Alison McCulloch
Executive Assistant
“I like the financial industry and working with Murray and Matthew in delivering an important service to our clients with care and purpose has been wonderful.”
In 2015, Alison joined The Financial Coach team full-time to help support the growing practice. Prior to this, she worked for several years alongside Murray on a number of special projects. Along with Erin, Alison is knowledgeable of our services and products and is a primary contact for clients. She provides assistance with administrative processes and general account enquiries.
Alison brings a diverse set of skills to The Financial Coach. She has 15 years of experience working in the financial industry for a large national organization where she held various roles, including Manager of Customer Services. More recently, she worked in the Non-Profit sector for 13 years as an Office Manager.
Outside of the office, Alison is involved with the community and provides Outreach & Event Planning services. Since 2003, Alison initiated, and currently oversees a semi-annual free clothing exchange at North Bramalea United Church. In her spare time, she oversees a free community food table, manages the Church’s Facebook Page, and enjoys spending time with her three children and two grandchildren.
Melanie Chappell
Client Support Specialist
“The personal interaction with our clients is what I like best about my work; getting to know them, sharing a story or a laugh. I am constantly learning new things.”
Since 2012, Melanie has been the friendly first point of contact for The Financial Coach. She assists clients with appointments, directs calls and questions to the right team member, and handles a wide range of administrative duties. She plays a key role in supporting the entire Financial Coach team.
Prior to joining our office, Melanie worked as an Assistant in the hospitality industry for more than 6 years. She gained invaluable skills dealing with a wide range of people and with her many years of experience working in client relations; she understands the importance of delivering quality client care.
Melanie has an appreciation for all forms of art and when not in the office, she spends her time as an Artist of all mediums. She is an avid supporter of local musicians, loves to travel, and cares about animals.
Vijay Bandlamudi, MFin, MBA, CFA, CFP®
Investment Analyst and Associate Investment Advisor
“I am passionate about analyzing financial data and dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial freedom.”
In 2014, Vijay joined The Finacial Coach as an in-house Investment Analyst attracted to the team’s family atmosphere and culture of humility. He is responsible for investment analysis, portfolio construction as well as overall wealth management. He is also responsible for individual security screening/selection across various asset classes for subsequent incorporation into client portfolios based on strategic fit. Vijay is a CFA® charterholder, holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, professional designation, and has an MBA. Vijay also earned his Master of Finance from Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. He is a member of the CFA Institute, CFA Society Toronto, and the Financial Planning Standards Council.
Prior to joining iA Private Wealth, he worked at several multinational organizations and brings more than 14 years of progressive experience in wealth management and investment research. Vijay also worked in academia teaching finance courses and industry certifications to investment professionals and college students. He was the 2011 winner of the CIFP Comprehensive Financial Planning Competition and prides himself on his work ethic, independent thinking, and integrity.
He is an ardent reader, regularly consuming a wide range of financial publications and magazines. When not at work, he enjoys music, playing tennis, running & nature walking, and has a special interest in animal welfare.
Sharon Trusty
Insurance Services
“The most rewarding part of my role is building trusting relationships with our clients, putting them at ease, and providing solutions for their concerns.”
Sharon has been a member of The Financial Coach team since its very beginning. She is our “go-to” person for all insurance enquiries dealing with personal life, disability & health insurance, and employer-sponsored group benefit plans.
With many years of experience, Sharon has a solid understanding of the insurance industry and an established record of delivering outstanding client service. Our clients feel assured that they receive informed, individualized attention to their insurance or group benefit needs.
Out of the office, Sharon enjoys spending time with her husband & family. She is a voracious reader, keenly interested in nature & conservation, and an avid Blue Jays and Leafs fan (with no apologies for the latter!).