Meet Our Team

Barry Mount, President & Co-Founder

As the President and Co-Founder of HMA, Barry is very definitely the visionary and Chief-Idea-Guy of the organization. Leveraging his 30+ years of experience in the insurance industry, Barry has built key relationships that serve to position HMA as a valuable partner to premium plan carriers and strategic partners. Barry has also led the design and development of proprietary benefits products to address unique market needs.

Certifications, Education & Related Organizations

• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
• Registered Insurance Broker of Ontario (RIBO)

Hobbies & Interests

• Family, entertaining, camping and spending time at the cottage.
• Volunteering and community with the foundation being in Rotary.
• Passion for travelling to places with history, manmade or natural.

Most Important HMA Core Value

Having to choose one, it would to be integrity. Integrity requires a person to make the right choices using morals and principles. The outcome of a decision made with integrity should provide consideration of caring, loyalty and respect.

Greatest Accomplishment

For what part I am allowed to take credit, it would be the raising of my children. Both have turned out to be people that I am very proud of.

Professionally it is what HMA has become, a leader in employee benefits consulting and product innovation.
Personally, it would be the balance in my life, although sometimes it’s juggling many balls. Sharing time with my family, my spouse, children and grandchildren, while fitting in many great times with friends.

Community wise it would be my volunteer work with Rotary being the foundation as a charter member of the Rotary Club of Whitby-Sunrise since 1988. Receiving recognition by being awarded the “Paul Harris Fellow” from my Rotary family and the “Peter Perry Award” in 2003 for Whitby’s Outstanding Citizen from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce.

Want to get in touch with me? Please contact me via email: bmount@hmabenefits.ca

Kerry Mount, Corporate Secretary

In 2009 after 12+ years of property and casualty insurance experience at a management level, Kerry transitioned to more of a financial focus in her role and now manages much of the accounting functions for HMA. In addition, Kerry is responsible for all of HMA’s licensing requirements, compliance filings and other corporate functions.

Certifications, education & related organizations

• Bachelor of Arts Degree
• Registered Insurance Broker of Ontario – Unrestricted License (RIBO)
• Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB)

Hobbies & interests

• Entertaining and spending time with friends and family
• Cooking
• Photography
• Travelling and outdoor adventures

Most important HMA Core Value

If I had to choose one, it would be respect. I’m a big believer that our differences are what keep things interesting in life; demonstrating respect when people have a different opinion, thought or way of doing things is really important to me.

Greatest Accomplishment

I am really proud of the personal relationships that I have with friends and family – it takes me a while to develop strong bonds but I’m proud of the fact that the close relationships I have are ones I will have for a lifetime.

Professionally, I’m proud of the fact that much of what I have learned while being employed with HMA is self-taught. I have had many roles within the organization since I started here in 2001 and I feel like I have the willingness to take on things that are outside of my comfort zone and find ways to get them done. I’ve learned that asking questions and making mistakes are the greatest opportunities to learn the most. I’d like to think that the people I work with know that I’m approachable and open to discussing concerns and questions because I’ve been in their shoes at one time or another.

Peter Bocking, Partner

As a Consultant to a number of HMA’s clients, both large and small, Peter enjoys the diversity in his role. No two employers’ needs are alike. His client-centred interview style allows him to get a complete “health check” on a company’s current benefit plan to see how it measures up against the corporate philosophies of their firm. He enjoys working with the HMA team using unique and sometimes proprietary solutions HMA has developed over the years to solve problems. The right combination of industry knowledge, information gathering to solidify an understanding of needs and a strong administrative team ensures a client is paying the ‘right’ rates for the ‘right’ benefit plan now and in the future.

Certifications, Education & Related Organizations

• Group Benefits Associate Designation (GBA)
• Current Studies: Compensation Management Specialist (CMS)

Hobbies & Interests

• Family, boating, entertaining, music, theatre, travelling, golf.
• Learning what new and exciting discoveries my daughter makes each day.
• Community service & volunteering: Proud Rotarian, Whitby Ribfest Board, Founder of Dear Santa, Durham Chambers of Commerce – various committees

Most Important HMA Core Value

Integrity. True character can often be defined by that which a person does when nobody is looking. It takes a combination of all HMA’s Core Values to achieve true integrity. I am a strong believer in HMA because if you dig to its roots, you’ll find integrity has been there from day one.

