Meet Your Team
Nicky Trasias, CFP®
Investment Advisor*, Essential Wealth Group | Insurance Advisor*, iA Private Wealth Insurance
Essential Wealth Group is a trade name of Nikoletta Trasias, Certified Financial Planner®
Ask Nicky how a conversation with a new client starts, and she’ll give you a one-word answer: listening.
For Nicky, financial planning has always been about family, people, and relationships, their goals, values, the life they’re actually trying to build.
She helps people make confident financial decisions so they can keep more of what they earn and reach their goals sooner. Nicky has a gift for taking complex financial strategies and breaking them down into clear, actionable steps clients can actually follow. Whether someone is preparing for retirement, growing their wealth, or navigating a major life shift, she works alongside them to figure out a path that feels practical, personal, and genuinely achievable.
She’s a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® with more than 30 years in the industry. Early in her career, she spent a decade learning from Greg Bencina, a well-respected advisor whose mentorship shaped both her technical skills and her people-first approach. Nicky now pays that experience forward by mentoring young interns and helping the next generation of advisors grow and succeed.
Family is everything to Nicky. Her two sons have built successful careers in the trades and are raising families of their own, while her daughter is working toward becoming a lawyer.
Nicky is also a very proud Yiayia to two energetic grandsons and one feisty granddaughter who keep life joyful, loud and just a little bit crazy!! Family dinners, celebrations, and get-togethers aren’t special occasions in her house, they’re just part of everyday life. She wouldn’t have it any other way!
Her Greek roots run deep. Nicky’s an active volunteer in her church community and a firm believer in giving back, treasuring the relationships, traditions, and sense of belonging it brings.
These days, with the nest a little emptier, she enjoys travelling with her husband, staying active, and focusing on health and wellness. Above all, she is grateful for the people who surround her and for the opportunity to do work she truly loves. Her personal philosophy is one she shares often with clients and loved ones alike: “Health is wealth.”
Samantha Trasias, CFP®
Licensed Assistant
Essential Wealth Group is a trade name of Nikoletta Trasias, Certified Financial Planner®
Samantha is Nicky’s right-hand whose primary role is to assist with the development of client solutions, financial plans, model portfolio construction and review.
Samantha started with our team in 2013 and during that time graduated with honours from the Financial Planning program at Conestoga College where she received all of her industry licenses and credentials. Like Nicky, she also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation which she obtained in 2019.
When not in the office Samantha and her handyman husband always have a home improvement project on the go, interior design being a big passion of hers. The couple have a little girl named Quinn, and are excited to add a baby boy to the family come April 2024.
Alexandra Dedes
Branch Administrator
Essential Wealth Group is a trade name of Nikoletta Trasias, Certified Financial Planner®
Alex joined our team in November 2019. As branch administrator her primary role is to maintain the efficiencies of our day-to-day operations at the office. Alex is also the first warm smile you will be greeted with at the reception desk when you enter the office.
While Alex does not come from a financial background, she does bring with her many years of client service and managerial experience from her previous career.
Like Nicky, Alex is very involved in the Greek community and volunteers for the Ladies Philoptohos at St’s Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church. Spending time with her family is very important, gathering to cook and eat meals together any chance they get. Alex and her husband also love to spend time together antiquing, gardening, baking and staying active outdoors.
Alexia Dimitrievski
Administrative Assistant
Essential Wealth Group is a trade name of Nikoletta Trasias, Certified Financial Planner®
Alexia is an intern with her sights set on becoming a lawyer, and she’s already bringing the drive to match: handling administrative and support work that keeps the office humming along and jumping in to help with an upcoming project for the team.
Life outside the office is just as full. She’s often on babysitting duty for her one niece and two nephews (chaos management is basically a second job) and she is just as happy in the kitchen, cooking and baking for the people she loves. Whether it’s the office or her family, Alexia just has a knack for making sure everyone’s taken care of.
Julia Rutenberg
Wealth Management Intern
Essential Wealth Group is a trade name of Nikoletta Trasias, Certified Financial Planner®
Julia is a student at Wilfrid Laurier University, learning the ins and outs of wealth management alongside Nicky and picking up plenty of wisdom along the way. She’s curious, eager to learn, and always up for a new challenge.
Outside the office, you’ll find Julia keeping busy with runs, pickleball matches, and an impressive commitment to iced lattes. She’s all about staying active, having fun, and, naturally, finding the best coffee spot wherever she goes.
Olivia Girard
Wealth Management Intern
Essential Wealth Group is a trade name of Nikoletta Trasias, Certified Financial Planner®
Olivia is proof that interns can bring the good kind of chaos, the organized kind. She shows up with positivity, a sharp eye for detail, and a knack for keeping things running smoothly, even when juggling coursework and office life at the same time.
