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

I was born in Portugal and moved to Toronto when I was young. I spent my whole life in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) until recently relocating to Halifax. Our family visited Halifax in the summer of 2022 and loved the East Coast lifestyle. With two small children, we wanted a different pace of life where we could really enjoy our time outdoors.

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

I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing. I started working in the banking industry when I was 18 as a teller while in university. During my career, I progressed into various advisory and leadership roles at different branches throughout the GTA.

3. What drew you to banking?

The ability to help others achieve their financial goals: from helping clients save for their first home to others saving for their retirement.

4. Since joining CUA, what other positions have you held?

I joined CUA in September of 2024. I was previously the Branch Manager at our Wyse Road location and moved over to the Annex Branch in January of 2025.

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

While no day is ever the same, a typical workday consists of catching up on emails, planning my day and checking in with my team before we open the branch to our members. Throughout the day, I will be reviewing lending applications, coaching my team and dealing with any matters that require my attention.

6. What is the best part of your job?

Seeing members reach their financial goals as well as seeing my staff achieve their careers goals. There is no greater reward than hearing the wins and successes of both the members and staff.

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

I think one of the biggest myths is that community-based banking institutions like CUA don’t offer any advantages over traditional banks. I have experience working at other financial institutions and this assumption is simply not true. CUA offers similar products and services, however, we can differentiate ourselves through the level of personalized service, our specialized products and community focus.

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

Don’t forget to pay yourself. Having a regular pre-authorized transfer to a savings account helps build an emergency savings fund for those unexpected expenses.

9. What is your favourite CUA product and why?

That would have to be the No Down Payment Mortgage. I really see the value of this type of product as it allows members to enter the real estate market even if they have not been able to save significant funds for their down payment.

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

When I am not working, it is all about family. I enjoy spending time with my kids, whether its playing soccer or playing at the park, we love to be outside enjoying the fresh air and nature.

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

A nice plate of gnocchi; while I do not cook it at home, if it’s on the menu, I am ordering it!

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 »