STAFF AND BIOS
Our Founder
Michael T. Owen
FOUNDER
Owen & Associates was founded by Michael (Mike) Owen.
Leadership Team
|
Steven OwenPresident |
Steven Owen is the President of Owen & Associates, leading the company by driving the strategic vision and fostering the operational excellence of the organization. Steven plays a crucial role in managing overall team functions and ensuring the highest levels of client satisfaction and employee engagement. Steven is a dynamic leader, being actively involved with O&A’s strategic partners globally and locally along with many of O&A's major clients. His hands-on approach and commitment to the team have been instrumental in enhancing partnerships and driving growth. Steven attended Thompson Rivers University and is a CPA who articled with KPMG. He is passionate about wellness and the outdoors and you will often find him on his bike, snowboard, or local trails with his family and friends. |
Steven Owen
President
|
|
With over 15 years in the insurance and financial services industry, Deep Bajwa is a proven leader with experience spanning global insurers, high-growth ventures, and entrepreneurial exits. He has held senior roles at some of the largest carriers in Canada and internationally, consistently leading large, cross-functional teams with a strong focus on performance, culture, and clarity. Deep spent over a decade focused on topline growth and full P&L accountability, combining strategic oversight with hands-on execution. He previously built and sold his own financial planning and group insurance consultancy and led the creation and national distribution of Canada’s first end-to-end private health insurance product. Today, Deep is known for building scalable businesses, modernizing operations, and driving growth in sectors with high accountability and oversight. |
Deep Bajwa
Chief Operating Officer
|
Alexandria QuirouetteDirector of Business Development |
Alex is a dedicated advocate for Owen & Associates' approach to Group Benefits, Group Retirement Consulting and Administration Services. Collaborating closely with both teams, she has played a key role in shaping their philosophy and approach to delivering on promises made to clients and prospective clients. Alex's greatest passion lies in fostering a culture of care for people, ensuring that this ethos resonates throughout the organization, from the internal team to broker partners, clients, and their employees, in all their interactions. Alex completed her studies in Psychology at the University of Western Ontario and furthered her education by obtaining her Life License, Mutual Fund License, and Group Benefits Associate Designation from Dalhousie University. With over 12 years of experience in Group Benefits, Retirement Consulting, and Administration, Alex is adept at finding thoughtful solutions for a wide range of client needs. In her personal time, Alex cherishes moments spent with her growing family. |
Alexandria Quirouette
Director of Business Development
|
Céline BlakelyDirector of Finance & HR |
Céline serves as the Director of Finance & HR at Owen & Associates, joining the team in August 2020. With a rich background spanning 23 years in Accounting and Human Resources across diverse sectors, she brings invaluable expertise to her role. Céline is deeply committed to her work and fosters a strong sense of care for the O&A Team. Outside of work, she cherishes moments with loved ones and indulges in hobbies such as ATVing, hunting, camping, and a passion for True Crime. |
Céline Blakely
Director of Finance & HR
|
Kaycie SjodinDirector of Client Services |
Kaycie joined the O&A team in April 2020 as a member of the Marketing and Renewals department. Coming from an account management background in the energy procurement industry, Kaycie brings 5+ years of customer service experience to her role as a Sr. Benefits & Retirement Analyst. Among her passions for a good excel formula, customer satisfaction, and solution-oriented thinking, you can also find her hanging upside on the aerial silks, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and hiking through the trails on her 25 acres with her miniature Goldendoodle. |
Kaycie Sjodin
Director of Client Services
|
Lindsay PattonDirector of TPA Services |
Lindsay is the Director of the Third Party Administration (TPA) team for Owen and Associates and started in March 2024. Lindsay has over 13 years of experience working in TPA, and is passionate about leadership, customer service and client care. Lindsay loves to spend her time with her family going on adventures in the outdoors; whether that be learning how to snowboard with her children in the winter months, to camping in the summer months. |
Lindsay Patton
Director of TPA Services
|
Kari SuosaloSenior Consultant |
Kari has been with Owen & Associates since January 2019 with a background in account management and customer service. As a Senior Benefits & Retirement Analyst, Kari focuses on managing customer experience and success to maintain client relationships. Through critical thinking, data analysis, time management, and keen attention to detail, Kari excels at providing clients a positive experience working with O&A. While not at work, you can find Kari on the hiking trails with her Golden Retriever or with her eyes glued to a True Crime documentary. |
Kari Suosalo
Director of Consulting Services
|
Debbie TelferDirector of Technical Operations |
Debbie returned to Owen & Associates in December 2024 as the Director of Technical Operations.
