Our Team
Meet the passionate team behind Coastal Finance — your trusted finance brokers in Tasmania and Melbourne. We’re here to guide you with clarity, care, and experience every step of the way.
Sammi Haines
Coastal Finance Founder / Senior Mortgage Broker
Sammi is the heart behind Coastal Finance. With nearly two decades of experience in the finance industry, she’s built a reputation for leading with integrity, loyalty, and genuine care. Her approach is always people-first: taking time to understand what matters most to her clients and guiding them through their financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
Known for her honesty and warmth, Sammi believes finance should feel human, not overwhelming. Whether it’s a first home, investment property, or an SMSF strategy, she brings creative thinking and expertise to every conversation, always focused on helping clients achieve their goals, their way.
Beyond finance, Sammi is a proud supporter of her community. She actively sponsors local sporting clubs and athletes, and is passionate about encouraging healthy, active lifestyles and local connection.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her enjoying a wine or cocktail at her favourite café by the beach with her husband and adult children.
Sammi holds a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking, Certificate IV in Finance & Mortgage Broking, and a Certificate IV in Leadership. She is the Winner of Women in Finsure 2021, Winner of Finsure Asset Finance Brokerage 2022, Finalist for Regional Broker of the Year 2023, and Winner of CAFBA’s Female Broker of the Year 2024.
Sonie Dawson
Senior Mortgage Broker
Sonie joined Coastal Finance in 2022 and quickly became a trusted part of the team. She’s especially passionate about helping first home buyers, guiding people through what can feel like a daunting process with care, clarity, and confidence.
Known for her warm, empathetic nature, Sonie takes the time to understand her clients’ situations. Whether someone’s feeling unsure or doesn’t know where to start, she’s there to walk them through it, step by step, no question too small.
With strong local knowledge and a genuine connection to the regional community, Sonie brings both personal insight and professional strength to her work. She holds a Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking, alongside certificates in both Finance and Leadership, and is constantly learning to serve her clients better.
Outside of work, Sonie is a proud mum of three energetic boys and an active supporter of her local community, always finding ways to give back and help others thrive.
Cat Phillips
Compliance Manager & Team Manager (currently on maternity leave)
Cat has been part of Coastal Finance since almost day one, joining just six months into the business and helping shape the heart of the team from the inside out. One of our original team members (an OG!), she’s worked across just about every part of the business: Personal Assistant, Administration Manager, Asset Finance Broker and now Compliance Manager!
Cat is known for her incredible work ethic, quiet leadership, and unwavering integrity. She’s the kind of person who sees the details others miss and always puts people first—especially when it comes to client care and compliance. With qualifications in Finance & Mortgage Broking, Financial Services, and Leadership, she brings both the credentials and the calm confidence that keeps our systems running smoothly and our clients supported.
Currently on maternity leave after welcoming her second child, Cat will return in 2026. While she’s off enjoying life with her little ones, her legacy of precision, protection, and people-first service continues to shape how we do things at Coastal Finance
Amelia Haines
Trainee Administrator
Amelia joined Coastal Finance in 2025 and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking Services. As the friendly face you’ll find at the front desk (and often the first voice you’ll hear on the phone), Amelia looks after all things admin: returning calls, replying to emails, and making sure appointments run smoothly.
Her warm, approachable nature makes her the perfect first point of contact for new and returning clients alike. She’s focused on making every interaction feel supportive, clear, and genuinely helpful from the moment you walk in the door or call us.
Amelia plans to continue her professional development by completing her Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking, with aspirations to become a Finance Advisor in the future. With her drive and people-first mindset, she’s already on the path.
