Management Team
Anna Polounina
Branch Manager
Anna leads the TD Wealth Whitby branch with over 20 years of experience and a deep commitment to advisor growth and client excellence. She is passionate about developing talent, fostering a positive team culture, and delivering a full-service wealth experience across Durham Region and East Toronto.
Under Anna’s leadership, the branch is known for its dynamic all-female management team, community engagement, and a collaborative environment where advisors thrive. Anna is a passionate advocate for women in wealth through her role on the TD Wealth Women’s Advisory Council.
Shauna Forsyth
BA (Hons), PFP®
Manager Client Service
Shauna is a dedicated financial services professional having spent 20 years in the financial industry in both Advisory and Leadership capacities. Shauna holds the PFP® Designation. She is a focused, highly organized individual, and seeks to promote and maintain an exceptional employee and client experience at every level.
As MCS, she strives to ensure every client interaction runs smoothly and that advisors have the backend support to grow. Shauna is a key mentor for support staff and a driver of seamless onboarding and service excellence.
Pooja Patel
MBA
Administrative Associate
Pooja is the face of our office and often the first person to welcome clients with warmth and professionalism. As our Administrative Associate, she handles everything from issuing cheques and processing deposits to coordinating withdrawals and ensuring smooth front-office operations.
Her attention to detail, reliability, and strong client service skills make her a vital part of the Whitby experience. Pooja plays a central role in supporting both clients and advisors, ensuring every interaction reflects the high standard of care our branch is known for.
Meet Our Advisors
Senior Investment Advisor
Associate Portfolio Manager
CIM®
HBA
LLQP
Christie and her team believe in providing unquestionable value for her clients through an unparalleled service offering. She creates customized, tax efficient solutions to help maximize the net worth of the families that she manages. She believes in creating personalized investment plans that are focused on stable and steady growth.
She is committed to taking a proven, process driven approach with the families she cares for to ensure a thorough understanding of their goals and objectives before creating tailored wealth solutions.
By working with Christie and her team you will experience highly responsive and dedicated service with meticulous attention to detail. They communicate regularly and proactively with families because their top priority is to keep an open dialogue to build trust and long-lasting relationships. Her team utilizes and collaborates with TD specialists in retirement, estate and tax planning to focus on 11 key wealth management areas to build, preserve and transition wealth. Her team supports families every step of the way to provide expertise and experience to handle even the most complex needs.
Christie has been working at TD Wealth's Whitby office since 2007 shortly after graduating from the prestigious Richard Ivey School of Business with an Honours Business Administration degree (HBA). Previous work experience includes working at various accounting firms performing audit, corporate tax and forensic accounting.
Christie and her husband, Ryan, have 2 rambunctious sons and 2 sweet rescue dogs. Community involvement and giving back is an important priority to Christie and she is serves on her local hospital's Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys pilates, the performing arts and travel.
Investment Advisor
FCSI®
Roy Christensen brings more than 20 years of experience advising affluent individuals, business owners and families to his role as Vice President with TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice. He works one-on-one with each client to create and carry out customized wealth and retirement plans to build and strive to protect their financial futures.
Each tailored strategy considers the client’s full scope of investment, wealth and retirement needs, including wealth protection and insurance solutions, estate planning and trust services, and charitable giving strategies. When appropriate, Roy liaises with his clients’ other professional advisors and introduces TD specialists to help ensure that every detail of his clients’ financial picture is understood and addressed.
Roy has served as member and chair of TD’s National Advisory Council. He has earned his Portfolio Manager (PM) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designations, and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®). He is currently working toward his High Net Worth Wealth Advisor designation. Roy holds an Economics degree from York University.
Senior Investment Advisor
FCSI®
PFP®
CIM®
You have worked hard in your career or in your business and providing value is something you have prided yourself on. As you look at the road ahead, you may have a lot of questions with respect to your wealth plan and your financial goals may at times be less clear than you want. I look to provide you not only clarity but the comfort of knowing your goals and hopes are well in hand. We pride ourselves in delivering Value. We start by getting to know you and what is truly important to you will guide our work together. Understanding how you make decisions and what you Value will guide the plan and keep your best interests at the forefront of all we do. Your plan and investments are routinely reviewed, updated, analyzed and adjusted to reflect the ongoing changes that life can bring allowing us to proactively manage the complexity that your situation has. Making the complex simple is a driving force.
Our process is well established and flexible in areas that ensure your unique situation can be not only understood but incorporated into your plan. Your hard work is not only about pride it is about being able to offer your family the advantages that come with it, your plan needs to reflect that. Whether it is cottage life, a busy business or planning for your Grandkids' future we understand the importance of it all and strive to proactively manage the challenges both known and unknown along the way.
