Our Benefits Team
Penmore Benefits consultants focus exclusively on their area of benefits expertise. We focus on the details and help you see the big picture.
"Gianluca is big fan of baseball, hockey and cycling. He is in fact, pretty much a lover of all sports. While he likes to watch a good match, you can find him participating often as well. Being active is important for Gianluca, who is a fitness, health and wellness advocate. In addition to being a self-professed “Super Dad,” he regards himself to be an excellent forensic problem solver too. "
Gianluca Spirito,
Gianluca Spirito
Senior Benefits Consultant
Gianluca is big fan of baseball, hockey and cycling. He is in fact, pretty much a lover of all sports. While he likes to watch a good match, you can find him participating often as well. Being active is important for Gianluca, who is a fitness, health and wellness advocate. In addition to being a self-professed “Super Dad,” he regards himself to be an excellent forensic problem solver too.
Gianluca is an Account Manager at Penmore, responsible for not only acquiring new business but also growing and nurturing existing clients. He started in the industry in 2012 with Freedom 55 Financial and has been focused on planning on the corporate side of the business. He joined the Penmore Benefits team in 2014.
"Joanne is a world traveller, enjoying the exploration of new cultures and always planning the next global adventure – when time permits. When she is home, Joanne’s idea of relaxing is playing hostess to the many gatherings she holds entertaining family and friends. "
Joanne Porter,
Joanne Porter
Senior Benefits Consultant
Joanne is a world traveller, enjoying the exploration of new cultures and always planning the next global adventure – when time permits. When she is home, Joanne’s idea of relaxing is playing hostess to the many gatherings she holds entertaining family and friends. A new member of Penmore since June 2016, Joanne is a Group Benefits Specialist known and respected throughout the industry as a strong business partner. She brings a GBA designation and over 25 years of experience in the group insurance industry to her role. While most of her career has been spent on the insurance carrier side of the business, she has the ability to build strong relationships with clients and insurance providers. As a Senior Accountant Manager in the group benefits area, Joanne is committed to not only providing benefits support and advice, but also to acting as a reliable resource and extension of a company’s HR team.
"MaryAnn is a self-professed foodie. With a culinary management certificate from George Brown College, she enjoys entertaining friends with her culinary delights. This passion and creativity extends to all aspects of her life. She is a dedicated mom who is hard working and goal oriented. She always works in the best interest of others, at home and at work. "
MaryAnn Petruzzellis,
MaryAnn Petruzzellis
Senior Benefits Consultant
MaryAnn is a self-professed foodie. With a culinary management certificate from George Brown College, she enjoys entertaining friends with her culinary delights. This passion and creativity extends to all aspects of her life. She is a dedicated mom who is hard working and goal oriented. She always works in the best interest of others, at home and at work. As an Employee Benefits Consultant, MaryAnn (BA York, HR Certificate Ryerson) works on the majority of Penmore’s large and VIP clients. With her exceptional product and pricing knowledge, thoroughness and engaging personality MaryAnn assists her Group Insurance clients in designing comprehensive Employee Benefit programs which are regularly evaluated to ensure optimum value and stellar service. She joined Penmore in 1999 and has worked in the area of employee benefits since that time. She has been involved in all aspects of the benefits business from customer care and management, to preparing tenders and renewal negotiations.
"Michael was born and raised in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. He attended university in North Carolina on a lacrosse scholarship and, just recently, this West Coaster decided to relocate to Ontario to pursue his career. "
Michael Pecchia,
Michael Pecchia
Benefits Consultant
Michael was born and raised in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. He attended university in North Carolina on a lacrosse scholarship and, just recently, this West Coaster decided to relocate to Ontario to pursue his career. Although he might be far from home, Michael has very deep ties with his family, friends, and Doberman back home (placing extra importance on getting as much quality time with them as he can). He enjoys sports and being outdoors whenever he can. You will find Michael on the ice rink in the winter and playing golf in the summer. Another one of Michael's passions is traveling - his most recent trips have been to Ecuador and the Philippines. Although at this time he is not able to travel as much as he would like, he definitely plans to do more in the future. For now, Michael is kept very busy in his current role as an Account Manager and is responsible for not only acquiring new business but also growing and nurturing existing clients.
"Cathy comes from a large, close-knit family of brothers and sisters, and recently became a grandmother. In addition to spending time with her new granddaughter and her family, Cathy enjoys music and playing the piano. She attributes her strong work ethic and dedication to every task she undertakes, to her strong family-oriented upbringing. "
Cathy McNally,
Cathy McNally
Account Coordinator/Customer Care
Cathy comes from a large, close-knit family of brothers and sisters, and recently became a grandmother. In addition to spending time with her new granddaughter and her family, Cathy enjoys music and playing the piano. She attributes her strong work ethic and dedication to every task she undertakes, to her strong family-oriented upbringing.
