Our Benefits Team

Lio Spagnuolo

President & CEO

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.

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.

Emeka Agu

Director of Finance

Emeka Agu, CPA,  is an avid soccer and basketball fan. He proudly carries the distinction of being the world’s biggest Liverpool FC supporter (self-proclaimed). He has a passion for maintaining a healthy active lifestyle, from hitting the gym to playing pickup basketball on the weekends. In his spare time, Emeka enjoys spending time with friends and family, travelling the world, and seeking new adventures and cultural experiences. As the Director of Finance at Penmore, Emeka is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the company. He is a graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University and holds a CPA designation. Prior to joining Penmore, he gained extensive experience at some of the world’s leading financial services institutions and Fortune 500 companies.

Shannon McShane-Reed

Senior Vice President, Group Benefits

Shannon is passionate about mental health advocacy, animal rescue, being a devoted friend, and, most importantly, being a mom. She loves spending her free time at the family cottage, gardening or hiking with her two dogs. Shannon also sits on the Board of Directors for Heartache2Hope, a Halton-based not-for-profit organization. Shannon has three decades of experience in the health and dental industry, with some of Canada’s largest public and private companies leading national blocks of business at over $100 million in revenue. She previously held executive growth-focused roles at Express Scripts Canada/Cigna and Symbility Health, where she was elevated to President after a successful tenure as VP, Sales, Marketing and Client Service. Shannon is client-focused and known for leading cross-functional teams by empowering and elevating everyone around her. She is also a Certified Agile Leader and Scrum Product Owner, using her extensive experience to help organizations drive greater efficiency and unlock growth opportunities.

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.

Tina Parise

Vice President

Tina is a dedicated leader in the Group Benefits and Retirement consulting industry, known for her expertise, results-driven approach, and genuine care for the people and organizations she serves. As Vice President, she excels in designing benefits strategies that deliver measurable results and improve employee well-being. Her career is driven by a passion for creating meaningful change, solving complex challenges, and building strong client relationships. Her approachable demeanor and commitment to excellence make her a trusted partner and valued mentor. She holds her BA from Ryerson Polytechnic University, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University, and brings extensive expertise as a Human Resources professional. Authenticity, enthusiasm, and a vibrant personality shine in every interaction. Whether she’s collaborating with clients, mentoring her team, or planning her next travel adventure, Tina brings a contagious energy that inspires those around her. Deeply family-oriented, she cherishes time spent with her husband and three children, exploring new places and indulging in her love for food. Her balance of professionalism and warmth makes her not only a dynamic leader but also a trusted friend and partner in success.

Neeli Moses

Vice President, TPA Services

Coming Soon

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.

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.

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.

Lina Marzola

Senior Benefits Analyst

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.

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).

Kyle O’Brien

Employee Benefits Consultant

Coming Soon

Jamie Sawyer

Benefits Consultant

Jamie is an award-winning, client-focused sales professional who has spent the entirety of his career providing solutions to organizations' Human Resources, Corporate Health, and Safety challenges. He has had the pleasure of closing sales engagements with some of the largest organizations in North America while also leading sales teams in complex, B2B sales environments. He strives to understand a client’s unique needs while ensuring that client-stakeholder KPIs are accounted for. In his spare time, Jamie enjoys playing a variety of sports and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

Anusa Sundararasa

Senior Group Retirement Consultant

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 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 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.

Don Hiltz

VP, Sales & Marketing, SmartChoice Benefits

Coming Soon

Melanie Cheng

Group Benefits Analyst & Customer Care

Melanie has worked in the insurance and underwriting industries for almost ten years. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree from York University and a HRM postgraduate certificate from Seneca College. Melanie currently works as a Group Benefits Analyst for SmartChoice. When she is not working, she loves to travel to different cities and try diverse vegan cuisine. She is also extremely passionate about rescue animals and volunteering in her spare time.

