YOUR TEAM AT VANCEA FINANCIAL
James Arnold
Partner
Investment Funds Advisor
James and his wife Christine, along with their three children Aaron, Logan and Megan, moved to Stratford in 2002.
James has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and is currently finishing his Certified Financial Planner designation. Prior to joining the Vancea Financial team in 2006, James taught accounting at Conestoga College in Kitchener for four years. During this time, James and his wife owned and operated Play Fair Sports Camp for kids which had locations in Cambridge and Kitchener. James has been involved in various volunteer community activities (Board Director/Treasurer for Epilepsy Huron Perth and Board Director for Stratford Aces, Coaching). He has helped out financially for numerous non-profit organizations in Huron Perth.
James’ knowledge and ability to listen to clients, then find a solution that meets their needs in a non-pressure environment, has paved the way for a successful career in the financial arena in Stratford and surrounding areas.
Tara-Lynn Burton
Executive Assistant
Tara joined the Vancea team as an Executive Assistant in May 2023. Throughout her career Tara has gained a vast amount of customer service and administrative experience in a diverse field of industries including veterinary, medical, manufacturing, plumbing and law. She enjoys facing new daily challenges in the financial industry, and is dedicated to providing top care and service to all of our clients.
Tara lives in Hespeler with her partner, Chris and their 2 cats, Black Cat and Grey Cat. In her spare time she loves to travel, play cards and boardgames with friends, and spend time with her large family. She also enjoys playing sports such as softball, pickleball and pool.
Gesi Commisso
Managing Partner
Certified Financial Planner
Gesi is all about culture, family and providing exceptional service. He’s been in the industry for almost 15 years and lives in Woodstock with his wife Alex and two kids, Agostino and Siena.
Gesi is both a Certified Financial Planner© and Group Benefits Specialist who thrives on providing service like no other. His continued education helps to ensure he stays relevant and competent.
He focuses on the financial well-being of his clients and helps them accomplish what they set out for. He is an avid soccer fan who coaches as well and enjoys visiting family back in Italy when he can.
Brian Cressman
Partner
Certified Financial Planner
Brian was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Prior to joining the London Life Insurance Company in 1999, he was in the banking industry for eight years and also worked as a brokerage sales manager for Canada Life for two years. Since joining Canada Life, and now being part of Vancea Financial Group Inc., Brian’s focus has been on building long-term relationships with present and future clients, assisting in all aspects of their financial security plans.
Brian moved to Stratford in 2011 with his wife Gayle and their young daughter Alexa.
Brian has also earned his Certified Financial Planner designation and maintains his commitment to professionalism, ethics, and education.
Nikki Davidson
Executive Assistant
Licensed Assistant
Nikki joined the Vancea team in January 2021 and received her CIFC certificate in May 2022. In 2007 she began her career in the London Life legal department as a Law Clerk, eventually moving up to a Team Lead position. In 2016 she moved back to her hometown of Stratford, where she would eventually find herself working at Vancea Financial. Nikki has a combined 18 years of administrative and management experience under her belt and takes great pride in servicing the needs of our clients.
In her free time, Nikki enjoys spending time with her son. She is a self-proclaimed foodie, an avid baker and loves hiking and the outdoors. She has also gone to school for Aesthetics, wig making and theatrical makeup and still dabbles in these from time to time.
Debbie Dawson
Executive Assistant
Licensed Assistant
Debbie joined Vancea Financial Group October 2017 as an office administrative assistant.
Debbie received her CIFC certificate in December 2019 and has over 20 years experience in the financial service industry as a bank teller and loan associate. She also has experience with operating/admin for a small construction company, and owned a hobby farm for 4 years. Debbie completed her small business course at Conestoga College and accounting course at Naylor McLeod. Customer care is a top priority for her as she enjoys the daily challenges her job entails.
Debbie has two young adult children, Carter and Sarah who she enjoys spending time with when they are not busy ATV-ing or in horse competitions. Debbie and her children still enjoy family vacations in the summer, especially camping in a new area each time, exploring Ontario.
When she is not spending time with her family, Debbie enjoys going dancing and to the movies with her friends.
Dino Ferrera
Managing Partner
Certified Financial Planner
Dino Ferrera is a Partner and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) at Vancea Financial Group . He has a background in Marketing with his Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph and has been working in the financial services industry for over 15 years.
As a Financial Planner, a large focus for Dino is helping his clients learn about the importance of financial preparedness and risk management. His focus is on helping people accumulate and distribute wealth while protecting their families and their assets. Your retirement, your child’s education, your business, and your home are all dreams he can help plan for and protect.
