Contact Us

Amanda Vanberg
SGI CANADA

I am one of those rare individuals who planned for a career in insurance, taking the Insurance and Risk Management program at MacEwan University straight out of high school. After completing that program, I quickly finished my CIP and joined the insurance industry. Being in the industry now for 20 years I have worked on both the broker and company sides with a focus on Business Development.

I am a lifelong learner and passionate about personal and professional development. Despite a busy family and a demanding role, I have been diligently completing my Commerce Degree. And in addition to all of this, I am a full-time hockey mom and part time player. On most weekends, no matter what season, you will find me at the rink. Either playing on one of several teams I’m involved with, cheering my 15-year-old son Reece on, or giving my husband Travis some coaching tips.

After attending the CAIW convention in 2019 in Calgary I knew that I needed to be more involved in the EIA.  Since then, I have held the role as treasurer & membership chair and now moving into the president with the Edmonton Insurance Association.

Carolina Mahecha
SGI CANADA

As a proud Colombian-Canadian, my journey into the insurance industry was anything but linear. Like many newcomers, I arrived in Canada full of hope, yet unsure of how to navigate a new culture, language, and professional landscape. After beginning as an underwriting assistant, I discovered a genuine passion for the field. Over the past six years, I’ve built a fulfilling career as a Commercial Auto Underwriter, continuously learning and evolving.  I hold a Bachelor of Science degree and am currently pursuing my Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation to further strengthen my expertise in the industry.

 In 2024, I joined the Edmonton Insurance Association, as Social Media Chair and now I serve as Vice-President. These roles have allowed me to give back to the industry, foster meaningful connections, and support the growth of both new and experienced professionals. I’m passionate about building a diverse, inclusive community where everyone in insurance can thrive.

Max Beeson
AON Reed Stenhouse

Starting in 2022, I have only been in insurance for just 4 years but believe I have found a true calling. Prior to joining insurance, I was a service worker in both the culinary and automotive industries where I had been working in for 13 years, until around pandemic time. Since pandemic, I’ve opted to “chase a job that satisfies my brain more than my body” and ended up working on a processing team at Lloyd Sadd Insurance Brokers in 2022. From there I’ve been accepting any opportunity I can identify, and have worked on Oil & Gas, Transportation, Cyber Liability (a self-designated focus at the beginning of insurance career), and most recently, Professional Liability (E&O) where I believe I have found my preferred area of expertise. I have since transitioned to another role at Aon Reed Stenhouse in 2026, as a Senior Broker for E&O on a national team. I hold a NAIT Diploma from 2019 for Small Business Development (changed to Entrepreneurship and Innovation in 2019) as well as licenses in over 5 provinces across the country.

In 2024/25 I joined Edmonton Insurance Association as a “helping hand” and have never felt more welcome in a cohort of peers. I attended the CAIW National Convention in 2025, where I won 2nd place at the Intact Public Speaking Competition. I have now also taken on the position of Treasurer for the organization, as I have a passion to keep our activities and organization in good standing, so that we can continue to serve both the Edmonton/Northern Albertan and Insurance communities. I have a passion for performing arts and public speaking, and hope that I am able to use those passions for the good of the industry.

Laurie Bauer, CAIB
Orbit Insurance Services

I’ve been passionate about the insurance industry since beginning my career in 1997. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on both the company and broker sides, holding roles such as Assistant, CSR, Producer, and my  favorite—Business Development. I’m a proud CAIB graduate and currently working toward my CIP designation to continue expanding my expertise.

Joining the Edmonton Insurance Association has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to deepen my industry knowledge and connect with inspiring professionals. I enjoy attending events, networking, and supporting the association, and I’m honored to serve as Secretary for the 2025–2026 term.

Outside of work, I enjoy crossword puzzles, walking my dog, and spending quality time with my family. I’m based in Edmonton and love being part of a vibrant and collaborative insurance community.

Lindsey Schroeder, B.A, B. Ed, CIP
Navacord Alberta

I have been working in the insurance industry since 2011, building experience across sales, underwriting, broker relations, and leadership roles. Throughout my career, I have advanced through positions at Canadian Direct Insurance, Portage Mutual Insurance, and now Navacord Alberta, where I currently serve as Team Lead, Personal Lines. I am also working toward my Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation.

