The HGA Group was born out of experience. By having all of our services and all of our experts under one roof, it allows us to know your business inside and out to give you the best advice possible.
John Howard
Founding Partner
Quentin Gardiner
CPA, CA, CEO, Partner
Shawn Tully
CPA, CA, Managing Partner
Glenn Skolney
CPA, CA
Tyson Breitkreutz
CPA, CA, Partner, Tax
Rachel Hanes
Chief Operating Officer
Alex Lee
CPA, CA, Director of Integrated Financial Services
Brandi Kozakowski
Principal Financial Planner
Toby Cowx
President, HGA Finance
Jason Banack
Lawyer
Melissa Banack
Lawyer
Nancy Cumming, K.C.
Counsel
Douglas Peterson
Counsel
Stephen M. Muchena
Senior Associate
Ryan Walter
Associate Lawyer
Arlene Tremblay
Paralegal
Brenda Manchester
Corporate Paralegal
Jamie Greene
Corporate Paralegal
Fahad Bhatti
Student-at-Law
Alethea Keenan
Administrative Coordinator
Keiran Klotz
President
Troy Len
Customer Service Representative
Linda Wilson
Accounts and Administrative Assistant
Taylor Garstad
Director
Annette Wagers
Creative Director
Matt Menzies
Brand Strategist
Cassidy Formenti
Digital Content Manager
Mike Alexander
Managing Partner
Morgan McCollum
Managing Partner
Brandon Hart
Tier 2 Technician
Sasha Bozunovic
Project Technician
Jo Carballo
Help Desk Technician
Keith Martinot
Financial Coordinator
John Lee
CPA, Manager of Integrated Financial Services
Christina Boekestyn
CPA, Manager of Integrated Financial Services
Katrine Waters
CPA, Manager
Peter Jansen
CPA, CA, Senior Manager
Donna Burns
CPA, CMA, Senior Manager
Bryan Anderson
CPA, CA, Senior Tax Consultant
Donna Malone
CPA, CA, Manager
Frank Onyschuk
BComm, Manager
Shannon Wilson
CPA, Manager
Gerard Schultz
CPA, CGA, Tax Manager
Margie Dobek
CPA, Manager
Maria Almond
CPA, Manager
Sheena Hayne
CPA, CA, Manager
Olia Zenith
CPA, Senior Tax Accountant
Michael Estrella
Senior Accountant
Harleigh Zack
CPA, Senior Accountant
Narith Hang
CPA, Senior Accountant
Maryann Fleming
Manager, Bookkeeping Services
Chunmei Lin
Senior Accountant
Damian Lugowski
Staff Accountant, Co-op
Kinday Randhawa
Senior Accountant
Mitchel Palmer
Staff Accountant
Jason Philip
Staff Accountant
Kevin Weerasooriya
Staff Accountant
Hassan Amir
Staff Accountant
Mae Ona
Senior Internal Bookkeeper
Candice Jackson
Bookkeeper
Nancy-Lynn Sloss
Bookkeeper
Carol Hipe
Bookkeeper
Catherine Landry
Bookkeeper
Tetiana Andriishyn
Bookkeeper
Yvonne Blowers
Senior Administrator
Savanna Schulz
Senior Administrator
Rebecca Karasz
Accounts Receivable & Collections Clerk
Denise Thursby
Manager, Administration
Olivia Mazyak
Administrative Assistant
Amanda Cline-Fremont
Executive Assistant
Erin Dahlgren
Administrator
January Ferrier
Licensed Administrative Assistant
Monica Sienkiewicz
Receptionist
Jane Michaels
Business Development Manager
Lindsay Alvarez
HR Coordinator/Executive Assistant
Susan Jones
Business Development Manager
John Howard
Founding Partner
John is an entrepreneur, keeping close watch on government news releases and market trends. With over 40 years’ experience providing audit, accounting, and income tax services to a wide range of clients, you can be assured that John’s leadership touches every client that comes through our door. In addition to his own ventures, John was a Business and Industry delegate at the Alberta Growth Summit and has sat on the Board of Directors and Audit Committees of a number of significant public companies. He also sits on the Board of two Venture Capital Companies in Edmonton.
