Kyla Lam, CPA, CA
Principal
After growing up in northern BC, Kyla earned double degrees in Environmental Science and Commerce at the University of Alberta. She attained the Chartered Accountant designation in 2009, articling with a national firm. Over the past 20 years, her career has included accounting and finance roles in both public practice and industry, founding and growing two businesses as well as being an educator and not for profit volunteer and leader.
Kyla is passionate about families, businesses and communities. She is a CPA Canada Financial Literacy volunteer, Chair of the CV Housing Society and EMP Parent Advisory Council and 2nd Vice-President with the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. In her leisure time, Kyla enjoys being at home in her kitchen and garden, exploring near and far, and camping, fishing, hunting, skiing and biking with her husband and their son.
Sheryl Rice, CPA, CGA
Senior Manager
Sheryl brings over 25 years of public accounting experience to Aspire, serving small to medium size businesses in a wide range of industries, corporate and personal tax clients.
Sheryl obtained her professional accounting designation in 1997 and worked for a mid-size practice in northwest BC, becoming partner in 2010. The local firm merged with a large national accounting and tax firm in 2015.
After retiring from full time practice. Sheryl and her husband relocated to Invermere in 2020 to be closer to their daughter and family. Joining Aspire on a part-time basis provides the best of both worlds – allowing her to continue in a career that Sheryl has been passionate about over the years while spending time with family and enjoying all the Columbia Valley has to offer.
Jennie Bedford, CPA, CA
Senior Manager
Jennie relocated to BC from Ontario to attend UBC – Okanagan where she was conferred a Bachelor of Management, majoring in accounting and finance. She began her career at a national firm in Kelowna and subsequently relocated to Calgary where she completed her articles with a local firm and attained the Chartered Accountant designation in 2013. Having spent significant time in the Columbia Valley over the past two decades Jennie is excited to join the team. When not in the office Jennie can be found on the ski hill, hiking or enjoying the lake (summer and winter) with her young family.
Charmaine Schmidt, CPA, CGA Designated Professional
Charmaine attained her accounting designation in 1998 and brings thirty years of retail management experience to Aspire. As a Controller and System Manager, she oversaw the Accounting and Finance departments of several businesses and successfully installed three retail software systems.
After retirement, Charmaine missed the challenge of accounting and joined the Aspire in the fall of 2022. As the only fully remote worker on our team, Charmaine enjoys being back to work from the comfort and flexibility of her home.
In her leisure time, Charmaine enjoys walking, mowing the lawn, reading, puzzling, traveling and being with my family, friends and her dog Sam.
Cassie Humber
Administrative Assistant
Cassie joined the Aspire team in November 2021 as an Administrative Assistant with years of experience in customer service and office administration. Coming with a background working in the medical office field, she is excited for this new journey with Aspire!
Cassie is a crafty and bubbly east coaster who is new to the Columbia Valley. She moved from Vancouver Island in August 2020 with her fiancé, daughter, and they welcomed their youngest son in early 2021. When she's out of the office, you can find her spending time with her family, off-roading in the mountains, camping, or just a fun day at the park with the kids.
Aspen Stevenson
Accounting Technician
Aspen joined the Aspire team in January 2022 while pursuing her accounting diploma in the valley. Originally from Calgary, Aspen moved to Invermere in 2019 after falling in love with the town, and worked in the service industry and tourism until deciding to go back to school. In her spare time, she can be found exploring the mountains, lounging at the beach, or visiting family and friends.
Scout, Professional Greeter
Scout, the Lam family's golden retriever, occasionally helps out around the office, warming up seats and nuzzling newcomers.