Meet Calla Financial Team


MEET CALLA FINANCIAL TEAM

Building Relationship & Trust

Rely on our successful and experienced team to answer any questions you might have about the world of employee benefits, group retirement, wealth management, and individual insurance products. It’s our business to help you, your business and your employees to feel positive, safe and secure about the future. We recognize the importance of developing a relationship that’s built on trust and dedication. We want to get to know you and your needs so that our recommendations and advice are always based upon your best interests.

Click through our Employee Spotlights to learn more about our team.

NICK CALLA

President

Nick Calla is a life-long North Shore resident and a member of the Squamish Nation.

Nick believes that his background and ancestry will be viewed as an asset as he feels that his characteristics align well with the goal of his clients who wish to grow and enjoy success in their own way.

With a diversified background in employee benefits, group retirement and planning, Nick recognized the dire need to bring a higher level of personalized service to the financial services industry. He is passionate about supporting the capacity of organizations and improving the lives of everyone he comes in contact with. Therefore, he has sought to build his business by providing a workplace that attracts and retains quality employees.

Nick believes he is not an Indigenous Businessman but that he is a Businessman who is Indigenous. The distinction is important to Nick as he sees his being Indigenous as an asset and that his ancestry should be viewed as a positive influence in everything he does.

IDA SUE CALLA

Executive Vice President

Ida brings over 30 years of combined office management, human resources, direct client servicing and finance experience in her role as operations manager for Calla Financial Services Ida also has industry negotiation skills as well in working closely with clients and insurance providers. Before co-founding the company, she worked in the insurance industry for over 12 years, cultivating a deep knowledge of the industry and building relationships. Her familiarity with organization development theories and methods benefit both the people working for Calla Financial Services as well as the clients we provide services to.

Group Benefits Manager

CORY ST. JEAN

Manager - Group Benefits 

Corey comes to Calla Financial with over 15 years of experience in the employee benefits industry working with diverse employee groups in the credit union, professional association and multi-employer sectors.

He is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), a graduate of the BCIT Human Resource Management Program and believes strongly in lifelong learning.

Cory`s commitment to provide quality benefit plans that meets the needs of his clientele exemplifies his professionalism and expertise. He is passionate about putting the client first, working collaboratively with colleagues and building lasting relationships with all stakeholders. Cory’s professional motto is, “There Is  Always A Better Way” and he applies that to all aspects of service delivery to clients.

Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cory is a lifelong fan of the Winnipeg Jets, an avid curler and golfer, and enjoys travelling, spending time with family and friends and solving puzzles of any kind.

ADRIANA LOEPERT

Manager - Group Retirement, Licensed Financial Advisor

Adriana joined Calla Financial in 2022 with over 11 years of experience with Group Retirement Services. Adriana manages client relationship and oversees pension plan activities including annual review, amendments and plan changes. She also plans and delivers pension plan education sessions and oversees technical aspects of group retirement plan.

Before working in the retirement service sector, Adriana worked as a lawyer for seven years in Brazil.

Adriana is Licensed Financial Advisor and currently pursing ongoing education through the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) program. She is dedicated and supportive team player.

In her leisure time, Adriana reads books, watches movies, and plays volleyball. She is married and has one daughter.

ECE (AJ) BOZ FULTON

Corporate Manager

Ece Boz Fulton grew up in Izmir, Turkey, in the same lands of legendary philosophers Homer, Aristotle, and many more.

Ece thinks her previous work at an airline company back in Turkey made her curious to see the world and inspired her to go on an adventure. So, she moved to Canada in 2011.

Ece has been with Calla since 2016 and is mainly responsible for creating, managing, and coordinating marketing efforts as well as internal and external branding initiatives. She also coordinates the I.T. and digital business technology improvements at Calla Financial.

Ece is an avid hiker and camper, and she is passionate about travelling, sustainable cities, photography, and cycling. She is a strong believer in sustainable mobility and inclusivity for all; therefore, she commutes to work with her bike and supports the growing cycling infrastructure. She says, "When cycling gets safer, it attracts people of all ages who would otherwise never consider cycling."

