Michael Watkins, FCSI, FMA, CSWP, CFP®, CIM®
Mike started in the financial services industry as a banker back in 1997. He quickly shifted his focus to wealth management, eventually publishing his Financial Planning guide “It’s Only Money” and writing a bi-weekly column for the Times Colonist called “Dollars and Sense”. Mike works with a wide range of clients in Southern Vancouver Island, and across Canada, helping them to become confident that their personal financial future is secure. When not in the office, Mike is focused on his wife and family. Among his many interests, Mike loves to cook, read, and trains in Brazilian Jui Jitsu
Mark Stoker
Mark began his career at Revenue Canada after University. He spent 14 years there specializing in tax auditing. He has been in the finance and wealth management industry for over three decades and specializes in portfolio creation, retirement planning, and tax-efficient investing. Mark helps his clients achieve peace of mind by providing trusted advice and personalized solutions to meet their financial goals. When looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of wealth management, you may spot him hitting pin-seeking shots at Uplands Golf Course, gardening, camping, or relaxing at the cabin on Hornby Island.
Jordan Dawes, CFP®
Jordan began his financial career in 2007 with a Credit Union before joining the Watkins Group in 2015. He earned his CFP while taking over as the senior advisor position at a branch in Kamloops and supporting his wife through law school. Jordan now lives on the island he grew up on, and manages relationships with the team. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone more passionate about educating his clients, and helping everyday Canadians achieve their financial goals – whether it be at the office, or online through his social media channel. Occasionally, you may find him fishing off the coast or playing hockey at ridiculously late ice slots. He lives in the Westshore with his wife, Stephanie, and his daughter, Dove.
Karen King
Karen has over three decades of financial services and administration management. As CEO "Client Experience Officer" for The Watkins Group, Karen is responsible for the overall experience of the team’s organization and services. Karen’s passions include extensive charitable fundraising, long hikes with her husband Ron and her boy's Oliver, 9 and Archie, 8 months, tennis, sports, and wine tasting. Clients love her fiery attitude and her dedication to going above and beyond at helping them achieve their goals.
Kelly Frias
Kelly began her career in the financial services industry in Calgary as a Portfolio Administrator in a private firm for over three years. Shortly thereafter, Kelly moved back to her hometown of Victoria B.C and joined the Watkins Group in early 2019. Kelly is responsible for all things administrative on the team and is the go-to person for facilitating transfers, sending cash, and file management, to name a few. In her spare time she enjoys getting outdoors and spending time with her husband Philip, son Ethan, and pup Phoebe.
Kelsey Draper, BA, CFP®
Wealth Strategist
Kelsey's role as Wealth Strategist is to take an in-depth approach with each client, understanding their unique situation and what is important to them. She provides families with a comprehensive financial plan with ideas and recommendations to optimize their financial affairs integrating retirement, tax, will, estate, trust and insurance plans.
Kelsey collaborates with external professional advisors, including accountants, lawyers and the CIBC advisory team to implement recommended strategies.
Kelsey joined the financial services industry in 2006 and holds the Certified Financial Planner designation.
James Amarelo
Financial Planning Specialist
James joined the financial services industry in 2003 and has held various positions in wealth management and retail banking. In 2010, he acquired his Certified Financial Planner designation (CFP) for the reason that he is passionate about promoting financial literacy and ensuring that clients are on track through various stages of life. Originally from Toronto, he moved to Victoria 10 years ago and has made this his home.
James is quite active in the community and in his personal life. He was the Head Coach of the Victoria Special Olympics Curling team and lead them to the Canadian National Games in 2020. He enjoys spending time with his wife (Michelle) and their toddler (Annabelle) and has an active lifestyle in various types of sports.
Taylor Mcleod, MBA
Market Leader, Private Banking
My diverse experience in wealth and commercial banking brings you a unique and balanced financial perspective. I believe integrity, accountability and ethics are the foundation of trust. My inclusive approach to partnership is demonstrated through positive, curious and supportive interactions.
When working with you, I'll ask the right questions to ensure that your needs are met with right expertise and solutions. Our exploratory process invites key stakeholders into our collaborative network of experienced specialists.
At CIBC Private Wealth, we take an integrated approach to offer you coordinated advice and solutions that are efficient and powerful. Our bespoke solutions offer you flexibility and liquidity to seize on investment opportunities, and our collaborative network ensures the work we do is truly integrated with your entire life and wealth plan. We are committed to your success and continuously strive to generate financial and intrinsic value for your family.