In his personal life, Dino and his wife Nicole spend most of his time with family and friends. He has a passion for physical fitness (running), spending time outdoors and a strong interest in helping the community. They have two sons, Matthew and Thomas, who keep them on their toes and constantly moving.
Rob Flood
Partner
Investment Funds Advisor
Rob was born and raised in Woodstock, Ontario. With over a decade of experience as a financial advisor, he’s had the privilege of guiding families and individuals towards financial well-being.
Beyond the world of finance, his incredible spouse, Val, and two young boys are the heartbeat of his life. Navigating the delicate balance of professional expertise and personal connections, Rob is committed to crafting financial strategies that resonate with your unique family dynamics.
As an advisor, Rob helps clients in all stages of life, those who are just building their careers, business owners, young families or those looking at retirement and estate planning.
Trina Herman
Operations Manager
Licensed Assistant
Trina joined Vancea Financial Group in November 2015. She brings with her over 10 years of experience working in the financial industry. Trina received her CICF Certificate in May 2018 as well as her LLQP in February 2022. She has experience in front line customer service, and as a financial service associate to multiple advisors at one of Canada's leading financial institutions.
Born and raised in Stratford, Trina lives here with her husband Scott and their two children, who are both active in minor sports within the city.
Alyson Kent
Partner
Financial Planner
Alyson joined Vancea Financial Group in 2011, first as an assistant to Mike Vancea, and later transitioning to an advisor. In 2023 she passed her Qualified Associate Financial Planner exam, and is currently working toward her Certified Financial Planner designation. Alyson began her career in finance and investments over twenty-five years ago, after completing a BA and MA in Canadian History at the University of Victoria.
An active volunteer in her community, Alyson has a special interest in arts and heritage, and has served on many boards and committees. From 2010 through 2018 Alyson served as Trustee for the City of Stratford on the Avon Maitland District School Board. Her current volunteer commitments include the boards of Professional Artists Lodge (PAL) and INNERchamber, as well as several social justice causes. In 2019 Alyson began to study Martial Arts with Foley's Family Karate. She currently holds the rank of Yonkyu (Purple belt), and is working towards a Black Belt.
She lives in Stratford with her partner, Mark. Their children are now all adults, and they were excited to welcome their first grandchild in 2022.
Reilly McCann
Partner
Investment Funds Advisor
Reilly, a native of Stratford, Ontario, is a seasoned financial professional with over 10 years of experience in the industry. After graduating from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2016, Reilly has dedicated his career to helping clients achieve their financial goals.
Reilly's focus is on creating personalized financial plans that cater to the unique needs of each client. He understands that no two individuals or families are alike, and therefore strives to tailor his services to each client's unique situation. He is committed to providing exceptional service and advice to his clients at all stages of life.
At Vancea Financial Group, Reilly is part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. The company's culture is centered around creating a positive and supportive environment for both clients and employees.
Outside of work, Reilly enjoys travelling, playing golf and hockey, along with spending time at his family cottage.
Samantha Lewis-Davis
Executive Assistant
Licensed Assistant
Samantha Lewis-Davis is an Executive Assistant at Vancea Financial Group's Woodstock office. She graduated from Fanshawe College's School of Information and Technology, where she specialized in Executive Office Administration. Samantha brings with her over 15 years of customer service experience and over 2 years in frontline financial services.
Samantha has been a part of the Vancea Financial Group team since February 2023. She takes great pride in being a part of such a supportive and innovative company. She is passionate about providing exceptional administrative support and maintaining strong client relationships for her colleagues at Vancea Financial Group.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, Brandon, and their two dogs, Ruby and Minka. She is an avid reader and loves attending concerts and shows. Samantha also enjoys taking her furry companions on local adventures, exploring the beauty of Woodstock and its surrounding areas.
Trevor Neeb
Managing Partner
Certified Financial Planner
Born and raised in Stratford, Trevor has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and holds a Certified Financial Planner Designation.
With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, Trevor focuses on providing quality service and honest advice. His personal goal is to ensure clients are well informed, and to assess their unique situations and tailor a solution to match.
Trevor resides in Stratford with his wife Mallory, their two young children and their poodle, Walter.
Julian Piwowarski
Partner
Investment Funds Advisor
Julian is an experienced and knowledgeable Financial Security Advisor and Investment Funds Advisor, ready to work with you on your family’s financial future.
He has a B. Comm degree, an MBA in Business Administration and is finishing his CFP designation.
Specializing in comprehensive investment management, retirement planning and insurance protection, he believes his breadth of experience and knowledge in wealth management and advanced financial planning, are key factors in helping his clients achieve their financial goals and insurance protection.
