Maria Diaz, CFP®, CIM®

Senior Wealth Advisor

People deserve financial independence and freedom and that’s why I do what I do. At the age of 24 I moved from Colombia to Canada and my main challenge was not the weather or learning a new language but it was financial security. I realized that many people, even highly successful business professionals and entrepreneurs need an understanding ally to help them achieve their financial goals.
I came to Canada as a Business graduate, and was very fortunate to find work at a financial advisory office. I soon saw the need for responsible financial advise and the impact it can have on people’s lives. I discovered my passion for finance and helping others, achieve financial security and freedom.
Assante Capital Management Ltd. has given me a comfortable home where I can live that vision and assume a leadership role.

Sebastian Diaz

Client Service Associate

Sebastian joined the team in early 2025 with a strong background in corporate finance and data-driven analysis. Before transitioning into wealth management, he spent four years as a Financial Analyst, developing expertise in financial systems, reporting, and strategic planning. In his current role, he supports the team by coordinating client communications, preparing reports, and ensuring daily operations run smoothly across investments and insurance. Sebastian is currently in the process of obtaining his securities license, with an estimated completion in 2026. Detail-oriented and client-focused, he is dedicated to making every client experience clear, thoughtful, and seamless.

Norma Aviles

Operations Coordinator

We are excited to introduce our new Operations Coordinator a dedicated professional rapidly mastering the intricacies of our financial advisory practice. Her quick adaptation and eagerness to learn have made her an invaluable part of our team. Whether you need assistance with service-related inquiries, scheduling, or navigating our offerings, she is here to help with efficiency and attention to detail. With her growing expertise and commitment to providing top-notch client support, you can trust that any issues will be handled promptly and professionally.

Feel free to reach out—she’s ready to assist!

Jay Papernick

Senior Financial Advisor

Jay Papernick is a Senior Financial Advisor at Assante Wealth Management where he has been guiding clients toward financial success since 1997. Starting his career as one of the youngest advisors at the firm, Jay has consistently demonstrated a passion for innovative financial planning. He takes a comprehensive approach to his clients’ financial well-being, focusing on more than just investments. While starting off strictly as an investment advisor, Jay evolved into a true generalist. Being able to identify where clients need to focus and help them clearly shape their goals and dreams while pointing out the risks has become Jay’s expertise. Every client should be “slightly uncomfortable” when it comes to their finances – this is one of Jay’s philosophies that has worked for the hundreds of families he’s dealt with over his career.

Jay has developed a particular expertise in addressing risk through tailored insurance solutions. He understands that protecting wealth is as critical as building it and works closely with clients to identify potential vulnerabilities in their financial plans. By offering personalized insurance strategies, Jay ensures his clients are well-prepared for life’s uncertainties, whether it’s safeguarding their families, securing their businesses, or planning for unforeseen circumstances.

Jay is a proud father and husband and works in his community in many different capacities. His dedication to viewing the entire financial picture and addressing risk in unique, forward-thinking ways has earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional value and peace of mind to is clients.

Nicole Van Dipepen

Senior Operations Manager

With over 3 years of experience in operations management within our team, Nicole is dedicated to providing prompt, efficient, and tailored service to each client she works with. Her role is not only to oversee seamless operations but to ensure every client feels supported and valued, no matter what they need. Whether it’s assisting with complex financial inquiries or facilitating smooth transactions, she is committed to making the client experience as straightforward and enjoyable as possible. Her priority is to be the dependable partner clients can turn to for any support, equipped with the knowledge and expertise to anticipate and meet their needs with precision and the utmost care.

Aislyn Wallace

Operations Coordinator

Aislyn is one of the newer members of our team. As an Administrative Coordinator who is just starting out in the industry, Aislyn is eager to contribute to the team’s success by leveraging her strong communication skills and dedication to client satisfaction. Her role focuses on supporting daily operations, enhancing client interactions, and embracing continuous learning to foster both personal and professional growth in the investment and the insurance side of the business.

Aislyn is currently studying for her mutual funds license. She has been extremely quick to learn and catch on to new processes and is already become very familiar with many of our clients.