Cathy is an Account Coordinator and Client Service Specialist. She started her career in the insurance business with Prudential of America in 1980 and grew with the company until London Life acquired it in 1996. She continued at London Life, where she eventually met Joe and John and began working with Penmore in 1999. She obtained her life license and has remained with the company since joining. She started working on the Penmore Financial side and moved over to Penmore Benefits in 2013.
"As a mother of a daughter and son who are both teenagers, family is the most important thing for Lina. When she is at home, Lina is never truly ‘at home,’ acting as a true Soccer Mom chauffeuring her kids seven days a week to practices and games. If her kids have time for mom, than that’s who you will find Lina hanging out with. She also loves to travel, read, visit museums, and cook in the rare moments of spare time. "
Lina Marzola,
Lina Marzola
Account Coordinator & Customer Care Specialist
As a mother of a daughter and son who are both teenagers, family is the most important thing for Lina. When she is at home, Lina is never truly ‘at home,’ acting as a true Soccer Mom chauffeuring her kids seven days a week to practices and games. If her kids have time for mom, than that’s who you will find Lina hanging out with. She also loves to travel, read, visit museums, and cook in the rare moments of spare time.
Lina is an Account Coordinator and Customer Care Specialist at Penmore and has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. She joined Penmore in 2007 and was with Sun Life from 1994 – 2007. Lina has a Health Insurance Association of America Diploma (HIAA) and is a member of the LOMA Society.
"Lio Spagnuolo, GEBS, GBA, BA is a self-professed sports fan (especially hockey) who would rather be in the game, than watching it. This energy and passion is applicable to every facet of his life – personally and professionally. He is a dedicated family man with a strong work ethic, and can always be relied on to see the big picture. "
Lio Spagnuolo,
Lio Spagnuolo
President
Lio Spagnuolo, GEBS, GBA, BA is a self-professed sports fan (especially hockey) who would rather be in the game, than watching it. This energy and passion is applicable to every facet of his life – personally and professionally. He is a dedicated family man with a strong work ethic, and can always be relied on to see the big picture. As President of Penmore Benefits Inc., Lio is responsible for all of Penmore's employee benefits divisions (Group Benefits, Group Retirement, and Global Benefits). With a BA in Economics from Laurentian, Lio has broad experience in the employee benefits field. He started in the industry at London Life in 1995. In 1999, Lio joined with John and Joe at Penmore. He currently shares his expertise as a member of the board of the Benefits Alliance Group, member of the Advisory Board of Wealth and Estate Plan, Group London Life and member of the Advisory Group of Manulife Group.
"Bill is a passionate sports fan who roots for Toronto’s teams: Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Raptors. He tries to fit exercise into his life and enjoys gardening. He volunteers at his local Ajax Pickering Board of Trade and is a past Director, President and Chair. He is also a past winner of the Board’s Business Excellence Award. A devoted husband and dad to two daughters, he always leads by example – a trait inherited from his hard working Greek immigrant parents. Value and respect are two driving needs that are important to Bill. "
Bill Zolis,
Bill Zolis
Senior Employee Benefits Consultant
Bill is a passionate sports fan who roots for Toronto’s teams: Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Raptors. He tries to fit exercise into his life and enjoys gardening. He volunteers at his local Ajax Pickering Board of Trade and is a past Director, President and Chair. He is also a past winner of the Board’s Business Excellence Award. A devoted husband and dad to two daughters, he always leads by example – a trait inherited from his hard working Greek immigrant parents. Value and respect are two driving needs that are important to Bill.
He is a Senior Employee Benefits Consultant, responsible for customer care of his valued group clients and developing new relationships. With over 30 years of experience in this area, Bill started in the underwriting field and has advanced his vast industry knowledge base through ongoing seminars and various positions. He shares his expertise on committees of the Benefits Alliance Group and various Group Insurance Organizations such as Canadian Group Insurance Brokers (CGIB) and Group Insurance and Pharmaceutical Committee (GIPC).
"Penmore Wealth Management understands your personal needs and goals are not the same as anyone else. We tailor a plan and provide ongoing management. We build portfolios with consistent returns so you have the security you need over time. "
Kyle O’Brien,
"Penmore Wealth Management understands your personal needs and goals are not the same as anyone else. We tailor a plan and provide ongoing management. We build portfolios with consistent returns so you have the security you need over time. "
Jamie Sawyer,
Jamie Sawyer
Coming Soon
"Penmore Wealth Management understands your personal needs and goals are not the same as anyone else. We tailor a plan and provide ongoing management. We build portfolios with consistent returns so you have the security you need over time. "
Rahim Peera,
Rahim Peera
Senior Vice President, Group Retirement Services
Rahim is passionate about spending time being physically active playing his favourite sports. You may find him spending weekends and evenings on the basketball court, soccer field or perfecting his game on the golf course. Ask him about what is on his bucket list and Rahim will tell you that playing golf at Pebble Beach is a ‘must do’ in the future. A close second would be a visit to Bali, Indonesia with his wife. Hawaii would be acceptable too as a dream destination.