Zeke Oudeh

Founder, SmartChoice Benefits

Coming Soon

Addie Smith

International Sales & Group Benefits Consultant

Addie is a multi-faceted individual driven by a love for learning, entrepreneurship, travel, and creating cherished memories with family. With an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth, she embraces new opportunities and strives to make a positive impact along the way. With over ten years of extensive insurance experience, Addie has honed her expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive employee benefit programs for multinational organizations in an ever-evolving international landscape. She excels at crafting customized benefit strategies that align with clients' strategic objectives, providing education and building trusting relationships as the driving force behind her work. Proudly serving as a Benefits Consultant with International Benefits at Penmore, Addie combines her in-depth knowledge of insurance, dedication to client satisfaction, and passion for international business to deliver exceptional results. With her expertise and unwavering commitment, Addie is a trusted partner for multinational organizations looking to optimize their employee benefits and drive their success in the global marketplace.

Vian Lau

Group Retirement Associate

I’ve worked in a Financial institution and Real Estate brokerage for many years. I hope to share and bring on the different aspects and views with my Group Retirement Team. On my spare time, I love spending time on travelling. I have been to many beautiful places like Hawaii, Maldives, Punta Cana, Japan etc. And I love the Hot Spring in Japan very much, every time I’m there I feels like I’ve gone to a deep Spa treatment ! I also love cooking vegan food, so I will spend sometimes on creating cooking videos on my YouTube Channel just to show others how delicious vegan food can be. I also like spending some me-time to do Yoga, non-equipped exercises, and meditation just to regain back my energy and rebalance myself.

Silvija Richards

Senior Benefits Consultant

Silvija is a fitness lover who enjoys getting outdoors and keeping active with her husband and two young children. She loves spending time with her family in Muskoka and, whether it’s ice fishing in the winter, or a boat cruise in the summer, being out on the water is her happy place.

Silvija graduated from McMaster University in 2005, with a Bachelors in Kinesiology. She joined Penmore in October 2023 bringing with her over 10 years of experience in the health and dental industry, including over 5 years at TELUS Health, managing multi-million dollar, national account portfolios. She seeks to understand the needs of her clients and provide support and guidance to build and maintain strong relationships.

Madhulika Rawat

Group Benefits & Customer Care Representative

Madhulika believes in the ideology of “You only live once, so enjoy the ride”. Recently, she rediscovered her old passion for acrylic painting, a creative endeavor she adores sharing with her friends and family through heartfelt gifts. In her leisure hours, she enjoys listening to music, engaging in yoga practice, and maintaining her physical fitness. She hails from a large, tightly knit family with whom she enjoys discussing various aspects of life.

Madhulika holds the role of Group Benefits Analyst and Customer Care Specialist at Penmore, bringing more than five years of experience in the healthcare industry which includes working in Third-Party Administration and Pharmaceutical Consulting firms. She holds an MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Management and is presently working towards earning her GBA designation.

Daren Ali

Senior Benefits Consultant

Daren joined Penmore in April 2024 after three years of leading analyst teams across Southern Ontario for a major brokerage. Prior to that, he gained valuable consulting experience working with various brokerages and insurers, developing a strong foundation in risk assessment and client solutions. With a deep understanding of the industry, he brings a strategic approach to helping clients navigate their insurance needs. In his current role at Penmore, Daren is responsible for supporting existing clients and currently holds an active LLQP license. Outside of work, Daren spends his free time coaching his youth basketball teams or watching his son play.

Nick Parise

Benefits & Retirement Plan Sales Consultant

Nicholas is a dedicated Group Benefits and Group Retirement Specialist at Penmore Benefits, where he helps companies design and optimize their employee benefits and retirement programs. He provides strategic solutions that align with both corporate objectives and employee well-being. His expertise lies in tailoring benefits programs to support talent retention, financial security, and long-term growth. Passionate about building strong relationships, Nicholas works closely with business leaders, HR teams, and industry professionals to deliver customized, future-ready solutions. Outside of work, he has a keen interest in film, F1, motorsports, and skiing.

