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.
"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,
"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. "
Jamie Sawyer,
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.
"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.
"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.
"Coming Soon "
Don Hiltz,
Don Hiltz
VP, Sales & Marketing, SmartChoice Benefits
Coming Soon
"Hanson was raised in Toronto and moved to Hong Kong to pursue his career for over a decade. He recently returned home with his family in 2021. He had worked for several multinational financial institutions; with experience in Group Benefits, Retirement and Insurance, Hanson joined Penmore Benefits as a Group Benefits Analyst in November 2021. Hanson loves travelling, snowboarding and trying out new activities or sports with his daughter in his spare time. He is looking forward to growing with Penmore in different capacities in the years to come. "
Hanson Kam, Group Benefits Analyst & Customer Care
Hanson Kam
Group Benefits Analyst & Customer Care
Hanson was raised in Toronto and moved to Hong Kong to pursue his career for over a decade. He recently returned home with his family in 2021. He had worked for several multinational financial institutions; with experience in Group Benefits, Retirement and Insurance, Hanson joined Penmore Benefits as a Group Benefits Analyst in November 2021. Hanson loves travelling, snowboarding and trying out new activities or sports with his daughter in his spare time. He is looking forward to growing with Penmore in different capacities in the years to come.
"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. "
Melanie Cheng, Group Benefits Analyst & Customer Care
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.
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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
"Born and raised near the Himalayan province in India, Sachin has been inspired to travel and explore the mountains. He enjoys walking and playing games with his friends and family. Being an enthusiastic music lover, he loves to listen to different genres (recommended by his friends and cousins). In his free time, he loves watching Cricket, Soccer and reading mythology-related books. "
Sachin Bhatt, Group Benefits Analyst & Customer Care Specialist
Sachin Bhatt
Group Benefits Analyst
Born and raised near the Himalayan province in India, Sachin has been inspired to travel and explore the mountains. He enjoys walking and playing games with his friends and family. Being an enthusiastic music lover, he loves to listen to different genres (recommended by his friends and cousins). In his free time, he loves watching Cricket, Soccer and reading mythology-related books. Sachin is a Group Benefits Analyst and Customer Care Specialist at Penmore and has over five years of experience in the Insurance industry. He has an MBA in Healthcare Management and has worked for one of the largest insurance brokers in the world and one of the best third-party administrators in South Asia before joining Penmore.
"Romaysa is a talented individual who is appreciated for her creative hobbies. She loves to bake, using her culinary skills to whip up some delicious treats and shares the joy with friends and family. Furthermore, she is a skilled professional make-up artist, using her artistic flair to enhance natural beauty and create stunning looks for various individuals. "
Romaysa Sanjida, Client Support & Benefits Specialist – TPA
Romaysa Sanjida
Client Support and Benefits Specialist
Romaysa is a talented individual who is appreciated for her creative hobbies. She loves to bake, using her culinary skills to whip up some delicious treats and shares the joy with friends and family. Furthermore, she is a skilled professional make-up artist, using her artistic flair to enhance natural beauty and create stunning looks for various individuals. With the passion of helping others, she has been able to gain seven years of combined experience with handling insurance claims and managing employee benefits in both corporate and union environments, ensuring their well-being and satisfaction within the workplace. She is Smart Choice Benefit’s current Client Support and Benefits Specialist and working towards her GBA Designation.
"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 McShane-Reed,
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.
"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. "
Addie Smith, Benefits Consultant
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.
"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. "
Vian Lau, Group Retirement Associate
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.
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L4K 0C5
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L1G 0E1
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