That is why we take great pride in the quality of our people. Our team is committed to serving the long-term financial success of our clients. They also have the years of experience, work ethic, and commitment to get the job done.
In his younger years, Karen’s eldest son Andrew was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and Autism.
On most days, Karen found herself extremely stressed and overwhelmed; a single parent, working full-time and managing a household filled with explosive behaviors, doctor’s appointments, drug trials, therapies, and sibling rivalry at its finest.
Falling into bed most evenings in tears from the days’ challenges, she would lay awake troubled by her fears for the future of her family.
What will happen when I am no longer here or have the capacity to assist? How will Andrew be able to live financially if he cannot work? Are there resources to help our family? Who will manage these? How can I be fair to my younger son Tyler as well?
One would think that being a Certified Financial Planner would make this journey fairly easy ~ it was anything but! Government programs and services are incredibly complicated, and most professionals are not educated in the unique needs & challenges of those living with a disability.
Karen is passionate about sharing this acquired knowledge and her personal experiences with other families to help guide them through this maze of complexity. “I need to make this easier for families that do not have the time or energy to embark on this path themselves, but desperately need to put the strategies and solutions in place to provide peace of mind for tomorrow”.
Karen’s journey in financial services began with National Life in downtown Toronto, but when her first child arrived, the dream of homeownership led her to Barrie. After a brief stint commuting, she connected with Richard McCaw, a seasoned local advisor, and eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn from a veteran in the industry.
It wasn’t long before Karen discovered her passion for empowering families to achieve financial security. She thrives on helping clients build, protect, and grow their wealth—whether that’s planning for retirement, saving for education, managing investments, or crafting a personalized financial strategy. Karen’s dedication lies in guiding families at every stage, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate their financial futures.
In addition to her expertise in comprehensive financial planning, Karen is a dedicated advocate for the Special Needs community. With firsthand knowledge and deep compassion, she helps families with disabilities tackle the complexities of long-term financial planning, providing them with peace of mind and sustainable support.
Karen’s approach is both personalized and compassionate, always focused on empowering clients to make informed and confident decisions about their financial well-being.
Outside of work, Karen enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling with her partner Dave, tackling challenging jigsaw puzzles, and diving into her latest paddleboarding adventures.
Kevin is a second-generation financial planner who began his practice in 2014. Starting with one of Canada’s prominent captive institutions, Kevin quickly realized that the best way to serve his clients was by offering truly unbiased advice. In 2019, he transitioned to the independent advisory world, freeing him from the pressure to promote specific funds and allowing him to focus solely on his clients’ best interests.
Kevin also has a keen interest in working with the Special Needs community, a commitment that began in his youth. During his summers at Ontario Pioneer Camp in Port Sydney, ON, he was inspired by his experiences working alongside Special Needs campers. These formative moments taught him the power of creativity, honesty, and unconditional care. Motivated by these lessons, Kevin is dedicated to offering individuals in the Special Needs community the respect, compassion, and dignity they deserve.
Kevin’s commitment to independence and client-first service is reflected in his tailored solutions and long-lasting client relationships.
When Kevin isn’t looking over financial statements, he can be found touring baseball stadiums, visiting Disney parks and supporting the Toronto Sceptres all with his partner Talena.
Janet is our Senior Administrative Assistant responsible for managing all aspects of a clients file. Janet joined our Spectrum Team in May of 2000 and with her long tenure comes a wealth of experience in all areas of our business. She takes great pride in ensuring the families we work with are serviced to the highest standards. Janet is the strength behind the scenes that keeps our systems running smoothly.
Janet is renowned for her baking and enjoys spending quality time with her two daughters and her puppy Jaxx.
Cathy is our newest administrative assistant, just joining the team in June of 2023. Cathy comes to us with strong administrative experience in the Financial Planning field – both in Canada, and the US. Cathy is enjoying getting to know our clients and loves the family atmosphere at Spectrum.
Cathy is a proud mom of 2 grown sons, and Gam Gam to her grandson, Watson. When she is not out trying new restaurants or visiting with friends, she is home with her two felines Boo and Buster.
Joining Spectrum in September of 2025, Ashley is the newest member of our team. She brings over 15 years of administrative experience with a diverse background, including knowledge in the investment field. She is looking forward to getting to know and supporting the wonderful clients at Spectrum.
Ashley is a busy mom of three beautiful, young boys. When she is not busy with birthday parties and sports practices, she enjoys archery and the outdoors.