Greatest Accomplishment

Many of which I am proud. Particularly relating to the victories (big and small) achieved by my daughter and my wife. As for myself? I’m proud of my family; the people with whom I work in a career that I love, my involvement in the community, and overall, my unique and at times bumpy path. When we are young and impressionable bullies can be cruel, cause a lot of self-doubts and often send people down the wrong long-term path. I am most proud of recognizing the life-long lesson that life and success truly are what you choose to make it. My greatest accomplishment is setting my sights on the life, family and career I promised myself years ago and achieving it. The greatest part? In many ways, it has only just begun!

Want to get in touch with me? Please contact me via email: pbocking@hmabenefits.ca

Sherri Rodgers – Director of Operations

As Director of Operations, I am responsible for the overall, efficient and effective management of the company operations, including process, finance, and the heart of it all… the team.

List any relevant certifications, education & related organizations

• Trent U - B.Sc. Psychology – part-time studies
• Institute of Canadian Advertising, Certified Print Production Practitioner (1998) & Certified Advanced Print Production Manager (1999)
• Digital Boot Camp, 2017
• Creative Problem Solving Methodologies, 2016
• Presentation Skills Training, Barry Inc.

What are your hobbies and/or interests?

Yoga, dance, the cottage, my dog “Storm”, and my family.

What do you think is the most important HMA Core Value?

Integrity. It encompasses honesty that builds trust, consideration that builds respect, and doing what’s right and not what’s easy.

What accomplishment (personal or professional) are you most proud of?

Personally, I am most proud of our entire family and how strong we are – always there for each other with incredibly strong bonds and tons of love!

Professionally, I am most proud of the opportunities I’ve had to make a positive impact, in one way or another, with team members, colleagues, and associates. People are my passion and I am so fortunate to have developed the relationships I have with so many amazing people!

Debbie McNamara – Group Employee Benefits/Life/Group RSP & Pension Specialist

Excited to draw on her many years’ experience in sales and marketing roles Debbie is energetic about the opportunity to connect with business owners in the community, and surrounding areas, and provide the HMA trademark level of service and advice when it comes to employee benefits. She brings with her a fresh perspective, having been responsible for employee engagement and budgeting in previous roles, as well as a demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals through hard work and great ideas.

List any relevant certifications, education & related organizations

• Business Administration
• LLQP: Life License Qualification Program
• Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS) designation
• Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation

What are your hobbies and/or interests?

• Volunteering at various local organizations
• Team and individual sports including softball, soccer, volleyball and Crossfit
• Ongoing learning, personally and professionally

What do you think is the most important HMA Core Value?

Integrity. Having integrity means doing the right thing in a reliable way.  At HMA we take pride in our ability to do what is right for the client in every decision we make with the customer as the top priority.

What accomplishment (personal or professional) are you most proud of?

What I am most proud of are my family and friends.  They have become such an intricate part of my personal and professional community since moving to the Durham Region in 2010.  Through various activities, charity and social events I have built a strong network where we can lean on each other for support or access to resources.

John Atkinson, Senior Benefits Consultant

As a Senior Benefits Consultant for both HMA The BENEFITS People and our proprietary product, Health Care Providers Group Insurance Plan, my primary goal is to serve our existing client base and create raving fans of this amazing company. It is my pleasure to work with hospitals across the country to provide a unique solution for their part-time, casual and retired employees. I am grateful to work with owners of small and medium-sized businesses to create customized benefits plans alongside our knowledgable team.

Certifications, Education & Related Organizations

• 20 years of industry experience
• Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation

Hobbies & Interests

• Family and volunteer work in my community
• Mountain biking, wrestling and skeet shooting
• Love to travel, meet new people and experience new cultures
• Politics

Most Important HMA Core Value

Easy – Integrity! HMA is a client-focused company, whose service model is second to none. It is easy to work with an organization that puts the client first. HMA is constantly looking at ways to improve client experience and benefits, while allowing them to keep more of their own hard-earned money through our proprietary program, 3G Benefits.

Greatest Accomplishment

• Personally, that I have raised two very cool kids, who have proven that teenagers can be fun to live with. Being a 10-year veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police Auxillary, and serving at my local church where I teach a financial peace program to help folks learn to live debt free.
• Professionally, I am proud to be a 3rd generation insurance broker. Owned and operated Atkinson & Associates Inc. for 13 years and had the opportunity to be recognized both provincially and nationally by a major group insurance company for each those 13 years for outstanding growth and client retention.

Want to get in touch with me? Please contact me via email: jatkinson@hmabenefits.ca

Kristen Assinck, Marketing Associate

In her role as Marketing Associate, Kristen works closely alongside all staff and department leads to identify strategic marketing opportunities. On a day-to-day basis, she leads brand development initiatives, creates content for both web and print materials, and manages HMA’s corporate social media accounts and digital marketing efforts.