LAUREN TEASDALE

Analyst - Group Benefits

Lauren comes to Calla with several years of group benefits experience. She started her career in early 2015, working for a national Third-Party Administrator providing financial quotes to Advisor partners, implementing benefits plans for new clients and consulting Advisors on the renewal process. She believes in continuous learning and personal development; therefore, she works towards a GBA designation through IFEBP.

As a Group Benefits Coordinator, Lauren works closely with our insurance carriers to ensure Calla Financial delivers timely, accurate and competitive solutions to our clients.

Lauren was born and raised in the tri-cities and currently resides in Maple Ridge with her husband, 2 sons and stepdaughter. When Lauren is not at work, you will find her cheering on her children at the hockey rink and lacrosse box.

DANIJELA FADERA

Coordinator - Group Benefits - Currently on Maternity Leave until October 2025

Danijela's role is to ease employees' minds with empathy and compassion and get them the answer they need as fast as possible. She joined Calla Financial in September of 2019 and has been working in the Insurance sector since 2010 and the Benefits sector since 2014.

Danijela enjoys cooking, hiking, writing, reading, and running after her toddler when not working.

Danijela was born in Croatia and raised in Germany. Her husband is from the Philippines. They have an 8-year-old Boston Terrier puppy who was named after a comic book villain: Bane. They have a daughter who is two and a half and is a bundle of energy. "It’s never boring in our house.” Danijela says.

Her favourite quote is, “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~Anaïs Nin

LEANNE MACKINNON

Account Manager - Group Benefits, Licensed Financial Advisor

Leanne has over 20 years of experience in group benefits with extensive knowledge of government programs and how they best integrate with group benefits plans. Leanne prides herself on working closely with the group benefits team to deliver the best service and support to the clients of Calla Financial Services.

Leanne joined the Calla Financial Services team in 2016. Her primary duties include working with our clients and support them with their group benefits needs. Her duties also include supporting ongoing business development.

Leanne lives in Coquitlam with her husband, her dog, and her two daughters ages 13 and 8. Leanne enjoys exploring beautiful BC and spending time at the rink helping to coach and manage her daughter’s ringette team.

TIZIANA CAGNONI

Account Manager - Group Retirement, Licensed Financial Advisor

Tiziana has been a valuable member of our Calla Financial for over eleven years. Her Calla experience with more than a decade of experience in a leading national bank and insurance company allows Tiziana to administer elaborate group retirement and benefit plans.

Tiziana's professional personality has been a great benefit to our team and valued clients. She exceeds our client's expectations and commitments.

Long years of experience in the financial services industry have made Tiziana very passionate about her job. Her energy reflects the quality of service she continually provides.  Her clients count on her any time of day when they have a question or concern. That's why her professional motto has always been "The clients come first."

When not at work, she loves spending time with her family, travelling, and volunteering with various organizations.

MINA DINGLE

Account Manager - Group Benefits, Licensed Financial Advisor

Mina is committed to providing the best service and present professionalism. She is willing to go over above and beyond expectations to provide quality service to organizations she works with. She also provides a positive outlook and motivating her colleagues to do the same, and provides support and assistance to co-workers when needed.

Mina`s new career milestone is to build and establish a new business. She aims for unified communication and coordination for the clients` needs.

Mina enjoys reading, meditating, exercising, and loving outdoor activities such as running and hiking when not working. She is a wife and a mother of three beautiful children. Spending time with family and friends is very important to her. She enjoys travelling to tropical places with my family and building new memories.

Kathy Cordonier

Account Manager - Group Benefits, Licensed Financial Advisor

Kathy joins Eagle Bay with over 18 years of experience in the Insurance industry as a Group Benefits Account Manager and Licensed Financial Advisor. Her career in Financial and Insurance Services began in 2005 while obtaining her degree in Business Administration. In her role, Kathy looks forward to building relationships with clients to help them reach their organizational goals, as well as offering her expertise and service to group plan administrators, policy holders, and plan members.

In 2016, Kathy moved to Kamloops and took a few years away from her career to raise her children and spend more time with her family. Kathy has been happily married to her amazing husband, Jason, since 2012, and they have 2 school-aged children. Together, they enjoy camping, are avid downhill skiers, and are known to enjoy a 16km round-trip bike ride to Riverside Park to indulge in a lunch of ice cream and pizza, and to play and explore.

