Our Partners

Debbie Wong, CPA, CA, CRPC™

Vice President, Tax Consulting, Private Client Group, Raymond James Ltd.

Debbie joined the investment services business after deciding to focus her time on helping people with their tax concerns through value-added services rather than through a fee-for-service model utilized in public practice.

As part of our team of private wealth professionals, Debbie works with our financial advisors to guide their high-net-worth clients toward practical solutions to their tax issues. She has expertise in Canadian and U.S. personal tax, specific issues affecting U.S. citizens or green card holders, and cross-border tax (immigration and emigration). Debbie joined Raymond James in 2004 as the tax manager in Operations and then transferred to Private Client Solutions in 2013.

Prior to joining Raymond James, Debbie gained 10 years of experience working in public practice as an expatriate tax manager at a major international accounting firm, and articled at an accounting firm handling financial reporting and tax compliance for small business families. Debbie obtained her chartered accountancy designation (CA, CPA) in 1998. She also earned the U.S. Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation in 2018 to expand her perspective on the unique planning needs of our cross-border clients.

In her free time, she enjoys relaxing and travelling with her husband, and takes a particular interest in nutrition and fitness methods to age backward.

Sami Nathoo, Pl. Fin., CRPC™

Senior Financial Planner, Raymond James Ltd.

Sami’s main objective at Raymond James Ltd. is to demystify financial planning for clients through comprehensive financial plans. After careful analysis of a client’s situation, he will provide strategies and recommendations with regards to tax, retirement, and estate planning. He may also point to weaknesses in a client’s financial position and suggest ways to improve them in order to meet the client’s retirement objectives.

Sami completed his bachelor’s degree in Economical Sciences from the Université de Montréal (2011) and has been working in the financial industry for over 8 years. He began his career as a Financial Services Manager with Bank of Montreal and as a Financial Planner with National Bank of Canada. Prior to joining Raymond James Ltd., he held a similar role with RBC Wealth Management Services.

Marissa Lydynia

Senior Trust Advisor, Raymond James Trust (Québec) Ltd.

Marissa holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Montreal.

Prior to joining Raymond James Trust (Québec) Ltd., (“RJTQ”), she worked for almost 10 years in private practice at a well-known Montreal law firm, specializing in wills and estates law. She has experience in:

• Assisting liquidators and trustees with all matters relating to estate and trust administration from the opening of accounts until closure
• Meticulous drafting of complex wills, mandates, power of attorney and trust documents
• Research and drafting legal memoranda and other legal documents in the area of estates law
• Providing strategic guidance to both individual and corporate clients with respect to long-term estate planning
• Collaborating with tax attorneys and other professionals, such as investment advisors and accountants on complex estate matters

As a Senior Trust Advisor at RJTQ, Marissa is responsible for the administration of various accounts for which RJTQ is appointed as liquidator, trustee, mandatary and power of attorney. In addition, she will be offering support services to individuals appointed in such capacities.

For many years, Marissa was the co-chair of the Lord Reading Law Society’s Young Bar Committee, and she continues to sit on its board.

Heather Roche, BComm, CFP^®, CLU

Estate Planning Advisor

Heather Roche is an Estate Planning Advisor in Eastern Ontario working with families to help plan and protect their financial future. Heather provides financial risk management strategies and caters to clients in various walks of life. Heather manages a large book of inforce policies and is well versed in guiding clients as their insurance needs change over the years. Heather is a strong believer in protecting your most important asset … YOU!

Over the past 10 years at Raymond James Ltd., Heather has focused on financial planning and risk management for business owners, medical professionals and other individuals who require a comprehensive, personalized financial plan. This includes situations involving corporations, family trusts, asset succession and many other complex issues that can arise in life. Heather is experienced in recommending insurance solutions to resolve corporate and estate planning issues and to minimize tax throughout a client's lifetime. Along with your other trusted professionals, Heather will ensure that you have a good understanding of your situation and your options to resolve issues that arise.

Heather is a graduate of Ryerson University, and she holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Law. She is a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter, and life insurance licensee in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Born and raised in rural Ontario, Heather enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three children.