About Us
Portrait of the Van Helden family in the Van Helden Agencies office

Building tomorrow's legacy

We are an independently owned property and casualty insurance brokerage that has been operating in Calgary since 1950. As a fourth-generation family business, we have built a business out of treating people the way we would want to be treated.

Your insurance expectations are high, ours are higher

Dedicated, hands-on care

All our clients have an advisor dedicated to their account, providing tailored advice and services at every step. We value empathy in our relationships and strength in our work. We are proud to be the partner our clients can lean on.

Experienced and Intelligent advisors

Our advisors put quality service as the number one priority, a value that permeates throughout our culture. We love what we do and because of that, we stick around with most of our advisors having 20+ years of experience in the industry.

Family run business since 1950

As a fourth-generation family business, insurance is our family trait. Maintaining our legacy of exceptional quality and service drives us to be our very best each and every day.

Adaptable to changing client priorities

Life is unpredictable, you need a broker that can grow and adapt with you. We don’t simply focus on the current needs of our clients, we proactively look ahead to make sure that no matter what else changes, our commitment to quality never does.

insuring high-value and complex accounts

We provide best-in-class, high limits of umbrella liability for clients requiring specialized services. We provide premium coverage that’s crafted to be comprehensive for any client.

Our History

Our family knows what commitment means. We have devoted four generations to the insurance industry, and deeply understand what it takes to be a true client partner. We value empathy in our relationships and strength in our work—always there when you need us. Shouldering your risk for you to stand stronger, we are by your side.
– Doug Van helden, president

Meet our team

For more than 75 years, we have built a rock-solid reputation as client partners

Private Client Services

Lena Tityk, B.A., CRM, FCIP, CAPI

Private Client Services, Account Executive

26 years of industry experience

Judy MacDonald, CIP

Private Client Services, Account Executive

45 years of industry experience

Beverley Yarn, CIP

Private Client Services, Account Executive

40 years of industry experience

Tara Palmer, B.A.

Private Client Services, Account Executive

18 years of industry experience

Melanie Jones

Private Client Services, Account Executive

23 years of industry experience

Jill Larsen

Private Client Services, Account Executive

36 years of industry experience

Nikki Jones

Private Client Services, Account Executive

22 years of industry experience

Louise Annand

Customer Service Executive

6 years of Industry Experience

Commercial Insurance

Sandra Harrison

Account Service Representative

34 years of industry experience

Cathy LeBlanc, FCIP

Account Service Representative

44 years of industry experience

Karen Crippin, CAIB

Commercial Insurance, Account Executive

18 years of industry experience

Nicole Chollak, CAIB

Commercial Insurance, Account Executive

25 years of industry experience

Pete Knechtel

Commercial Business Development Manager

Office Managment

Kim Neilly, CAIB

Director, Operations

22 years of industry experience

Katya McCrady

Administrative Assistant

3 year of industry experience