Derek has over 25 years of financial industry experience with CIBC Wood Gundy. His extensive professional credentials are forefront in Derek's key role of constructing and managing portfolios to achieve each client's personal goals. His particular focus is on direct security investment techniques and portfolio modeling, working with equities, fixed income instruments, as well as derivatives.

Derek graduated from the University of Toronto in 1995, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. In 2005, he fulfilled the necessary qualifications to be awarded the Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designation and earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in the same year. Derek also holds the Financial Management Advisor (FMA) designation and is a licensed Investment Advisor and Portfolio Manager.

Derek lives in Burlington with his family, where he enjoys being active in his community with specific interests in cycling, music and automobiles. He is a past team leader in CIBC's Run for the Cure, in support of breast cancer research, winning multiple community challenge awards.

Heidi joined the Derek Small Financial Group in 2007 as a Financial Associate. Heidi is a problem solver, eager to provide advice and solutions, whatever the challenge. Her primary responsibility is to be the first line of contact for all clients and she prides herself on providing quick responses and thorough execution of tasks in a professional manner. Heidi's primary objective is to provide clients with the best possible service. 

In conjunction with other team members, supporting our clients as a Financial Associate is Michael Laskaris. Michael joined CIBC Wood Gundy in 2017, having rapidly developed his skills since then. Michael is the consummate investment professional. Michael’s responsibilities encompass supporting all aspects of investment management and securities trading. Michael is an economics graduate of Sir Wilfrid Laurier University, where he also obtained a psychology minor. He continues to expand his repertoire of financial courses and is working to achieve the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) certification. 

Leanna joined our team as a Client Associate, bringing over nine years of industry experience and a strong commitment to client service. She is skilled in both relationship management and technology solutions, and is known for her precision, collaborative approach, and dedication to delivering exceptional support to clients and the team. Leanna is a graduate of Sheridan College, where she earned a diploma in Business Finance. She has also completed the Canadian Securities Course and the Conduct and Practices Handbook Course through the Canadian Securities Institute. She lives in Burlington with her two daughters.

Tina has worked in the financial services industry for over 17 years in various positions, including insurance and estate planning, client services and back-office product management. She took an extended maternity leave after the birth of her son, Jack, in 2016, and re-joined the industry to work alongside her spouse, Derek Small, on a part-time basis in September 2021. Tina assists with a variety of administrative duties for the team.