REMIC Staff - Contact and Bios, Mortgage Agent Course

OUR TEAM

Awesome Team, Big Firepower!

MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

The REMIC team is more than organizational structures or titles. Every member of the team is a vital part of REMIC’s culture, and we’re all dedicated to the success of our students. Meet our amazing team members!

Joseph White
President and CEO
Joseph J. White is the founder and President of the Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada (RE...
Cain Daniel
Vice President
Cain Daniel has been involved in the mortgage and education industry for the past 12 years. He is a ...
Kevin Rallings
Director of Education
Kevin, one of REMIC’s longest teaching Professors, has a vast wealth of knowledge that he loves to...
Nigel Walker
Director, Growth and Operations
Nigel Walker is a seasoned management and sales professional with over fifteen years experience. As ...
J.J. Booth
Director of IT
J.J. brings a wealth of technical knowledge to support the REMIC team. J.J. holds a Master’s Degre...
Holly Deroia
Director of HR and Finance
Holly brings a wealth of experience to the REMIC team from her more than 20 years of business develo...
Yasmine P.
Executive Assistant
Yasmine, REMIC's Executive Assistant, has over a decade of experience in the educational field, brin...
Tearesse Deonarine
Operations Supervisor
Tearesse, REMIC's dedicated Operations Supervisor, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. With an e...
Hasan Moussawi
Web Systems Administrator
IT Specialist and a web developer specializing in Javascript Technologies across the whole stack. Wi...
Svitlana Poltorak
Social Content Marketer
Svitlana Poltorak brings a wealth of skills and experience to REMIC as a Social Content Marketer....
Eishe B.
Academic Advisor Supervisor
Eishe, our Academic Advisor Supervisor, excels in managing the Academic Advisors team and ensuring a...
Dua S.
Academic Advisor
Dua has happily been in the Customer Care field for 10+ years, both in Canada and abroad. She truly ...
Sarah N.
Academic Advisor
Sarah is committed to providing support to students as they navigate their educational endeavors. Wi...
Shayna Ferron
Academic Advisor
Shayna Ferron brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a background as an independent contrac...
Tara H.
Exam Proctor
With many years of customer service experience in retail and administrative assisting, Tara brings l...
Vanessa Morcone
Exam Proctor
Vanessa Morcone...

PROFESSORS

Ana Faria
Professor
Ana Faria is a results-oriented financial professional with over 20 years of experience in the finan...
Gina Monaco
Professor
Gina Monaco has over 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry and currently leads a team of 1...
Saj Paleja
Professor
Saj Paleja brings over 19 years of extensive experience in the lending industry to his role as a REM...
Yvette Helwig
Professor
Yvette Helwig brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the financial industry to he...
Fernanda Amaral
Professor
As a trusted Mortgage Broker with over 20 years’ experience in the financing and real estate world...
Damian Borges
Professor
Damian Borges is a 30-year veteran of the financial services industry. He has an in-depth knowledge ...
Inderjeet Kaur
Professor
Inderjeet Kaur’s journey showcases diverse experiences and exceptional dedication. With a Diploma ...
Clive Coke
Professor
Clive is a valued member of REMIC’s teaching staff, bringing a passion and high level of caring th...
Rohan Singh
Professor
Rohan Singh has been a financial services executive in the Canadian life insurance and mutual fund i...
Deren Hasip
Professor
A 25+ year financial services industry veteran, Deren commenced his career as a banker. Having enj...
Akinyemi John
Professor
Akinyemi John is a passionate educator, a RIMS (Risk Management Society) certified Risk Management P...
Tony Leung
Professor
An industry professional with 30 years of experience, Tony Leung has worked at TD bank as a Bank Man...
Patrick Soy
Professor
Patrick Soy, a licensed professional with over 18 years of expertise, is a respected figure in the m...
Mark Weiser
Professor
Mark Weiser is an esteemed mortgage professional with over 18 years of industry experience. He began...
Jay Brennan
Professor
Jay Brennan, B.A., M.A. (University of Toronto) has several decades of experience in mortgages and r...
John Baldassara
Professor
John Baldassarra brings over 20 years of experience in strategic business planning, specializing in ...

Joseph White

President and CEO

Joseph J. White! is the founder and President of the Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada (REMIC), and co-founder and President of Conversational Artificial Intelligence Technologies (CaiT).

Mr. White has been a staunch supporter of the mortgage industry since 1988. He began his career as a mortgage agent, and in the mortgage lending sector of the industry he has held positions as National Sales Manager and VP of Sales with two national mortgage lenders.

In the industry’s mortgage brokering sector he is a licensed mortgage broker and has been a partner at a successful mortgage brokerage, manager at two national brokerages, principal broker at a commercial brokerage, founder of a mortgage investment corporation, and is owner and principal broker of his own boutique brokerage.

