Meet Our CFDS-AA Professionals

Renée Le Nobel: CPA, CA FPSC Level 1 Certificant, CFDS-AA

I am a sole proprietor who obtained my MBA in 1997 and my CPA, CA designation in 2001. That said, most of my experience and know how comes from transitioning from my role as a full time stay-at-home parent to that of a business owner of a thriving small business that provides bookkeeping, accounting and tax services for individuals and small businesses with a focus on helping individuals and couples that are navigating separation and divorce. My main area of expertise is creating budgets and financial plans for individuals to navigate their future lives once they are separated and divorced.

Bettina Plendl: CFP, Qualified Mediator, CFDS-AA

I moved in 2008 to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC from Munich, Germany – to me immigrating means having an open mind, welcome diversity on all levels in life, being creative and thinking outside-the-box. With this mindset and being trained as a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist, I assist individuals, couples and other professionals finding common-sense financial solutions which work for both parties of the separation. My studies to become a Qualified Mediator with the ADR institute assist me to navigate difficult situations. Each marriage is unique, each individual has different needs for the new future and the numbers need to reflect that. It is my mission to provide expertise and knowledge to the process – to ensure nobody involved makes costly financial mistakes. My approach is based on information and insight. My practice is 100% solely focused on financial divorce planning.

Cathie Hurlburt: CFP CLU, R.F.P. CHS, FMA, CFDS-AA

Cathie Hurlburt has received numerous awards for her work as a financial advisor, including the Five Star Wealth Manager Award in 2011, 2012 and 2013. She was named BC’s Advisor of the Year in 2003 by Advisor’s Edge Magazine. Cathie is a partner and Senior Financial Planner at Integrated Planning Group. She has been providing financial planning services and advice to clients since 1987. Cathie is licensed with Assante Financial Management and is also a licensed life, accident and sickness insurance agent. Previously, Cathie worked for a trust company and a life insurance company. Born and raised in Toronto, Cathie attended Wilfrid Laurier University where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Cathie became a Chartered Financial Planner and Registered Financial Planner in 1991, received her Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1995, Certified Financial Planner in 1996, her Financial Management Advisor in 2001 and became a Certified Financial Divorce Specialist in 2003 and a Certified Health Specialist in 2011. Clients appreciate her ability to translate complex concepts into simple English, and the way she focuses on the factors that make a difference in your life today and in the future. Cathie’s depth of expertise allows her to resolve difficult problems for her clients, and she takes care to educate them so they can make financial choices with confidence and peace of mind. Cathie is co-author (with Mike Berton and Brian Goss) of How to Incorporate Financial Planning into Your Practice and is a committed advocate for the highest standards for Financial Planners. She is a former Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC) board member and the former National Chairperson for The Canadian Association of Financial Planners (CAFP), now known as Advocis. Cathie is a member of the Vancouver Collaborative Divorce Group and also a member of the North Shore Alternative Family Dispute Resolution Group (formerly known as the North Shore Collaborative Law Group).

Tanya Sterling: CPA, CA, CPCA. CFDS-AA

Tanya Sterling is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist with certificates in ElderLaw, Collaborative Dispute & Resolution, and Negotiation.
 
With over 17 years of experience in tax accounting, financialreporting, strategic financial planning, facilitation, conflict management, and coaching for individuals as well as businesses.
 
Tanya has been an active advocate in dealing with youth at risk, women, and seniors, volunteering in many different areas of the community. This includes being a member and advocate of several local groups such as:
– Rotary Club of Victoria Harbourside (Past-Chairs of the Boys and Girls Club, Community Funding Committee, and Board Membership Director)
– BC Coalition to Eliminate Senior Abuse (Seniors First BC)
– Co-Chair for the Victoria Chapter of the Minerva BC Foundation Follow A Leader Program
– Board member for the Capital Regional District Arts Advisory Council
– Mentor for University of Victoria Business students
– Youth at Risk and the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre
 
In recognition for work in the community and commitment to her clients’ needs, Ms Sterling
– won the “Top Visionaries Under 40″ Award
– was selected and recognized for “CA Young Achievement Award” from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants / (Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)
– was recognized as Douglas Magazine Victoria’s “Top 10 to Watch”
– was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International and attained a Rotary Governor’s Award
– was a recent finalist for the Leadership Victoria Coaching and Mentorship Award
 
Ms Sterling has been featured in BC Business Magazine, actively speaks and teaches in the community, writes various articles, and has been interviewed by magazines including the Times Colonist (Victoria), Douglas Magazine, FOCUS, the Business Examiner, and featured in Boulevard Magazine’s March 2015 “Women Who Make a Difference”.