Currently at Wilfrid Laurier University, she’s picking up new skills as fast as she can find places to use them. Off the clock, she’s all about quality time with family and friends and making the most of life’s little moments, one plot twist at a time.
Olivia Francis
Wealth Management Intern
Essential Wealth Group is a trade name of Nikoletta Trasias, Certified Financial Planner®
Intern.
Cindy Mickelown
Administrative Assistant
Essential Wealth Group is a trade name of Nikoletta Trasias, Certified Financial Planner®
Cindy joined Essential Wealth Group in Spring 2026, bringing more than 20 years of experience in digital marketing, client communications, and administrative support. Known for being dependable, adaptable, and solution-oriented, she is passionate about building meaningful relationships and providing exceptional service. Her strong organizational skills and attention to detail help keep the office running smoothly while supporting both clients and the team.
Outside of work, Cindy is a proud mother of two, a fitness instructor, and a yoga enthusiast with a passion for health, wellness, and personal growth. She enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and making memories with family and friends.
Our Partnered Professionals**
We don’t do this alone. We rely on the expertise of our trusted specialists to ensure all aspects of your financial and personal affairs are looked after. Think of them as your extended team.
Estate Law**
Dan Clarke, Lawyer
Wills & Estates, Business & Real Estate Law
Lowes, Salmon, Gadbois & Clarke
Dan services our clients by providing his expertise in Wills and Estates, Business and Real Estate Law.
A lifelong resident of KW, Dan is not your typical lawyer; he prides himself on skipping the jargon and speaking like a regular person. He takes a down-to-earth approach to estate planning and doesn’t believe in overcomplicating things. When you are able to keep things simple, it extends the longevity of your will and keeps legal costs down in the long run.
Hilary Leitch, Lawyer
Business Law, and Wills and Estates Groups
Lerners LLP
Hilary’s practice focuses on estate planning and administration, including business succession planning, and family trusts.
Hilary has recently completed the Family Enterprise Advisor Program and become a designated Family Enterprise Advisor. This intensive, year-long program has strengthened her ability to work with family businesses, giving her a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of a family business and the challenges and opportunities of preparing for and undertaking a transition to future generations.
Hilary is actively involved in her community. Currently, she is a Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area and in 2021, served as Chair of its annual Big Bash gala.
Jim Kibble
Independent, Fee-Only Estate Planner
Ontario Estate Consulting Solutions Inc.
Jim is an independent fee-only estate planner and founder of Ontario Estate Consulting Solutions Inc. He walks clients through the necessary conversations and considerations that go into creating a sound estate plan. His many years of experience and specialized knowledge are used to ensure that, upon your passing, your assets are dispersed in accordance with your wishes and in the most tax-efficient manner possible. Think of him as the first step before sitting down with a lawyer.
He holds credentials as a Chartered Accountant (CA), Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and Certified Executor Advisor (CEA). Jim is also the resident estate planner at the Henry Walser Funeral Home Ltd. in Kitchener.
Insurance*
Jennifer Jacobs, CFP®, CLU, CHS, EPC
Long-term Care & Living Benefits Specialist
iA Private Wealth Insurance
Jennifer is an experienced professional in long term care and living benefit planning. She has been a leader in Living Benefit solutions, education and promotion since 2003. Jennifer is able to offer clients a true understanding of the current long term protection options and the tremendous financial impact of serious health issues, accidents and natural aging.
Lorraine Graham, PFP, CHS, CCS
Insurance Consultant
Asage Financial
Lorraine brings over 20 years of financial industry experience to helping individuals, families, and businesses with their insurance needs. She provides personalized solutions for critical illness, disability, and life insurance, including options for those who have previously been rated or declined.
Taxes & Accounting**
iA Private Wealth Insurance and iA Private Wealth companies do not provide income tax preparation services nor do they supervise or review other persons who may provide such services.
Zebroski and Associates
Chartered Professional Accountants
Zebroski and Associates
Zebroski and Associates is located only minutes from our office. We often include their accountants in our meetings and overall financial planning process, so that they can lend their knowledge and expertise in specialized accounting, consulting and tax solutions to suit each client’s unique situation. The team at Zebroski and Associates also completes annual tax returns for our clients, a service which is conveniently facilitated through our office.
Mortgage & Real Estate**
Mortgages provided by referral.
Julia Bernier
Mortgage Agent
Invis Inc.
Julia is an independent Mortgage Agent whose focus is to help clients find the best mortgage for their financial circumstances and future goals. Her independence gives her access to over 50 lenders, allowing for a personalized experience.
Julia puts a lot of effort into educating clients about the mortgage process and what can be expected at every step along the way. She wants you to feel confident and informed about this large commitment and is always available to answer questions from the first to the last day of your mortgage journey.
Emily Hamoen
Mortgage Broker
Real Approved Mortgage