Dean Usher, CIM®
Senior Wealth Advisor, Portfolio Manager, District Branch Manager
With more than 25 years at CIBC Wood Gundy and over 30 years of industry experience, Dean has had the privilege of guiding clients through every kind of market and milestone. As a Senior Wealth Advisor, Portfolio Manager, and District Branch Manager, he draws on extensive expertise and a strong academic foundation, where he double-majored in finance and marketing, to deliver thoughtful, personalized wealth solutions.
Dean’s favorite part of his work is building genuine connections with clients—really getting to know what matters most to them and understanding the bigger picture of their lives. He believes there’s no universal formula for financial success; every client’s goals and circumstances are unique, and Dean is passionate about crafting strategies that reflect that individuality.
Dean is committed to protecting wealth, pursuing growth, and staying closely connected with clients as their needs and aspirations evolve. Whether planning for the future or celebrating achievements along the way, Dean is dedicated to ensuring your financial plan always fits your life.
When he’s not crunching numbers, Dean is active in his community, enjoys all sports and, above all else, loves spending time with his family.
Leslie Ballard, CIM®, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor, Associate Portfolio Manager
Leslie is a Senior Wealth Advisor, Associate Portfolio Manager and Certified Financial Planning professional, bringing over 20 years of industry experience and a knack for turning complex wealth planning into clear, personalized, and actionable strategies. Leslie combines sharp analytics with a genuine passion for helping clients achieve their goals.
Leslie ensures every strategy she develops is both precise and effective. Beyond the numbers, she is dedicated to building genuine connections with her clients. She takes the time to understand what truly matters to them, believing that the most successful wealth strategies are crafted with a personal touch. For more than 7 years, Leslie has been an active board member with the Ottawa Estate Planning Council and an active champion for women in wealth both within CIBC and the industry.
When she’s not in Excel workbooks, you’ll find Leslie and her husband, Martin, cheering on their two boys who are passionate about hockey and lacrosse. Between arenas and tournaments, she keeps just as busy outside of the office as she is in, embracing every moment with her family.
Claire Sevigny
Client Associate
Claire’s journey into wealth management was a natural step after her experience on the retail side of CIBC, and she’s never looked back. For the past 10 years, she’s been an integral part of the team, developing a keen understanding of client needs and excelling in everything from client communication and portfolio strategies to trading and account administration. Claire is known for her sharp attention to detail and her ability to anticipate what clients need, ensuring every interaction is smooth and personalized.
She believes there’s no single formula for success in wealth management and genuinely enjoys building unique relationships with each client. For Claire, it’s all about creating real value, fostering meaningful connections, and making a positive difference in people’s lives.
When she's not at work, Claire loves spending quality time with her husband and their son, Henry, embracing the joys of family life and new adventures together.
Rebecca (Becky) Foster
Client Associate
Becky has called the wealth management industry home for the past 20 years, finding true fulfillment in helping clients navigate their financial journeys. As a trusted Client Associate, she is the go-to resource for client services, investment research, trading, portfolio analysis, and account administration. Becky also supports financial planning initiatives and ensures seamless day-to-day operations for both clients and advisors.
She’s passionate about making sure every client feels supported, well-informed, and confident that someone is always there to help. Known for her depth of industry knowledge and attentive service, Becky is proud of the strong relationships she’s built over the years.
Becky loves spending time on the water or relaxing by the pool—her favorite ways to unwind. She cherishes baking with her daughters, especially during the holidays when they create festive treats together. These moments in the kitchen have become a special family tradition. Becky truly values time spent with loved ones, as family is at the heart of everything she does.
Yasmin Giama
Client Associate
With over five years at CIBC and additional experience at another leading financial institution, Yas brings both expertise and energy to the world of finance. She holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Carleton University and a Human Resources Certification from Algonquin College, blending her understanding of human behavior with financial strategy.
Yas assists the team with portfolio rebalancing, cash flow planning, and investment research. She’s passionate about helping clients reach their unique goals and believes that financial success is never a one-size-fits-all.
Beyond work, Yas is an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast who set — and achieved — the goal of visiting 15 countries before turning 30. She also enjoys hiking, exploring local food scenes, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Olivia Robinson
Administrative Assistant
Olivia joined Usher Ballard Wealth in May 2025 and is thrilled to be learning from such a talented and experienced team. A proud STFX University grad, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an advanced major in finance and minor in economics.
As an administrative assistant, Olivia is eager to learn as much as possible from her experienced team while gaining knowledge on the industry and client relationships. She’s excited to blend her interests as she grows her career in the financial industry. Olivia is enthusiastic about gaining new skills and knowledge, and looks forward to making a meaningful impact as she develops her expertise.
In her free time, Olivia is out making memories, you’ll likely find her outdoors—walking her two dogs, or spending time with friends and family. She also has a passion for travel and loves discovering new places whenever she gets the chance.