RICK JACKSON

Account Manager -  Group Retirement, Licensed Financial Advisor

Rick comes to Calla Financial Services with over 8 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, helping individuals and groups achieve financial security and freedom no matter their situation and future goals.

Rick was born and raised in the Shuswap area of B.C.  He currently lives in North Vancouver with his wife Maricel and son Benjamin.

Rick enjoys spending time with his family and continues his personal growth by learning Spanish and travelling. Rick is a big hockey fan and likes watching the Canucks, especially when they win!

RITA ISAACS

Account Manager - Group Retirement, Licensed Financial Advisor

Rita has more than 25 years of client and customer service experience and has always been committed to providing the highest level of customer service possible. Fostering strong relationships and becoming a trusted partner is Rita’s primary focus.

Born and raised in the Lower Mainland, Rita enjoys the outdoors and the many local trails. She lives in Coquitlam with her husband, two sons and Olde English Bulldog.

When she’s not at work, you will find her spending time with family and friends, watching her boys play lacrosse and volunteering her time with Coquitlam Minor Lacrosse. Rita is an avid cook and enjoys shopping at local farmers' markets for fresh local ingredients.

KELSI-RAE BROSTL

Plan Member Service Representative- Group Benefits- Currently on Maternity Leave until February 2025

Kelsi is excited to assist our plan members with anything from their plan questions to claims issues. She is an empathetic listener, team player, and expert who likes helping people. Her previous work experience as an Educational Assistant in School District assisting individuals with Special Needs enabled her to develop solid dedication and care for people.
Kelsi has 8+ years of Customer Service experience and she is ready to go above and beyond for those who need help.

Kelsi lives in Maple Ridge with her husband, two children (ages 5 & 3), and three dogs on beautiful acreage. She loves sewing and being creative, animals, and the outdoors. One of her favorite activities is to explore our beautiful province in our trailer & camp with her family and friends.

One of her favorite quotes is, “Be someone’s sunshine when their skies are grey.”

CRYSTAL TOBER

Plan Member Service Representative- Group Benefits

Crystal joined Calla Financial Services Team in 2022 with 12 years of experience in accounting and administrative roles. Her role as Claims Advocate and Client Services Representative for Group Benefits consists of assisting clients with processing their benefit claims and answering any questions they may have, as well as working with insurers and group’s Plan Administrators in enrolling employees onto their benefit plans.

Crystal enjoys helping clients to the best of her ability. She is dedicated to providing the utmost care for our clients in whatever capacity is within her power.

Crystal comes of Indigenous descent from the Seabird Island Band in Agassiz (her father’s side).
In her leisure time, crystal enjoys spending time with family and close friends. She loves to explore the outdoors as well. She often hikes the trails and visits the beaches in Maple Ridge. Crystal lives with her husband, her three sons, and her dad. When not tending to their needs, crystal enjoys cooking, reading, exercising, and painting furniture.

ASHLEY LEBLANC

Plan Member Service Representative- Group Benefits

Ashley believes her past experience as a dance teacher, care aide, gym employee, and other experiences has taught her so much about customer service and attendance to peoples’ needs. She also came to learn that she enjoys helping people and solving their problems!

Ashley’s five-year goal is to complete the CEBS certificate program which would allow her to gain more knowledge and become an expert in her field of work so she can better serve her clients.

She moved from Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast in the spring of 2022 with her husband and enjoyed renovating their home, turning it into their dream home in their dream location. When she isn’t on the beach or having bonfires in the backyard, she enjoys going for walks with her two dogs, crocheting, drawing, gardening, and working on projects for the house.

JENNA DUBEN

Plan Member Service Representative- Group Benefits

Jenna joins Calla Financial Services with over 15 years of experience in customer service, eight years of which were in IT and Trades recruitment. She also ran her own company where she provided resume writing and interview coaching services. Through her experience in customer service and coaching, Jenna has helped many people by empowering them to navigate challenging times, especially during the pandemic. She takes pride in her ability to problem solve, communicate, and authentically connect with people from all walks of life and is excited to be able to use her skills in this new role.

Jenna has completed her undergraduate degree, majoring in Sociology and English Literature, and has a deep passion for continuous learning and critical thinking. When not working, she enjoys living in East Maple Ridge with her husband, two young boys, and giant dog (Murphy). If Jenna isn’t at the hockey rink or soccer field, she then finds joy in yoga, live music, having meals with good friends, true crime podcasts, and reading.

