Our team
Mina Dingle
Mina is dedicated to delivering top-notch service and maintaining professionalism in all aspects of her work at Cedar Benefits Group. She is deeply passionate about learning and respecting Indigenous cultures, ensuring that the communities and organizations she supports receive exceptional care. Mina is known for her positive attitude, always encouraging her colleagues and stepping in to assist whenever needed.In her current role, Mina is focused on building a business that values clear communication and respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities. Her approach is centered around understanding and honoring the unique needs and traditions of those she serves.
Outside of work, Mina enjoys staying active with activities like reading, meditating, running, and hiking. As a wife and mother of three, she treasures the time spent with family and friends. She particularly loves traveling to tropical destinations with her family, where they create cherished memories together.
BENEFITS CONSULTANT
Atticus Harivel
Atticus Harivel is a partner and advisor with S+F Group Benefits. Having been in the business for over 20 years he brings our team and our clients authentic, real-world experience. He has a knack for dealing with people and prioritizes the relationships he has with our clients. He has an ability to convey what we do in practical terms with a focus on transparency. While never forgetting the important and critical nature of the work we do, Atticus is never one to take himself too seriously (he’s half Australian after all). He has been married for over 30 years to the love of his life and together they have raised 3 great kids. He loves to ride his mountain bikes all over the local mountains on what he contends are some of the best trails in the world. He also loves to ski, hike, collect records (and not just lately), hang out with friends and family, and makes a pretty mean cocktail.
MANAGING PARTNER
Deanna Schmidt-Hryhor
Deanna is a gifted leader with over a decade (ok fine, close to 2) of experience in the world of Group Benefits. Before becoming an owner, ‘D’ was one of S+F’s original employees, she spent many years working directly with clients before focussing on where her passions truly lie; our people and processes! Armed with a perpetually determined attitude, creative troubleshooting skills and a true desire to see everyone thrive, Deanna helps to ensure that S+F performs at its best. When she’s not in the office, you can find her chasing the sun on a boat, planning her next travelling adventure, or spending time with her family outdoors.
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Michelle Kellerman
Michelle found her way to S+F back in August of 2008 after working in the Tourism industry for many years. She started as a Group Benefits Service Coordinator and after a maternity leave—or two! (she knows how to work the system)—she has returned as not only our Bookkeeper but the person who has the power to send paycheques… or not. When Michelle is not holding our paycheques hostage, she is biking or hiking with her husband and two young sons or escaping them all on her paddle board.
Jon Wartman
With nearly 20 years of experience with S+F, Jon is a Jedi master of group benefits and wealth management. Nerding out over the numbers, over analyzing the facts and small print he gets the best friggn deal and product available for his clients. He loves math and compliance …….. “ewwww” …….. but he also loves people too, most of the time. Jon loves spending time being active and enjoying the outdoors with his wife and two daughters, especially playing sports, he loves sports. Jon spends a shocking amount of time coaching his daughters fast-pitch softball team and he loves every minute of it. He is also surprisingly handy if you need something built or fixed around the house. Jon’s favourite food is coffee and he thoroughly enjoys being able to drive the golf ball farther than most people.
BENEFITS ANALYST
Katelin Smith
Katelin joined S + F in 2013 in the group benefits department. Katelin received a soccer scholarship to Union University in Tennessee and graduated with her Bachelors in Business Administration. Previous to coming to S+F, she worked as a customer service representative for CIBC. She totally won us over with her baking, and it quite often makes its way into the office lunchroom. We prefer to think of her as an ambitious go-getter rather than an overbearing control freak, but whatever you want to call it, she gets the job done. She’s also one of those sickos, who thrives at spreadsheets. When this workaholic leaves the office, you will find her doing some type of activity or sport. She loves running, hiking, biking, and soccer.
BENEFITS CONSULTANT
Ksenia Savost’yanova
Ksenia has been in the insurance and wealth industry for almost a decade. She is hard-wired to get things done, which results in building lasting relationships with her clients. We prefer to think of her as a go-getter rather than a type-A control freak—call it what you like—she has a rare talent for just making things happen. She likes to mix her passion for motorcycles and skydiving with a hint of humour.
BENEFITS CONSULTANT
Par Bassan
Par joined S + F Group Benefits in the middle of 2014. He brings his vast knowledge of customer service experience to the team. His life-altering moment came back in 2004 when he started working for a motivational speaker and life coach. It was during this time where Par learned about work/life balance and also about having a purpose in life. It’s with this purpose that he wants to see that the business owner has a positive experience when they are looking at benefits for their company. Another asset is that he is fluent in Punjabi. At home, he likes to spend time with his son. He enjoys watching his son play ice hockey and coaching him in ball hockey. Par also loves to play ball hockey and go golfing. In the summer he likes going camping with family and friends.