Avneet Toor

Group Benefits Associate

Avneet has over three years of experience in the group benefits industry and is dedicated to providing tailored solutions to meet client needs. Currently serving as a Group Benefits Associate, Avneet brings a strong background in client relations and benefits management. In her spare time, she loves to explore new destinations and immerse herself in different cultures through travel. She enjoys trying new foods, whether local delicacies or unique cuisines from around the world, and finds relaxation in outdoor activities, ranging from hiking to unwinding in nature with family and friends.

Cecilia Ladisa

Associate

Cecilia has been an Associate of the Group Benefits and Pension team since 2018 with her focus on client service and Third-Party Administration.   She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from York University and HRM postgraduate certificate from Seneca College. Prior to joining the Penmore team, Cecilia worked for over 25 years as an office administrator and operations manager with her family’s business in furniture manufacturing. Family is priority for this proud mom.  She enjoys travelling and the occasional escape room challenge, but most of all, she cherishes any time spent with family and friends.

Dina Seita

Operations Associate and Executive Assistant

Dina Seita is an Operations Associate and Executive Assistant to the President, where she supports strategic initiatives and manages day-to-day operations to ensure smooth business functions. With a background in Recreation and Facility Management as a Clerk with the City of Brampton, she brings a strong foundation in operational efficiency and customer service. Enrolled in studies for Marketing and Communications, Dina is constantly expanding her expertise to bridge the gap between theoretic and hands on experience. Known for her quick adaptability, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn, she thrives in dynamic environments and tackles challenges with a proactive mindset. As a former soccer player and avid fan of sports, she understands the power of teamwork and prioritizes collaboration to achieve exceptional results. Outside of work, Dina is passionate about travel, hosting family and friends, and loves being in the outdoors. With a commitment to self improvement, she is dedicated to making valuable contributions in every role, always striving to exceed expectations and grow both personally and professionally.

Mohammad Al Jarkasi

Benefits & Retirement Plan Sales Consultant

With over 15 years of experience in sales and customer relations, Mohammad is passionate about helping individuals and organizations navigate the complexities of benefits and retirement planning. A big MMA fan and tennis enthusiast, Mohammad brings a strategic and competitive mindset to every interaction. Holding a bachelor's in business, he is committed to working closely with clients to tailor solutions that align with their financial goals and long-term security. By building strong relationships and understanding each client’s unique needs, Mohammad ensures that they receive the support and guidance necessary to make informed decisions for a successful future.

Spencer Reed

Group Benefits Analyst

Spencer is a passionate and dedicated individual with a variety of interests. He studied Business Management at Humber College before joining Penmore in August 2024.  He has since quickly adapted to the role of Group Benefits Analyst and become an asset to the Penmore Benefits team. In his free time, he can be found playing with his band as guitarist and lead vocalist, walking his dog, or with his friends playing various tabletop and video games.

Victoria Routledge

Account Manager

Victoria is an active and motivated individual with a strong passion for sports, travel, and continuous learning. She graduated from Acadia University with a degree in Business Administration in 2021. Since then, Victoria has worked in the group benefits sector for over 3 years and has an active LLQP license. In her spare time, she enjoys playing ringette, enjoys skiing during the winter months, and has a passion for travel, exploring new cultures and destinations.

Joseph Woldemariam

Senior Group Benefits Specialist

Joseph Woldemariam is a seasoned benefits professional with over 15 years of experience in group insurance, client relationship management, and financial performance strategy. With a strong background in managing group health and dental benefits for small to mid-sized businesses, Joseph has built a reputation for delivering client-focused solutions, improving plan sustainability, and enhancing service efficiency across departments. In his leadership roles, Joseph has successfully driven business unit performance by aligning service delivery with financial goals, coaching high-performing teams, and managing complex client escalations. He brings deep expertise in benefits analysis, policy renewals, disability claim review, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure service quality and compliance. Known for his proactive communication style, strategic thinking, and commitment to client satisfaction, Joseph continues to support organizations in navigating the ever-evolving benefits landscape with confidence and clarity.

