Make your money work for you.

Amie is a seasoned Wealth Protection Specialist with a passion for helping others secure their financial future. Her passion for what she does comes from losing a loved one back in 2013 and living firsthand the aftermath of such an event places tremendous financial strain on a family. In a blink of an eye, everything changed for Amie, that moment pushed her closer to her purpose of helping others protect what matters most - one's life, and ability to support their families. In 2016 she ventured into the industry and hasn’t looked back, she resides in Calgary, Alberta but has roots throughout the province. Over the years, Amie's dedication and expertise have led her to explore various aspects of the financial industry, focusing on safeguarding her clients' assets and helping them achieve financial health and wholeness.

Currently, as a Wealth Protection Specialist with connectFirst Wealth, Amie is committed to assisting Albertans in protecting themselves, their families, businesses to ensure their financial future stays intact. Additionally, she serves as a Mutual Funds Representative with Aviso Wealth, allowing her to provide her clients with a comprehensive range of financial solutions.

Amie’s love for life and enthusiasm pours into everything she does. Her perseverance, determination, and energy overflows into her work, creating a phenomenal outcome. She takes your financial health to new heights. She firmly believes in the power of kindness, support, and personal growth, and she incorporates these values into her interactions with clients. Her genuine dedication to helping others shines through in every aspect of her work, building strong and lasting relationships based on trust and confidence.

Outside of her thriving career, Amie finds joy and solace in the company of her three remarkable adult children, friends and family. Additionally, her love for mountains and adventure is what keeps her young at heart. You’ll often see her on the trails with her running shoes or in races within the local communities she calls home.

With Amie's unwavering commitment to her clients' financial well-being, she continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those she serves. Her mission is clear—to empower individuals to feel confident in their financial future and to protect and preserve what matters most to them.

Contact Me:

E. auitvlugt@connectfirstcu.com
T.(403) 519-4276
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: All Branches

In Partnership with:

Kea Harder
Wealth Protection Coordinator, connectFirst Credit Union
E: keharder@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 637-0342

In Partnership with:

Kea Harder
Wealth Protection Coordinator, connectFirst Credit Union
E: keharder@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 637-0342

“I read The Wealthy Barber in grade 11 and it really locked in the idea that I wanted to be a financial planner.” Chris now has been helping his clients in the financial industry for 17 years — all of those being within the credit union system and the last 11 having been with connectFirst.

“The thing that attracted me to the credit union system is the entrepreneurial attitude that the wealth team is given. We are members of a but I have always been empowered by the people I work with to build my business and take care of my clients and support them however works best for my clients,” says Chris. “I think that’s an attitude that you don’t get at any of the larger financial institutions where they have their way of doing it and it’s the only way and everyone has to conform to that system. As a credit union we’ve been given control to treat our members much better than that, and that appeals to me.”

Chris grew up in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, but currently resides in Carstairs, Alberta. In between there, he moved to Saskatoon where he attended university to obtain his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. From there, he moved to Korea to teach English for a while in which he added, “there’s only really three things you can do with an English Degree, you can flip burgers, work at a bank, or move to a foreign country to teach English. I knew that flipping burgers wasn’t for me, so I decided to move to Korea to teach English, and then jumped over to working at a bank after that!”.

When Chris isn’t working, you can see him spending time with his wife Tanya, his three kids Holden, Willow and Cole and their two dogs Birch, and Oak. “We do a ton of camping. We camp probably 45-50 nights per year every year,” says Chris. Some of the spots you’ll find them camping would be anywhere from Cypress Hills, to the mountains, to some of the lakes and rivers in Alberta. “Being from Northern Saskatchewan, some of the lakes up there in the Canadian Sheild are amazing and any opportunity we get to go spend some time up there, we take full advantage of it.”

One of Chris’ best skills is his ability to really listen to his clients with an open mind and being sure not to pre-judge or assume he knows what solution is going to work for them or that he understands what they’re going through. “Listening to all the little the details of a clients specific situation is so important so that I can help build a solution that really works for them,” he claims. “I think it’s so important that you work with an advisor that you absolutely enjoy working with, and that you’re comfortable being honest with. If you’re going through hard times and you don’t feel comfortable sharing that with your advisor, your advisor can’t possibly give good advice for your situation.”

Contact Me:

E: CHareuther@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 337-3387
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Carstairs, Crossfield, Cremona, Beiseker and Coventry Hills

In Partnership with:

Hildah Sibanda
Wealth Associate, connectFirst Credit Union
Registered Representative, Aviso Wealth
E: hsibanda@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 736-4968

“It’s more than just numbers. There’s an art in financial planning that involves taking all the information that people give you and synthesizing it into something that’s meaningful to them.”

Corinne thrives at helping people understand the value of a good financial plan. “I’m good with helping people take complex and hard to understand pieces and presenting them in a simple way that’s meaningful,” she says.