Since 2015, I have been actively involved with the Edmonton Insurance Association (EIA), contributing in several leadership capacities. Over the years, I have served two terms as Treasurer, seven terms as President, and currently hold the position of Director. In addition, I serve as Treasurer of the Canadian Association of Insurance Women (CAIW/ACFA) Executive Board and am honored to represent the EIA within the organization.   My involvement with both the EIA and CAIW has been incredibly rewarding. These experiences have strengthened my leadership skills, enhanced my confidence as a public speaker, and allowed me to build meaningful connections throughout the insurance industry. Among the highlights of my volunteer journey have been attending CAIW conventions across Canada and meeting the many inspiring individuals who have enriched both my personal and professional life.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and engaged in my community. I am an avid curler and currently skip a team in the Insurance Curling League. I also enjoy golfing, spending time outdoors with my boyfriend and our two dogs, and pursuing my passion for singing. You can often find me performing with the John Cameron Experience Choir as part of the Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree, as well as with Crescendo.

Michelle Crawford BA, CIP
SGI CANADA

I am originally from the Caribbean, I started out as a commercial lines broker in Jamaica and then moved into commercial lines underwriting. After moving to Canada, I then worked as a Saskatchewan auto adjuster before switching over to Commercial Auto and Cargo Claims for the Alberta region. Education is important to me and have earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Marketing, then completed the CIP 2016.  I also taught the Fraud Course at the Insurance Institute of Northern Alberta.
In my spare time I am passionate about health and wellness, “the friend who will take gym clothes and workout bands and sneakers on a vacation.”
I joined the EIA in 2022 and it has given me the opportunity to meet and network with a wonderful group of people who work in the insurance industry.

Candace M. Martin
Peace Hills Insurance Company

Like many in the insurance industry, I fell into it — and never looked back. Since 2008, I’ve built my
career with a primary focus on Personal and Commercial Farm insurance, gaining valuable expertise and
a deep appreciation for the industry and its people.
I’ve been involved with the Edmonton Insurance Association since 2012, starting as a volunteer to help
plan the 2012 Convention in Edmonton. What began as a one-time commitment turned into over a
decade of active involvement, including roles as Treasurer, Director (for six years), and President. I’m
now honoured to serve as the Past President. Being part of this association has played a huge role in my
professional and personal growth. The support and mentorship I've received along the way have been
both humbling and empowering.
In 2021, I was elected Treasurer of the Canadian Association of Insurance Women, and in 2025, at the
national convention in Saskatoon, I was elected President. I’m incredibly proud to serve in this role and
look forward to continuing to support and elevate women in the insurance industry across Canada.

Dawn Patton, BA, FCIP, CRM
SGI Canada

With over 20 years in the insurance industry focused solely on commercial auto underwriting, I currently hold the position of Commercial Auto Manager for the Alberta region at SGI CANADA. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree and hold the CIP, FCIP, and CRM designations. Since 2009, my involvement with the Edmonton Insurance Association has been pivotal to my professional growth, allowing me to forge valuable relationships, organize major events, chair meetings, and broaden my network across Canada. I served as local President for four years, then as Director, and was honored to be the National President of the Canadian Association of Insurance Women for the 2019-2020 term. I continue to support the association by chairing our Food Bank Event, serving on the advisory board, and contributing wherever needed. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, playing pickleball, and camping with my husband and dog in our motorhome.

Tracy Fata, BSc, FCIP, CRM
Retired   (The Portage Mutual Insurance Company)

I have been in the insurance industry since 1988. I have worked as a CSR, commercial, personal lines and farm underwriter. I have also held various management positions and am currently a regional underwriting manager with the Portage Mutual Insurance Company. I have been an active member of the Edmonton Insurance Association since 2005. I have held several executive positions with the EIA and I am currently the Membership Chairperson and Food Bank Drive Chairperson. I have also served on the board of the CAIW and I am a Past President of the CAIW. I was honored to receive the Insurance Woman of the Year award in 2019 from the CAIW. This association has provided many opportunities for networking with my fellow industry colleagues here in Edmonton and across Canada. Best Association ever! Just sayin’!

Donna Lee Genge, CIP
Semi Retired – Acera Insurance 

I began my insurance career in 1985 with a regional Alberta insurer.  I have worked as a Personal Lines underwriter, Marketing representative, Personal Lines Manager and on the broker side of insurance. I have been a member of the EIA since 1988, holding several positions with the EIA over the last 30 years. The association has made it possible for me to meet and network with all different areas of the insurance industry in Alberta  and across Canada and it has been truly a fantastic experience.