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. Her comprehensive process goes well beyond investments and 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.
She is excited to learn more about the finance world and is currently working towards completing the Canadian Securities Course.
When she's not at work or studying she loves spending time with her friends and family, reading, going on road trips, and running.