BENEFITS CLIENT CARE
Sophia Phamisith-Wright
Sophia is a Group Benefits Service Coordinator at S+F. With over five years of experience in the general insurance industry, Sophia takes great pride in establishing trust through transparency and consistently providing great customer experiences. Personalizing each interaction with clients. Outside of the office, Sophia’s passion for sports is evident. She enjoys being outdoors, whether coaching her three boys on the turf, playing various sports, or cheering them on at their tournaments. You can also find her at car shows during the summer. Sophia also loves spending quality time with her Fella and Family.
RECEPTION
Sienna Loewen-Schmidt
Sienna joined S+F Group Benefits in 2020 as a high school student and has since grown into her role as an administrative assistant. Currently, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at university. Sienna has a background in competitive volleyball, having played for six years, and she enjoys staying active at the gym. Whether she’s spending quality time at the beach or relaxing with a video game controller in hand, Sienna finds balance in her diverse interests. A typical day for her includes lots of cuddles with her beloved cat, Saige. Sienna is a fast learner who is always willing to take on any task that needs to be done.
MANAGING PARTNER
Erik Schmidt
Erik is one of those disturbed people that not only runs a company but also spends endless hours learning, reading, and listening to podcasts about everyone else’s businesses. When he is not spending his time working on our company, you will find our advisors pulling on his two decades of experience in helping them turn problems into solutions and challenges into opportunities. Clients that work with Erik find his no b.s. straightforward approach refreshing. Erik’s real work starts when he gets home. Juggling between his endless distractions (Snowboarding, Surfing, Mountain Biking, Cycling, Paddleboarding, Running, Golfing, hiking, fishing) and keeping up with his 3 boys and energetic wife, Erik finds coming back into the office on Monday mornings kind of relaxing…
BENEFITS CONSULTANT
BENEFITS ANALYST
Carmen Hill
Carmen has been working in the insurance industry for over 20 years. She joined S+F Group Benefits in April 2011, bringing extensive knowledge after 10 years in underwriting group benefits. She is a multi-tasker and is able to successfully complete tasks quickly and efficiently with excellence. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family ‘camping’ (she’s got an rv, does that even count?!), boating or hiking.
BENEFITS CONSULTANT
Chad Schmidt
Chad is an advisor and partner at S+F. He joined the team after being a professor in the US for many years. Chad’s passionate about providing clients with the knowledge they need to make good decisions for themselves and their businesses. He’s a science and philosophy nerd who never turns down a meaningful conversation. When he’s not in his office, he’s binging shows with his wife or hanging out with his twin daughters whenever possible. He has been known to eat everything you put in front of him with enthusiasm and—above all—he needs no excuse to laugh really hard.
BENEFITS SERVICE - PROJECT COORDINATOR
Shannon Schroedter
Shannon joined the S+F team in 2015 on the group benefits side and has worked in a variety of customer service areas for the last 15 years. She came directly to us from working at a large insurance carrier. Shannon is our go-to for any random needs at S+F and is also the voice behind our social media. Her knowledge in group benefits is vast, and her organizational skills are on point. Shannon enjoys not only bringing Pinterest perfect treats into the office but also scaring her co-workers when they open various doors. When she isn’t working you will find Shannon enjoying time with her husband, son and Pomsky Mishka.
BENEFITS CONSULTANT
Claudia Castro
Claudia is a group benefits Account Manager with S+F Group Benefits. Before joining the team, Claudia served business owners and brokers for one of the largest group benefits insurers in Canada. She knows the industry from many angles and has been bringing her expertise and customer-centric practices to our clients. She’s also a foodie and out-door enthusiast! When it’s time to have fun and relax, you can find her enjoying Vancouver’s natural beauty or exploring local restaurants.
BENEFITS ANALYST
Casandra Lundquist
Casandra, also known as Casie, Cass, or Case (everyone kind of coined their own version), joined the S+F Group Benefits team in early 2023 and quickly found her place as our second Group Benefits Analyst. With a degree in Criminal Justice, Casandra spent time with the Vancouver Police Department before making her way to S+F. She holds her Life and A&S license and is an eloquent presenter, always available to work on special projects and take on any task asked of her. A social butterfly and keen learner, Casandra loves working with people and continuously strives to make a positive impact.
BENEFITS CLIENT CARE
Reena Gonzales
Reena is originally from Winnipeg, affectionately known as Winterpeg, and moved to BC in 2015. With over 15 years of experience in various customer service roles, including a background with a large insurance carrier, Reena joined the S+F Group Benefits team in the spring of 2024. Her approach to problem-solving is collaborative, patient, and kind, always taking the initiative to help others find solutions. Reena focuses not only on getting the job done but also on ensuring the experience is enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved. Her positive attitude fosters strong relationships and a sense of community, making a significant impact wherever she goes. When it’s time to have fun and relax, Reena and her family can be found BBQ’ing under the sun. Her enthusiasm for lakes and beaches, local restaurants, farmers markets, and supporting local businesses is infectious. Known for her silly personality and knack for finding great deals, Reena loves to shop and always knows when there’s a bargain to be had.
BENEFITS CONSULTANT