Certifications, Education & Related Organizations

• Advanced Diploma, Public Relations
• Certificate, Google Analytics Fundamentals (2015)
• Certificate, Online Marketing Fundamentals (2016)
• Certificate, Content Marketing Strategist (2017)

Hobbies & Interests

• DIY and home decor projects
• Cooking, entertaining, hosting get-togethers with family and friends
• Travelling...I love to enjoy the great outdoors and explore the world 

Most Important HMA Core Value

Integrity. Overall, I believe that acting with integrity drives all of the other core values. When you do everything with integrity, it shows that you are not only caring, loyal and respectful of others, but have a true moral compass and always aim to do what’s right and not just what it is easy.

Greatest Accomplishment

Professionally, I’d have to say that I’m most proud of my determination and dedication to continual learning. Marketing /communications is a challenging industry that’s always evolving and you need to be in the forefront of trends, technology and embrace an agile mentality in order to thrive.

Personally, I’m most proud of all the incredible relationships that I’ve built over the course of my life. From friends and family to coworkers and acquaintances, I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by a network of compassionate, caring and talented individuals who inspire and empower me every day.

Lynn Surette, Financial Underwriting Manager

Lynn, Financial Underwriting Manager, has over 28 years’ experience within Group Benefits, with over 26 years as a Financial Underwriter. Lynn’s main underwriting experience is with both small and medium-size markets, up to 500 lives, utilizing all funding methods including ASO, Retention along with Fully Insured. Having a love for numbers, as a self-declared ‘number nerd’ and ‘computer junkie’, Lynn is financially responsible for the entire Group business portfolio at Hardiman Mount, which includes HMA’s proprietary product, 3G Benefits. Lynn has enjoyed much success in building strong relationships with various contacts at all the carrier head offices in which she works with.

Hobbies & Interests

• Family and spending time at the cottage
• Volunteering with the 1913 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Oshawa in the Support Committee and past Committee Treasurer

Most Important HMA Core Value

For me, the HMA Core Value that is most important is Integrity. Being a person of truthfulness, honour, principles and values sets the perfect foundation for the other Core Values of Loyalty, Caring and Respect.

Greatest Accomplishment

On a personal level, I believe my greatest accomplishment is being the best Mother, Daughter, Sister, Granddaughter, Wife, Friend and Volunteer that I can possibly be.

On a professional level, I believe my greatest accomplishment is that every day I get to go to work doing what I truly love, for a company that I believe in and respect, with co-workers who have really become family.

Matthew Hageman, Employee Benefits Consultant

I am an Employee Benefits Consultant. I work to find benefits solutions for businesses of all sizes. I work with business owners to figure out the best way to support the health and wealth of their employees. I also work with individuals to figure out their needs relating to income replacement or life insurance. 

Certifications, Education & Related Organizations

• Bachelor of Arts (Hons.)
• Canadian Securities Course
• Life License

Hobbies & Interests

I like to stay active. In the winter, that means getting on the ski hill as much as I can. In the summer I switch to running, open-water swimming, and biking. I also love to cook, although it’s a skill I still need a lot more work on. I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to investing, and I am fascinated by all the possibilities out there.

Most Important HMA Core Value

Integrity

Greatest Accomplishment

Completing my Canadian Securities Course.

Want to get in touch with me? Please contact me via email: mhageman@hmabenefits.ca

Melissa Campbell, Client Service Associate

I work as a customer service and sales associate. I provide information about our products and assist customers with the registration and administration of their enrollment.

Certifications, Education & Related Organizations

I came to HMA Benefits with no insurance experience. I went to school for Business and Marketing, and my past work has been in customer service and sales. I am now learning a lot about insurance and I am ready to make a meaningful contribution in this industry.

Hobbies & Interests

I am very busy with family life when I am not at work. Some things I enjoy with the family include going on vacation, checking out local events or attractions, trying out different restaurants, and watching new release movies.

Most Important HMA Core Value

I feel the most important HMA Core Value is integrity. When you start with this as a foundation, good things are sure to follow.

Greatest Accomplishment

My greatest personal accomplishment is of course my kids. Professionally, I am most proud of the type of worker I have become over the years. I see myself as approachable, trustworthy, and willing to assist where I am needed.

Melissa Carroll, Sr. Life and Living Benefits Service Manager

In her role at HMA, Melissa is solely responsible for the Individual Life Insurance Department. Always providing quality service and support to existing clients along with our Inside Sales department. With over 20 years of experience, with many roles within the insurance and financial services industry, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge to her role HMA. Starting her career with HMA in 2008, her role has evolved in all aspects of Life Insurance, including sales and death claims.