With over 30 years of Group Benefits experience, Debbie has an extensive background working with various insurers, third party administrators and consulting firms and brings a breadth of experience and knowledge in the underwriting, sales and service of group benefits.
Debbie loves to share her knowledge and mentor those new to the industry. She is excited to work with the leadership team on operational efficiencies and professional development of the team.
When not mentoring the next generation, she can be found enjoying the outdoors or working on one of her creative outlets – painting, knitting, weaving or scouring Pinterest for the next new hobby in which to partake.
|
Debbie Telfer
Director of Technical Operations
Marketing and Renewals Team
|
Iulia VajdaMARS Quality Assurance & Operations Lead |
Iulia joined O&A as a Benefits and Retirement Analyst in January 2022. With over 20 years of customer service experience, she has a passion for details and finding daily efficiencies within her role. As part of the Marketing and Renewals team, she strives to attain the best experience for our O&A clients. Outside of work, Iulia enjoys travel, DIY home renos, baking, gardening, and outdoor activities. She and her partner Nick can be found paddleboarding on the Georgian Bay or hiking with their dog Ollie. |
Iulia Vajda
MARS Quality Assurance & Operations Lead
|
Jay SharkeySenior Consultant |
Jay has been working with Owen & Associates since February 2020. With over 30 years in the Group Insurance Benefits world in roles ranging from Underwriter to Account Manager to National Sales Director to having his own Brokerage operation, Jay brings a wealth of experience and passion for finding the right solution for O&A’s clients. As a Senior Benefits & Retirement Analyst, Jay focuses on managing the client experience by ensuring that their expectations are met using critical thinking, data analysis, time management, and keen attention to detail skills. When Jay isn’t working remotely from his home in Cambridge, Ontario, you can find him fartlek karaokeing, enjoying walks with Deirdre, maintaining his aquariums, building Adirondack chairs, or visiting his hometown in Nepean, Ontario. |
Jay Sharkey
Senior Consultant
|
David Wheelock
Consulting Team Lead |
David joined Owen & Associates in November 2023 as a Senior Consultant with over 15 years experience working in the group insurance industry with roles on both the consulting and insurer side of the business. He has his Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation and holds his Life License (LLQP). David values the relationships that he builds with his clients, enjoys diving into claims experience, and keeping abreast of industry updates. Outside of work, he is usually trying to find time to bike, hike, and generally be outdoors, especially with his family. |
David Wheelock
Consulting Team Lead
|
Robyn MontieSenior Consultant |
Robyn has been with Owen & Associates since January 2020, serving as a Benefit and Retirement Consultant. In her role, she supports clients in the management and optimization of their group benefits and retirement plans. Her background in event coordination, where she planned and executed large scale events across Canada and the U.S. has equipped her with exceptional organizational skills, time management, and a keen eye for detail. Combined with her strong customer service abilities, Robyn is a natural fit for both our team and the clients we serve. In addition to her strong organizational skills and natural ability to connect with others, Robyn brings a creative, solution-oriented mindset to everything she does. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her husband, Matthew, and exploring Ontario’s beautiful trails with their energetic dog, Jax. |
Robyn Montie
Senior Consultant
|
AJ IdrisAnalyst |
Bachelors in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources from Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie. Prior to joining O&A, AJ worked as a licensed home and auto insurance agent downtown Toronto. With attention to detail and strong analytical skills, AJ enjoys diving deep into reports and unlocking the many mysteries within Microsoft Excel. After leaving the big city and relocating to Collingwood in 2022, AJ is currently in the process of obtaining his CEBS designation. An avid car fan, AJ’s hobbies are going for long drives, exploring the entirety of Ontario, enjoying good music and sometimes playing soccer whenever he get the chance. |
AJ Idris
Analyst
|
Richa NagpalSenior Consultant |
With 8 years of diverse experience in the benefit industry including administration, analytics, and consulting, Richa brings a multifaceted approach to client solutions. Beyond the office, Richa and her husband are avid adventurers, exploring the natural world, traveling to far-off destinations, and savoring the delights of diverse cuisines. This passion for exploration and discovery enriches Richa’s work, infusing creativity and a global perspective into every client interactions. |
Richa Nagpal
Senior Consultant
|
Aaron BekerAnalyst |
Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at Owen and Associates, with a background in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Information Technology from Ontario Tech University. Since joining the company in 2023, Aaron has been a driving force behind our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement. With a passion for optimization and a keen eye for detail, Aaron leverages his expertise in Excel and automation to streamline processes and maximize productivity. His dedication to excellence and his love for improvement have earned him a reputation as a trusted resource within the company. Beyond his professional pursuits, Aaron finds joy in gaming with friends, striking a balance between his love for technology and his passion for building meaningful connections.
