Apple Financial Services
A Trusted Partner in Financial Aid Assessment for Independent Schools
Since 1993, Apple Financial Services has been a leading provider of independent, third-party assessments for bursary and financial aid applications. Today, we support over 180 private schools across the country — including over 80% of CAIS analysis service in Canada.
Our work spans nearly every province, reflecting the trust placed in us by schools seeking a consistent, objective, and data-driven approach to evaluating financial need. By partnering with Apple Financial Services, schools can uphold the integrity of their financial assistance programs while ensuring fair and equitable decisions for families.
We offer objective financial aid evaluations for families applying to or enrolled in private education. Our analysis ensures each application is reviewed impartially, based on a clear understanding of the family’s financial situation.
Independent & Unbiased
Our assessments provide an arm’s-length review that removes internal bias and supports transparency in financial aid decisions.
Experienced & Qualified Team
Our team brings extensive experience in tax systems throughout Canada, the US, and beyond. We understand the complexities families face when applying for assistance and provide schools with clear, objective analysis grounded in real-world financial expertise.
To deliver timely, accurate, and impartial assessments of applicants’ financial resources — and to empower schools with the insights and support needed to manage their financial aid programs effectively.
Meet Our Executive Team
Sam Kester grew up in Toronto before relocating to Kingston to attend Queen's University, where he graduated in 2010 with a BASc in Chemical Engineering and became a licensed professional engineer (P.Eng) in 2015.
He worked in Brockville for Proctor & Gamble between 2010 and 2015 in manufacturing & project management for Swiffer Wet, WetJet & Dusters. In August of 2015 he left P&G to join Apple Financial Services, where he worked as an analyst between 2015 and 2018 at which point he became a Partner in AFS.
The transfer in management of the business overall was completed through 2025 from founding partners Marijke Bakker & Alan Kester.
Sam currently resides in Ottawa with his wife and young daughter and can frequently be found skiing on the slopes of Mont Ste Marie, renovating the family home and cottage, or relaxing with a new book.
Lisa Casselman was raised in Burlington, ON and began working for the Canada Revenue Agency in 2002 where her interest in all things taxes began.
In 2004 she transferred to the International Tax Services Office in Ottawa where she was employed until 2018. In 2017 she co-opened a Surrogacy/Egg Donor Agency and helped couples with fertility issues to create the family they had always dreamed of. In 2020 she left the agency and joined Apple Financial Services as the office administrator but has moved her way up to Analyst over the past five years.
In 2025 she became a Partner in AFS and looks forward to the future with the company.
Lisa currently resides in Ottawa with her husband and enjoys spending time with her five children, two grandchildren and way too many cats.