Relevant Certifications, Education & Related Organizations

• LLQP – Life License Qualification Program

Hobbies and Interests

• Family
• Wellness & Fitness
• Board & Card Games

Most Important HMA Core Value

Caring. Having compassion and concern for others has always been a high standard for myself and I see that within the family here at HMA.

Greatest Accomplishment

My family will always be my greatest personal accomplishment. Professionally, I am proud of obtaining my Life Insurance License in 2008 with the support and encouragement from HMA.

Michelle De Sousa – Client Solutions Manager

In my role as Client Solutions Manager, my responsibilities include project management within various departments as well as assisting with various marketing and product implementations initiatives within the firm.

What are your hobbies and/or interests?

• Cooking and entertaining.
• Vacationing to different Caribbean islands.
• Collecting shoes! ☺

What do you think is the most important HMA Core Value?

I think all of them are equally important. I think the key to a strong professional or personal relationship is to always show respect, caring integrity and loyalty in every situation.

What accomplishment (personal or professional) are you most proud of?

Personally, I am most proud of my relationships with my family and friends. This is the most important aspect of my life and I spend lots of time nurturing these relationships. Life is full of bumps in the road but if you have a great support system of friends and family it makes for a much smoother and of course fun ride!

Professionally I am most proud of all of the knowledge and skills I have built over the years in my various roles within in the insurance industry.

Natasha Julal, Employee Benefits Specialist

In her role at HMA, Natasha is primarily responsible for all coordination between clients and carriers ensuring all tasks and activities related to clients’ group benefits are completed accurately and in a timely manner. With over 14 years’ experience working in the benefits field, Natasha had the opportunity to work for a carrier, now an HMA brokerage, which provided her with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry.

Hobbies & Interests

• Family, movies, going to auctions and flea markets
• Pets, pets and more pets
• Reading and doing small home renovations and crafts

Most Important HMA Core Value

Respect. To recognize and appreciate the contributions, qualities and differences of others.

Greatest Accomplishment

I take the greatest pride in my role as mother to my three amazing children and wife to my devoted husband. The family we have created is the greatest accomplishment and brings me the most joy.

Professionally, I am most proud of my many years at HMA. I can honestly say it is the best company and group of people I have ever worked for. I am proud of what we at HMA have accomplished through the years.

Shannon Lebert, Client Service Associate

Shannon is a highly motivated and detail-oriented team member of HMA. Enjoying speaking with the employees & HR staff at the endorsing hospitals, Shannon always ensuring their needs are being met and correct information is provided for them to make the right decisions for their family and employees.

Hobbies & Interests

Enjoy being outdoors in the backcountry camping, at the cottage, snowshoeing or travelling to exotic locations in the world, creating memories for my family and me.

Passionate about the arts; dancing, live music and theatre and visiting art galleries.

Most Important HMA Core Value

All are very important and work together to create a wonderful working environment. If I were to choose one it would be caring. I truly care and empathize with what people go through and try to put myself in other people’s shoes without judgement.

Greatest Accomplishment

Working hard at creating a balance between family, friends and work. I take the time to live life with my family and friends, which helps inspire me professionally. I am blessed to have a fantastic home and work family.

Teresa Stather, Financial Service Associate

Teresa joined HMA as a part-time receptionist in 2007. Within 6 months, she joined the HMA family full-time. Her current role as a Financial Service Associate with HCP and Corsana has her responsible for invoicing, monthly premium deductions and management of financial reports and reconciliations. 

Hobbies & Interests

• Living a fairly quiet life after work, enjoying time with my spouse
• Enjoy hanging out with our family and friends getting together to play darts, horseshoes and watching NASCAR Races

Most Important HMA Core Value

I apply the 4 HMA core values every day whether it be with co-workers, a client or throughout my personal life. Being a very caring person through every role in my life, I take the time to listen to our clients’ needs and concerns. All of our clients are new part-time or casual hires, or retiring full-time employees. Some have never had Group Extended Healthcare Benefits before and some are losing their full-time coverage. I take the time to explain the HCP and Corsana product in full so there are no uncertainties left. I remove the stress for them as well as walk them through the application process.

I am dedicated to working hard for HMA and for our HCP and Corsana current and future customers. I ensure everyone receives the best customer service possible. I enjoy being busy, especially when that means I am also helping people make sure they get their coverage as soon as possible. Arriving early at the office every weekday to ensure my customer needs are met, I ensure customers are making the best decision for themselves and family members.