As soon as Corinne started her career in the financial industry as a teller on the front line at Mountain View Credit Union, one of connectFirst’s legacy brands, she knew right away that she was going to be a financial planner. “I was one of the first 8 people to get a mutual fund license at Mountain View,” she states proudly.

Corinne left Mountain view for a short time to expand her knowledge of the industry at a financial planning firm, but came back to the credit union in July 2010. “Having the opportunity to work at companies outside of the credit union system, I fully understood what the credit union advantage was. It’s collaboration. It’s that we truly work together for the benefit of the member. In other places you’re working near other people, but you aren’t working with other people to make sure you’re doing the right thing for the client,” claims Corinne.

Having grown up in the Olds area her whole life, Corinne loves to get away by traveling to different theme parks with her husband and three children. “I’m most happy when I’m with my family especially if it’s at a theme park. It’s that concentrated family time when you don’t need to share them with anyone.”

At home when the weather is nice, she likes to be outdoors doing a little bit of gardening but during the winter months she stands on the sidelines while her family cheers on the Calgary Flames, and jokes “if Disney and Universal had teams, only then would I be a hockey fan!”

Contact Me:

E: CLutz@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 556-6688
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Olds, Sundre, Eckville, Red Deer, Didsbury

In Partnership with:

Hildah Sibanda
Wealth Associate, connectFirst Credit Union
Registered Representative, Aviso Wealth
E: hsibanda@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 736-4968

For his entire career, spanning more than 25 years, Dan has worked in finance. A lot has changed over the past quarter century, but one thing that remains the same is how rewarding it is for him to help members achieve financial security.

When Dan meets with members, he goes out of his way to make them feel that no one else is more important and that he is committed to helping them make their financial dreams come true. His goal is to help them achieve their individual goals, whatever they might be, and he does his utmost to ensure that they do. For Dan, the most satisfying part of the job is witnessing the relief in his members’ faces when he’s able to tell them that there will be enough income for them to meet their retirement income goals, for as long as they live.

Outside of work, you can find Dan reading, playing golf, and staying active in the community.

Contact Me:

E: DGalvin@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 934-1171
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Strathmore

In Partnership with:

Joanne McKinney
Wealth Associate, connectFirst Credit Union
Registered Representative, Aviso Wealth
E: jmckinney@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 736-1173

Derek excels at creating an overall wealth management strategy, working directly with his clients to help define and create their ideal financial future. Once a plan is in place, Derek’s focus is staying in active contact with his clients, providing ongoing advice and recommendations to ensure their strategies stay on track.

Born and raised in Red Deer, AB. Derek Spent most of his life pursuing a career in professional hockey playing with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. After a brief stint in the ECHL, he completed his Bachelors of Business in Finance with Distinction while also playing for the University of Prince Edward Island Men’s Hockey. Derek then moved back home to Red Deer to begin his finance career. He’s been working as a financial planner since 2017.

Derek was drawn to connectFirst because of the vast opportunity and the ability to work with a team that seems to capture the spirit of entrepreneurship while also working for an institution that understands the importance of community.

"My job is to get a deep understanding of each client, help define their goals and map out how to get there. Looking at the whole wealth picture through Estate planning, protection, taxation, borrowing, and risk management. I can then uncover what type of investment strategy is best suited for each client”.

Outside of work, Derek spends most of his time with family; His beautiful wife, Hailey, and two kids; Blayke and Hudson. He also enjoys golfing, playing hockey and staying active.

Contact me:

E: dryckman@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 820-0498
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Brooks, Medicine Hat

In Partnership with:

Daly Hamilton 
Wealth Coordinator, connectFirst Credit Union
E: dhamilton@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 736-4494

With over 16 years in banking, Gord brings a well-rounded background from commercial and personal banking, complex credit, investments, and high net worth planning. Gord strives to simplify planning for his members by removing the confusion of who to ask and where to go by connecting them with the right players and experts, at the right time.

With his certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), and Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM) designations, Gord specializes in providing informed guidance for members that are in search of sophisticated advice. With a focus on both the short and long term, he works with members to ensure their investment strategy is aligned to achieving their goals. Having a close partnership allows Gord to be proactive in planning so that he can anticipate both planned and unplanned life events. Knowing that every member’s story is unique, and money can be emotional, proactive planning, along with developing trust and prioritizing clear communication, builds a strong foundation to create an efficient and resilient financial plan.

Outside of work, Gord thoroughly enjoys getting outdoors with his wife and two kids. They can be found snowboarding on winter weekends, and golfing in the summer.

Contact Me:
E: gbuehler@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 801-0840
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Dalhousie, Oakridge

Contact me:

E. LTroyanovska@connectfirstcu.com
C. (587) 586-8851  
T. (403) 736-4954 
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-2059
Branches Supported:  Inglewood

In Partnership with:

Marzia Hasanzada
Wealth Coordinator, connectFirst Credit Union
Non-Registered Representative, Aviso Wealth
E: mhasanzada@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 736-4614

“I want to help Albertans grow any way I can,” says Nathan. 

