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About Northway Financial

Northway Financial Consultants Ltd. is a GTA-based employee benefits firm helping Canadian businesses. Our dedicated team provides clear, customized guidance, and designs benefit solutions that support employees and strengthen organizations.

With a proven track record and commitment to excellence, we pride ourselves on building long-term partnerships founded on trust, integrity, and measurable results. At Northway, we deliver honest advice – every time.

The Motivation Behind the Vision

Early in my career, I was working at an insurance company. One of my colleagues mentioned that her dad had worked for my grandfather, Bud,  many years earlier when he was a summer student. She called her dad to ask what he remembered about him, “He was the fairest boss I ever had.” It had been more than 50 years since they had worked together, yet he still remembered how my grandfather had treated him.

A couple of years ago, our team started working with a business consulting firm. We were asked to define our core company values — the principles that truly represented who we are. I was struggling to connect with the task but kept coming back to this story. Maybe our core values were really just that simple – “Be Like Bud”.  Be the kind of person that, 50 years from now, someone still remembers how you treated them and made them feel.

When I left my corporate job to begin building Northway, I was terrified — but also hopeful. I wanted to create a company that did things the right way. I didn’t just want to say that clients come first; I wanted them to truly be the reason our team came to work each day. My goal was to build a business that prioritized humanity, connection, and empathy — not just profits and procedures.

Building Northway has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It has taught me to take big risks. It has inspired me to dream even bigger than I ever imagined. It has taught me to be open-minded, to be clear in my direction, and to be patient (well… I’m trying!). But more than anything, it has reminded me that I should always strive to be a little more like Bud.

– Courtney 

Our Team

Courtney West

Senior Partner

Courtney West

Courtney attended Western University, focusing on Political Science and Women’s Studies. Courtney’s professional career began in the insurance industry, where she held various roles at major insurance companies. Her expertise and dedication led her to her final position as an Account Executive for Group Benefits at one of Canada’s top three insurance carriers.

In 2020, Courtney founded Northway Financial Consultants Ltd., driven by her vision to offer superior client service and support. Under her leadership, Northway quickly gained recognition for its commitment to integrity and client care. Courtney has now taken a more active role in running the day-to-day operations of both Northway Financial Consultants Ltd and Helewa Financial Group Inc, bringing the companies together with a combined vision and direction.

Paul Helewa

Senior Partner

Paul Helewa

After completing his studies at York University, Paul joined the family business, working closely with his father and gaining invaluable experience in the financial sector. His passion for the industry and his commitment to the family legacy led him to acquire the business in 2010. Under his leadership, the business was incorporated and established as Helewa Financial Group Inc.

Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence drove the continued growth of Helewa Financial Group Inc. In 2020, he partnered with Courtney West to create Northway Financial Consultants Ltd., a venture focused on employee benefits.

Elizabeth Calderone

Partner, Director of Employee Benefits

Elizabeth Calderone

With over 12 years of experience in the insurance industry, including a decade as an Account Executive with a major insurance carrier, Elizabeth has managed small to medium-sized clients nationally. Before pursuing a career in insurance, she earned a Bachelor of Science in the U.S. and a Master’s in Human Biology and Nutritional Science from the University of Guelph. An accomplished soccer player with experience in both Canada and the U.S., Elizabeth is passionate about sports, health, and nutrition. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children.

Crystal Armstrong

Partner

Crystal Armstrong

With 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Crystal has built a rewarding career across both advisory and operations roles. Since 2007, she has been dedicated to helping clients navigate their insurance and financial planning needs with clarity, care, and confidence. Her strong operational background, combined with deep industry knowledge, allows her to deliver thoughtful advice while ensuring a seamless client experience. Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping with her husband and their energetic boys, creating lasting family memories.

Katrina Stocco

Director of Client Service – Employee Benefits

Katrina Stocco

An experienced professional with a customer-first focus in the Employee Benefits industry, Katrina has a proven track record of delivering positive and relatable employee benefits education sessions, as well as plan administration training. With 8 years of experience working with a top insurance carrier, Katrina has gained a deep understanding of the diverse needs of businesses when it comes to managing their benefits plans. On a personal level, Katrina enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, being outdoors, and playing board games in her free time.

Donna Macklem

Executive Assistant

Donna Macklem

With over a decade of experience working with clients, Donna’s goal is to always ensure a friendly voice on the other side of the phone. She prides herself on being detail-oriented and efficient in everything she does. In her spare time, Donna enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, and grand dogs.

Alana Capesky

Executive Assistant

Alana Capesky

Making sure clients feel heard and valued is Alana’s top priority. She takes pride in being attentive to clients’ needs and working diligently to address them with care and fairness. Alana strives to see things through to completion, ensuring every detail is taken care of, allowing clients to focus on what matters most to them. In her spare time, Alana enjoys spending time outdoors and enjoying quality moments with her loyal companion, Hudson the dog.

Alex Nehme

Portfolio Manager

Alex Nehme

Alex graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Guelph in May 2024, where he developed an interest in financial planning and asset management. In July 2024, he joined Helewa Financial as a Portfolio Manager, assisting with portfolio construction, updating financial plans, and participating in client meetings. Alex is also a CFA Level 2 candidate, working towards his designation. Outside of work, Alex enjoys sports, fitness, and spending quality time with family.