Candice Roscoe
Private Banking Advisor
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of forming genuine connections with my clients. Building a relationship with you that fosters a sense of trust and deep understanding is essential.
I'm committed to providing you and your family with a high level of personalized service that truly understands your goals and values. Together we'll work with both internal and external partners to develop and maintain your personalized wealth plan, helping you and your family meet your financial objectives. By taking the time to learn about and understand you, I provide personalized, attentive and discreet service designed to save you time and effort.
Outside of work, I am an avid volunteer with local charities. I also spend my free time with my family.
Aaron McEwen
Estate Planning Specialist
Aaron’s passion and belief in holistic financial planning drives his purpose to build deep client relationships. Utilizing a team that’s entirely focused on family planning, helps guide him to finding the right solutions. Aaron believes in a client-first approach and loves solving complex personal and corporate estate planning issues. He gives his time generously to family planning, focusing on what matters most.
Outside of work, Aaron enjoys golfing with his wife Chelsey, and riding his motorcycle throughout British Columbia.
Jamie Golombek, CPA, CA, CFP®, CLU, TEP, FCPA
Managing Director Tax and Estate Planning
As CIBC’s tax expert, Jamie supports CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors in delivering integrated financial planning and advisory solutions to our high-net-worth clients. Jamie is quoted frequently in the national media and writes a weekly National Post column called Tax Expert.
Brian Einarson, B.Comm., CFP, RRC
Senior Trust and Estate Consultant
Brian believes that a key component of any wealth management plan is an estate plan that protects our clients’ assets, preserves their legacy and ensures their estate is distributed efficiently. Brian has been in the financial services industry since 2000. He started his career with a major investment firm and joined CIBC in Victoria, BC in 2006. Since then he has been honing his skills in financial and estate planning. Brian provides clients with a personalized approach to Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trust services. When it comes to estate planning, every family presents a unique set of circumstances and Brian helps clients establish a plan that is custom tailored to suit their distinct needs.
Pat Marshall, CIM, CFP
Wealth strategist
Pat adds value by working closely with each individual client to provide comprehensive financial plans that focus on what is important to them. She takes an in-depth approach to understand our clients’ unique situation and provides a formal recommendation to optimize how financial affairs are structured, integrating retirement, tax, will, estate, trust and insurance plans.
Kelsey Draper, BA, CFP®
Kelsey's role as Wealth Strategist is to take an in-depth approach with each client, understanding their unique situation and what is important to them. She provides families with a comprehensive financial plan with ideas and recommendations to optimize their financial affairs integrating retirement, tax, will, estate, trust and insurance plans.
Kelsey collaborates with external professional advisors, including accountants, lawyers and the CIBC advisory team to implement recommended strategies.
Kelsey joined the financial services industry in 2006 and holds the Certified Financial Planner designation.
James Amarelo
James joined the financial services industry in 2003 and has held various positions in wealth management and retail banking. In 2010, he acquired his Certified Financial Planner designation (CFP) for the reason that he is passionate about promoting financial literacy and ensuring that clients are on track through various stages of life. Originally from Toronto, he moved to Victoria 10 years ago and has made this his home.
James is quite active in the community and in his personal life. He was the Head Coach of the Victoria Special Olympics Curling team and lead them to the Canadian National Games in 2020. He enjoys spending time with his wife (Michelle) and their toddler (Annabelle) and has an active lifestyle in various types of sports.
Taylor Mcleod, MBA
My diverse experience in wealth and commercial banking brings you a unique and balanced financial perspective. I believe integrity, accountability and ethics are the foundation of trust. My inclusive approach to partnership is demonstrated through positive, curious and supportive interactions.
When working with you, I'll ask the right questions to ensure that your needs are met with right expertise and solutions. Our exploratory process invites key stakeholders into our collaborative network of experienced specialists.
At CIBC Private Wealth, we take an integrated approach to offer you coordinated advice and solutions that are efficient and powerful. Our bespoke solutions offer you flexibility and liquidity to seize on investment opportunities, and our collaborative network ensures the work we do is truly integrated with your entire life and wealth plan. We are committed to your success and continuously strive to generate financial and intrinsic value for your family.