|
Aaron Beker
Analyst
|
Kevin HelmyAnalyst |
Kevin brings over seven years of experience from both the brokerage and carrier sides of the benefits and retirement industry. At Owen & Associates, he supports clients through consulting, plan implementation, and ongoing management—all with a focus on long-term outcomes and trusted relationships. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ottawa and is LLQP and CHS certified. Currently working toward his CEBS designation, Kevin is driven by integrity, curiosity, and a deep care for the people he supports. When he’s not working, he’s likely on the tennis court—or exploring a new corner of the world (as long as it doesn’t involve snow). |
Kevin Helmy
Senior Consultant
|
Nathan BerhaneSenior Consultant |
Nathan joined Owen & Associates in July 2024 as a Senior Consultant with over a decade of experience working in both the individual & group insurance and retirement industry. Nathan now leverages his business & relationship development expertise into invaluable support for O&A’s clients.
He holds his Life License (LLQP) and is dedicated to empowering individuals by providing them with the knowledge and support they need to make well-informed decisions through a solution-based approach.
Outside of work, he enjoys experiencing local Toronto eateries and travelling abroad with his friends and loved ones.
|
Nathan Berhane
Senior Consultant
|
|
Lea is a trusted advisor who specializes in crafting tailored group benefits and retirement solutions that meet the unique needs of employers across industries and sizes. With a focus on financial strategy and long-term wellness outcomes, she supports her clients through clear guidance, outside-the-box thinking, and a commitment to doing what’s right. Lea is a licensed financial professional, holding the Life License Qualification Program (LLQP) certification along with her CRM and GBA designations. When she’s not advocating for clients, she’s out exploring trails with her fiancée and energetic Rottweiler, Ozzie. |
Lea Joudrey
Consultant
|
|
Mariona is a dedicated Consultant at Owen & Associates, helping organizations navigate the ins and outs of employee benefits and retirement solutions with clarity and confidence. With a well-rounded background in group benefits, she’s passionate about making the complex feel simple — guiding clients to smart, sustainable decisions that support their teams’ well-being and bottom line. Mariona believes in building strong, lasting relationships through honest communication, thoughtful advice, and a genuine commitment to client success. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her chasing after her kids, planning the next family vacation, or enjoying a rare quiet moment with a good coffee. |
Mariona Sabramsky
Consultant
Third Party Administrators
|
Victoria KnodelAdministration Team Lead |
Victoria is one of O&A’s senior employees, with 7+ years of experience in the industry at Owen & Associates. She leads the firm’s large groups on the administration side - her role consists of overseeing and training her team in addition to conducting employee education sessions and managing the day-to-day responsibilities of her accounts. Victoria also leads our Social Committee - planning quarterly staff appreciation events and company functions throughout the year. She enjoys the team collaboration, dynamic of a fast-paced environment; and strives to provide excellent customer service for her client and their employees. In Victoria’s spare time, she enjoys yoga, meditation, learning new baking recipes and trail rides with her dog Matsu. |
Victoria Knodel
Administration Team Lead
|
Carrie FretzAdministration Team Lead |
Carrie is a Benefits Specialist with O&A and has been with the company since early 2019. Carrie remains busy, studying for her full CEBS designation, enjoying reading all genres of books, and listening to interesting podcasts. If you are lucky to be in a call with her, her Cat Misses JoJo, will often like to make an appearance to brighten everyone's day! |
Carrie Fretz
Administration Team Lead
|
Chantal MasselinAdministration Team Lead |
Chantal has been with Owen & Associates since early 2021 as a Benefits Specialist working with clients to assist them with their Group Benefit and Retirement Plans. With a background in Customer Service and Hospitality, she has many years of experience helping her parents with their family-run business. Born and raised in the Collingwood area, Chantal loves to spend her time with family and friends, hiking, and spends lots of time with her horses and dogs. At a young age, Chantal competed competitively in the equestrian world, travelling around Canada and the USA. |
Chantal Masselin
Administration Team Lead
|
Kelly HopkinsBenefits Auditor |
Kelly was born and raised in Collingwood which is a Travel and Tourism town. She left Collingwood to pursue other dreams as a young adult but came back to raise her family in this amazing town. Growing up in a tourism town lead Kelly to obtain a diploma in Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Administration, but after a decade working in the Travel industry, she decided to make the move into group benefits and began her carrier at O&A as a Benefits Specialist in 2016. Kelly is one of the Senior Benefits Specialists on the O&A team and her strong customer service and communication skills, attention to overall passion for whatever she chooses to do makes her a perfect fit for our clients and their employees. There are no questions to big, small or obscure that Kelly is not willing to go the extra mile for to assist employees or her clients. Kelly enjoys the tropics; a day on a catamaran and snorkeling is her happy place. When back in Ontario she enjoys camping, snorkeling in her pool (to pretend she is in the tropics), rocking out to music (mostly Top 40 stuff, but is a declared Hanson fan), and most of all spending time with family. |