Greatest Accomplishment

I am extremely proud of my 2 children. Both are amazing people with big hearts and caring personalities. Both are dedicated to working hard for their employers, just like mom! Raising them has been my greatest accomplishment. I know they will pass along our family values to their families.

Theresa King, Client Service Associate

As a Client Service Associate, Theresa works closely with our HCP product supporting current and prospective clients, and functions as the first point of contact for many individuals. There is always variety in her role, and the opportunity to learn new things. 

Relevant certifications, education & related organizations

30 + years of Administrative experience working within diverse organizations, receiving Certificates of Accomplishment for successful completion.

Hobbies & Interests

• Spending time with my family and friends, especially my Grandchildren which can be very challenging, but very rewarding!
• Listening and singing along to music and dancing like no one is watching!
• I enjoy shopping, especially browsing at garage sales and second hand stores.
• My greatest desire would be to travel and upon retirement live somewhere warm.

Most Important HMA Core Value

All of them, but if I had to pick one it would be Respect. Meaning, recognizing and appreciating the contributions and qualities and the differences of others. My belief is if you give respect, you gain respect.

Greatest Accomplishment

Personally, my biggest accomplishment is my children; they are my number one! I am very proud of them and the choices they have made. I wish them good health, happiness and continued success.

Professionally, I am proud that I can bring forward my many years of experience to help HMA co-workers and clients. I like to motivate myself with the challenge to achieve my goals.

Tierney DiMarco, Relationship Manager

In her role as Relationship Manager, Tierney makes it her mission to keep up with the comings and goings of Human Resource professionals at over 150 hospital sites across Ontario and to introduce herself and the HCP program to as many new hospital representatives as she can! When she’s not talking with those people or out at a hospital presentation, you can find Tierney providing individuals with the caring and loyal kind of customer service that clients of HMA have come to expect.

Certifications, Education & Related Organizations

• B.A, Communications

Hobbies & Interests

• Travel
• Film
• Curling

Most Important HMA Core Value

Respect. Espoused both internally and externally, it doesn’t always allow us to do what we want, what others would like us to do or what is easiest, but it does mean that when we do what needs to be done, we do so with consideration and understanding for our colleagues and clients.

Greatest Accomplishment

My three young daughters. They fill our house with laughter and make us so proud each and every day. Also, the times I made the choice to leave family, friends and familiarity behind to live, study and volunteer while travelling through more than 15 countries in Europe and Africa. Both have and continue to serve as examples of how I am so greatly blessed. 

Professionally, I am proud of my contributions to projects such as the introduction of a client rewards program, the creation of several generations of HCP Enrollment Kits overs the years and the variety of celebration initiatives for both the 15th and 20th anniversary of our Health Care Providers product.

Wendy Matton, Employee Benefits Consultant

40 years experience in the financial services sector. Having joined HMA in 2001, she parlayed a career in bond trading and investments, into benefits solutions for business owners and their employees. Originally targeting the business market within the Whitby community, she has since broadened her focus to encompass a clientele outside of Durham Region and the GTA. She is proud to advise and provide guidance to 300+ firms and their employees

Hobbies & Interests

• Community involvement has included numerous voluntary committees (Board, Executive, and President of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce)   
• Personal interests include all things performing arts & music, kitchen parties ( “scuff ‘n scoffs”), long yarns, sing-a-longs, and belly laughs with close friends and family
• Returning to my beloved Newfoundland. You can take the girl out of Newfoundland, but you can’t take Newfoundland out of the girl!

Most Important HMA Core Value:

Definitely our culture of caring. Family focus and balance are continually facilitated and supported. We have been provided with a springboard to flourish and reach full potential, within our own skill sets and talents. This practice provides the best foundation to be our best selves with clients and friends alike. No surprise that HMA has clients well over 30 years, not many of our competitors can boast a 97% retention rate!! We are more than a corporation when we say we care, we really do.

Greatest Accomplishment

Professionally: I have been pleased to have been recognized by the Chamber Group Plan as a Top Producer for many years; also twice received the highest client retention award, and my favourite, the “Team Player” award.  Clients pay for and deserve outstanding service. I try to live by the “do unto others” credo.

Personally: Anybody with children in their lives would agree that this is the accomplishment that matters most. My husband and I have raised an intelligent, thoughtful, and self-reliant daughter who is a productive contributor to society. Mission accomplished!

Want to get in touch with me? Please contact me via email: wmatton@hmabenefits.ca