Quentin is a big man with a big heart. He has a soft spot for entrepreneurs, and he loves it when his clients remark ‘you aren’t a typical accountant’. He is relentlessly focused on helping his clients achieve their goals. When he is not in the office (which is rare), you can find him spending time with his kids, playing golf (poorly he says), or traveling to see Dave Matthews Band. Quentin has over 20 years experience in public practice with the hairline to prove it. He has honed is ability to keep an eye on the forest and not the weeds, and keeps his clients’ best interests in mind in everything he does. Pro Tip: If you’re looking to get on his good side, his weaknesses are scotch and cigars.
A frustrated Oilers fan waiting for the next big season! Shawn has a strong background providing accounting, tax and business advisory services to a wide range of businesses, individuals and organizations. Meetings with Shawn will leave you with a feeling of comprehension as he wants to make sure you understand what is being presented. He creates an environment where you feel comfortable asking the questions you need to. Currently, he is on the Board of Directors for Crimestoppers Association of Edmonton & Northern Alberta as President. Crimestoppers is an organization that he has been involved with for over 5 years.
Along with being a hopeful Oilers fan and avid music lover, Shawn is a devoted husband to his wife Leah, and father to two beautiful girls, Keira & Ella. Pro tip: If you want to get on his good side, play some Dave Matthews Band & show up with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
An accountant since 1979, Glenn has a wealth of experience in strategic business planning & taxation services. He is also currently a principal in a venture capital company, as well as a Director & investor in a Mortgage Group of companies which are Mortgage Investment Corporations. The MIC started with about $2,000,000 in mortgages in 1995 and has grown to over $30 million dollars in mortgages under administration. His other professional endeavors include various other CFO management and shareholder investments in warehouse real estate rentals, a startup of industrial maintenance company with 3 branch offices in Alberta and various other active business interests.
Tyson’s unique sense of humour and style set this man apart from all the rest. He obtained his Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction from the University of Alberta in 2007, his CA designation in 2010 and joined our firm in 2012. Tyson is constantly on the quest for further education, spending his lunch breaks studying to upgrade his skill-set. He is actively involved in the Canada Revenue Agency Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and provides tax preparation services to low income senior citizens and new Canadian residents. We’re not sure where he finds the energy for these commitments as well as his dedication to his young family, classy bow-tie collection and his passion for the fight against Multiple Sclerosis.
Rachel is the piece that connects us all. She thrives in everything systematic and loves to figure out the processes that work for the entire HGA Group. Rachel joined our team in January of 2016 and has been filling our office with lovely smells of incense ever since! When she’s not in the office, Rachel loves spending time with her family. One of their favourite locations is out in the woods camping!
CPA, CA, Director of Integrated Financial Services
Brandi Kozakowski
Principal Financial Planner
Brandi has over 15 years’ experience in the financial services sector. She was designated as a Chartered Accountant in 2009, and was previously employed as a senior financial analyst specializing in corporate taxation. She completed her In Depth Tax course in 2013, and became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional in February 2020 to further enhance the value she provides to clients. Whether individuals or business owners, her background as a tax specialist enables her to assist clients in developing holistic financial plans and in choosing insurance solutions that keep their current and future tax situations in mind.
A 20 year Senior Commercial Banker/Equipment Finance/Sales Leader for Canadian and US Banks, Toby loves unique and interesting Financing challenges. Has successfully provided financing for clients in Canada, US and Columbia. He is also an entrepreneur with ownership in a couple different businesses including HGA Finance.
When he’s not at the office, he likes to spend time with his family and take his Jeep off road, climb mountains, play golf and hit the gym!