Julian has had a variety of careers, including a tax auditor for the CRA, a Manager of Hospital Information Systems, a Project Manager for a large project with the Ministry of Health’s ehealth division and a Financial Advisor.
After a 10 year career as a Financial Advisor, serving businesses and families, Julian joined the Vancea Financial team in 2021.
Julian is a member of the Festival City Rotary club, previously treasurer of the foundation and a member of the local Music and Opera Appreciation group, as the treasurer. Julian also enjoys golfing and curling and keeping fit at the gym.
When he’s not spending time helping his clients in Stratford protect and grow their wealth, Julian is spending time with his partner, Rosemary.
Sarah Temple
Executive Assistant
Sarah joined Vancea Financial as an Executive Assistant in August 2024. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University in 2009, she brings over 20 years of experience in customer service, finance, administration, and office management to her role.
Her career has been marked by her ability to create welcoming environments and foster positive client rapport while supporting senior leaders in client-facing positions. She excels in project management, coordination, and thrives in collaborative settings.
Outside of work, Sarah is a nature enthusiast and enjoys traveling with her family. She spends most of her weekends at their trailer in Chepstow, Ontario. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and reading with her two young daughters.
Carla Vancea
Executive Assistant
Born and raised in Sault Ste Marie, Carla moved to Welland in 1990 for her last two years of high school and some might say, “This is where it all began”. Carla met Mike in grade 12 and they both went on to study together at the University of Waterloo. They graduated in ’96: Carla with a degree in Psychology and Management Studies; Mike with a degree in Economics. They married shortly after graduation and lived/worked in Waterloo until moving to Stratford in 2000 and incorporating as Vancea Financial Group.
Before having their two daughters, Micaela in 2001 and Abigail in 2002, Carla worked at Manulife Financial in Administrative and Business Development roles. In 2003, she decided to stay home and raise the girls, while supporting Mike behind the scenes in his new business. When the girls were older, she returned to work as an elementary school secretary but after 8 years, when the girls were in University and they became empty nesters, she preferred the flexibility of working from home part time supporting Mike in an administrative role.
Carla has been an active member of Stratford Youth Soccer and its board for the past 10 years. In her spare time, Carla loves photography, travelling, spending time with her daughters in London, Pilates, and playing with their dog, Mabel.
Michael Vancea
Managing Partner
Certified Financial Planner
Mike has been in financial services since graduating from the University of Waterloo where he received his B.A. degree in Economics. In 2013, he earned his M.B.A. degree from Dalhousie University. Mike is also a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Life Underwriter and continues to upgrade his education to help ensure he stays at the top of his game.
In 2001, Mike moved to Stratford where he, along with his wife Carla, raised their daughters Micaela and Abigail. They are both attending Western University now.
Mike’s goal is to offer his knowledge and experience in the area of wealth and estate planning as well as employee benefits to clients and their many referrals.
Mike enjoys working on the many boards around Stratford as well as coaching soccer and playing ball in the summers.
Makaila Willmore
Executive Assistant
Makaila joined the Vancea team as an executive assistant in March 2024. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier university with a degree in Criminology. With 10 years of customer service experience, two being in the financial field, she enjoys continuing to build her knowledge to provide excellent client care.
In her spare time, Makaila loves cozying up with a good book and her dog, as well as spending quality time with friends. Summer is always well spent swimming at the beach and enjoying the sun.
Tanya Zandamela
Executive Assistant
Tanya joined Vancea Financial Group in July 2023 as an Office Administrative Assistant. She is currently enrolled in the CIFC certification program.
With over 15 years experience in the administrative field, Tanya has worked in the offices of both health care and children services. She received her Medical Office Diploma from Medix school. With an interest in the financial industry, Tanya also completed some Continuing Education accounting courses through Conestoga College.
Woodstock is her hometown where she lives with her husband and 3 young children. They enjoy spending time outdoors and camping at their family trailer.
Tim Ziegler
Partner
Financial Security Advisor
Tim was born in Stratford to acting parents at the end of a run of King Lear in 1985. After his own twelve year acting career, he made the leap into personal finance in 2018. He has clients from all walks of life, but specializes in self employed individuals, including corporations. He believes that everyone’s financial situation is unique, and that we simply do not learn enough about personal finance – in school or after. Education on our financial system is a big part of his business, and his years as an actor have left him with excellent communications skills.
Tim lives with his wife Karen, his two year old son Matthew, and his two rescue dogs Mani (a whippet-adjacent from Costa Rica), and Miga (a black lab cross from Mexico). He is an avid CrossFitter, and dabbles in many sports.
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Vancea Difference
We’re confident that our unique approach to financial planning will provide you with new insight into your financial needs now and in the years to come.