About Us
Running a Benefits Company Fits With Who We Are
We’re problem-solvers who like to find the quickest way through a maze
and then share the route with everyone we know.
We stay ahead of things.
We set other business owners up for success.
We love crunching numbers and challenging the status quo.
That’s just who we are.
Through our years in this industry, we've witnessed the complication and expense that often surrounds 'benefits' plans. That's why we designed our company to make taking care of health needs much easier and more direct. At Vital Partners, our mission is obvious:
Provide a clear path and innovative products that actually give people
what they need.
Plain and simple.
We want the same practical and appropriate options for your families as we want for our own.
That's OUR bottom line.
"We believe that everyone deserves access to great benefits and to have support when needed. This belief is the foundation of our company and our commitment to you."
Contributing to Our World Also Fits
Whether members of our team are rescuing animals, coaching girls softball, helping various groups, or chairing a board, we get huge personal satisfaction from lending a hand wherever we can. Most of our clients are also big contributors to their communities. So, at holiday times, we choose to make donations to worthy causes on their behalf.
It just makes sense.
Jennifer Kirby BA, CFP, CLU, CHS, CEBS
Co-founder/Principal
For me, a great day is all about collaborating with our clients and helping them to achieve clarity and peace of mind. I am passionate about helping individuals and business owners find cost-effective, customized, and innovative solutions. I thrive when I get to simplify the details, stay on top of current trends, and ultimately, make a positive difference in people’s lives.
I am a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS), and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). I am also a proud graduate of Mount Allison University. I am a member of Advocis and The Financial Planners Standards Council, and I have been a contributor to several magazine publications.
I have been in the benefits and insurance industry since 1995 and have significant experience in helping clients protect what matters most. I am a long-time community volunteer for many events and organizations and I am fortunate to work every day with our amazing clients and our terrific team at Vital Partners.
Quick Facts:
BA (Hons) (Bachelor of Arts with Honors), Mount Allison University)
Professional Designations: CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist), CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), CHS (Certified Health Insurance Specialist)
Andrea Shandro BA, MBA, CHS, GBA, CEBS
Co-founder/Principal
With group benefits, it’s inevitable that people need clarification, support, and tools to access their plans with greater ease. Making sure that an organization’s benefit plan is sustainable so that employers can do their best to take care of their team’s wellbeing is what connects me to our work and our clients.
I use a hands-on approach with clients from a wide range of industries. I love the work that I do to assist my clients and engaging plan members.
I graduated from the University of Alberta in 1998 and received an MBA from Simon Fraser University in 2007. I have been in the insurance and benefits industry since 2007 and an active member of the community with various organizations.
Quick Facts:
BA (Bachelor of Arts, University of Alberta)
MBA (Masters in Business Administration, Simon Fraser University)
Professional Designations: CHS (Certified Health Insurance Specialist), CEBS(Certified Employee Benefit Specialist)
Karen Hancock
Client Service Manager
For me, the variety of my workday is what makes me tick. Whether I am analyzing plans and working with my team to figure out how we can best meet the needs of our clients, negotiating the best possible renewal, or helping people solve their bumps in the road is what I enjoy as Client Service Manager. I always put our clients first and I am committed to developing strong relationships.
I have been in the industry since 1997 and have developed significant experience and expertise in renewal analysis, claims, billing, and eligibility. Before joining Vital Partners, I worked for a large, Calgary-based benefits consulting firm where I developed a thorough understanding of how benefits are administered from an insurer’s perspective. It is because of this experience that I can resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.
Quick Facts:
Over 23 years of industry experience
Specific expertise in customer service, plan administration,and analysis
Sheila Araullo BSc, MSc, RPA
Client Service Manager
I am a problem solver at heart and given my natural instinct to find practical answers, it is no surprise that my degrees are in math. As a Client Service Specialist, I am committed to delivering prompt and efficient solutions and to make a positive impact.
Before joining Vital Partners, I worked with several large Canadian insurers both as a service specialist and as a group savings specialist. I have a very good understanding of insurer systems and work hard to deliver accurate and prompt information.
Quick Facts:
Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, cum laude
Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics (Actuarial Science) at the University of the Philippines
RPA (Retirement Plans Associate)