As a co-founder of the firm and leader of the corporate commercial practice, Jason is a passionate supporter of Alberta entrepreneurs and focused on the strategic application of legal advice to business issues and opportunities. While not practicing law, Jason enjoys reading (Ernest Hemmingway, in particular), activities with his wife and four sons, a wide variety of music, running and golf.
As a co-founder of the firm and leader of the estate planning practice, Melissa is passionate about understanding her clients’ personal circumstances and, where applicable, how they intersect with their businesses. While not practicing law, Melissa enjoys cross-country running, home design, playing piano and activities with her husband and four sons.
Nancy brings over 32 years of civil litigation experience, resulting in the ability to provide common-sense, practical and responsive solutions to her clients’ mediation and litigation needs. Her litigation background includes:
acting as a mediator in the areas of civil litigation,
catastrophic personal injury,
fatalities and wills and estates,
representing litigation clients in the areas of personal injury,
property and cargo losses,
products liability,
fire and flood losses,
wills and estates,
contractual,commercial and shareholder disputes.
Nancy has considerable trial experience in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta and the Court of Appeal of Alberta. She has also participated extensively in alternate dispute resolution including mediations and judicial dispute resolutions. She also believes strongly in giving back to the community. She has sat on and chaired many Boards including Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Chrysalis Society, ABC Headstart, Brain Care Centre, Glenrose Hospital Foundation and the City of Edmonton Advisory Board for Services for Persons with Disabilities.
Nancy received her Queen’s Counsel appointment in 2012 and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her contributions to Canada.
Doug has been practicing law for more than 20 years and has represented companies from the startup to international expansion phases, as well as lecturing at the University of Alberta School of Business and Faculty of Law. He has spent time working in Japan and has set up international structures for corporations in the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. When he’s not working, Doug spends time with his wife Linda, who is a personal trainer and certified nutritionist.
Stephen was born and raised in Edmonton before attending the University of Saskatchewan for his Juris Doctor degree. After returning to Edmonton for articling, Stephen was called to the Alberta Bar in 2013. Since then, Stephen has been immersed in the world of business as a Solicitor practicing corporate, commercial, secured lending and real property law. With experience advising corporate clients from start-ups to large businesses, he is well suited to assist HGA Law and our clients accomplish their business goals. When he’s not providing corporate clients with legal advice, Stephen loves to travel, spend time outdoors and relax with his wife and dog.
Ryan Walter
Associate Lawyer
Ryan brings experience advising a broad array of businesses from start-up right through to sale. That experience advising business owners on their legal needs at all stages of the business lifecycle makes him an invaluable resource to the team at HGA Law. He also has extensive experience with commercial real estate transactions, including acting for both landlords and tenants in negotiating commercial leases. Between all of that, Ryan likes to make time to work on his golf game in the summer months, and to hit the rink for hockey in the winter. A native to both Montreal and Langley, BC, Ryan now calls Edmonton home, and we are sure glad for it.
Arlene Tremblay
Paralegal
Arlene brings more than 35 years of experience in corporate commercial law to our team, making her an awesome addition. Her technical know-how and wealth of experience to draw upon makes her an invaluable asset to our team of lawyers, and of course to our clients. When she’s not helping our team with all things corporate law, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, camping, and quilting.
Brenda Manchester
Corporate Paralegal
Jamie Greene
Corporate Paralegal
Jamie graduated from the U of A Bachelor of Education in 2021, but quickly understood that his passions did not align with that career path. He knew what he wanted, and decided to make a radical career change and search out a career in the legal industry. As a corporate paralegal with HGA Law, he found a path that matches with his career goals, and we are very happy he made the change. When he’s not helping our legal team drive value for our clients’ businesses, he loves to fish, cook, and write. He’s analytical, and when given a challenge he can make it to the top, like when he became the three-time champion in his fantasy football big money league. He can always be found rooting for his hometown Oilers though, which makes him an incredible fit in this super-fan office culture.
Fahad Bhatti
Student-at-Law
With a background in family law, Fahad brings a strategic and refined approach to HGA Law. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Economics from the U of A, Fahad journeyed to Bond University in Queensland, Australia where he completed his J.D. He’s since returned to Edmonton to pursue his career in law.
