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Jessica Plamondon
President
I started my first business at 19 years old and quickly became familiar with the challenges and rewards of owning & operating a small business! Since then I have worked for small, mid sized and fortune 500 companies in the wine business in both Alberta & BC. I regularly host a ladies wine night where I continue to share my passion and knowledge of the wine industry.
My husband and I relocated our family to Fall River in 2016 and have made this community our forever home. When I’m not volunteering you can usually find me at the hockey rink, or basketball court with my son, or swimming/biking/running in the community.
Currently I am a licensed Realtor with Royal Lepage Atlantic, the Pike Group since 2017. We are a small but mighty team of Realtors who are members of the Prestigious Chairman’s Award, or top 1% of Real Estate producers in Canada.
My goal and reason for joining FRABA to is to connect with my local community, support local businesses and help promote one another organically through social media and online channels. Meet like minded people and have some fun!
One of my biggest achievements was crossing the finish line of an Ironman Triathlon event in 2019 and I look forward to competing again soon!
Todd Hann
Vice President
Todd Hann joined the FRABA board in 2022 and quickly jumped into making the annual FRABA Golf Tournament, our main fundraiser for our FRABA scholarships, the biggest it has been securing TWO scholarships this year! He became our newest Vice President at this year's AGM.
Todd began his career in the financial services industry over 28 years ago. With extensive experience in a variety of wealth solutions, Todd devotes his time to individual and family total financial solutions. He understands that a one-size-fits-all approach is not practical when it involves something as important as your life’s work and savings. He provides a holistic approach to your financial needs including wealth planning, investment management, estate, trust, tax, and planning for retirement and beyond.
As a Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager, Todd takes great pride in providing high-quality service and is passionate about helping you achieve your individualized financial goals, so you can feel confident to focus on other important things in life.
Todd resides in Fall River with his wife, Deborah, and their three children. Todd is a firm believer in supporting local whenever possible and he has been an active member of the community as a volunteer coach for LWF Baseball and Bedford Blues hockey for the last 11 years. Although Todd loves to focus on his business, he also understands the importance of finding time to unwind with his family and enjoys getting out to the ball diamonds, traveling, and skiing.
Website: https://toddhann.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddhann/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/toddhann11
Nicola Wood
Vice President
Nicola grew up in Bedford and moved to Vancouver in 1997 to start her insurance career. After 16 years, they decided to move back and raise their two sons in Fall River, who are now in grade 10 at Lockview High School and starting 1st year at Saint Mary’s University. To reacquaint herself to the community she became an active volunteer with FRABA 8 years ago. As a Board member she was Secretary of Communications for 4 years and active on several Committees and was elected as Vice President for the 2023-2024 year.
As an Employee Benefits Advisor, Nicola has over 26 years of experience. She has partnered with the major group benefits insurers and third party providers. Nicola takes an approach that expands well beyond the typical benefits models that are used by the Industry. Her standing in the benefits community and flexibility enables to bring costs containment measures and innovative solutions. Whether you’re a Business Owner or Executive Director looking for a group benefits or a pension plan, Nicola can tailor a plan that works for you.
Mathieu Boileau
Treasurer
Mathieu Boileau is a dedicated and accomplished professional who has been an integral part of FRABA for almost ten years, making significant contributions in various board roles. Currently serving as Treasurer for the past three years, Matthew's financial acumen and astute decision-making have been instrumental in maintaining the association's fiscal stability and strategic financial planning.
Mathieu's journey to success began at Saint Mary's University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in Accounting, culminating in his graduation in 2011. Building upon this foundation, he furthered his academic pursuits at the Atlantic School of Chartered Accountancy, earning the prestigious designation of Chartered Accountant (CA), now known as Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), solidifying his expertise in the field.
As a highly skilled CPA, CA accountant, Mathieu has been a key asset to MNP LLP, where he is an integral part of the firm's Assurance and Business Advisory Services team, holding the esteemed position of Senior Manager. Over the span of a decade, Mathieu has honed his proficiency in delivering a diverse range of audit and compliance services to both commercial and not-for-profit organizations, demonstrating his versatility and expertise in external assurance and tax matters.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mathieu cherishes his role as a family man, finding immense joy and support from his loving wife and two children.