Danielle Lewthwaite

Plan Member Service Representative- Group Benefits

Danielle is passionate about supporting people with finding the best care for their needs and will do what it takes to help them be successful.
For the past 15 years, she has enjoyed working as Community Support Worker for the acquired brain injury and mental health community. Being a naturally empathetic and compassionate person, it was easy for her to advocate and help problem solve for the needs of the community and is excited to bring those skills and energy to help our clients.
Danielle is also thrilled to be reconnecting and learning about her Metis ancestry from her mother’s side. She and her husband are raising their two young daughters and teenage son in Maple Ridge. From the mountainous trails, lakes and rivers, they take advantage of its beauty as often as they can.
When Danielle and her family are not busy with their dog, spending time with family and friends, they are exploring new meal recipes to share, or are at the lacrosse rink/field where they cheer on all three of their children as they play.

ERICK SANTOS

Client Service Specialist - Group Retirement

Erick comes to Calla Financial Services with more than eight years of experience in the financial industry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BBA) and a Post Degree in Financial Planning from Douglas College.

Erick joined Calla Financial in April of 2022. In his role as Client Services Specialist, Erick coordinates the needs of pension plan members with co-workers, Licensed Professional Advisor and Retirement team.

Erick is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil. He lived there for more than 30 years and explored his entrepreneurial side as Financial Director and eCommerce Business Owner. When he moved to Canada, he worked for two major Financial Institutions and has developed a great passion for customer services and relationship building.

Erick is currently living in Vancouver with his wife. On his leisure time, he enjoys watching movies, cooking and playing sport. Fun fact about Erick is that he has already represented the national team of Brazil in the Curling World Championship in 2018 and continues to play Curling to this day.

NACHIKET JAIN

Client Service Specialist - Group Retirement

Nachi comes to Calla Financial Services with more than 3 years of experience in Client Relationships in the Real Estate and Finance industry and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Business Economics. Nachi is a certified Data Analyst with expertise in economics, communications, and data-driven insights.

As a Client Service Specialist, Nachi works with Calla’s Group Retirement team in coordinating and assisting plan members with their retirement needs.

Nachi is originally from New Delhi, India and he moved to Toronto, Canada for studies. Nachi received the York World Scholars Scholarship at York University.

Nachi is passionate about social justice and responsibility and has worked on social entrepreneurship ventures to provide school supplies to improvised communities in North India and microfinance initiatives in rural India to empower handicraft workers and help develop the market for them.

In his leisure time, Nachi enjoys hiking, coaching basketball, and analyzing climate data.

YUSUR OUJ

Marketing & Social Media Coordinator - Currently on Maternity Leave until Dec 2024

Yusur joined Calla Financial Services in 2020 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with concentration in Marketing & Entrepreneurship from SFU. In her role, Yusur manages digital and traditional marketing activities and initiatives for Calla Financial. She manages social media channels, creates promotional content, & run marketing campaigns.

In her leisure time, Yusur enjoys going for walks, spending time with family and connecting with friends.

Her favourite quote is “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” ~C.S. Lewis

MELISSA MACGREGOR

Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

Melissa has joined Calla in 2023 to temporarily take over the role of Marketing and Social Media Coordinator. Melissa holds an Associate's Degree in Creative Writing and over 6 years of marketing experience with a passion for all things social media. In her role Melissa will handle all the online and offline marketing needs for Calla. Melissa will manage the social media channels, promotional materials, events, and marketing campaigns.

In her leisure time Melissa enjoys connecting with her family and nature by going for walks and enjoying all of the outdoors that the lower mainland has to offer.

MARILYN HUGHES

Office Administrator

Marilyn comes to Calla with over 25 years of customer service. Sixteen of which were at the B.C. Liquor Distribution Board on the retail store level. She also has years of experience in the hospitality industry.

Marilyn has been with Calla Financial for a total of 7 years. Her title is Office Administrator, and she ensures smooth office operation and communication and supports the Pension Department with daily paperwork.

She is a longtime resident of the North Shore, raising two daughters. Besides her work, Marilyn enjoys spending time with her family and animals, travelling, hiking, camping, and enjoying beautiful British Columbia.

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