Meet the Team

Kristen Young | Mortgage Professional

We are thrilled to introduce Kristen Young as the newest member of Merge Mortgage! Kristen, a seasoned professional with 15 years of experience in the mortgage industry, brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to our group. Currently residing in Calgary, Kristen originally hails from Toronto.

In addition to her professional aspirations—Kristen is passionate about travel, with a particular fondness for Europe. She even almost moved to France! 

Beyond her career, Kristen and her husband, Brad, they are proud parents to two wonderful children

Kristen’s well-rounded life experiences and deep commitment to both her personal and professional communities make her a fantastic addition to our team. We are honored to have someone of her caliber and integrity join us, and we look forward to achieving great success together. Welcome, Kristen!


Jarrod Shaw | B.Mgt, PFP, Mortgage Professional

Jarrod Shaw’s professional background clearly illustrates his industry savvy, competence, and leadership capabilities. But what isn’t as easy to convey in words or on paper is the degree to which someone enriches the human experience. A more perceptible quality for sure, but one Jarrod underscores as much as any college education or business achievement outlined in print.

Jarrod knows how to provide services people are not accustomed to or maybe even expect, continually transforming a potentially apprehensive process into an exceptional experience.

When Jarrod transitioned into the mortgage industry from corporate banking, he brought his “yes” mindset along with his interactive expertise in relationship management, leadership, and business and partnership development. Jarrod knows how to provide services people are not accustomed to or maybe even expect, continually transforming a potentially apprehensive process into an exceptional experience. Jarrod’s only rival to his exemplary customer service is his own vast skill set. With his proficiency in mortgages, complex credit planning, commercial financing, and tax and estate planning, and having once led a team of 140-plus bankers, Jarrod is equally comfortable generating productive and meaningful results as he is guiding others to success.

  • Jarrod has a bachelor of management degree from the University of Lethbridge, and he previously Personal Financial Planner and Qualified Associate Financial Planner designations while he was in the banking system. However, Jarrod didn’t need any degree or certification to learn the importance of working smart as much as working hard or figuring out how to realize his passion for this business and connect with people personally and emotionally. Jarrod’s goal has always been to evolve the client experience without constraint and centre it around integrity, trustworthiness, communication, and treating relationships as tenable bonds.

    A dad, Jarrod is also driven to create a life and legacy for his two young daughters of which they could be proud. His years as a competitive collegiate athlete have contributed to his determined style, and he loves teaching his kids sports — along with all kinds of cool activities. An outdoor enthusiast, Jarrod also enjoys snowmobiling and backcountry skiing.


Keana Taubert | Client Experience Manager

Keana Taubert Keana is committed to client satisfaction. She prioritizes nurturing strong relationships with lenders, and consistently goes above and beyond to meet our clients' needs. 

With years of experience in administration and underwriting, she brings a wealth of knowledge to every client interaction. Her expertise ensures that she provides informed, reliable, and efficient service, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

  • Beyond work, she enjoys camping, golfing, spending time with her family, and raising her beautiful daughter. These activities reflect her love for the outdoors and her commitment to family life.

    Her extensive experience and dedication to client satisfaction make her a valuable aspect of our team. Clients benefit from her knowledge, reliability, and unwavering commitment to exceptional service.


Taylor Badluk | Mortgage Professional

Taylor Badluk, your trusted ally in the world of mortgages. With a career spanning from the corridors of the Big 5 banks to the intricacies of mortgage underwriting, Taylor brings a depth of experience and a passion for excellence to her role as a licensed mortgage broker.

Known for her mastery of mortgage processes, Taylor excels in providing personalized guidance to her clients, ensuring they navigate the complexities of homeownership with confidence. Her commitment to effective communication and efficient problem-solving means that she gets results, every time.

With strong relationships with top lenders nationwide, Taylor has the resources to secure the best mortgage options for her clients, no matter where they are in Canada. Based in Alberta, she offers her expertise and services to clients across the country, making homeownership dreams a reality.

  • Outside of work, Taylor finds joy in her role as a mother to two wonderful children, Jackson and Jenny. A lover of the great outdoors, she enjoys nothing more than camping adventures with her family, soaking in the beauty of nature and creating lasting memories.

    For a mortgage experience that's as smooth as it is successful, trust Taylor Badluk to guide you through every step of the process. Your journey to homeownership starts here.