Kelly Hopkins
Benefits Auditor
|
Lindsay SwiderskySenior Benefits Specialist |
Lindsay is a Benefits Specialist at Owen & Associates working in both large and small group administration. Lindsay has been with Owen & Associates for over 2 years and is working on achieving her GBA. Lindsay’s hobbies are swimming and reading and she loves spending time with her family and friends. She loves being part of the O&A team and is focused on ensuring the best client experience possible. |
Lindsay Swidersky
Senior Benefits Specialist
|
Rachelle BarkerBenefits Specialist |
Rachelle is a Benefits Specialist with Owen & Associates, providing excellent customer service and employee experiences for over the past 2 years by going above and beyond for her clients. Rachelle has been in the customer service industry for over 15 years by bringing value and experience to her clients with her employee-first approach. |
Rachelle Barker
Benefits Specialist
|
Sally HamiltonBenefits Specialist |
Sally joined the Owen & Associates team in early 2023 bringing over 15 years of customer service experience to the team. Sally's attention to detail and problem solving skills allow her to ensure her clients and employees receive the highest levels of customer service and care. After studying at McMaster University, she returned home to the Blue Mountains where she can be found on her snowboard during the winter months & on the golf course each summer. |
Sally Hamilton
Benefits Specialist
|
Katrina PattersonBenefits Specialist |
Katrina is a Benefits Specialist on the Owen & Associates Administrative team. With over 10+ years of experience within the customer service industry, Katrina strives to provide exceptional customer service & knowledge to all clients & their employees. This is shown in Katrina’s approach in educating both employers & employees on their employer-sponsored group benefits and retirement plans. When Katrina is not working, she enjoys spending time with family & friends on Georgian Bay during the summer & skiing on the hills of Blue Mountain during the winter. |
Katrina Patterson
Benefits Specialist
|
Ritu MukerBenefits Specialist |
Ritu is a Benefits Specialist at Owen & Associates, and works alongside the administration team; primarily focused on large groups and auditing. Ritu is currently studying her CEBS, aiming to achieve her GBA. Ritu is hardworking and continues to show passion in learning while providing excellent organization and teamwork skills. Her hobbies are scrapbooking, baking, and planning/coordinating events. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is excited to be a part of the O&A team and is looking forward to experiencing new goals and challenges. |
Ritu Muker
Benefits Specialist
|
Stacie RoseImplementation Team Lead |
Stacie is currently a Benefits Specialist at Owen & Associates. Her first exposure to administrating group benefits was in her career as a Kinesiologist. It has always been a priority for her to work in a career that represents her passion for helping others in an honest and dedicated way. She has found that at Owen & Associates. Providing customer service and effective communication with clients and their employees is what she enjoys most. She excels with her attention to detail in a high-volume work environment, while appreciating the productive team dynamic. She is currently obtaining her CEBS designation and looks forward to learning as much as possible in the industry to better serve her clients. When not at work, Stacie is usually on an outdoor adventure with her family. |
Stacie Rose
Implementation Team Lead
|
Melissa GargaroBenefits Specialist |
Melissa is part of the Benefits Specialist Team at Owen & Associates. In this role, Melissa administers and manages the corporate company’s employee group benefits and retirement programs. Her person-centered approach and excellent customer care are what her clients value most about her. When she isn’t going for long hikes, playing sports, or broadening her knowledge in fitness and nutrition, you will find her working towards striving to meet her client’s needs in any way possible as a happy client is always the ultimate goal. |
Melissa Gargaro
Benefits Specialist
|
Sue SomloImplementation Specialist |
Sue has been with O&A since October 2021 as a Benefits Specialist. She has a unique perspective having worked a combined 36 years in the industry at a large insurance provider, a brokerage and as the in-house benefits specialist for a small construction firm. She strives to provide the best customer service and experience for her clients. In her downtime she can be found with her family at the hockey rink or the baseball diamond, or at home crafting surrounded by a menagerie of pets. |
Sue Somlo
Implementation Specialist
|
Tosha HarasewichBenefits Specialist |
