1. Where did you grow up and if you moved to the Halifax area, what brought you here?

I grew up in Trenton, Ontario. I moved to Halifax in December of 2021. I was originally born in Halifax but moved away due to the military and moved back because of the military.

2. Can you highlight your educational background and professional experience?

I went to college and completed my diploma in Police Foundations, then followed that up with my diploma in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigations. I am currently working on finishing my degree in Criminal Justice.

3. What drew you to banking?

When I was managing a pharmacy, I took care of the daily deposits. Visiting a branch everyday, I got a lot more knowledge about banking and enjoyed listening to the tellers. Our conversations while doing deposits made it feel personal and I enjoyed that. In 2020, I was recruited and started my career in banking!

4. What does a “regular” workday look like for you?

A regular workday for me looks like what I think a lot of folk’s days look like. I come in, I check in with my colleagues to see how their mornings are going and if there is anything I can help with before starting my own work. Then I get into my office, update my voicemail and get plugged in! My focus is making sure our members are well informed and getting the best service.

5. What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job so far is the ability to say yes… or finding a way to say yes. I know that if I don’t have an answer to a question, we have such an amazing organization of people I can turn to!

6. Since being in your role with CUA, what is the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

There is a long list of valuable things I have learned here at CUA, despite having been in banking for five years. Adjudicating a credit file before sending it for review has taught me to look at things more closely and ask more detailed questions.

7. What do you think is a common banking myth people believe?

That having a credit card is automatically going to hurt your credit rating. Having a credit card on its own does not hurt your credit. It depends on how you use your credit card that can affect your credit. Utilization should stay below 50% but ideally below 30% of the available limit. Paying it off each billing cycle in full or in larger sums will continue to help build your credit score, rather than if you just make the minimum payment.

>An interesting data point from TransUnion, one of Canada’s credit reporting agencies, is that they think having seven credit lines is a healthy amount. Obviously, people need to determine the number that is appropriate for them. These should be a variety of types, like lines of credit, credit cards, mortgages, car loans, etc. If they are paid on time, it will continue to boost your credit.

8. What is one piece of financial advice that you believe everyone should follow?

Explore different savings and budget options. No one’s financial situation looks alike, so don’t follow a generic plan!

9. What is your favourite CUA product and why?

My favourite product at CUA is probably the No Down Payment Mortgage. It allows a lot of people who are renting and not yet have a down payment to get into a home. This can make a huge difference on quality of life and member experience.

10. Outside of your professional life, what is your favourite activity or hobby?

I enjoy cross stitching, painting and hiking as well as power lifting. My daughter and I like to find new places to explore, and it’s a bonus if there’s a playground.

11. What is your favourite meal to cook at home or order at a restaurant?

I am a very simple person, any kind of pasta will make me happy!

Meet the CUA Team

Our experienced and dedicated team are passionate about helping our personal and commercial members improve their confidence and knowledge of financial matters. Meet the team »