Meet the Team

Dustin Van Der Hout

Senior Investment Advisor & Portfolio Manager

Dustin Van Der Hout’s ability to identify overlooked opportunities in the alternatives space and differentiated approach to value investing is the foundation of Van Der Hout Associates Wealth Management’s practice. Throughout the downturn and recovery of 2008, Dustin was a research analyst in New York at one of the most respected research-driven firms in the U.S. Working directly with the founder, chairman, and CEO, Dustin learned how to advise sophisticated, high-net-worth investors who demanded investment acumen. He went on to work alongside top portfolio managers across North America, developing unique strategies and sourcing individual equity ideas.

After years of communicating with C-level executives, attending industry conferences, and reading through diverse research reports, Dustin was driven in 2011 to start a practice advising private clients in his hometown, Toronto, and building his own team. There, he began to introduce pension fund-style investment solutions to business owners, professionals and their families while starting a family of his own.

Since starting his practice, he has grown his assets year after year and has continued to expand his team. He has earned a reputation as a valued and fast-growing advisor. Dustin has found a niche in value investing and analyzing alternative investments, working with a wide array of clients to meet their wealth goals through broad diversification, active management, and low-volatility portfolios. He also displays thought leadership through published articles, newsletters, and major publications.

Dustin enjoys spending time with his wife, their two daughters and their son. An avid reader, he devours books on history and finance and makes time to golf and ski.

Avrum Liederman

CFP^®, RRC^®

Wealth Advisor

Avrum has worked in the wealth management industry for over 30 years and specializes in guiding clients to a secure retirement. He understands that planning for retirement can be confusing and the decisions you make today will have a significant impact on your life and your family’s financial future. Whether you’re a professional, business owner or already retired; Avrum helps clients maximize income, minimize taxes and protect assets to prepare for a financially sound retirement. By managing his clients’ financial risk, Avrum helps them achieve the peace of mind knowing they and their loved ones will never have to suffer from a lack of financial security.

With his prior firm, Avrum started as a financial consultant in 1993, was appointed to the role of division manager in 1997 and became a senior financial consultant in 2007. He has the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® designation from The Financial Planning Standards Council of Canada and the Registered Retirement Consultant (RRC^®) designation through the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning (CIFP). Avrum graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from York University and has taught Personal Financial Management in both the MBA & BBA programs at the Schulich School of Business.

Avrum enjoys spending time with his wife, their 2 children & grandchildren. He is Past President of the North Scarborough Rotary Club and is very active in their charitable endeavors. Avrum is an avid cyclist and golfer and enjoys watching classic movies.

Mabelle Tavares

Investment Advisor

Mabelle Tavares is essentially Van Der Hout Associates Wealth Management’s “chief operating officer”, leading strategic projects and financial planning processes. Her commitment to clients is the top priority – she liaises directly with clients, taking the time to understand their unique goals, needs, and appetite for risk to achieve their financial goals.

Mabelle’s uncompromising work ethic, attention to detail, and natural curiosity about the world around her is paramount to the team’s continued success. With over a decade of experience in the financial services realm specializing in tax-efficient investment strategies and holistic wealth advice, Mabelle met Dustin while working as an associate at one of Canada’s Big Six banks. Mabelle moved to a multinational financial services corporation to take a role as a private investments and institutional operations specialist. In 2017, seeing that the growth of Van Der Hout Associates Wealth Management was predicated on people like Mabelle, Dustin invited her to join his team. Mabelle agreed, heading up the team’s operations while growing her own base of high-net-worth clients and professionals.

Mabelle prides herself in honing her skills and industry knowledge. That includes staying informed about current affairs on a national and global scale. She devotes significant time to digesting news articles, analyzing economic indicators, and studying geopolitical events, ensuring she stays ahead of the curve and can provide her clients with well-rounded advice and smart investment decisions.

Outside of work, Mabelle enjoys travelling and immersing herself in different cultures and cuisines. Amidst her professional pursuits and globetrotting adventures, Mabelle’s greatest joy lies in her family and children. Time out of the office is dedicated to family activities, from outdoor adventures and social gatherings to board game nights, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences and building lasting memories.

She also understands the importance of physical and mental well-being in achieving success and advocates for a healthy, active lifestyle. Whether it’s hitting the gym, playing golf, or participating in community sporting events, Mabelle finds ways to stay fit and energized.

Elina Surkov

MBA, M.Sc., CIM

Investment Advisor, Associate Portfolio Manager

Elina leads research and analysis for the Van Der Hout Associates Wealth Management team. On the business development front, Elina focuses on relationship building and ensuring new clients experience the same level of service as the practice’s larger accounts and family offices receive. Elina completed her education in France, obtaining her Bachelor of Finance and MBA from the prestigious ESLSCA in Paris. Subsequently, Elina was invited to attend the EDHEC Business School, one of the top schools in Europe, for a master’s degree in Financial Markets, specializing in Asset Management. She went on to work for Société Générale Private Banking in Monaco, both in investments and in a client-facing role working with high-net-worth individuals before transitioning to managing a family office. After moving from France to Canada, Elina joined the Van Der Hout Associates Wealth Management team and completed her Chartered Investment Manager (CIM^®) designation. Elina stays active outside the office, skiing, snowboarding, playing squash in the winter and spending her summers sailing and golfing. She’s a member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. Elina is trilingual, speaking Russian, French, and English.

Katy Tien

M.Sc.

Associate Investment Advisor

As an Associate Investment Advisor, Katy brings a sharp eye for research and financial analysis to the Van Der Hout Associates Wealth Management team. Her flair for problem-solving allows her to shift easily between the analytical needs of the team and building genuine connections with clients. In her short time with Van Der Hout Associates Wealth Management, Katy has established herself as a key part of the client experience.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto, Katy joined a major financial services provider working directly with clients and leading a team of customer service representatives.

Katy held roles at both a major financial institution and an independent investment advisory company while completing a Master of Finance focused on investing from the University of Michigan. Drawn to Van Der Hout Associates Wealth Management’s investing and financial planning approach, Katy joined the team in 2021.

Katy is completing Level 2 of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program.

Katy prides herself on going the extra mile for clients. She is passionate about helping to simplify the complexities of the investment world and identifying people who can benefit from Dustin’s unique portfolio management.

Katy is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Sugar and Danny.

Jessica Lourenco

Associate

Jessica Lourenco is a passionate professional with 20 years of diverse experience in the not-for-profit and financial services industries. Initially working in the childcare field, she found immense joy nurturing young minds. Jessica then made a strategic shift into the financial sector for personal growth and new challenges, first as a client advisor with a major Canadian bank and then discovering her true calling as an administrative associate in the independent wealth management industry.

Jessica thoroughly enjoys helping people, learning about finance and investments, and excels at fostering strong relationships with clients and providing exceptional support to them and the Avrum Liederman team. Known for her exemplary organizational skills and keen eye for detail, Jessica ensures that all aspects of the practice run efficiently.

Outside of work, Jessica loves to travel and create lasting memories with her son, embracing every opportunity for adventure and connection.