When he’s not in the office, you’ll find Fahad cooking up an amazing meal or diving into a new book. He’s also found an interest in cryptocurrency and stocks, which keep him busy in his free time.
Alethea Keenan
Administrative Coordinator
Alethea joined the HGA Law team with more than 15 years of experience working as an administrator in a variety of fields including finance, dental, and construction. She’s a self-described “boots on the ground” type of person, and enjoys learning as much as possible from her work experience. Whenever possible, she likes to spend time with her husband and four children, along with her two cats and her dog. She’s an adventurer at heart, with a desire to get her motorcycle license and visit to visit Iceland, not to mention her aptitude for West Coast swing dancing.
Keiran Klotz
President
When it comes to taking on new endeavors, Keiran is always up for the challenge. Originally his working career began in construction where he started his own company at a young age, and needless to say, he completely changed direction when he ventured into the insurance industry in 2013. He found insurance to be a natural fit, and very quickly progressed to the portfolio management of large-scale businesses and clientele. Keiran has noted a growing need in the insurance industry for a more client centric approach, and thus his priority is to make the clients of HGA Insurance feel comfortable and confident in the advice they are receiving. Without a doubt you can rest assured knowing Keiran will provide you a personalized insurance solution, that will respond when you need it most.
Troy comes from a background in hospitality, and particularly cuisine. As anyone who has worked in the hospitality or service industry knows, creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to think on one’s feet (literally) are key to success. That blends perfectly into a career in insurance, where creating lasting relationships, understanding the needs of the client, and being able to anticipate and fulfil their needs is crucial. He has an innate interest in digging deep into the way things work to truly understand all of the moving parts— another trait that makes him a perfect fit for HGA Insurance and our clientele. Troy devotes much of his free time to athletics, golf in the summer and snowboarding in the winter months. His cuisine and hospitality experience also means that he can whip up a great meal and a few mean cocktails for his friends and family.
Taylor brings the creative edge to HGA! As the Director of Grey Street Media, her bread and butter is creating connections and strategies that make your branding sing. Her passions outside of marketing include spending time outdoors while enjoying a glass of wine or craft beer and renovating her home with her fiance, Dylan. She is also actively involved in the community, volunteering and coaching Special Olympics in St. Albert for over a decade. If she isn’t in the office creating, you can probably find her hiking in the mountains or at the dog park with her Golden Lab Nova and her Yorkie Tebow.
Annette likes to describe herself as a Marketing/Communications Professional with a side of Graphic Design and a hint of Shenanigans. She loves being creative and enjoys seeing that creativity come to life in the graphics and websites she designs at Grey Street Media. Summer is Annette’s favourite season because she gets to explore the outdoors (road tripping, camping, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking) and volunteer at kids summer camps all over Western Canada!
Matt brings the classy suits and ties to the marketing team! Before joining the Grey Street Media team, Matt worked as a writer and digital communications specialist for public education institutions, and in 2020 he co-founded a communications company to serve start-ups and small businesses in Edmonton. Matt is an adventurer at heart, so whenever he gets the chance, he travels to Italy or Spain or spends a weekend out riding his dirt bike.
As a passionate storyteller, Cassidy brings her love for creating engaging videos and copy to the Grey Street Media team. She’s worked with a variety of clients, from software developers to local NPOs, to bring their stories alive and add a creative flair to their brand. Marketing offers the perfect marriage of strategy and innovation to keep this digital storyteller on her toes.
When she’s not sitting across from her keyboard, you’ll probably find her in the kitchen whipping up a mean homemade meal. Whether you’re looking for a captivating reel for Instagram or a stellar bowl of guac and chips, Cassidy’s your gal.
