Melissa Ferguson
Toronto
Summary
Retirement education and financial services professional with over a decade of experience in engaging individuals on retirement savings programs and long-term financial planning. Expertise in delivering group sessions and personalized consultations, translating complex pension concepts into accessible information, and fostering member engagement to boost financial readiness.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pension Education Specialist
CAAT Pension Plan
Mississauga
08.2024 - Current
- Delivered group education sessions and one-on-one consultations to enhance plan member understanding of pension benefits, retirement options, and long-term financial planning.
- Facilitated educational presentations on pension eligibility, vesting, contributions, retirement timelines, portability, and payout options to inform and empower members.
- Conduct structured discovery conversations to assess member needs and tailor retirement education based on career stage, retirement goals, and plan participation.
- Translated complex pension plan provisions into clear, accessible language, increasing member engagement and readiness for retirement.
- Develop and maintain educational materials including presentations, guides, and FAQs to support consistent and compliant member communications.
- Respond to high volumes of member inquiries while maintaining appropriate boundaries between education and individualized financial advice.
- Apply adult learning principles and strong communication skills to enhance financial confidence and understanding of workplace retirement programs.
Education Savings Specialist
Embark Student Corp.
Mississauga
05.2022 - 04.2024
- Educated families on long-term savings strategies and financial planning principles, enhancing their ability to achieve future education goals.
- Conducted discovery conversations to assess client financial needs, recommending tailored savings solutions that aligned with their goals.
- Explained financial products and savings strategies clearly, empowering clients to make informed decisions about their education funding.
- Managed client relationships and follow-ups using Salesforce CRM, ensuring accurate documentation and communication.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance targets through strong relationship management and client education.
Senior Financial Advisor
Scotiabank
Toronto
04.2020 - 05.2022
- Guided clients in building comprehensive retirement plans, including savings strategies, investment allocation, and long-term financial planning.
- Conducted structured financial needs assessments to identify opportunities for retirement planning and wealth accumulation.
- Educated clients on retirement readiness, investment fundamentals, and contribution strategies, enhancing their long-term financial security.
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships through proactive outreach and trusted financial guidance, resulting in increased client satisfaction.
- Navigated sensitive financial conversations and objections with high emotional intelligence, fostering trust and rapport with clients.
- Maintained accurate client documentation and compliance with regulatory and advisory standards.
Senior Financial Services Representative
CIBC
Toronto
01.2019 - 04.2020
- Guided clients in selecting banking, savings, and investment solutions to meet short- and long-term financial goals.
- Informed clients about financial products and services, enabling confident financial decision-making.
- Identified new business opportunities through proactive client engagement and relationship management.
- Ensured compliance while managing numerous client interactions in a dynamic financial services environment.
Universal Banker / Customer Service Representative
CIBC
Toronto
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Provided proactive client service, enhancing account management and financial product understanding.
- Developed strong client relationships through trust, clear communication, and tailored solutions.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Economic
University of The West Indies
Skills
- Retirement plan management
- Financial wellness education
- Financial literacy
- Client needs assessment
- Member consultation
- Member engagement
- Content development
- Group presentations
- Presentation delivery
- Regulatory Awareness & Compliance
- Client relationship management
- Relationship management
- Adult learning
Certification
- PPAC 1 – Pension Plan Administration Certificate
- Life Licence Qualification Program (LLQP)
- Canadian Securities Course
Additional Qualifications
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills (in-person and virtual)
- Ability to communicate complex retirement and financial concepts clearly
- Client-focused and empathetic approach to financial education
- Experience supporting diverse audiences across different career stages
- Valid driver’s licence and ability to travel to client sites if required
Affiliations
Toastmasters International
Timeline
Pension Education Specialist
CAAT Pension Plan
08.2024 - Current
Education Savings Specialist
Embark Student Corp.
05.2022 - 04.2024
Senior Financial Advisor
Scotiabank
04.2020 - 05.2022
Senior Financial Services Representative
CIBC
01.2019 - 04.2020
Universal Banker / Customer Service Representative
CIBC
01.2015 - 01.2019
Bachelor’s Degree - Economic
University of The West Indies