In addition to his dedication to FRABA, Mathieu's commitment to making a positive impact extends to other boards and volunteer work. For the past eight years, he has generously dedicated his time and expertise to various causes, contributing to the betterment of the community and fostering positive change.
Deborah Peddle-Hann
Board Member
Deborah Peddle-Hann is a fitness & wellness specialist, and the proud founder of Journey to Wellness. Opening the doors of her private Fall River studio in 2009, she has been bringing wellness programs, fitness classes, and private training to the community ever since. Deborah is one of the longest-standing fitness experts in our community and you can be sure to see her teaching fitness classes in a parking lot, walking our trails, or paddling across a lake. She has continued to expand her services by reaching people all over the world through her online wellness programs and since 2020, the Virtual Fit Camp.
Deborah has been very active in the community and has three children in our local schools - her oldest just graduating from Lockview in 2022. She has volunteered her time with many of her children’s sports over the years including soccer, gymnastics, baseball, and volleyball. An avid hiker and backpacker, she recently organized and lead the Nova Scotia Walk Day event in Fall River. Deb firmly believes in supporting local businesses whenever possible and loves stopping to talk to everyone (according to her children!)
Deborah has been an active member of FRABA since joining in 2014 and is looking forward to building FRABA’s exposure in the community as a board member. She takes care of FRABA's website and social media content, as well as the signs on Highway 2. Make sure to honk and wave when you see her out changing the FRABA signs!
Deborah was awarded FRABA's Volunteer of the Year award at the June 2023 AGM.
In past years, Deborah has been a board member for Fall River Fury Volleyball Club as Communications Manager and the Nova Scotia Gym Owners Association as Secretary. Deborah also loves to write and is the Content Coordinator for both the Bedford Living and Fall River Living magazines.
Deborah fell in love with Fall River and the surrounding communities the day she moved in and is incredibly grateful for the support she has received from families and businesses over the years. She plans to continue sharing her passion and expertise to help you live your healthiest and best life and is excited for what the future holds.
Website: www.journey2wellness.ca
Instagram: www.instagram.com/journey2wellness.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/journey2wellness
Jennifer Rideout
Board Member (New Member Relations)
I have been helping clients live a life of significance since 2008.
How?
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By helping clients make smart decisions about their money
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Protecting their assets from creditors, divorce, etc.
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Tax planning
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Taking care of their loved ones
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Maximizing estate & charitable gifts
Through investment, tax, estate, & insurance planning.
When I'm not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family. I'm a proud mother of two amazing daughters, Sadie & Grace, and an avid runner who loves cooking, fitness, and travel.
You may also find me helping with Keloose or at WJCC – Supporting the community is so important. We can make positive changes with numbers!
If you do not have a solid Financial Plan or would like a second opinion, please reach out!
Jennifer Rideout PFP®|Wealth Advisor
Assante Capital Management Ltd.
5548 Kaye Street| Suite 201| Halifax, N.S.| B3K 1Y5
T: 902.423.1200| F: 902.423.6550 |E: jrideout@assante.com
Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.
Insurance products and services are provided through Assante Estate and Insurance Services Inc.
Tyler MacNeil
Board Member
My name is Tyler MacNeil, and I am originally from Cape Breton, my spouse grew up in the Fall River community and this was where we wanted to raise our family. Many of you may see me at hockey rinks & Baseball fields coaching.
I am an independent mortgage broker by Premiere Mortgage Centre. I provide unbiased mortgage advice for residential mortgages on new purchases, refinancing, and renewals. The important thing to remember is that I work for you, the consumer, and not a financial institution. As a mortgage broker, I have access to 30 different lenders, which allows me the flexibility to select the best mortgage product and rate for you. The best part is that my services are completely free.
I take great pride in running my business with integrity and values. I strive to always be honest and offer advice that I would give to my own family members. With this current change in the mortgage landscape, I believe it is imperative that people use a specialized mortgage professional to help you navigate the best mortgage solution for you and your family. I would be honored to be that trusted mortgage broker for you.