Mike Alexander
Managing Partner
Mike has been IT before he knew what IT was, from taking apart old computers and printers as a child to figure out how they worked, to helping friends and family with any and all technology as he got older. His drive to help people, provide solutions, and protect what is valuable is what fuels his passion in technology. Mike’s 14 years of experience ranges from owning his own IT company, being the internal IT at a multinational Engineering firm, to being the General Manager for a large national IT organization. He takes great pride in going over and above for his clients and connecting with them on a professional and personal level – being known for being “not your typical IT guy.”
When he’s not researching security trends or automating tasks for his clients, he can be found spending quality time with his family, camping with his wife Amber, and his pup Rocky!
With 13 years of technology experience, Morgan is passionate about helping businesses realize their full potential through technology. He aims to be an active partner with every client he works with – taking a vested interest in their success, collaborating on initiatives, and constantly looking for ways to improve business efficiencies through technology solutions.
When he gets away from the office, he can be found fly fishing, camping, floating down a river, or cooking up a storm in a kitchen.
Brandon started his schooling in business where he fostered a love for technology and has never looked back. When he’s not in the office, you may find him on the ski hill with a bright pink jacket or relaxing in the chalet with a pint.
Sasha’s passion for IT began when he was introduced to building computers. He turned that passion into his dream after graduating from NAIT with a diploma in Systems Administration. Sasha has been working in the IT industry since 2014. In his off time, he enjoys playing video games, traveling, camping, and reading.
Jo has been in the world of IT for 14 years, and has spent the last 10 years as a system builds technician. That wide range of experience makes Jo the one you want to diagnose and remedy your IT woes. When not helping a client or elbow-deep in a PC, Jo is a gamer, a miniature painter, and an avid Dungeons and Dragons player.
Keith Martinot
Financial Coordinator
Keith is a financial aficionado with more than a decade of experience working with managed service providers like Shift Support. He’s a problem-solving wizard, whether it be finances or working with his hands. When he’s not streamlining financial charts or building something in his shop, Keith likes to head outside for a bit of sport or a run.
John Lee
CPA, Manager of Integrated Financial Services
John is happy to be a part of the HGA team! You can usually find him in his office snacking or planning our next office sports bracket. When he’s not burning the midnight oil here at the office, John hangs out with his friends, plays a wide variety of team sports, and explores the best restaurants around Edmonton.
Christina graduated with her Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting with distinction and has been putting it to work for more than 12 years in industry accounting. That makes her the perfect addition to our Integrated Financial Services team! She is currently working to get her CPA designation, which she expects to receive in 2022. When she’s not hard at work analyzing businesses, Christina enjoys camping with her family, playing sports, and spending time with her veritable pet ark of three dogs, two cats, and even a gecko! If she can handle all of that, you know your business will be in good hands.
Katrine Waters
CPA, Manager
Katrine is an organizational force to be reckoned with! That’s why we love her. Katrine’s analytical & detailed approach to accounting makes her an asset to any file that she gets her hands on. Not only does she ensure that the details are correct, but she takes the time and care to make her clients feel welcome and part of the HGA family. In her spare time, Katrine loves spending time her time with her family, cooking and baking, going for walks, and practicing yoga.
Donna has a strong background in the three A’s of public practice – accounting, audit, and assurance for a diverse group of clients. She is a problem solver and looks for solutions that work for her clients. Like the rest of our team here, she is committed to building and maintaining strong client relationships to ensure friendly and easy to understand advice!
When not crunching numbers, Donna can be found crunching weights, enjoying a good glass of wine that has been paired with good company and a roaring campfire, travelling or reading. She has been known to endure crazy weather a time or two riding in the MS Bike Tour (Leduc to Camrose). Currently, she is the Treasurer of Treasure Life, a pediatric cardiac research foundation.
Unlike many Edmontonian’s, Bryan is all about the Winter weather. Without it, he couldn’t partake in some of his favourite activities like cross country skiing or snowmobiling! When he isn’t out enjoying our great outdoors, he is HGA’s in-house Senior Tax Consultant. Bryan has deep tax technical experience in multiple industry segments including diversified manufacturers, property developers and managers, construction and engineering, financial institutions, investment management and insurance corporations. Bryan has also provided tax services to a variety of privately held companies from real estate developers to manufacturers and service providers. He is also an expert Whisky connoisseur, even turning his hobby into another career venture: He is currently the President of Lone Pine Distilling here in Edmonton.