As an educator, Mr. White has personally instructed over fifteen thousand students since 1996, many of whom are now leaders in the industry. During his 14 years at Seneca College he was a professor, program coordinator, subject matter expert and winner of the Excellence Award for exceptional leadership. In addition to having developed several courses for Seneca College, including the first mortgage broker education program in Ontario’s history, he designed the mortgage agent course currently used by REMIC and Ontario’s colleges. Mr. White has written two textbooks used in the mortgage industry and by over 20 Ontario colleges, with over thirty thousand copies in print, as well as several business focused books and e-books.

Mr. White has made significant contributions to the growth of the mortgage industry. When he began his career in teaching, 120 students per year were taking the mortgage agent course. Because of his passion and dedication to helping those who want to make mortgage brokering their career, REMIC has become the largest mortgage educator in Canada, teaching over 6,000 students per year.

As a thought leader, Mr. White is leading the development of AI, through hiCait.com, for use in assisting mortgage brokers to capture market share and expand mortgage brokerage’s influence in the mortgage market.

Cain Daniel

Vice President

Cain Daniel has been involved in the mortgage and education industry since 2010. He is a licensed mortgage agent as well co-founder of a small boutique mortgage brokerage in Ontario. Cain has previously held positions with both a national mortgage brokerage firm and an Ontario Credit Union. His previous roles include training and development for a national financial services company, as well as an instructor while living abroad.

Cain Daniel has maintained his position at REMIC a for the past 10 years and has positioned himself as an integral part of REMIC’s strategic planning, process implementation and business development. His work with sales training modules, marketing content, and social media workshops has helped give REMIC students the competitive edge they need to succeed.

Cain Daniel continues to help mortgage brokerages grow their businesses through the implementation of training programs designed to increase their market share and overall agent performance.

Kevin Rallings

Director of Education

Kevin, one of REMIC’s longest teaching Professors, has a vast wealth of knowledge that he loves to impart to his students. Hailing from Australia, Kevin has been brokering for most of his life. His passion for helping students excel in the course and his ability to provide real-life examples make him highly appreciated by his students.

As the Director of Education, Kevin excels in coordinating schedules and overseeing our dedicated instructors. His strategic vision ensures that our educational programs are effectively delivered and engaging. Kevin’s ability to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently ensures that both students and instructors have the support they need to succeed. His commitment to fostering an enriching learning environment underscores his leadership and dedication to educational excellence, making him an invaluable member of the REMIC team.

Nigel Walker

Director, Growth and Operations

Nigel Walker is a seasoned management and sales professional with over fifteen years experience. As a former business owner, he understands the importance of coaching for success and to provide best-in-class service for business partners and students alike. He holds a strong business acumen which is coupled with his diverse knowledge of customer service and sales.

Originally from Australia, Nigel has developed and participated in training for companies around the world. He is capable of getting teams “fired up” to beat their personal best but, he also understands the importance of providing one-to-one support when required.

J.J. Booth

Director of IT

J.J. brings a wealth of technical knowledge to support the REMIC team. J.J. holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and previously held positions in both the Engineering and Psychology departments at McMaster University. His experiences both in and out of the classroom provide an excellent fit for REMIC.

Holly Deroia

Director of HR and Finance

Holly brings a wealth of experience to the REMIC team from her more than 20 years of business development in financial services.

Her passion and dedication to all those she works with makes her an invaluable asset to REMIC.

Yasmine P.

Executive Assistant

Yasmine, REMIC’s Executive Assistant, has over a decade of experience in the educational field, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology and is a certified ESL instructor. Her proficiency in French and Farsi, along with her ongoing studies in Spanish and ASL, highlight her passion for languages and communication.

Yasmine’s outstanding organizational skills and problem-solving abilities keep our operations running smoothly. Her expertise in managing multiple tasks, from coordinating high-level meetings to overseeing schedules and ensuring seamless communication, makes her an integral asset to our team. Outside of work, Yasmine enjoys exploring nature, practicing yoga, and reading.

Tearesse Deonarine

Operations Supervisor

Tearesse, REMIC’s dedicated Operations Supervisor, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. With an eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills, Tearesse efficiently manages our Proctoring Department, ensuring smooth and seamless operations. She also plays a crucial role in maintaining strong relationships with our business partners. Beyond the office, Tearesse stays informed with current events as an avid CP24 viewer. Her commitment to excellence makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Hasan Moussawi

Web Systems Administrator

Dynamic and results-driven Web Developer and IT support with over 9 years hands-on experience in creating innovative and performance web applications and efficient technical assistance and problem resolution to end-users. Proven expertise in web learning development, full-stack development, specializing in JavaScript frameworks and backend technologies. Adept at leading cross-functional teams and delivering solutions that exceed client expectations.

