Meet Our Team
Simplified is a financial services business, dedicated to sharing our truth with everyone, and with a caring heart, you can be assured that we will be with you every step of the way. Here is a look at the team that makes it all happen.
Suzanne Durnan (Kania), CHS – Principal
I am the proud principal of Simplified Financial and committed to continuing the high level of service our founder, John McDermott, established in 1990. Taking care of our clients is our number one priority. The insurance/investment industries have experienced many changes over the past few years that have impacted all of us. We have made the necessary adjustments and learned the lessons to ensure we can provide the knowledge, expertise, experience, and professional advice our clients expect and deserve.
We expanded our service to cover Alberta some years ago and grew our Simplified team to provide the level of support on which our clients have come to rely. We are continually learning, which enables us to provide a comprehensive range of products and services for our diverse client base. From individuals and families to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and corporate clients, we have the resources to support your financial requirements now and in the future.
My interests are expansive. I enjoy travelling abroad or exploring our beautiful British Columbia destinations. I enjoy the arts and have become an avid painter in my art class studies. I also enjoy gardening (weather permitting) and listening to music. I am the mother of two daughters and have a wonderful husband,
We are experiencing unusual times with COVID-19, and I want to ensure all our clients that we are here to support you in whatever way we can. If we can help, please let us know.
Connect with us today to start simplifying your complex financial decisions.
Suzanne Durnan (Kania), CHS – Principal
I am the proud principal of Simplified Financial and committed to continuing the high level of service our founder, John McDermott, established in 1990. Taking care of our clients is our number one priority. The insurance/investment industries have experienced many changes over the past few years that have impacted all of us. We have made the necessary adjustments and learned the lessons to ensure we can provide the knowledge, expertise, experience, and professional advice our clients expect and deserve.
We expanded our service to cover Alberta some years ago and grew our Simplified team to provide the level of support on which our clients have come to rely. We are continually learning, which enables us to provide a comprehensive range of products and services for our diverse client base. From individuals and families to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and corporate clients, we have the resources to support your financial requirements now and in the future.
My interests are expansive. I enjoy travelling abroad or exploring our beautiful British Columbia destinations. I enjoy the arts and have become an avid painter in my art class studies. I also enjoy gardening (weather permitting) and listening to music. I am the mother of two daughters and have a wonderful husband,
We are experiencing unusual times with COVID-19, and I want to ensure all our clients that we are here to support you in whatever way we can. If we can help, please let us know.
Connect with us today to start simplifying your complex financial decisions.
Shelley Chanut – Advisor
Shelley has dedicated her life to continued learning, whether in her formal education or her experience throughout her various roles in the financial services industry over the past 25+ years. She recently completed her CHS designation and continues to stay up-to-date on ever-changing and complex market environments.
Her 10+ years of representing Simplified Financial have given her the tools to connect with people and assist them in finding suitable products and making informed decisions. She is great at helping clients navigate these often confusing and frustrating times.
You can always count on Shelley for a witty pun or sports analogy. An avid sports fan, Shelley loves to be in the arena, at the stadium, or on the diamond. Former athlete and current spectator of numerous sports, Shelley cheers for Team Canada! In November 2021, Shelley attended the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony that featured Jarome Iginla as one of the inductees.
In addition to sports talk, one of this self-proclaimed superfan’s favorite roles is being Auntie Shelley to some incredible nieces and nephews! When not in the office, you can find Shelley traveling throughout BC and AB, meeting with clients, or spending time with family and friends. She spends her free time watching live sporting events where possible and exploring some of the beautiful parks, paths, labyrinths, and forests that make up these wonderful provinces.
Shelley Chanut – Advisor
Shelley has dedicated her life to continued learning, whether in her formal education or her experience throughout her various roles in the financial services industry over the past 25+ years. She recently completed her CHS designation and continues to stay up-to-date on ever-changing and complex market environments.
Her 10+ years of representing Simplified Financial have given her the tools to connect with people and assist them in finding suitable products and making informed decisions. She is great at helping clients navigate these often confusing and frustrating times.