Tosha joined O&A in late 2021, shortly after gaining her bachelor's degree in Political Science from Lakehead University. Her minor studies in Psychology and 10+ years of customer service experience led her to join the Owen & Associates team. As an American expat herself, Tosha thrives on assisting new Canadians with better understanding the Canadian Benefits & Retirement fields. She recently completed her GBA 2 and is currently working towards her CEBS designation. Tosha's love of assisting others combined with her dedication to delivering effective and efficient service propels her to provide exceptional service standards to Owen & Associates clients and their employees. When she is not working, you can often find Tosha exploring the beauty of the South Georgian Bay area- hiking, snowboarding, and exploring the beauty of the world around her. When not in nature, she enjoys peaceful time at home with her dogs, garden, kitchen and loved ones. |
Tosha Harasewich
Benefits Specialist
|
Cari VetereBenefits Specialist |
After 10+ years in administration and customer service, Cari joined Owen & Associates in 2022 as a Benefits Specialist. By assisting with group benefits, retirement, leave policies, and disability insurance, she strives to provide a high level of service to clients and employees. In between, she is currently working towards her CEBS designation. Outside of work, Cari enjoys spending time with family and friends in the Georgian triangle. |
Cari Vetere
Benefits Specialist
|
Vaden WatsonBenefits Specialist |
Vaden has been in the customer service industry for over 15 years and is willing and eager to provide all his years of experience to his clients. Currently in the process of studying to obtain his CEBS designation and wants to learn as much as possible to better serve my clients. Vaden’s hobbies include cooking and traveling, he spends most of his time in the kitchen and loves trying new foods. Loves visiting local farmers markets on the weekends, His dreams are to visit every Caribbean Island one day. |
Vaden Watson
Benefits Specialist
|
Elizabeth CarlosBenefits Specialist |
Elizabeth has been working as a benefits specialist with Owen and Associates since 2022. Elizabeth is currently studying for her CEBS. Elizabeth is always striving to further her knowledge when it comes to Group Benefits and Retirement, so she can provide the best service possible to her clients. In her free time Elizabeth enjoys reading, exploring with her two dogs, and she is always looking to take on a new hobby that interests her. |
Elizabeth Carlos
Benefits Specialist
|
Emily MilneBenefits Specialist |
Emily is part of the Benefits Specialist team at Owen & Associates since August 2023. Emily brings 5+ years of insurance and customer service experience to her role as a Benefits Specialist. She loves being part of the team and strives to provide excellent customer care and knowledge for her clients and their employees. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring and trying new things and spending time with her cat Toast. |
Emily Milne
Benefits Specialist
|
|
Trevor is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Computing from the University of Guelph and over a decade of experience in customer service and administration. He joined Owen & Associates in early 2024 as a valued member of the TPA Team. With a robust background in providing exceptional customer support and streamlining administrative processes, Trevor brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen attention to detail to his role. His technical skills and extensive experience ensure that he effectively manages our clients' benefit plans and retirement solutions, contributing significantly to their overall satisfaction. Outside of work, Trevor is an avid swimmer and mountain biker, always seeking new adventures and challenges. He also enjoys immersing himself in music, attending concerts, and spending quality time with his wife and their two young children. His enthusiasm for both professional and personal growth makes him a well-rounded and highly valued part of the Owen & Associates team. |
Trevor Clark
Benefits Specialist
|
Kim DearmerBenefits Specialist |
As a Benefits Specialist, Kim is passionate about helping people feel supported and confident in their benefits. With a background in HR administration, customer service across several industries, and an Honours Diploma in HR Management, she is now pursuing her benefits designation.
Kim is known for her empathetic approach to client needs and thrives on building strong relationships. Outside of work, she enjoys contemporary dance, paddleboarding, and once even performed at a Toronto Argonaut halftime show.
|
Kim Dearmer
Benefits Specialist
|
Madison PattersonBenefits Specialist |
Madison helps people protect today and plan for tomorrow as a Benefits Specialist at Owen & Associates. With 10+ years of administration experience and a background in hospitality and real estate, she brings a passion for learning and is currently pursuing her CEBS designation.
Madison resonates most with O&A’s value of helping people and, outside of work, loves staying active, adventuring outdoors, and solving puzzles.
|
Madison Patterson
Benefits Specialist
Accounting
|
Mae MartinezAccounting Clerk |
Born and raised in the Philippines, I moved to Canada to be closer to my family who moved to the States. I have a background in engineering and went to study accounting moving here to Canada to learn a different kind of math. When not working, I love hanging out with family and friends. I enjoy listening to music, movies, crossword puzzles, sudoku, billiards, karaoke (though I don’t have the voice for it) food trips, and milk tea. |
Mae Martinez
Accounting Clerk
