Kirsty Thomson
Originally from Toronto, Kirsty Thomson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western University. After graduation, she embarked on an adventure to explore the world and experience different food and cultures. A pilgrimage to Northern India and one of the sources of the Ganges River was especially impactful, deepening her compassion for those less fortunate and helping her recognize the importance of giving back to the community.
With more than 30 years of financial industry experience, Kirsty is the principal Wealth Advisor at Willow Wealth Management. She takes care of the day-to-day financial needs of her clients and ensures that their individual values and goals are aligned with their investment strategies. Known as a "people person," Kirsty gains a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction in working with and helping others.
Her humble beginnings from a small town and farm are at the root of her personal philosophy, which is anchored in humility, honesty, integrity, trust, and hard work. Kirsty always lends a compassionate ear and believes in becoming fully engaged with her clients through open and transparent communication.
Achieving a deep understanding of her clients' goals and building strong relationships with them are critical to delivering exceptional client service and formulating strategies and solutions that are uniquely tailored to their needs. She covers DTC and RDSP accounts and her comprehensive process goes well beyond investments. This includes tax minimization, financial and retirement planning as well as risk mitigation strategies. She finds great satisfaction and works tirelessly to help her clients achieve financial security and the freedom to enjoy life.
Kirsty moved to Victoria in 2002, where she has been active in numerous philanthropic endeavours. She is a former member of the Board of Dance Victoria and currently is a member of its fundraising committee. In addition to other charitable activities, for four consecutive years, she launched and spearheaded a very successful fundraiser called Cherish which benefited both Victoria Women's Transition House and Dance Victoria, raising more than $100,000 during that time.
Kirsty has enjoyed watching her three children grow into the amazing adults they have become. She loves family time, friends, fireside chats, reading, the performing arts, keeping fit and travel.
A few quirky facts about Kirsty – she is known to have strong opinions and loves to have fiery discussions. Kirsty is also terrified of bridges and elevators.
Andre Valade
Andre was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario. He attended both Laurentian University and the University of Ottawa where he graduated with an Honours Bachelor degree in Economics.
His professional career has spanned both the public and private sectors and many cities across the country including Ottawa, Kingston, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver before settling in Victoria in 2016. He once served as a senior advisor on energy policy to the federal Minister of Energy Mines and Resources and as executive assistant to the CEO of Petro-Canada before beginning his career as an Investment Advisor in 1997. Since then, he has held a number of senior level management positions in the financial services industry.
Andre is a graduate of the National Defence College located at Fort Frontenac in Kingston, Ontario -- a year-long executive development program focused on global strategic studies. His travels have taken him to a number of countries in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, as well as every province and territory in Canada, including the North Pole.
As an Associate Wealth Advisor with the Willow Wealth team, his time will be spent on client communications, investment solutions, economic commentary, and business development. As a veteran in the wealth management business, Andre is constantly looking for ways to improve client service and solutions.
Andre loves to golf and enjoys cycling, working out and long walks on the beach with Kirsty and their dog Piper. On a more creative front, Andre plays guitar and likes to experiment in the kitchen, from cocktails and wine to creating new dishes.
Sarah Hayward
Sarah is a recent graduate of the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in Economics with distinction as well as a minor in business. Sarah supports the administrative side of the business and assisting with client service.
Sarah was born and raised in Victoria, BC and has a brother and a sister who are triplets. She grew up playing soccer and enjoys hiking and trying new sports. She has two dogs, a Boston terrier named Molly and a labradoodle named Duncan, and just to keep things interesting, she also has a cat named Milo. Sarah likes to travel and so far, has been to eight different countries.
When she's not at work or studying she loves spending time with her friends and family, reading, going on road trips, and running.
Our partners
We partner with CIBC experts to help address all of your wealth needs.
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.
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.
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.
Brian Einarson, B.Comm., CFP, RRC
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.