Our Partners

Debbie Wong, CPA, CA, CRPC™

Vice President, Tax Consulting, Private Client Group, Raymond James Ltd.

Debbie joined the investment services business after deciding to focus her time on helping people with their tax concerns through value-added services rather than through a fee-for-service model utilized in public practice.

As part of our team of private wealth professionals, Debbie works with our financial advisors to guide their high-net-worth clients toward practical solutions to their tax issues. She has expertise in Canadian and U.S. personal tax, specific issues affecting U.S. citizens or green card holders, and cross-border tax (immigration and emigration). Debbie joined Raymond James in 2004 as the tax manager in Operations and then transferred to Private Client Solutions in 2013.

Prior to joining Raymond James, Debbie gained 10 years of experience working in public practice as an expatriate tax manager at a major international accounting firm, and articled at an accounting firm handling financial reporting and tax compliance for small business families. Debbie obtained her chartered accountancy designation (CA, CPA) in 1998. She also earned the U.S. Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation in 2018 to expand her perspective on the unique planning needs of our cross-border clients.

In her free time, she enjoys relaxing and travelling with her husband, and takes a particular interest in nutrition and fitness methods to age backward.

Stephen Miziolek

Insurance Specialist, Raymond James Financial Planning Ltd. (Canada)

Stephen Miziolek is a seasoned financial professional with extensive experience in estate and insurance services. For over 40 years, Stephen has been helping individuals and businesses protect their assets and income through the critical stages of their financial lives - Accumulation, Distribution, and Conservation. His expertise is rooted in creating tax-efficient plans that are tailored to the unique needs of each client.

Stephen’s knowledge and experience have been of great value to many clients. He works closely with investment advisors and other professionals to employ the most current products and concepts to build programs that ensure the tax-efficient transfer of wealth. As a CERTIFIED LIFE UNDERWRITERTM (CLU), Stephen offers expertise in estate creation and continuation, business succession planning, charitable giving, wealth preservation, tax minimization, critical illness, and long-term care.

Financial planning is a process, not an event, and Stephen takes care to help clients evaluate their position and apply practical and financially sound solutions to achieve their goals. Whether you are an individual or a business, Stephen provides flexible and convenient plans that allow you to enjoy your life without worrying about your finances.

Stephen is steadfast in his commitment to helping clients build, preserve and transition their wealth in the most tax-efficient manner, according to their priorities.

Contact Stephen Miziolek today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards financial security.

Paula Lester

Senior Trust Advisor, Raymond James Trust (Canada)

Paula is a Senior Trust Advisor with Raymond James Trust (Canada). She is responsible for providing comprehensive estate, incapacity, and trust planning services to Ontario-based clients of Raymond James Ltd. Paula has worked in the trust industry since 2017, prior to which she practiced as a family and estate litigator. Paula is passionate about using trust and estate services to protect clients and their families, and to avoid the unfortunate situations she witnessed as an estate litigator.

Paula is a graduate of the Juris Doctor Program at Queen’s University, having graduated on the Dean’s Honour’s list. She also has a Bachelor of Arts, Honours, degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in English and Law, earning the university medal for highest academic standing upon graduation from Carleton University. Paula also has her Trust and Estate Planning (TEP) designation.

Outside of the office, Paula likes staying active and is an avid runner and ultimate frisbee player. She also enjoys giving back to her community through coaching and involvement in charitable work.