You can always count on Shelley for a witty pun or sports analogy. An avid sports fan, Shelley loves to be in the arena, at the stadium, or on the diamond. Former athlete and current spectator of numerous sports, Shelley cheers for Team Canada! In November 2021, Shelley attended the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony that featured Jarome Iginla as one of the inductees.
In addition to sports talk, one of this self-proclaimed superfan’s favorite roles is being Auntie Shelley to some incredible nieces and nephews! When not in the office, you can find Shelley traveling throughout BC and AB, meeting with clients, or spending time with family and friends. She spends her free time watching live sporting events where possible and exploring some of the beautiful parks, paths, labyrinths, and forests that make up these wonderful provinces.
Lorelei Partridge – Insurance Advisor
Lorelei is a welcome addition to the Simplified team, having spent several years working in financial services as an insurance broker. Her previous career experience working in Executive Search, HR Consulting, and Information Technology will be a great asset moving forward.
Lorelei has built a career developing long-term relationships with her clients and is looking forward to a fulfilling career as part of the Simplified family. With her many years of customer service experience, she understands the importance of active listening and asking the right questions to help her clients make informed decisions on what is best for them and their loved ones.
“I appreciate my clients’ feedback the most, especially when they tell me I was able to provide a clear explanation of the coverages available to them in a way they could understand.”
Lorelei currently holds a Life and Accident Sickness License and has completed her LLQP from Alberta.
She enjoys fitness classes and the great outdoors. She also loves to cook and entertain family and friends while spending time with her nieces and nephews. Travelling to a new destination is always on her horizon.
Denise Durocher – Office Manager
Denise brings to Simplified Financial Inc. 30 plus years of administrative experience. Denise is typically your first point of contact when you call the office and is definitely first rate! She enjoys the dynamic of working with an office full of strong independent women. Denise is the pleasant voice on the phone when you call in, offers the kind and caring touch in answering your questions, handling your concerns and keeping you updated on your insurance and investments…and is always ready to help out. She can be found most evenings and weekends enjoying spending time with her family.
John McDermott
(1944 – 2008)
Our Founder John McDermott came to Canada from his beloved Ireland in 1974. He made Maple Ridge his home with his family. He had various jobs until 1982, when he discovered a passion for the insurance industry. John was truly an entrepreneur, so a few years later he created Simplified Financial and then Simplified Benefit Systems.
John lived his life to the full and his love and compassion for others was his driving force to make Simplified Financial a successful business. He had a great way of making people feel comfortable and cared for, no matter where they came from. John loved telling stories and with his strong Irish brogue still very prevalent, it proved entertaining for those listening to understand exactly what he was saying.
John could only be described as a character and his warm presence would fill a room. He lived his life with love and integrity and with a twinkle in his eye he could always see the funny side of any situation. We were all privileged to have known him and have called him a true friend.
“Until we meet again…may God hold you in the palm of his hand”
Denise Durocher – Office Manager
Denise brings to Simplified Financial Inc. 30 plus years of administrative experience. Denise is typically your first point of contact when you call the office and is definitely first rate! She enjoys the dynamic of working with an office full of strong independent women. Denise is the pleasant voice on the phone when you call in, offers the kind and caring touch in answering your questions, handling your concerns and keeping you updated on your insurance and investments…and is always ready to help out. She can be found most evenings and weekends enjoying spending time with her family.
John McDermott
(1944 – 2008)
Our Founder John McDermott came to Canada from his beloved Ireland in 1974. He made Maple Ridge his home with his family. He had various jobs until 1982, when he discovered a passion for the insurance industry. John was truly an entrepreneur, so a few years later he created Simplified Financial and then Simplified Benefit Systems.
John lived his life to the full and his love and compassion for others was his driving force to make Simplified Financial a successful business. He had a great way of making people feel comfortable and cared for, no matter where they came from. John loved telling stories and with his strong Irish brogue still very prevalent, it proved entertaining for those listening to understand exactly what he was saying.
John could only be described as a character and his warm presence would fill a room. He lived his life with love and integrity and with a twinkle in his eye he could always see the funny side of any situation. We were all privileged to have known him and have called him a true friend.
“Until we meet again…may God hold you in the palm of his hand”