Lisa Sukul: CFP, RRC, EPC, Bcomm, CFDS-AA

I got into the finance industry in 2009, after my divorce, to get on top of my own finances and to help others do the same. I take a holistic approach to financial planning, with retirement income planning as the anchor for my business. I completed my CFP in 2014, and Elder Planning Counsellor (EPC) designation in 2016. The completion of the CFDS designation greatly expands my life-event planning toolbelt to help clients take care of their future selves. My aim is to help children through helping their parents make smart, informed financial decisions during life’s ups and downs.

Caroline Cranston: CFP, CFDS-AA

I am passionate about helping clients reduce their stress and anxiety during conflict situations in a safe environment. I am a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Personal Financial Planner, Trained Mediator and Private Investigator.

Micheline Maes: CFP, EPC, RFM, CFDS-AA

Micheline Maes, owner of Maes Divorce Consulting, is a Registered Family Mediator in Alberta and British Columbia. Maes Divorce Consulting is dedictated to guiding families through separation and divorce, providing clarity in financial matters and guidance in parenting arrangements to a fully informed agreement. Maes Divorce Consulting also provides litigation support and provides a fluid and supportive team approach, reducing cost and conflict.

Wendy Olson-Brodeur: CFP, RFM & Collaborative Prof, CFDS-AA

Wendy is passion to educate on alternatives to traditional separation & divorce; Mediation & Collaboration. Get educated before you negotiate. Money is 90% of the agreement, get licensed professionals to help you understand the strategies.

Laura Abrams: BAS, RN, CFP, CFDS-AA

Specialized training in divorce enables Laura to work with separating couples, their lawyers and family professionals to help the affected parties make informed decisions through the collection, analysis and integration of clients’ financial data and values. Laura will spend time to understand both of the clients’ interests and illustrate informed and creative divorce settlements. As a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist Laura is available to spend time together and/or individually with the clients to educate and support them thru the financial challenges involved in the separation/divorce process. Laura is a proud member of The Academy of Financial Divorce Specialists, the FPSC and Kawartha Collaborative Practice Group and acts as a volunteer on various initiatives. She has over ten years experience in both investment and risk management. By including a CFDS in the team clients benefit by having one person, a financial professional, acting as the quarterback in the collection and interpretation of financial data. Member of SPA-Separation Professionals Alliance.

Gail Belchior: BA/Bed, PFP, AccFM, CFDS-AA

Gail is an accredited financial and family mediation expert specializing in separation and divorce and mediation. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, accreditation and expertise spanning the fields of finance and mediation, Gail’s current focus is providing people with the tools to make informed and appropriate financial decisions in stressful and emotional times. As the Owner, Family Mediator and Financial Divorce Consultant at Financial Divorce Solutions, Gail works with individuals and couples to provide the financial analysis necessary to develop the best settlement proposals to meet future lifestyle projections and provide a comfortable and secure financial plan. Accredited in Family Mediation, Gail guides her clients through the process to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. Gail completed the CFDS training in September 2011. Recently, Gail has added Financial Relationship Solutions for all individuals and couples to gain a deeper understanding of money. The two entities are now the core services provided by Money Matters Services and Solutions – Making Money Make Sense for You and Your Life. Gail is also a founding member of SPA-Separation Professionals Alliance. Find out how Gail Belchior’s financial expertise can untangle your finances.

Linda Cartier: CFP, R.F.P., ELP, PFP, CFDS-AA

As one of the first financial divorce specialists in Canada, Linda has worked to increase awareness and professionalism in this field. She utilizes a holistic approach to financial planning and divorce specialist planning in an effort to provide objective information so clients are able to make more informed choices during this difficult time in their lives. Her practice specializes in financial divorce matters, working with legal, mediation professionals and directly with clients going through the divorce process. Linda is a President and head trainer for the Academy of Financial Divorce Specialists.

Jo-Anne Fiore: BA, CFP, RRC, Acc.FM, CFDS-AA

Jo-Anne Fiore brings over 25 years of financial consulting experience to her clients.
 
Ms Fiore completed a Certificate in #FamilyMediation and Bachelor of Arts, Economics at York University, followed by a #CFP and RRC from the #Canadian Institute of #FinancialPlanning (#CIFP).
 
In addition to being a member of member of both the Caledon Chamber of Commerce and the Peel Halton Collaborative #FamilyLaw Group, Ms Fiore was issued the New Startup Business of the Year award from the Town of Caledon Community Services Small Business Enterprise Center in October 2013, the same year achieving the Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist designation.
 
Ms Fiore is an Accredited #Mediator (OAFM Ontario Association for Family Mediation) and Collaborative #Law Team Practice Member primarily serving the following areas:
 
Alliston, Barrie, Beeton, Bolton, Bradford, Brampton, Caledon, Caledon East, Collingwood, Erin, Hillsburgh, Hockley, King City, Mississauga, Nobleton, Orangeville, Schomberg, Tottenham, Vaughn/Woodbridge

Susan Nardi: CFP, Hons. BA, CFDS-AA

Susan Nardi graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton with an Honours Degree in Economics. She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner with over 20 years experience in the financial services industry. Susan Nardi was awarded the Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist’s designation in 2012. This highly valued designation now allows Susan to assist clients achieve the most satisfactory long term financial settlements. Susan is committed to educating her clients and walking them through this difficult process. Member of SPA-Separation Professionals Alliance.