Donna received her CA designation in 2007 and has been in the world of Accounting ever since! She is married with 2 sons and her family loves to keep her busy outside of the office! On top of her husband and kids, she also has 2 cats and a dog! Talk about a full house!
Frank is manager here at HGA and values time spent with clients improving their files, building their business, and getting to know them on a personal level. When he isn’t busy at work at the office, you can find him visiting with his grand children and probably listening to Summer of ’69!
Shannon joined us after graduating with her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and has received her CPA designation while working with HGA! In her free time, Shannon spends a lot of time in the river valley with her puppy, Tucker. She’s an avid traveler, usually joined by her husband Jamie, who also joins her in touring local craft breweries around Edmonton.
Gerard brings more than 14 years of public practice experience to the HGA Group, and in particular has grown his expertise in owner-manager businesses. His experience working with an entrepreneurial client base, particularly in GST and HST matters, makes him a perfect fit to help our clients and their businesses. Accounting and taxes aside, Gerard is a family man at heart, and enjoys spending his free time surrounded by friends and family. He’s also a major sports fan, but just of Edmonton teams— right, Gerard?
Margie Dobek
CPA, Manager
As one of our Senior Designated Accountants, Margie is devoted to client relationships and file accuracy. Her quiet nature and detailed approach to accounting makes her a perfect fit with the HGA team and the entire HGA process. When she’s not busy in the office, Margie loves to spend time with her family, including her husband Nathaniel and daughter Eleanor. She also devotes time to pursuing her hobbies: painting and reading.
Maria brings a brilliant and inquisitive nature to the HGA CPA team. Originally from the Philippines, she was formerly an engineering student before moving to Canada. In 2018, Maria graduated BBA with honours from NAIT in 2018 and began with HGA, where she attained her CPA designation. When she’s not working on a file, she enjoys spending time with her husband or nurturing some of her many plants at home! Her hobbies include listening to her favourite band, Aerosmith and practicing Yoga. Fun Fact: She owns a karaoke machine with over 10,000 songs!
Sheena graduated from the University of Alberta in 2004, and received her CA designation in 2008. Her 2 kids keep her busy out of the office. However, when she does find time for herself, you will find her on the volleyball court (in the winter), in the backyard (in the summer), or in the garage arts-and-crafting and pretending she knows how to use her significant other’s power tools (usually against his wishes).
Soon after graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science, Olia had developed an interest in accounting. She returned to the University of Alberta to complete a second degree – Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction, and received her CPA designation while working with HGA!
Olia spends her free time with her husband Michael and son Julian, watching documentaries, playing board games, and enjoying the outdoors.
Michael finished a degree in Accountancy in the Philippines before he moved to Canada, where he also completed a BBA-Accounting degree at NAIT. Now, he is enrolled in the CPA program and works full-time at HGA. When he is not at work, he spends time with family watching shows from Netflix and Disney+, or travelling and taking pictures.
Believe it or not, his family owns a karaoke set with thousands of songs! No wonder you can hear him sing, while working!
Harleigh is a recent graduate of MacEwan University with a Bachelor of Commerce and achieved her CPA designation in 2023! During her undergrad, she participated in two Study Abroad International Business Study Courses. The first one was throughout Europe (Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary) and then the second one took place in Asia (Japan, Hong Kong and Macau). As you can probably tell, she loves to travel! She also loves coffee, which is why she fits in so well here! In her free time, she likes to catch up with family and friends, or doing anything active.
Narith has a business administration degree from NAIT with a concentration in accounting. He achieved his CPA designation in 2023. He’s incredible interested in building lasting relationships and helping businesses achieve their goals here at HGA.
