About Us

Chris Kapches

Chief Executive Officer

Chris is a lawyer with an extensive career working within real estate organizations, having served as Executive VP for the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), as well as his role in numerous TRREB committees. Chris has also been the Chairman of Ontario Real Estate Council of Ontario’s Discipline and Appeals Committee for more than fifteen years. Chris is invaluable to the leadership team, providing Chestnut Park Agents and their clients with immediate access to legal counsel and guidance.

Douglas Gubitz

President

Doug is a highly experienced real estate professional. Doug graduated from McGill University Law School in 1985 and started his career in residential real estate in 1987. During his 38-year career, he has earned wide-spread respect from clients and fellow agents alike for his knowledge, attention to detail and high standard of client care. Doug joined the management team at Chestnut Park in 2022 where he leverages his extensive experience in providing advice and guidance to our agents with their day-to-day business matters while leading Chestnut Park with its strategic business initiatives, growth, and long-term sustainability.

Anthony Cerasa

Vice President, Legal

Anthony oversees legal, regulatory, and compliance matters at Chestnut Park, bringing extensive experience in real estate development, corporate law, and financial transactions. Known for his attention to detail and high standard of care, he provides the firm and its agents with valuable legal guidance. A graduate of the Dual JD Program from the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy, Anthony also holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance. He is licensed to practice law in Ontario and New York and is committed to staying current on the evolving legal and regulatory landscape affecting the real estate sector.

Christian Mijatovic

Director, Business Development

Christian Mijatovic serves as Director of Business Development at Chestnut Park, bringing valuable experience and insight to the role. With a background spanning a decade in real estate and 15 years in hospitality, Christian drives strategic initiatives, utilizing his expertise in client relations and market analysis to support growth and partnerships. Committed to excellence and innovation, he aims to contribute positively to the organization’s advancement.

Paolo Casciato

Director, Brokerage Operations

Paolo is a Ryerson graduate with a hospitality background that is rooted in two exceptional cultures: Disney & Four Seasons. Invigorated by his experience in Orlando, Paolo joined the Four Seasons management teams in Toronto, San Diego & Los Angeles. With that foundation, he honed his professional presence and business acumen in varying senior roles with a spirited approach and results-orientated mindset. At Four Seasons’ global headquarters, Paolo delivered an exceptional employee & visitor experience through consistent services and compelling projects. Chestnut Park has a pedigree that is familiar to Paolo with providing exceptional client relationships and innovating operations to exceed every day’s needs.

Kelly Natola

Senior Manager of Brand and Design

As the Senior Brand Manager, Kelly has played a pivotal role in elevating the firm’s presence in the luxury real estate market and leads the firm’s brand strategy with a focus on creative excellence and cohesive visual identity. With deep expertise in branding, she ensures consistency across all platforms while evolving the Chestnut Park brand to remain current and compelling. She oversees the Marketing Department’s design direction, guiding the creative team in producing high-impact materials that reinforce the firm’s premium positioning.

Donna Brookes, Broker

Manager of Agent Development and Services

Donna leads the firm’s Agent Development & Services division, where she plays a key role in empowering real estate professionals to thrive in a competitive marketplace. With a career spanning more than three decades, Donna brings deep industry insight, operational excellence, and a strong focus on agent-centric growth. Her leadership is rooted in a commitment to collaboration and results. Donna works closely with agents to refine their business strategies, elevate client service standards, and implement effective systems that drive long-term success. She supports both new and experienced professionals by offering individualized coaching, skill development, and performance planning aligned with their personal and professional goals.

Tania Bettencourt

Manager, Listings Department

With nearly 30 years of experience in the administrative side of real estate, Tania offers a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise. Her deep understanding of the field ensures a seamless, high-quality client experience at every touchpoint. As the warm and welcoming voice behind the phone and email, Tania is committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism and care. Known for her vibrant personality and positive energy, she brings enthusiasm to daily operations, contributing to a dynamic and enjoyable work environment. Originally from the Azores, Portugal, and raised in downtown Toronto, Tania values family above all. Outside the office, she enjoys spending meaningful time with her husband and their sons.