Nathan has been helping Albertan’s accumulate, protect, and manage their assets for more 16 years. 

He’s received numerous awards and titles throughout his career, including Wealth Professional Magazine’s Wholesaler of the year, but nothing is as rewarding to him as mentoring – whether it’s mentoring members with their finances or mentoring members of his team. 

“I really do enjoy when I can actually help somebody, provide them with advice, and then watch them be successful from it,” he says. 

“It’s hugely rewarding when somebody comes to you, and their financial situation is just the dog’s breakfast, and you get to clean it up and tell them they have enough to retire,” he explains. 

“Just to watch that calm come over somebody is the most rewarding feeling.” 

When Nathan’s not giving financial advice, he’s giving fitness advice. He owns two F-45 fitness studios in the city. 

He’s a busy man, but Nathan always makes time for family and travel, with an upcoming trip to Columbia to look forward to.  

“I really enjoy spending time with my family and family get togethers,” he says. “That’s when I’m happiest, spending time with my family and loved ones.” 

Contact me: 

E: NAmor@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 807-1448
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: MacLeod Trail, Shawnessy, South Trail, Okotoks

In Partnership with:

Joren Patenaude
Wealth Associate, connectFirst Credit Union
Registered Representative, Aviso Wealth
E: jpatenaude@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 736-4963

Born in Egypt before moving to Dubai for a short while, and then to Calgary in 2010, Verginia has become a true Calgary advocate. During her time in Egypt, Verginia attended University where she obtained her bachelor in commerce majoring in business administration and finance. She then went on to work in many different financial roles varying from private and retail banking, to investment and stock market trading.

Since joining the connectFirst family at the end of September 2021, Verginia has felt nothing but pride to be where she is today. “I love the environment at connectFirst. I’ve worked in many different places, but how I feel here is different,” she says. “It’s so nice seeing so many women in leadership roles here and it truly makes me proud to be part of the connectFirst family.”

Outside of work, Verginia loves spending time with her husband and 5 year old son. “We’re also looking to add a puppy to our family in the near future. Maybe a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle, but it’s so hard to choose between the two.” Besides family time, you can also see Verginia taking on many different interior design and renovation projects. “I’m always on some renovation project of some sort at my house, or at my parent’s house because they let me do it there too!” says Verginia. “I also really love cooking and going on hikes. I have a hobby that suits all of the seasons we get here in Calgary,” Verginia laughs.

Although Verginia has only been with connectFirst for a short while, she’s been in the financial industry for over 18 years. “My expertise in this industry is definitely financial planning. I love looking at my clients life from a holistic approach and trying to understand them from every corner. Things get deeper with a financial plan.” Claims Verginia. “It’s so important that clients are open and honest with their advisor because we are here for you and here with you.”

Contact me: 

E: VGhobrialsaid@connectfirstcu.com
P: (587) 215-0678
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Beddington, Village Square, Taradale and Northgate

In Partnership with:

Warren makes things easy for his clients by having the ability to explain things at whatever level necessary depending on where the client’s knowledge or comfort level is. “Our industry is notorious for having a lot of acronyms, lingo and concepts that can be common knowledge to us advisors and people sometimes just assume that everyone should understand it, yet that’s not reality,” he claims. “If someone has a better comfort level and understanding, they’re more likely to follow through with the advice.”

One of the quotes Warren loves to tell his clients is “you can always pay now and play later, or play now and pay later”. “You definitely want to have a healthy balance of both, but you need to get started sooner than later. Whatever you can save now, get into a good habit with it and you’ll reap the rewards later.”

Warren has an incredible 22 years of experience in the financial industry and has been with connect first since 2007. “I think people should deal with a credit union only if it’s aligned with their values, but I think it would be hard to find people that the credit union values don’t align with,” says Warren. “We’re looking out for the best interest of our members first and our organization second, which I don’t think is the case in many other FIs.”

Warren met his beautiful wife at the University of Lethbridge where he obtained his bachelors degree in management, majoring in finance. Together they now live in Strathmore, Alberta with their two daughters and their dog, Quigly.

Outside of work, Warren enjoys doing woodworking in his garage where he builds rustic furniture to give as gifts to friends and family, or you can also find him cheering on some of his favorite Calgary sports teams, the Calgary Flames and the Stampeders. “My one daughter plays ringette, and my older daughter used to be in cheerleading. So when my girls are or were competing those are definitely the most fun sports to watch and my favorite teams to cheer for.”

Contact me:

E: WNielsen@connectfirstcu.com
P: (403) 361-2051
Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Strathmore, Claresholm, Bassano, Vulcan, Nanton, Fort Macleod, Lomond

In Partnership with: