“Do you remember your dad putting cotton balls in his ears?”

It was a question from Anne-Marie’s mother, recalling the time Anne-Marie was practicing for the final of a public speaking competition in grade school.  He wanted his daughter to speak more loudly, so he put cotton balls in his ears, walked away down the hall, and insisted she raise her voice until he could hear her.

He wanted her to win.

It was a formative experience that echoes to this day, in Anne-Marie’s drive to always be better than the day before – and to elevate the wealth of ultra-high-net-worth clients and help them achieve their most ambitious visions.

She and her team do it by driving toward a vision of their own:  To be the estate planning team of choice by putting people first.

It is, indeed, all about people.  Known for their emotional intelligence, Anne-Marie and team live each day by the Maya Angelou maxim: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

That is why the team – by being extremely knowledgeable, responsive and precise – puts so much energy into elevating the relationship that clients have with their trusted advisors.  As Anne-Marie puts it, “It all adds up to a carefully-curated estate planning experience for our trusted partners, based on our deep expertise and fascination with their clients’ lives.”

Fascination?  Yes.  Anyone who has met Anne-Marie has experienced her genuine interest in them, her perceptiveness, and the way she makes them feel comfortable.

Having entered the financial services industry in 1997, Anne-Marie’s background in accounting and auditing has been instrumental in creating tax strategies for ultra-high-net-worth clients and corporations. Her certifications include the elite Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS™).

Anne-Marie grew up in a big family in which there was a lot of laughter, a legacy carried on in her office.  She is committed to exceeding both her own standards and yours – paired with a drive to dream boldly, grow relentlessly, and deliver exceptional results for those she serves.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

This quote isn’t just part of the team’s brand — it’s how Laura approaches her work, relationships, and life. It is also reflected in her emotional intelligence, which allows Laura to build caring and trusted relationships with clients, never losing sight of the importance of ensuring each client’s family and legacy are protected.

Emotional intelligence is also one of the many traits that Laura greatly admires in Anne-Marie and the rest of their team. She also values the unique benefits of being part of that team, like stronger communication and greater collaboration — all of which lead to unparalleled client service. It’s this culture of kindness and care that Laura embodies in her daily work.

Laura brings positivity and joy to every interaction with a contagious laugh and warm sense of humour. Her work ethic and genuine care for others shine through whether she is leading client meetings, supporting team members, answering emails or returning phone calls.

Outside of work, Laura is a loving wife and mother, and a caring friend. On weekends, she enjoys a balance of laughing and connecting with loved ones as well as relaxing at home — her favourite place to recharge.

Whether at home or at work, Laura is guided by her core belief: “If you put in the time, effort, and passion, success will follow.”

You will know Emilie is nearby by the sound of her laugh. She embodies the team’s brand promise to bring energy – and laughter – into everything they do.

Even as a child, Emilie always had a lot of energy and was eager to spread joy to everyone around her.  She’s also quite spontaneous – recently adopting a Portuguese waterdog, who goes by Louie.

Outside of work, Emilie enjoys shopping, traveling, and spending time with her family. No matter the season, she loves spending time outdoors – whether that’s going for a walk, skiing, or relaxing on the beach.

Emilie earned her Bachelor of General Science degree from Brock University. While studying, she also worked at her father’s engineering company, where she discovered a passion for business. At just 20 years old, she began her career at a major bank — starting in filing before moving to reception, where she worked before joining Anne-Marie’s team.

It’s her positive energy that allows Emilie to deliver information with a smile, whether she is helping someone with an application or liaising between an insurance company and a client.

The team’s brand promise to always be better than the day before is more than a philosophy for Emilie — it’s a daily practice. Never satisfied with “good enough,” she is dedicated to finding ways to make the client experience even better. Her favourite quote, proudly displayed on her desk, is a reminder of that drive:

“A wise girl knows her limits, a smart girl knows she has none.” — Marilyn Monroe

It was her mother, an engineer and the family matriarch, who taught Ivy the importance of being happy with what you currently have – and that women can do everything. “Don’t worry too much,” her mother said. “Be happy and be yourself.”

Those were some of the lessons that Ivy brought with her when she emigrated from China to attend Simon Fraser University. The big move was inspired by both her mother and her father, who wanted Ivy to see new parts of the world and have different experiences than if she would have stayed in her hometown.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Ivy worked for three years as a banking advisor at another major bank in Vancouver, helping Mandarin- and English-speaking clients. She then completed a Masters of Information Systems with a Concentration in Data Science at the University of Toronto. Her favourite thing about living in Toronto? “All the good food.”

Ivy is a licensed LLQP advisor and assists the team with administration — processing documents, getting quotes from insurance companies, helping clients understand their policies, and answering client enquiries. Ivy is fluent in Mandarin and can also understand Cantonese, allowing her to assist clients who speak either language.

Ivy’s attention to detail and care for clients is guided by her deep concern for ensuring excellent client service. She understands that when helping people manage their finances, it’s essential to build a trusting relationship — so that clients feel comfortable and are happy with their overall experience.

Ivy’s dedication to client care is inspired by her favourite quote from the team’s brand foundation:  “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

It’s much more than business, it’s personal.

Ting has a thing for helping people. It’s what inspired her, after earning her Bachelor of Science at the University of Waterloo, to pursue a career in veterinary medicine or health care. Her first professional role was in an animal hospital, where she educated and supported pet owners on best practices for animal care. 

She has since transitioned to working in the insurance industry, motivated by a pivotal experience of her parents – one that made Ting realize how she could really make a difference for people. Immigrating to Canada from China, Ting’s parents wanted a better quality of life and greater opportunities for their children. Like many first-time insurance buyers, her parents didn’t fully understand their options and ended up with the wrong type.

Ting realized just how crucial it is to have someone educate clients and help them understand their options – and that she could be that person.

As part of Anne-Marie’s team, Ting acts as a liaison between clients, investment advisors, and insurance companies, making sure policies are up to date, forms are completed, and clients are well taken care of.

Guided by the team’s brand position — A carefully-curated estate planning experience for our trusted partners, based on our deep expertise and fascination with their clients’ lives — Ting works to create meaningful client relationships. As she explains, “Creating genuine connections allows us to gain a deeper understanding of our clients’ goals, enabling us to apply our expertise to help protect their legacy.”

But she’s not just on the top of her game at work. A lifelong athlete, Ting doesn’t just go to the gym — she “gyms”. For her, it’s a verb, a mindset, and a way of constantly challenging herself.

That same dedication and energy is what she channels into taking care of her clients.

For Ting, her job is much more than a business transaction: “In order to fulfill clients’ goals, you have to truly get to know them. From there we can apply our expertise and help them plan for their future.”