Marilyn Dupie

Manager, Deals Processing

Marilyn is Manager of Deal Processing at Chestnut Park Real Estate, overseeing timely, accurate submission of transaction documents to lawyers, clients, agents, and mortgage brokers. With 12 years at the firm, she excels at identifying and resolving bottlenecks, guiding agents, and ensuring communication from initial offer to closing. Her meticulous attention to detail and organizational expertise upholds the firm’s rigorous standards to strengthen client confidence. Marilyn values work-life balance, she enjoys summer events; park side picnics and recalls a Costa Rica retreat featuring a private sunset dinner and glamping in Monteverde. Her dedication and precision exemplify Chestnut Park’s commitment to excellence.

Lemi Pereira

Content Manager

As Content Manager, Lemi-Zafer leads the firm’s digital content strategy with a focus on brand elevation and market presence. With a strong background in video production, digital marketing, and creative direction, he brings a strategic and innovative approach to storytelling, working closely with leadership and agents to craft high-impact contents that align with the brokerage’s luxury positioning.

Originally from France and now based in Toronto, Lemi-Zafer holds a master’s degree in entrepreneurship and business Development, as well as a bachelor’s degree in management and human resources — both from Iaelyon School of Management. He is passionate about continuous intellectual, professional, and athletic development — always striving to push boundaries and grow through each new challenge.

Melissa Hill

Manager, Muskoka

Melissa has grown up and lived in Muskoka for most of her life and believes there is no better place to be. Before coming to Chestnut Park, she worked as a personal support worker, a job that was both rewarding and challenging. It was a position that required patience, understanding, caring, and an ability to recognize an individual’s needs, even when those needs couldn’t be communicated and after several years working in an administrative role, Melissa joined the Chestnut Park team in Port Carling in 2016 as an Administrator. Her admirable attributes and skill set, as well as her friendly, outgoing personality, are what has allowed Melissa, to provide exceptional support and leadership to her team at Chestnut Park. With her organizational skills, keen eye for detail and an unwavering dedication to both the Brokerage and agents, she brings years of experience and knowledge to her role as Manager, providing outstanding support & guidance for her team of agents to be successful.

Tisha Boutet

Manager, Simcoe Grey Bruce

Tisha started her career in the real estate industry in 2006 as an Administration Manager and has never looked back. She enjoys the fast-pace and daily challenges that the ever-shifting real estate market brings. Her experience in both real estate and retail management has allowed her to hone her skills in the critical components of customer service, active listening, patience, and the benefits of being organized and efficient. Now a licensed real estate salesperson, she applies her knowledge and management skills as Branch Manager of our Simcoe, Grey, and Bruce County offices, helping our team of agents navigate the complexities of our industry, and offering guidance in their daily real estate activities.

Born and raised in Collingwood, Tisha is very familiar with the Southern Georgian Bay area. She is grateful to have called this area home for most of her life, and to have watched it grow and thrive.

Lisa Millett

Manager, Operations and Administration for Simcoe Grey Bruce

Lisa joined Chestnut Park with the opening of the Collingwood branch in 2008, later supporting expansion into Barrie, Owen Sound, Sauble Beach, Tobermory, and Wiarton. With a strong background in marketing, hospitality, and event management, she brings exceptional client service, integrity, and discretion to her role. Dedicated to supporting agents and upholding the Chestnut Park brand, Lisa thrives in this team of professionals committed to excellence in real estate. Outside of work, she volunteers at a community garden and enjoys life in Collingwood’s four-season setting.

Betty Burns

Manager, Prince Edward County

Betty is a Real Estate Salesperson, with an extensive 43-year career working within real estate organizations in Toronto, Sudbury and now Prince Edward County. Betty also spent 2 years as a Board of Director with the Quinte Real Estate Board, offering fresh ideas and implementing strategic changes. Betty applies her real estate knowledge and management skills to her Branch Manger position for our Prince Edward County office and to her team of agents, offering advice and guidance to their day-to day-real estate operations. Betty is also well known and liked in the Prince Edward community, raising 4 sons and being actively involved in their hockey, baseball, soccer, and school events for the last 28 years. Her knowledge of the business and social events throughout Prince Edward County is, and continues, to be a great asset to our Chestnut Park.