POGO Internship Wrap-Up: Michael’s Journey with First Avenue
This summer, First Avenue Investment Counsel proudly hosted Michael Ciaramitaro as a summer intern as part of their ongoing partnership with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). For Michael, who benefits from POGO’s Aftercare Program, the opportunity to intern with a firm deeply committed to the cause was more than just a learning experience, it was a full-circle moment.
From day one, Michael immersed himself in the world of wealth management and life in the big city. One of his most rewarding projects was presenting multiple investment ideas to the public equities team. What began as curiosity quickly evolved into a full-blown research project, where Michael refined his equity research and presentation skills under the mentorship of Brian Madden, Ian Chong and Ethan Cummings.
Reflecting on his challenges, Michael acknowledged that stepping into the unfamiliar world of public equities and learning to navigate the Bloomberg Terminal pushed him outside of his comfort zone. Through curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to ask questions, he gained valuable insights from seasoned professionals at the firm. “I was able to soak up every ounce of knowledge I could, just by listening and watching,” he shared.
The internship also reaffirmed Michael’s career goals. With a strong interest in becoming a financial advisor, he found his passion for client service and community-focused work further validated through this experience. His time with First Avenue highlighted the importance not only of technical skills but also of relationships, teamwork, and giving back. Michael spoke warmly about the culture of the firm, describing it as a “work hard, play hard family.” Whether in team meetings or team socials, he saw firsthand how collaboration and camaraderie are woven into the workplace.
Perhaps most meaningful to Michael was the chance to see the impact of community partnerships from a new perspective. Having relied on POGO’s support himself, he was able to contribute to the fundraising and advocacy efforts that support children, youth and families impacted by childhood cancer. “Being on this side of the relationship was eye-opening for me,” he said. “It reinforced my commitment to staying actively involved in supporting these missions as I grow in my career.”
Leah Boyd, President of First Avenue Investment Counsel, reflected on the importance of hosting interns like Michael:
“Our partnership with POGO is about more than fundraising, it’s about investing in the next generation. With this internship program, our goal is to provide childhood cancer survivors with the tangible skills and confidence they need to thrive in any professional setting. Michael brought passion, positivity, and a unique perspective to our team, and we’re proud to have been part of his journey. His story reminds us why community partnerships matter and how they shape not just careers, but lives.”
As Michael looks ahead, he plans to continue giving back to causes like POGO through advocacy, professional contributions, and perhaps one day serving on a board. For now, he leaves his internship with new skills, lasting relationships, and memories that include everything from pitching investment ideas to team socials.
About The Author:
First Avenue Investment Counsel Inc. (First Avenue) is a Canadian firm specializing in investment management and multi-family office services. The firm’s pension-style investment approach, inclusive of equities, fixed income, and proprietary alternatives, is designed to help clients achieve their unique financial goals. Acting as trusted partners and investing alongside their clients, First Avenue aligns financial success with individual values and long-term aspirations. Committed to excellence and a personalized approach, the firm provides guidance with clarity and confidence throughout the wealth planning journey. First Avenue also fosters a collaborative environment where employees are empowered to pursue their ambitions and make a positive impact on the communities they serve.
Plushies, Photography and a Story
Authors: Hailey Millard, Varun Sayal and Natasia Vernon
Author: Hailey Millard
Hi! My name is Hailey Millard, and I’m 20 years old. I had just turned three when I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was a very long and hard battle that I fought. This November, I will be 15 years in remission!
I started knitting when I was 10. I picked up crocheting this past year and began trying to sell my creations on Shopify. I love to make stuffies! It’s my absolutely favourite thing to do.
I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life, and knitting and crochet are two of the few things that quiet my brain. I also love helping people and putting smiles on their faces. So, when I give or sell my work, it makes me really happy that I can make someone smile or even help them through whatever struggle they’re facing.
Some of my favourite pieces that I have made include octopuses, turtles (big and small), pickles, T. rexes, brontosaurs, and even a snowman! I hope that whoever is reading this smiles at the pictures of my stuffies.
Author: Varun Sayal
Age of diagnosis: 17
Diagnosis: Ependymoma. Fortunately, it was benign. Most of the tumour was removed surgically, and the rest through radiation therapy.
Photography has not only become a creative outlet, but it has also served as my reminder to continue exploring. To continue pushing myself to my limits. To keep learning. But of course, reality kicks in, and health issues can challenge my ability to stay consistent. If there is one thing I have learned, as a photographer and through this whole journey, it is to make the best of whatever is in front of me.
Whether I am standing around and photographing a beautiful sunset sky with little to no effort or sitting down and placing the camera on my foot to get a better image of Lake Louise, this "playing the cards you have been dealt" approach certainly applies to my art.
Author: Natasia Vernon
Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma
Age of diagnosis: 10 weeks
Trigger Warning: Difficult themes mentioned
Our Monster
There’s a monster in my belly. It caught hold of the inside of a body, tainted me a greyish hue of sick and made itself at home. Gripped so tight, the monster built a whole future for me out of my blood and bones. It’s happy here, settled in its infant form and whispered in the night, my voice so new to both of us; we only knew to cry.
It took up an insurmountable amount of space; the loudest, the biggest, the strongest. Until it met my mother. She held grief in her heart already, met a monster of a similar breed not long before and watched it pave its war path. When she held me, she could feel the weight of the monster, hear the shadows creeping from my skin, see icky green and poisoned cells; her child, now possessed. Her screams ripped through the hospital, cut right to the core of the monster and made it known. Our voices battling in the white walls of a sterile room, the monster forced to an uncertain hush.
At four years old and one bus ride away, a sister is waiting in a house I can’t remember. She hides behind closed doors, listening to the sound of fighting parents or to the claustrophobic quiet of our home. The same home where the father invited in strangers to fill a void that spread by way of viscous sorrow. My sister releases every last drop of salt from her body; she fills the entire house with enough tears to drown.
In a future that will feel a lifetime away, she will lock the door behind her and teach herself to swim. My father’s pain will disperse into the summer wind. My mother will bury her grief in a garden, and her screams will melt down to a prideful melody. The monster will have freed me. I'll live the life it paved for me, learning to grow flowers from my scars.
Here, living in the empty room I share with the monster, my dad takes me from our crib. He holds me gently in his arms and listens as my heartbeat stills. My mother screams at the doctor that something is wrong. My sister plays with dolls, where she learns to translate life and death into make-believe. My dad grips tighter. My mom begs for flowers; discovers them sprouting from an old wound. Slowly. Steady. My heart.
