OUR TEAM
Maria
Maria Diaz, CFP®, CIM®
Senior Wealth Advisor
mdiaz@assante.com
416-939-2000, Ext. 2
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 advice 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.
JAY
Jay H. Papernick, Hons. BA, CPCA, EPC
Senior Financial Advisor
jpapernick@assante.com
416-939-2000, Ext. 1
Our partner 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 wealth 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.
NICOLE
Nicole Van Diepen
Senior Operations Manager
nicole.vandiepen@assante.com
416-939-2000, Ext. 3
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.
NORMA
Norma Aviles
Investment Specialist
naviles@assante.com
416-939-2000, Ext. 5
We are excited to introduce Norma as our Investment Specialist. Having completed both the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and the Conduct and Practices Handbook (CPH), she is currently in her training period toward becoming fully securities licensed. Norma plays a key role in assisting our team to serve clients with professionalism and care. Her rapid growth, attention to detail, and genuine dedication to client service make her an invaluable part of our firm. Whether supporting clients with account inquiries or investment-related requests, Norma ensures every interaction is handled with efficiency and excellence.
Feel free to reach out—she’s ready to assist!
AISLYN
Aislyn Wallace
Client Service Associate
awallace@assante.com
416-939-2000, Ext. 0015
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 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 has already become very familiar with many of our clients.
SEBASTIAN
Sebastian Diaz
Client Service Associate
sdiaz@assante.com
416-939-2000, Ext. 4
Sebastian joined the team in early 2025, bringing with him a solid foundation in corporate finance and data-driven analysis. Before transitioning into wealth management, he spent four years in progressively senior roles as a Financial Analyst, where he developed a strong understanding of financial systems, reporting, and strategic planning.
In his current role, Sebastian supports the team by coordinating client communications, preparing reporting packages, and helping ensure that day-to-day processes run smoothly on both the investment and insurance sides of the business.
While new to the wealth advisory space, Sebastian is eager to grow in the industry and brings a detail-oriented, client-first mindset to every task. He’s focused on making each client interaction feel thoughtful, clear, and well-supported.