Rahim is currently Senior Vice President, Group Retirement Services. He is a University of Waterloo Economics graduate and has been in the financial services business since 2002. Since 2007, he has been working exclusively in the Group Retirement area. Prior to joining Penmore, he worked for some of Canada’s largest insurance and financial service companies.
"Helene was born and raised in Montreal and migrated to Toronto in 2012. Fluent in three languages (French, English and Greek), she is an advocate and volunteer with an organization whose mission is to preserve and advance Hellenic education, culture and heritage in Canada. "
Helene Papadolias,
Helene Papadolias
Client Relationship Manager
Helene was born and raised in Montreal and migrated to Toronto in 2012. Fluent in three languages (French, English and Greek), she is an advocate and volunteer with an organization whose mission is to preserve and advance Hellenic education, culture and heritage in Canada. She also has a passion for playing beach volleyball. She started playing the sport in 2014 and has never looked back. You can often find Helene playing in indoor beach volleyball leagues (especially advantageous during the cold winter months).
Helene has been in the Group Retirement industry for 18 years and joined Penmore in August 2019 where she works within the Penmore Benefits – Retirement division as a Client Relationship Manager. In her role, she helps Penmore’s large retirement clients design and manage their retirement programs. She acts as a resource and extension of a company’s existing HR team.
"Anusa has over five years of experience in the retirement industry and is working towards completing the RPA designation. She is Penmore Benefits’ current Client Account and Education Manager on their Retirement Team and has a strong background in member education and communication. "
Anusa Sundararasa,
Anusa Sundararasa
CLIENT ACCOUNT AND EDUCATION MANAGER
Anusa has over five years of experience in the retirement industry and is working towards completing the RPA designation. She is Penmore Benefits’ current Client Account and Education Manager on their Retirement Team and has a strong background in member education and communication. In her spare time, Anusa enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, learning about different cultures, and trying new activities.
"Sarah is dedicated mom and wife who is always on the go. In addition to caring for her family, she volunteers around Calgary. As a born and raised Calgarian, she is a third generation director on the Board of Directors in her community Millican Ogden Community Association and is a member of the Kid's Day Committee with the Calgary Stampede (YAHOO). She is on various Social Committees and is a Director of an annual Christmas market. Sarah is also a big sports fan who enjoys watching hockey (Go Flames Go), baseball and curling. "
Sarah Atkinson,
Sarah Atkinson
Client Service Coordinator
Sarah is dedicated mom and wife who is always on the go. In addition to caring for her family, she volunteers around Calgary. As a born and raised Calgarian, she is a third generation director on the Board of Directors in her community Millican Ogden Community Association and is a member of the Kid's Day Committee with the Calgary Stampede (YAHOO). She is on various Social Committees and is a Director of an annual Christmas market. Sarah is also a big sports fan who enjoys watching hockey (Go Flames Go), baseball and curling.
At Penmore, Sarah is a Client Service Coordinator with International Benefits in the Calgary, AB office. She helps with the day-to-day tasks with the International Benefits team. Sarah is new to the benefits industry and has a background in Home Health Care with over 12 years of experience in Office Management, Human Resources and OH&S. She joined Penmore in 2018, and is looking forward to her continued career with Penmore International Benefits.
"Janice loves to spend time with family and friends whether at home in Calgary or while exploring the world. Her love for travel began after graduation when she left the small rural town she grew up in to attend business college in Southern California. She enjoys sharing her travel experiences with stories and showcasing the special treasures that adorn her home. "
Janice Ogilvie,
Janice Ogilvie
International Benefits Consultant
Janice loves to spend time with family and friends whether at home in Calgary or while exploring the world. Her love for travel began after graduation when she left the small rural town she grew up in to attend business college in Southern California. She enjoys sharing her travel experiences with stories and showcasing the special treasures that adorn her home.
Janice is an International Benefits Consultant with a strong background in International Benefits Management. She has over 20 years of experience in all facets of the business - client, insurance provider, administrator and consultant. Her passion to understand and appreciate the life of an expat has provided opportunities to travel with clients, insurers and other global partners throughout Canada, the U.S. and around the globe. This has contributed to her ability to develop strong partnerships and trust in the delivery of global benefit programs. She is dedicated to identifying and solving a company’s concerns for the success of employees working around the world.