Svitlana Poltorak

Social Content Marketer

Svitlana Poltorak brings a wealth of skills and experience to REMIC as a Social Content Marketer. With significant expertise in digital marketing and content creation, she develops compelling social media strategies that resonate with REMIC’s audience and help enhance the brand’s online presence. Svitlana actively seeks new approaches and methods to maintain a high level of engagement and interaction with the audience.

Eishe B.

Academic Advisor Supervisor

Eishe, our Academic Advisor Supervisor, excels in managing the Academic Advisors team and ensuring administrative efficiency. She handles key decision-making processes and customer service matters with a strong commitment to enhancing the student experience.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and a focus on social justice and institutional intersectionality, she is deeply committed to helping others and is passionate about social equity work within her community. In her downtime, she enjoys cycling, kayaking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Dua S.

Academic Advisor

Dua has happily been in the Customer Care field for 10+ years, both in Canada and abroad. She truly enjoys her role in providing practical and efficient solutions in order to ensure the best customer experience possible. She is Multilingual in English, Urdu, Hindi and has a decent grasp of the Arabic language as well. Her hobbies include going on new adventures with her family, reading a good book and she is more than a little obsessed with all things geeky.

Sarah N.

Academic Advisor

Sarah is committed to providing support to students as they navigate their educational endeavors. With a strong passion for empowering individuals, she offers guidance, encouragement, and valuable resources to ensure our students are successful.

Shayna Ferron

Academic Advisor

Shayna Ferron brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a background as an independent contract worker specializing in business marketing and administrative support, she has honed her skills in diverse professional fields. Today, as a REMIC academic advisor, Shayna is passionately dedicated to guiding and empowering students on their academic journeys. She thrives to create a nurturing environment where every student can succeed. Beyond her work, Shayna cherishes family time, embraces adventurous travel and road trips, and enjoys reading and watching movies.

Tara H.

Exam Proctor

With many years of customer service experience in retail and administrative assisting, Tara brings lots of knowledge to REMIC and enjoys helping people immensely.

Vanessa Morcone

Exam Proctor

Vanessa Morcone

Ana Faria

Professor

Ana Faria is a results-oriented financial professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, including leadership roles at TD and CIBC. She has a proven track record in team management, sales, and mentorship, consistently driving success across various roles. Ana’s extensive experience in hiring, training, and mentoring new agents fuels her passion for teaching, equipping her with the insights and skills to share valuable industry knowledge with REMIC students.

Gina Monaco

Professor

Gina Monaco has over 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry and currently leads a team of 14 agents as a mortgage broker. Her dedication to training and developing new agents was recognized by her brokerage, earning her the Mentor of the Year award in 2022 and the Team of the Year award in 2023. Passionate about sharing her expertise, Gina is excited to inspire and educate each new class of candidates entering the industry.

Saj Paleja

Professor

Saj Paleja brings over 19 years of extensive experience in the lending industry to his role as a REMIC professor. With a robust background in residential and commercial lending, Saj has worked with major Canadian banks, Credit Unions, and Institutional Grade Private Lenders. He has also served as the Chief Credit Officer for one of the largest banks globally, where he honed his expertise in corporate strategic planning and credit policy creation. His deep understanding of the industry is complemented by his experience managing relationships with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, making him a valuable resource for students aspiring to excel in the mortgage industry.

Yvette Helwig

Professor

Yvette Helwig brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the financial industry to her role as a REMIC professor. With over 26 years of experience, she has developed a keen eye for detail, a strong sense of compassion, and an exceptional ability to communicate complex financial concepts in a way that is accessible and relatable. Her long-standing commitment to the industry and her community is reflected in her dedication to helping others achieve their goals. Yvette is passionate about sharing her knowledge and guiding future mortgage professionals toward success.

Fernanda Amaral

Professor

As a trusted Mortgage Broker with over 20 years’ experience in the financing and real estate world, Fernanda has had the privilege of empowering her clients with the solutions necessary for all their financing needs. It’s a privilege that she has never taken for granted.

Her experience and passion for the industry in hiring, training and guiding new agents has prepared her with the necessary tools to empower and share her knowledge at REMIC.

Fernanda is also active in volunteer and charity endeavours that focus on working with the Georgetown bread basket, helping families in need, and making a difference in her community of Halton Hills.

When she is not busy assisting families with their financing needs and sharing her knowledge and time, she loves to travel, sail, and live life to its fullest always!

Damian Borges

Professor

Damian Borges is a 30-year veteran of the financial services industry. He has an in-depth knowledge of the business from every angle – consumer, advisory, and corporate business development. Damian was the Sales and Advanced Marketing Director for two major life insurance companies and headed Advocis’ Continuing Education Department for over 10 years.

Damian runs a full-service financial planning practice in the Greater Toronto Area and holds the CFP, CLU and CH.F.C. designations.

