About Mitchell Shields, Founder

Mitchell A. Shields, CFP, CLU, TEP

A Journey to Clarity

My path in financial services has taken me from advising small-town Canadians to working with some of Canada's wealthiest families on Bay Street. Through this journey, I witnessed something troubling: the financial industry's tendency to equate complexity with value. While the intricate strategies were technically sound, I saw them create unnecessary stress and confusion for clients, often leading to worse outcomes.

This observation sparked a realization: True sophistication lies in clarity, not complexity.

The Path to Independence

My experience across the financial industry - from a small-town insurance practice to Bay Street wealth management and now independent practice - revealed a fundamental truth: independence is essential for putting clients first. Free from institutional pressures and product quotas, we can focus solely on what matters: helping you build and preserve wealth through clear, thoughtful strategies.

Professional Expertise

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER CFP®, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), I bring a comprehensive understanding of the complexities faced by incorporated professionals. My active memberships in the Financial Planning Association of Canada and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners reflect my commitment to advancing the profession and maintaining the highest standards of practice.

Core Philosophy

My approach rests on a simple truth: corporate financial planning doesn't need to be complicated to be sophisticated. By focusing on clear, evidence-based strategies and removing unnecessary complexity, we help corporation owners achieve their goals with less stress and greater confidence, whether they operate through professional corporations, holding companies, or complex multi-entity structures.

Beyond the Office

Beyond the Office I'm a follower of Jesus, a devoted husband to Sara Ann, and a proud father to our daughters River and Lila. My passion for continuous learning drives me to stay current with industry developments, with a particular interest in behavioural finance. When not helping clients, you'll find me at a concert or expanding my guitar collection.

Meet Our Trusted External Partners

  • Andrew Kirkland CFP, CIM

    PORTFOLIO MANAGER, JUST WEALTH

    Andrew serves as the dedicated external portfolio manager for all Still Water Financial Partners clients, bringing over a decade of investment expertise and an unwavering passion for making things right for every client.

    Over the past decade, Andrew has held roles of increasing responsibility at one of Canada's largest independent asset managers, gaining comprehensive experience across client servicing, operations, and business development. His expertise spans the full spectrum of investment management, from portfolio construction to client communication.

    Andrew's excellence in the industry has been recognized through his profile in the 2018 Wealth Professional Magazine Young Gun Edition, highlighting top performers within the Canadian investment industry. He was also nominated for Young Gun of the Year at the WP Awards in 2018, representing the top performers in Canadian wealth management.

    At Just Wealth, Andrew manages all investment portfolios for Still Water clients, ensuring our sophisticated investment strategies are executed with precision and care. His collaborative approach and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Still Water's philosophy of delivering elegant simplicity in financial planning.

  • Jeffrey Cait, MBA, CFP, CLU, CH.F.C., TEP

    INSURANCE PRODUCT SPECIALIST

    With nearly 40 years in life insurance, Jeff's career has taken him from building products for the world's largest insurance companies to leading sales teams focused on high-net-worth clientele and supporting the philanthropic community with charitable giving strategies.

    For the past 20 years, Jeff has served as an independent consultant to high-net-worth professionals, families, and their advisors. At Still Water Financial Partners, Jeff provides specialized product expertise and insurance architecture guidance, helping design optimal insurance solutions that align with our clients' sophisticated financial strategies.

    Jeff's deep product knowledge and independence allow him to recommend the best solutions across the entire marketplace, ensuring our clients receive maximum benefit from their insurance policies through organized, simplified advice that enhances rather than complicates their financial plans.

  • Denise Stewart, CPA, CGA

    ACCOUNTANT, DENISE STEWART CPA

    Denise serves as a trusted accounting partner for Still Water Financial Partners clients, bringing extensive expertise in tax planning and financial consulting with a genuine commitment to understanding each client's unique goals.

    With years of experience supporting small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, Denise has built her independent practice on a foundation of personalized service and clear communication. Her expertise spans accounting, tax strategy, and financial consulting, with particular strength in helping incorporated professionals navigate complex corporate structures.

    Denise's philosophy mirrors Still Water's commitment to clarity over complexity. She believes in more than just bookkeeping: her mission is to provide insight-driven financial guidance that helps organizations grow with confidence. Whether clients are refining financial processes, optimizing tax efficiency, or seeking strategic advice, she works as a dependable partner to help them navigate the numbers.

    Through her collaborative approach with Still Water, Denise ensures clients receive comprehensive, coordinated guidance that complements our wealth management strategies. Her dedication to understanding client objectives and delivering practical solutions makes her an ideal partner in helping our clients build and preserve wealth.