"Tyler is passionate about travel. After a four-month trip to Australia to play rugby in his early years at the University of Calgary, he was hooked. Journeys to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Iceland, Scotland and many more followed. Tyler’s desire to see the world and learn about other cultures inspired him to try and work in an international field. "
Tyler Ogilvie,
Tyler Ogilvie
Vice President, International Benefits
Tyler is passionate about travel. After a four-month trip to Australia to play rugby in his early years at the University of Calgary, he was hooked. Journeys to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Iceland, Scotland and many more followed. Tyler’s desire to see the world and learn about other cultures inspired him to try and work in an international field. Tyler is an International Benefits Consultant who works on Penmore’s book of global clients. With his analytical background, he is able to bring a new level of detail to the organization’s global consulting business. Tyler excels at building strong client relationships and understands his client’s needs anywhere in the world. Tyler holds a Risk Management and Insurance degree from the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business and started his career at Mercer as a benefits consultant. After four years of consulting with large domestic clients, he transferred to Penmore in 2015. He looks forward to growing Penmore’s global business in the years to come.
"Lisa likes to physically hit her opponents – be it in the modern sport of Olympic fencing or kickboxing. When she’s not sparring in a match, she is busy chasing her two kids around the house, the park and everywhere in between. In the little spare time she has, Lisa gives back to her community by volunteering. "
Lisa Wong,
Lisa Wong
Vice-President, Operations
Lisa likes to physically hit her opponents – be it in the modern sport of Olympic fencing or kickboxing. When she’s not sparring in a match, she is busy chasing her two kids around the house, the park and everywhere in between. In the little spare time she has, Lisa gives back to her community by volunteering. Lisa is currently appointed as the Vice President of Operations for Penmore Benefits Inc. As the former Operations Manager for the Penmore Group of Companies, Lisa oversaw operations for all three entities of the Penmore Group of Companies. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto (with a specialization in English). She has worked in the insurance industry for over a decade. She currently has her ALMI designation from LOMA (Life Office Management Association) and was a former Communications and Technology Chair for the LOMA Society of the Greater Toronto Area. Lisa is a proponent of lifelong learning and is currently enrolled in courses at U of T’s School of Continuing Studies.
"Mary is a busy mother who is always on the go. Her greatest love is for her family and she is dedicated to her active life at home. When she does have time for herself, you will find her lounging on a beach enjoying the sand and the waves. "
Mary Santoro,
Mary Santoro
Bookkeeping/Office Manager
Mary is a busy mother who is always on the go. Her greatest love is for her family and she is dedicated to her active life at home. When she does have time for herself, you will find her lounging on a beach enjoying the sand and the waves.
At Penmore, Mary is the Bookkeeper and Office Manager who is responsible for ensuring the company is efficiently run. She started her career working in a stockbroker’s office and later ran operations for a different stockbroker’s firm. After taking time off to be a dedicated stay-at-home mom, she joined Penmore in 2006.
"I joined the Penmore Team in 2020 welcoming and assisting clients. I assist the administrative and account teams with client files. I am actively involved in the social committee team, focusing more on the social media side of Penmore and diving in on the life Insurance division. "
Kristen Davidson,
Kristen Davidson
ADMINISTRATIVE/OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE
I joined the Penmore Team in 2020 welcoming and assisting clients. I assist the administrative and account teams with client files. I am actively involved in the social committee team, focusing more on the social media side of Penmore and diving in on the life Insurance division.
"Coming Soon "
Don Hiltz,
Don Hiltz
VP, Sales & Marketing, SmartChoice Benefits
Coming Soon
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Hanson Kam,
Hanson Kam
Group Benefits Analyst & Customer Care
Coming Soon
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Carolina Gaete,
Carolina Gaete
Group Benefits Analyst & Customer Care
Coming Soon
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Melanie Cheng,
Melanie Cheng
Group Benefits Analyst & Customer Care
Coming Soon
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Zeke Oudeh,
Zeke Oudeh
Founder, SmartChoice Benefits
Coming Soon
"Coming Soon "
Neeli Moses, Client Relationship & TPA Manager
Neeli Moses
Client Relationship & TPA Manager
Coming Soon
What’s New
What is a Frequent Traveller?
Explore different types of expat assignments, from classic to rotator to digital nomads, and learn how to find the right insurance coverage to meet their unique needs.
Covering the Details
Every once in a while, we need to ask ourselves, “What could possibly go wrong?” By: Bill Zolis What is it that keeps benefits plan administrators up at night? Details. Or, more to the point, the seemingly small details that can fall through the cracks and suddenly...
What is an Expat?
Explore different types of expat assignments, from classic to rotator to digital nomads, and learn how to find the right insurance coverage to meet their unique needs.
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Our Offices
Toronto Office
8800 Dufferin Street
Suite 304
Concord, ON
L4K 0C5
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Phone: 905-669-5577
Fax: 905-669-5738
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381 Taunton Rd. East
Oshawa, ON
L1G 0E1
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Phone: 905-430-7444
Fax: 905-430-9313
Toll-Free: 1-800-399-8523
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