Joyce Owen: CFP, CLU, CFDS-AA

Joyce Owen is a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist among the first in to receive specialized training and the professional designation from the College for Divorce Specialists in 2002 (now known as the Academy of Financial Divorce Specialists (AFDS)) and Certified FinancialPlanner with more than 25 years of experience in the financial industry. A collaboratively trained financial professional, Joyce works with divorcing couples, lawyers and therapists.

Terri McDougall: FMA PFP, CFDS-AA

Terri is a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the banking and Wealth Management fields. As a CFDS, Terri assists clients with gathering, documenting, and making sense of their financial information. In the collaborative process, Terri’s role is that of a financial neutral acting for both parties. Terri can review settlement options and proposals with you to determine the long-term implications and effect on your future well-being. Education is key in preparing clients for better decision-making. Terri helps clients increase their comfort level with regards to financial planning, budgeting, insurance, and investments and can make appropriate referrals and introductions to ensure all one’s needs are met post divorce. Terri has a passion for working with clients in transition, and takes a personal interest in ensuring clients maintain civil relationships in the best interests of their family. Her goal is to assist couples in getting through a difficult and emotional time, efficiently and productively, while bringing some sensibility and perspective to the process. Member of SPA-Separation Professionals Alliance. 62 McRae Dr., Toronto, Ontario M4G 1S4 & 291 Pine St., Collingwood, Ontario.

Eva Sachs: B.Comm, CFP, CFDS-AA

Ms. Sachs graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.Comm in #economics/#accounting, earned her #CFP from FP Canada (the #FinancialPlanning Standards Council) over 15 years ago, and became a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist in 2015.

A member of the Academy of Financial Divorce Specialists (AFDS) and Collaborative Divorce Toronto, Ms Sachs deals with #divorce money matters supporting couples/individuals working with traditional #lawyers, #mediation and #collaborativepractice.

Ms Sachs has produced a series of interviews with #FamilyLaw Lawyer/Mediator Zahra Taseer discussing situations people face when considering or during divorce and has been interviewed by Women of Influence.

In the media, Ms Sachs has been interviewed by John Panagakos, family lawyer Leanne Townsend, Rob Carrick from The Globe and Mail, Barb DiGiulio on Newstalk 1010 Radio, @jeff-hutcheson-a11799166 on CTV News, as well as Dan Richards, president, Client Insights, at the TMX Group in Toronto Broadcast Center in Toronto with family lawyer Marion Korn to discuss their book, “When Harry left Sally: Finding your way through grey divorce”. Miss Sachs divorce articles have appeared in The Globe and Mail, MoneySense, and CBC News.

Tatiana Terekhova: CFP, RRC, CFDS-AA

Tatiana has been a financial advisor since 2000. Having worked for CIBC Imperial Service (2005-2014), she helped hundreds of families with their life transition planning. Since 2014, Tatiana is operating as an independent, fee-based financial advisor with direct focus on separation and divorce. Tatiana is a member of Hamilton-Halton Collaborative Family Law Practice, was repeatedly quoted by MoneySense and featured on CogecoTV. In 2020, Terekhova has created and launched her online course “How to prepare for divorce” and save thousands.

Blair Corkum: CPA, CA, R.F.P. CFP, CLU, CHS, CFDS-AA

I hold my Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS) and a Registered Financial Planning (R.F.P.) designations, and several other related designations. I have been providing advice, including training workshops, on child support since 1997, including participation on the Advisory Committee on Child Support for the federal Deputy Minister of Justice prior to 2002. After the initial exposure to child support issues, my training and experience has expanded to all financial areas of separation and divorce. I work with individuals, their lawyers/mediators/family counsellors, as well as PEI Supreme Court judges and family court staff, on determination of income, child and spousal support, equalization of assets, and related tax and financial issues. I have been hired as an expert witness both by client lawyers and by judges of the Supreme Court. My focus is engagements where couples are working together cooperatively, and truly seeking fair settlements. My goal is to provide parties with objective calculations of their entitlements to minimize both legal costs and emotional stress, which can be devastating to spouses and their children. For more, see my web site.

Dianne Bruce: CFP, FMA, TEP, CFDS-AA

Dianne Bruce was born in Dawson Creek, BC, Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway, and has lived and worked in the north all her life, moving to Whitehorse in 1969. Her financial career began at a Whitehorse bank where she specialized in investments.
 
After 10 years at the bank Ms Bruce joined an independent mutualfund dealer and was an InvestmentAdvisor and Branch Manager for 7 years. Ms Bruce began teaching the Canadian Securities Course at Yukon College in 1999, and joined RBC Dominion Securities in 2000.