management, aviation, construction services, and real estate development. If that doesn’t impress you, Brent has crossed many adventures off his bucket list that one could only dream of, including hiking the Great Wall of China and Skiing the Austrian Alps. When Brent isn’t tanning at his beach house in Panama, you can find him golfing, biking, playing tennis, or traveling the world. 

Jessica Boswell

Strategic Partnerships

Perfectionist & Mother of dogs

If you had to sum up Jessica’s experience and personality into a movie, the whole Mission Impossible series would be a good place to start! Starting with the National-level competitions in synchronized swimming to becoming a coach and instructor takes a lot of perseverance on its own, but to continue that streak and pursue her MBA from The Haskayne School of Business is on another level. With Jessica’s knowledge and determination, her adventures led her to score major job roles, like the Head of Business Development, where the boundaries around her were nothing but a stepping stool. On top of these achievements, Jessica still has time to enjoy volunteering in Calgary’s soccer community and to support her two daughters as they pursue their sports dreams. Just like any action film, sometimes you have to slow down and re-plan, or you can do what Jessica does and enjoy time with your four dogs and read a few chapters of the Radical Candor by Kim Scott… same thing, right?

Julia Bajraktari

Marketing Coordinator

Homebody with an obsession for documentaries.

Is there such thing as a homebody who loves to travel? Although the home is where the heart is for Julia, that doesn’t mean she gives up the opportunity to explore the world. Julia has visited 24 countries with the hopes of adding many more to her list. Although she enjoys expanding her horizons, she is just as content being at home with her husband and two tiny dogs, one of whom was a foster fail. While achieving her BBA in Marketing, Julia and two friends set out on the road and traveled to several trade shows across Western Canada selling their products. This was the beginning of Julia’s entrepreneurial journey where she experimented with a variety of small businesses. When she’s not binging on docuseries or going all out on holiday dinners, you can find Julia puzzling, sewing, or decorating her home.

Brent Smith, CFA

Chief Investment Officer

Easy going smarty pants with a love for dogs.

Brent is a globetrotter with three dogs and the kind of experience one longs for. He's seen it all, done it all, and rinsed and repeated. For close to three decades, Brent has been cracking smiles and making waves in the investment industry. His easygoing and collaborative style has earned him points with everyone, as well as his dedication to finance and the ability to manage significant funds wisely and tactfully. When he's not managing global teams or working with big names, he's crushing war novels and spending time with his lovely wife.

Siying Du, FRM

Research Associate

Coming soon...

Lori Landage

Director of Operations

Fur mamma, animal lover, and warm destination traveller.

Meet Lori, the fun-loving woman who loves a good laugh and some jokes but doesn’t always get them.  On the lighter side of Lori’s life, there’s always something exciting to do, whether that’s traveling, golfing, or volunteering to support the community. She also has a passion for fashion, with an impressive yet humble shoe collection and an eye for old architecture. Aside from pointing out only some of her interests and hobbies, Lori strives to see the unique contributions that everyone makes while emphasizing her values by being easygoing and kind to everyone. These qualities have led her to many accomplishments throughout her career, which spans over 20 years in the financial services and securities industry, where she took on senior Leadership positions within business operations and client services. But at the end of the day, Lori looks forward to sipping a nice wine and spending quality time with her spouse and two dogs, Stella and Henrietta.

Jasdeep Gill, CPA

Controller

Top Tier athlete who leads finance.

Having more basketball achievements than we can count on our hands is an impressive statement, but that’s Jas for you. Making his way through university and completing a CPA designation allowed Jas to understand the value of perseverance and succeed in his accounting career. All accomplishments aside, Jas is a friendly and motivated team player who enjoys sports, travelling, being with his friends and family, and walking his little French Bulldog. With an already busy schedule, Jas still finds the time to volunteer at the Mustard Seed of Calgary, be on the board of the University of Calgary Dino’s Men’s Basketball Sixth Man Club, and continue his involvement in sports by mentoring young athletes. Jas enjoys reading inspiring novels, with one of his all-time favorites being The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Svetlana Polikarpova

Financial Accountant

Fashionista with an optimistic disposition.

Hailing from the Republic of Uzbekistan, Svetlana joins us after seven years of expanding her Canadian tax knowledge at a tax preparation company. It wasn't always numbers that captivated Svetlana. Her mom taught her sewing and knitting skills growing up, so it's no wonder she almost got a degree in Clothing Design before eventually deciding to earn a Bachelor of Business Management degree with a major in Finance. Before settling in Calgary, Svetlana and her husband travelled the world while living in some exciting places in the Middle East. Some of Svetlana's hobbies include scrapbooking, cake decorating, crocheting, and managing her son's hockey team. If Svetlana finds a quiet moment to herself, you may find her indulging in a good fantasy book with a hot cup of tea.

Sarah Ince, MHRM

Manager, People & Talent

Master ravioli chef, true crime fanatic.

It is no wonder why Sarah is our Manager of People and Talent. With her committed and friendly demeanor, Sarah is a friend to everyone. A generous giver, when Sarah's not a star in the office, she donates her time to help run a non-profit organization, re:give. Although Sarah enjoys using her spare time to learn and give back, she also enjoys going to the gym, travelling with her husband, cooking her famous ravioli, and keeping the house clean. On the slight chance that this dynamo has some downtime, Sarah loves to binge-watch true-crime shows and admittedly, every season of the Real Housewives franchise.

Cole Vanderheyden

Operations Coordinator

Scuba Sensei, Puck Dangler.

If we had to define someone as adaptable and diligent, it’s common to know that Cole is a top contender. Being high school valedictorian and focusing his efforts on problem-solving, Cole’s career path in IT Systems is a great addition to our team. He’s a natural team player in both Hockey and the office, which makes everyone’s day that much easier, but what may catch you off guard is his desire for adventure and new experiences. With an advanced scuba diving certificate, Cole would make a reliable partner, but if you want to mountain bike with him, just know that you’ll be tasting dust for a few days. On occasion, Cole will find some quiet time, whether that’s spending time with his three dogs or getting lost in the Dune or Witcher book series.

Renee Charron

Receptionist

5 Star Mom Uber (M-Uber)

The contagious energy, positivity, and enthusiasm you see from Renee on the daily are what make her our number-one role model. With three kids, two dogs, and two cats at home, Renee always has something on the go, whether that's driving her kids to sports or ensuring everyone in the office has what they need. All day, every day she’s going, but always has the spirit to do all of it again tomorrow. Apart from her friendly personality and busy schedule, Renee is looking to pursue a career as a receptionist and one day, executive assistant, providing a helping hand to others and a warm welcome to everyone she sees. When Renee isn’t busy running in circles, she might be swimming with her dogs or heading to the mountains for a camping weekend, enjoying a Grapefruit Whiteclaw by the fire.

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