Associate Portfolio Manager
Senior Investment Advisor
CIM®
I believe wealth can create complexity on both a personal and financial level, and that the managing of wealth is a deeply personal experience.
We help clients manage various aspects of their wealth by simplifying complexity and building detailed investment plans to help guide them through various stages of life. Depending on your needs we can connect you with specialists across TD, including dedicated private banking services, estate and trust planning, business succession, tax planning and philanthropy.
I became an Investment Advisor to build long lasting relationships with clients based on a deep level of competency and trust - for one without the other is meaningless. I have a Master's degree in Engineering from Cornell University and a variety of other designations but in truth I think integrity is more important than education. We endeavor to build world class portfolios for clients in a way that we believe, to the very best of our knowledge, will maximize their returns for a given level of risk. We invest in products or securities where we would (and do) put our own money and our family's money.
I work with a wide variety of clients from seniors to business owners to foundations. I'm always willing to chat and offer guidance to anyone, even if their intention is never to become a client. Feel free to reach out.
Investment Advisor
Investment Advisor
He is a proud grandfather and enjoys golfing in his free time.
The Gawne Group consists of Paul Gawne, Vice President & Investment Advisor; Robert Gawne, Associate Investment Advisor; Robert McBride, Associate Investment Advisor and Donna McBride, Client Service Associate. The Gawne Group is part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. – Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
Senior Investment Advisor
BA (Hons)
CIM®
As a Senior Investment Advisor, my mandate is to help you preserve and grow your wealth through tailored investment solutions. Dedication to exceptional client experiences and innovative financial strategies are the foundations of our business. I will deliver proactive and personal advice, working closely with you to make key decisions about your portfolio that are in line with your goals.
Senior Investment Advisor
B.Comm. (Hons)
At TD Wealth, our advisors will stay in tune with your needs and help ensure you're on track to achieve the future you envision for yourself. As your needs and priorities evolve, your wealth strategy will evolve with you. Through regular contact, we will routinely assess your investment portfolio and goals, ensuring you are introduced to the right specialists at the right time and that your investment portfolio is aligned to your vision of success.
Our advisors will help you preserve and grow your wealth through tailored investment solutions specific to your needs. At TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, our portfolios are guided by an investment philosophy based on understanding your goals, disciplined planning, insightful advice and effective risk management. This philosophy helps ensure strong and stable growth of your assets in a wide range of market conditions.
Leading a team of Professional advisors, I look forward to the opportunity of introducing you to an investment advisor best suited towards managing your own unique goals and objectives.
For over 20 years, Robert has been active in the financial industry advising clients, helping them to build and protect wealth, and helping them to achieve what truly matters most to them. Since joining TD Wealth Private Investment Advice in 2011, Robert has held the roles of Investment Advisor and later Branch Manager as well as being involved in strategic projects for the firm.
Robert graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Guelph and is also licensed as Life Insurance Advisor with TD Wealth Insurance Services.
Robert lives in Ajax with his wife Valerie and his three daughters Lauren, Paige and Emily. He is thrilled his professional activities are in a community where he and his family live, a community that he knows well and always looking for opportunities to increase his contribution.
Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree, University of Guelph
Senior Investment Advisor
CFP®
CIM®
For more than 15 years, I have been working with individuals, families and businesses to provide integrated solutions for a complete range of services to align with your specific values and goals. Working with a network of experienced professionals at TD, I am committed to providing sophisticated and personalized investment management solutions designed to simplify wealth management for my clients.
We are proud of our wealth management process which begins with a client-centric approach of understanding your needs, exploring your priorities and long term goals by dedicating time towards in-depth ongoing discussions. My commitment to you is:
- Accountability -- Integrity , trust and full transparency
- Knowledge -- Straightforward and knowledgeable advice
- Teamwork -- A collaborative approach to planning
Having earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation from FP Canada, I am keen about working with multi-generational enterprising families. Our only vision is your success.
Senior Portfolio Manager
Senior Investment Advisor
FMA
CIM®
Scott is one of the lead Portfolio Managers for The Everest Group, a team of Investment professionals at TD Wealth Private Investment Advice. He develops, manages and oversees client model portfolios and strategic asset allocation strategies.
Scott prides himself on providing financial advice from a different approach with integrity and ethics. His one-on-one relationships with clients are built on trust, understanding and communication.
With a degree in Economics and Computer Studies Scott also holds industry designations such as Financial Management Advisor (FMA), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) and his Certificate in Advanced Investment Advice. Scott is also a Life Insurance Advisor through TD Wealth Insurance Services and has earned the title of Vice President* at TD Wealth Private Investment Advice.