Originally from Cambodia, Narith likes to volunteer for several organization during his spare time and enjoys spending time with his little cousin, traveling, and working out.
Maryann has been an accounting technician/bookkeeper for over 10 years. Before moving to Edmonton, she was based in Lloydminster. She enjoys spending time with her family watching movies and hanging out. Superhero movies are her favorite kind. Spending time with my grandson and children make her very happy!
Damian is currently a student in the Bachelor of Commerce cooperative stream at MacEwan University. Before joining us at HGA, Damian was a certified lifeguard and swim instructor and his athletic endeavours go beyond the pool to mountain biking, snowboarding, and competitive soccer. He’s the proud owner of two dogs, and when he’s not relaxing with them or playing sports, Damian spends his time with his friends and family!
Kinday Randhawa
Senior Accountant
Before she moved to Canada, Kinday received her Bachelor of Art in her native India, but as soon as she got here it was all about accounting. She spent six years as an accountant for a restaurant franchise and enrolled in the CPA program in 2018. She passed the CFE in 2021 before joining our team at the beginning of 2022. When she gets some spare time, Kinday loves to play, cook, and dance with her two daughters.
Mitchel Palmer
Staff Accountant
Jason Philip
Staff Accountant
Jason is a Chartered Professional Accountant in the making, and he is very much looking forward to getting started on his CPA Professional Education Program in July 2022. When he’s not studying or accounting, Jason spends his time surrounded by basketball, either watching it or playing with friends. He’s also an avid reader and a fan of any great story he can find on Netflix or HBO.
Kevin Weerasooriya
Staff Accountant
Kevin has recently written his CFE, and he’s joined HGA CPA to get his career in accounting started the right way: helping us build businesses. He’s committed to learning new things, thinking on his feet, and adapting to the demands of privately-held business accounting. He’s a big (emphasis on big) exercise guy, and he hits the gym four or five days a week. When he’s not picking up heavy things, he’s picking up LEGO bricks to add to his collection of more than 30 sets! He’s also a real foodie, so he can also be found snacking, taking in a good movie, or spending time with his friends and family.
Hassan Amir
Staff Accountant
Hassan joined us after graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce from MacEwan University. He brings industry experience from working as a bookkeeper for a local business, and that will be key to his success as a staff accountant for many of our clients. Hassan is a big sports fan, including a bit of basketball (Raptors) and taking in an Oilers game whenever he can. He’s all about spending time with his family, but he’s really looking forward to going travelling in the near future.
Mae Ona
Senior Internal Bookkeeper
Mae is an accounting and bookkeeping black belt. And we are not only saying that because of her three years of as an accounting technician and bookkeeper in public practice. She’s actually a 3rd degree taekwondo black belt (that takes about ten years of practicing martial arts for those wondering). She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from NAIT and worked in the administrative side of a previous company from its inception where she worked to help them reach their first major milestones. Now, she’s ready to bring her experience and dedication to the HGA Group and our client base!
Candice Jackson
Bookkeeper
Candice has been a bookkeeper for the past 7+ years and earned her designation as a Certified Professional Bookkeeper in 2016. She’s worked with a number of different companies/organizations and enjoys the hunt for and correction of errors. When not working, she loves to spend time with her two tuxedo cats, Boots and Oreo, and her dog, Lucky. Candice also enjoy spending the evenings crafting on cross-stich, knitting, crochet and diamond painting. In the summer, she spends most of her free time outside working in the yard and flower beds.
Before joining us, Nancy-Lynn’s bookkeeping experience was extensive in both industry and private practice, making her a great asset to our team! When she’s not at work, she loves to spend time with her husband, children and her grandchildren in the outdoors, camping and quading.
Carol Hipe
Bookkeeper
Carol hails from the Philippines but has spent most of her life working abroad. Much of her early career was in the hospitality and restaurant industries, but in 2021 she passed her Accounting and Payroll Diploma and is ready to bring her expertise to our clients. She’s a well-versed traveler who loves to meet new people and experience nature. When she’s at home, Carol likes to watch documentaries and movies, cooking, and of course spending time with her six-year-old daughter.