Inderjeet Kaur

Professor

Inderjeet Kaur’s journey showcases diverse experiences and exceptional dedication. With a Diploma in Supply Chain & Logistics, she possesses strong project management, team building, and leadership skills. Her five-plus years in the insurance business highlight her proficiency in complex financial matters and client relationships. Alongside six-plus years as a broker and educator, her background, coupled with her identity as a lifelong learner, enhances her financial expertise. Aspiring to become a certified life coach illustrates her commitment to guiding others in finding their true passion and purpose, and achieving their best selves. Beyond work, her curiosity is reflected in her interests in reading books and listening to podcasts. Ultimately, her dream of empowering humanity demonstrates a deep-seated passion for helping others discover their path and reach their fullest potential

Clive Coke

Professor

Clive is a valued member of REMIC’s teaching staff, bringing a passion and high level of caring that all of his students appreciate.

Clive has vast experience in the mortgage industry, from brokering to lending, and loves adding value to all of his students.

Rohan Singh

Professor

Rohan Singh has been a financial services executive in the Canadian life insurance and mutual fund industries for over 30 years. He has held several senior management positions with responsibility for insurance and investment product development, marketing, multi-channel distribution management, strategic business unit management, and corporate strategic planning. Prior to his retirement from ING Canada, he held the position of President and Director of ING Wealth Management Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ING Canada.
Rohan joined the Centre for Financial Services of Seneca College in the spring of 2008 and has been actively involved in raising awareness of Seneca’s Financial Services Practitioner program in the financial services industry. In addition, he teaches courses in marketing, life insurance, investment funds, and retirement planning at Seneca’s Faculty of Business and for other corporate clients.
Rohan holds a B.Sc. and Executive MBA from the University of Toronto. He has completed the Officers, Partners and Directors’ course of the Investment Funds institute of Canada, and holds the FLMI (Fellow of the Life Management Institute) and EPC (Elder Planning Counselor) designations.

Deren Hasip

Professor

A 25+ year financial services industry veteran, Deren commenced his career as a banker. Having enjoyed a fruitful career as a financial advisor, branch manager, mortgage specialist, regional manager and director, in 2015 he decided to put his experience to work in building a new brokerage. Having built an award-winning brokerage and a successful private lending administration company, Deren’s enjoys putting his vast experience to work as a REMIC professor.

Akinyemi John

Professor

Akinyemi John is a passionate educator, a RIMS (Risk Management Society) certified Risk Management Professional and an insurance professional. He operates in both property and casualty, and life insurance spaces. He is a member of RIMS and licensed by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). Prior to becoming an insurance professional, he had more than 25 years’ experience in the oil industry with one of the major multinational oil companies, Total Energies, with experience in operations, learning development, projects, human resources, sales and marketing at the senior management level.

Tony Leung

Professor

An industry professional with 30 years of experience, Tony Leung has worked at TD bank as a Bank Manager, Mobile Mortgage Specialist and Mortgage Broker. Currently, Tony works at a National Brokerage, where he has maintained his position over the past 16 years. Tony currently holds a position as an RVP in the GTA, and previously he was a Regional Manager overseeing a team of over 900 Agents.

Patrick Soy

Professor

Patrick Soy, a licensed professional with over 18 years of expertise, is a respected figure in the mortgage industry. With national recognition as an award-winning mortgage expert, Patrick has trained and advised thousands of mortgage agents and brokers, facilitating over $4 billion in mortgages. As a professor at the Real Estate Mortgage Institute of Canada (REMIC), he teaches courses in New Mortgage Agent, Mortgage Broker, and Private Mortgage. He has always had a passion for educating and training mortgage professionals in our industry. Patrick has collaborated with major mortgage financing lenders and brokerages, specializing in customer service, underwriting, account management, retention, sales, and business development.

Mark Weiser

Professor

Mark Weiser is an esteemed mortgage professional with over 18 years of industry experience. He began his career working in the lender channel and has flourished since making the decision to move into the broker channel. In addition to being a seasoned broker, Mark has also trained and mentored many new agents over the last several years. Mark is an enthusiastic educator, and he is delighted to bring his knowledge, expertise, and training skills over to REMIC.

Jay Brennan

Professor

Jay Brennan, B.A., M.A. (University of Toronto) has several decades of experience in mortgages and real estate with a special

John Baldassara

Professor

John Baldassarra brings over 20 years of experience in strategic business planning, specializing in budget creation, forecasting, and policy development. He has a background in organizational structuring, recruitment, employee training, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
With extensive experience in investments, financial networks, and business operations, John advises on taxes, portfolios, mortgage financing, and trust/pensions. His expertise includes leading improvement initiatives, centralizing teams, and optimizing profit and loss through analysis and competitive strategies.
John holds an MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute, a Bachelor’s in Economics from York University, and a diploma in Business Administration from Seneca Polytechnical Institute.

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