Along with his wife Robin, Scott enjoys travelling, sports and everything outdoors. They also enjoy spending time at their cottage in the Kawarthas.
*TD Wealth Private Investment Advice awards the title of Vice President to those Investment Advisors who meet standards for seniority, business metrics, and a satisfactory compliance record. Adherence to these standards is reviewed annually by TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. management. The Vice President title does not indicate that an Investment Advisor is a corporate officer of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.
Investment Advisor
CIM®
B.Comm. (Hons)
As an Investment Advisor, my mandate is to help you preserve and grow your wealth through tailored investment solutions. Dedication to exceptional client experiences and innovative financial strategies are the foundations of our business. I will deliver proactive and personal advice, working closely with you to make key decisions about your portfolio that are in line with your goals.
Portfolio Manager
Senior Investment Advisor
CFP®
CIM®
CIWM
My passion has always been helping people with their financial well-being.
I provide breadth of experience in the industry since 1998 with a focus on fostering strong client relationships and helping affluent and high net worth clients achieve their financial goals with confidence. I will work with you one-on-one to build a holistic customized wealth plan. My focus is on 4 major pillars:
- Building your net worth
- Tax efficient investing
- Protecting what matters
- Leaving a legacy
My team and I have access to many TD specialists in the field who will support you in formulating a plan and executing the recommendations.
Specializing in:
- Retirement Planning
- Investment Management
- Estate and legacy Planning
- Efficient tax strategies
- Education Planning
- Insurance Planning
- Business Succession Planning
I served on the TD National Advisory Council. I am a recipient of the Vision in Action Award, the highest honour awarded to TD employees who embody the leadership commitment and personify the best attributes of the TD framework.
At TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, we understand that making decisions that affect your life is a deeply personal experience. We also appreciate the key that growing and preserving your wealth plays in helping you enjoy the life you want to lead.
That's why we take a unique approach to understanding you, your family and your values. Using behavioural finance and our distinct discovery process, we'll help uncover what matters most to you, so we can build a strategy focused on helping you achieve your vision of success.
I live with my wife and 2 daughters. We enjoy travelling and outdoor activities.
English
Habitat for Humanity
Senior Investment Advisor
FMA
FCSI®
Robert has been a member of The Gawne Group since 2001 serving in many roles along the way. In 2020 he earned the role of Senior Investment Advisor. Robert graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2006 with a B.BA in Finance and he holds the designations of Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FSCI®). Robert focuses on Wealth Planning, understanding clients' goals, and building a roadmap to help achieve them.
When away from the office he enjoys playing golf, travelling, walking the dogs, spending time with his family and most importantly, he loves being in the kitchen with his wife Martha.
Senior Investment Advisor
CFP®
CIM®
My passion has always been helping people with their financial well-being.
I provide a wide breadth of experience in the industry since 1993 with a focus on fostering strong client relationships and helping affluent and high net worth clients achieve their financial goals with confidence. I will work with you one-on-one to build a holistic customized wealth plan. My focus is on 4 major pillars:
- Building your net worth
- Tax efficient investing
- Protecting what matters
- Leaving a legacy
Specializing in:
- Retirement Planning
- Investment Management
- Estate and legacy Planning
- Efficient tax strategies
- Education Planning
- Insurance Planning
- Business Succession Planning
At TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, we understand that making decisions that affect your life is a deeply personal experience. We also appreciate the importance of growing and preserving your wealth in helping you enjoy the life you want to lead.
That's why we take a unique approach to understanding you, your family and your values. Using behavioural finance and our distinct discovery process, we'll help uncover what matters most to you, so we can build a strategy focused on helping you achieve your vision of success.
Associate Portfolio Manager
Senior Investment Advisor
BA
CIM®
The Everest Group is a part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. which is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Senior Portfolio Manager
Senior Investment Advisor
CIM®
John is the lead Portfolio Manager for The Everest Group , a team of Investment Advisors at TD Wealth Private Investment Advice. John specializes in Investment Management and the development of tax efficient strategies with a cost-effective approach while focusing on working closely with clients to create their long-term personalized investments.
The pioneer of The Everest Group's discretionary Portfolios as well as the co-founder of Everest Investment Management, John offers clients customized and exclusive investment strategies that are unique to The Everest Group. John oversees the day-to-day management and operations of the portfolios and sits on Everest Investment Management's own 'Investment Monitoring Committee.'
A family man at heart, John loves cooking for his wife and 3 children. The family also sponsors 6 children worldwide and have one very spoiled puppy named "Molly."
Manager Client Service
Manager Client Service
As a Manager, Client Services, I lead a team of Client Service Associates at the Whitby branch. My goal is to seek to promote and maintain an exceptional employee and client experience, oversee branch operations as well as support the business goals of our team.