Catherine Landry
Bookkeeper
Catherine is currently a Bachelor of Business Administration student with an emphasis on Accounting at NAIT, and has joined HGA as a bookkeeper to gain real-world experience while helping our clients better understand their financials and find a path to growth. She’s an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying time spent camping and hiking with her husband, kids, and her dog. When the snow comes, Catherine likes to grab a big blanket, a tall glass of wine, and settling down to watch an Oilers game.
Tetiana Andriishyn
Bookkeeper
Tetiana has had a lifelong passion for numbers. Starting back in her childhood in Ukraine, Tetiana was raised around balance sheets by her father and mother— both accountants. She eventually graduated from the University of Ukraine with a Master’s Degree before moving to Canada. In 2017, she enrolled in NAIT’s Office Accounting Systems Certificate, and now she is a valued member of our Integrated Financial Services team! Her experience working as a tax accountant for the Ukrainian State tax inspectorate and her work as a bookkeeper give her the adaptability so necessary for the entrepreneurial environment at HGA.
In her spare time, Tetiana is an avid cook and likes to spend time with her husband and children enjoying the outdoors.
Yvonne Blowers
Senior Administrator
Yvonne has been on the HGA team for over 5 years! She takes pride in her role and enjoys being able to provide support to our entire team. When she isn’t hard at work at the office, you can find her at home with her grandchildren, likely cooking them dinner or getting ready for a walk (or ski) in the woods. She also enjoys yoga, baking, and taking the time to decorate her home.
Savanna came to HGA with 7 years of professional experience working in law firms and CPA firms. Her strong type A work ethic combined with her easy-going type B personality allows her to find the ideal work/life balance. Previously a professional hip hop dancer, some of Savanna’s fondest memories include dancing on cruise ships, touring China with an original production, and competing in the World Hip Hop Dance Championships representing Canada with five of her best friends. When she’s out of the office, you can find her kickboxing, reading about personal development, trying new restaurants or beach bumming her way through the Caribbean on a cruise ship.
Rebecca has been in the Accounts Receivable world for six years, where she specialized in the accounting industry. Originally hailing from Calgary, but the incredible beauty of Edmonton lured here away from the mountains more than seven years ago. Her attention to detail and ability to keep everything organized make her an awesome asset to our team. She’s a mother to a seven-year-old and a sheltie named Kipper, and when she’s not at work she’s spending time with her family, friends, and getting out travelling whenever possible.
Denise Thursby
Manager, Administration
Denise is on our administrative team here at HGA CPA. When she not assisting our team in the office, she might be riding roller coasters, reading books, or re-watching her favourite movie, Silence of the Lambs. She loves music in any shape or form but admits that she can’t sing a note. Pro tip: She’s loves sugar in any form. Use that to get on her good side!
Prior to working as a personal assistant, Olivia actually started out as a line cook in high school! She has since gained 7 years of experience in the administrative field. She still has a love for cooking and baking, and has even made the odd wedding cake over the years for friends. She also loves gardening, either indoor or outdoor, and has upwards of 30 houseplants. During her spare time, she listens to audiobooks or podcasts, plays with her two very weird cats, or plays video games.
January comes from an Education background and taught high school Visual Arts before becoming a Licensed Life Insurance Agent. You might even say that she brings a creative spark to our Wealth & Estate Planning team! She has two young sons who keep her pretty busy (as you can imagine), but so does cooking and baking, and cultivating her green thumb in her veggie garden.
Monica Sienkiewicz
Receptionist
Monica is the life of any party, and actually turned it into a profession with her background in event and wedding planning. With those kind of skills, we can’t imagine anyone better to be the first face you see when walking into our office.
She’s an avid reader, a volleyball player, and a cat person. She’s an adventurer no doubt, and spends her time travelling and exploring, creating new experiences, and turning moments into lasting memories.