John Giannopoulos

Sales Consultant

With over 20 years of experience in the insurance and employee benefits industry, John brings a well-rounded background in consulting, senior leadership, operations, and sales. He has partnered with organizations ranging from multinational corporations to local businesses, helping them design and manage benefits programs that balance cost-efficiency with employee satisfaction. He holds the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation and is known for his people-first approach, strategic insight, and ability to simplify the complex. A natural communicator and relationship builder, he takes pride in delivering tailored solutions that support both employers and their teams. Outside the office, John is a devoted husband and father of two daughters, an avid sports fan, and a lifelong reader with a particular interest in theology and the classics. Grounded in his faith and values, he enjoys spending time with his family up north and approaches both life and work with integrity, purpose, and a sense of humour.

Jeffery Smith

Senior Account Manager

With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Jeffery Smith has built a well-rounded career through roles with leading, as well as extensive time on the brokerage side. His deep understanding of both perspectives enables him to offer well-informed, client-focused solutions. In January 2025, Jeffery became provincially life licensed after successfully completing his life insurance exams in late 2024. He is eager to continue expanding his expertise and contributing to the evolving landscape of insurance. Outside of work, Jeffery enjoys spending quality time with family and friends as well as painting. An avid sports fan, he frequently attends live Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto FC, and Toronto Raptors games. He also leads an active lifestyle—working out, playing basketball, biking, and fishing during the summer months. Jeffery is passionate about professional growth and is committed to providing knowledgeable and trusted service in every client interaction.

Gargi Prabhakar

Group Benefits & Customer Care Specialist/TPA

Gargi began her career as a TPA Benefits Analyst with Morneau Shepell, where she provided third-party support to employees on behalf of client organizations. After gaining foundational experience in benefits administration, she transitioned into a direct role. There, she worked closely with internal teams as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for employee benefits, supporting HR Business Partners and Payroll with day-to-day inquiries and more complex issues. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and has completed graduate certificates in Financial Planning, as well as Strategic and Human Resource Management from Centennial College. Her educational background, combined with hands-on experience in both third-party and in-house environments, has shaped her well-rounded approach to client service and HR support. Outside of work, Gargi enjoys traveling, reading, trying different cuisines and is a big fan of crosswords. A devoted animal lover, she finds joy in spending time with pets and exploring new cultures and experiences. Her curiosity and commitment to learning are at the heart of both her personal and professional journey.

Ryan Reeson

Account Manager

Ryan has a background in healthcare, with a focus on orthopaedics. He worked as a research student at Toronto Western Hospital during his undergrad and grad school, having the opportunity to shadow orthopaedic surgeons in the fracture clinic and operating room. Ryan completed both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Kinesiology at Western University. He entered the business world through joining a tech start-up where he gained experience in business development, sales, client management, and marketing. Ryan then entered the insurance industry in 2022, working in Accident Benefits, where he utilized his strong customer service skills to assist claimants who were injured in motor vehicle accidents. He joined Penmore in July 2024 as part of our Group Benefits team, and he is one of our Jr. Account Managers. In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing and watching sports, trying new restaurants, listening to music, reading, travelling, and spending time at the cottage with family and friends. He is a loyal and passionate Toronto sports fan, especially of the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, and Raptors.

Jessica Haworth

International Benefits Consultant

Jessica Haworth is a proud mother of two wonderful daughters and a dog owner of two dogs. When she’s not balancing family life and work, you can find her diving into fun DIY projects at home, enjoying camping trips, or creating cherished memories with her family in beautiful Montana. As an International Benefit Consultant with over ten years of experience in the insurance industry, Jessica focuses on helping clients navigate international expatriate and business travel solutions. She genuinely cares about providing exceptional customer service, ensuring that her clients feel valued and supported. Jessica strongly believes in the importance of honesty and transparency, always striving to find the best solutions tailored to her clients' needs. She is very excited to be a part of the Penmore team!