I can be contacted at 902 225 6588
Jason Crowell
Board Member
Jason is a Aircraft Maintenance Engineer by trade and the Founder and President of Aerotec Engines.
Since 1996 Aerotec has been on a road of steady growth. Currently they ship aircraft engines all over the world from their Beaver Bank Location.
Jason has been a member of FRABA since 2011 , he has been involved with many committees over the years, most notably the Community Christmas Tree and Plant Hanger Signs. He is one of our past presidents and was awarded Volunteer of the Year a few years back.
In January 2023 Jason was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II PLATINUM JUBILEE MEDAL for his outstanding community volunteering.
When Jason is not Working or Volunteering, he enjoys snowmobiling in the winter and spending time with family and friends at the cottage.
Pat Healey
Board Member
Pat Healey is the do it all guy at The Laker News. He covers a wide area stretching from Fall River/Beaver Bank in the HRM and East Hants.
He opened up his digital news website on March 30, 2020, just a couple months after the two papers he had worked for 12 years were closed down (not COVID-19 related). Pat was able to do this through two investors who see the many values Pat brings and backed him.
Pat is all about the community and keeping them informed. He is known everywhere he goes in his communities.
Some people wonder if Pat ever sleeps seeing he is everywhere covering news and events in the communities he covers.
He is a great opportunity for businesses in the community to get word out about their business through advertising or videos he does.
Pat lives in Enfield, where he also takes care of his mom who lives with him, and his little furball assistant, Asha the Cat.
The Laker News can be found at www.thelakernews.ca; www.thelakernews.com or www.thelaker.ca. He can be emailed at reporter.pathealey@gmail.com.
He is on twitter @reprtrPatHealey and The Laker News is on Facebook by searching for it.
Jennifer Knebel Reid
Board Member
Jennifer has been a lawyer for over 10 years, and founded Merida Law in Fall River with two amazing partners in 2022.
Practicing primarily family law and mediation, Jennifer strives to help her clients navigate through a difficult time in their lives with empathy and efficiency. Jennifer is an effective advocate in court when needed, but also trained in mediation and collaborative family law, offering alternatives to court where possible. Passionate about access to justice, Jennifer helps guide her clients through the process that is right for them.
Jennifer is dedicated to serving the wider community through her role on a number of boards and committees and is excited to join the FRABA board in 2023. She is also currently a Director on the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission, and member of the Canadian Bar Association.
Jennifer and Merida law feel lucky to be a part of the vibrant and growing community of Fall River and the surrounding areas. She believes in supporting local, and in local businesses supporting each other.
When she’s not at the office Jennifer can be found running around with her 3 boys, coaching soccer, hiking and exploring waterfalls, or curled up with a coffee and a good book.
Melissa Burbridge
Board Member
Although new to the board, Melissa M Burbridge is no stranger to FRABA as she has been working behind the scenes with the association over the last few years.
For years, Melissa worked in varying health care settings as a nurse, which gave her unique skills to launch a successful business: Alisei Creative Solutions.
When she’s not working or helping others, she’s traveling, spending time with family or creating delicious gluten free recipes.
Her passion is to help businesses thrive and watch communities grow and flourish. She’s active in organizing and helping Entrepreneurs and small businesses push past barriers.
Steve MacLellan
Past President
Steve grew up in Antigonish and became a successful engineer, working all over the world, but his heart has always been in the Maritimes.
He also always wanted to contribute more and help others - It’s the way he was brought up!
Upon his return to the East Coast, Steve saw that the best way to contribute and build our communities was to change his career, and so he became a financial advisor.
He now owns a value-based financial firm called Design Your Future Financial Services with a strong focus on helping those that help others, by offering holistic financial plans based on his client's vision, values, and goals - not based on products.
Steve MacLellan is www.TheFinancialEngineer.ca - he helps his clients keep, grow, and control what they build instead of giving it away to taxes, fees, loss, and the unknown.