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Appointee Biographies

Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal

ROSEMARIE MCCUTCHEON

Rosemarie McCutcheon was appointed as the Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) in August 2019. Prior to that appointment, Ms. McCutcheon was a vice-chair, with concurrent roles in the oversight and delivery of WSIAT’s professional development programs, and later, as Alternate Chair - Registrar. Ms. McCutcheon started her legal career in litigation, but she has long been committed to public law, having earned the Samuel Lerner Q.C. Prize for attaining the highest combined grades in Public Law, Civil Litigation and Family Law upon her call to the Ontario Bar in 1997. Ms. McCutcheon holds an LL.M. (Administrative Law) and an LL.B., both from Osgoode Hall Law School. In 2021, the Ontario Bar Association’s Workers’ Compensation Law Section named Ms. McCutcheon as the recipient of the OBA Ron Ellis Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation Law. Ms. McCutcheon serves on the Board of Directors of the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators and is an active volunteer in her community.

ANGUS IAN BARRA PATTERSON

Angus Patterson was called to the Bar in 2002. He was previously employed at the Law Society of Ontario and as legal counsel at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. Mr. Patterson holds a Master of Law (LL.M.) degree from McGill University, and a Bachelor of Common Law (J.D.) and a Licence in droit (LL.L) from the University of Ottawa.

JIM DIMOVSKI

Jim Dimovski holds a BA from McGill University and an LLB from the University of Alberta. He was a Vice-Chair with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) from 2003 to 2011, and a member of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) from 2008 to 2011. He has also been a frequent presenter at conferences for both compensation and human rights matters.

KEN JEPSON

is a lawyer with experience in litigation and administrative law. He is a former member of the Landlord and Tenant Board, former part-time Vice-Chair of the Licence Appeal Tribunal and a former Associate Counsel to the Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. Mr. Jepson's community involvement includes fundraising for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Princess Margaret Hospital. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education degree and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario.

CHRISTINA HURAS

Christina Huras has served as a Vice-Chair with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) since 2016 (on a full-time basis as of 2019). Prior to this, Ms. Huras represented clients in matters before the WSIAT and before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Ms. Huras is licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Paralegal. Ms. Huras also has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Diploma from George Brown College in Workers' Compensation Claims Management.

LUKASZ (LUKE) PETRYKOWSKI

Luke Petrykowski is a full-time Vice-Chair at the WSIAT. He was formerly a lawyer in private practice who provided representation and advice to businesses and individuals in workplace, industrial safety and workers’ compensation matters. He obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from the University of Western Ontario. He then obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Windsor where he was the recipient of the Judge Joseph P. McMahon award for highest standing in administrative law and the Legal Aid Ontario award for commitment to public interest law. He also obtained a diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (D.O.H.S.) from the Program of Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine at McMaster University, where he later lectured. He has extensive community involvement, including serving the underprivileged, elderly, developmentally disabled and youth of Ontario.

JOANNA SMITH

Joanna Smith holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. Ms. Smith is an adjudicator, arbitrator and mediator with extensive experience in labour and employment law. Ms. Smith worked in child welfare for several years and as a counsellor in a Toronto area family service agency for over 15 years, prior to pursuing a career in law.

SEAN RYAN

Sean Ryan served the WSIAT (Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal) between 1991 and 1999 as Legal Worker and Mediator. In 1999, he was appointed as Vice-Chair (part-time). In 2004, he was appointed Vice-Chair (full-time). Since October 2018, Mr. Ryan serves as Lead Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program at the WSIAT. He holds a Masters of Arts degree in political science.

AGNIESZKA KOSNY

Agnieszka Kosny holds a PhD in Public Heath from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts degree in Women’s Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Agnieszka was first appointed to WSIAT in January 2018 as a Member and then as a Vice-Chair in June 2020. She is a former Research Scientist at the Institute of Work & Health in Toronto and a Research Fellow with the Institute for Safety, Compensation, and Recovery Research in Melbourne (Australia). Her research has focused on the design of worker’s compensation systems and on the safe employment integration of newcomers to Canada. She has served as an Academic Partner on the Centre for Research for Work Disability Policy and as a member of the Canadian Association for Research on Work and Health. Most recently Agnieszka has volunteered on the Board of Directors of a non-profit community organization (Applegrove), serving families in the east end of Toronto.

NATALIE PERRYMAN

Natalie Perryman received an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School. Ms. Perryman articled at the WSIAT in the Tribunal Counsel Office. She subsequently completed an internship at a human rights clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa before practicing criminal law as a staff lawyer with Legal Aid Ontario. Ms. Perryman has volunteered with the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and was a Board Director for Durham Children’s Aid Society.

ARIEL SZE MUN LO-WONG

Ariel Lo-Wong was called to the Ontario Bar in 2016, and prior to that, practised as a barrister in Hong Kong in complex and cross-border litigation. She graduated law school at the University of Toronto and the University of Hong Kong on the Dean's List. In her years of private practice as a litigation associate at a national law firm, she successfully advocated for her clients before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Small Claims Court, Ontario Land Tribunal, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Social Security Tribunal (Appeals Division) and the Landlord and Tenant Board. Ariel is actively involved in her community in North York and also sits as a public member of the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario. She is fluent in English and Cantonese. She enjoys exploring the diverse culinary culture of Toronto with her family.

KAREN JACQUES

Karen E. Jacques was first appointed as a WSIAT Vice-Chair in 2017. For 30-plus years, health, safety, and disability issues have been at the forefront of her career. Her earlier focus was on training, program management, and emergency response. As Lead Counsel of Jacques Law, she previously focused on litigation, dispute resolution, and general counsel guidance. Ms. Jacques also previously worked as Manager - Disability Management and Accommodation for Bruce Power. She was the Editor-in-Chief of the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues during law school. Ms. Jacques promotes plain legal language as Clarity International’s Canadian representative. She actively supports non-profit initiatives, including local community youth programs and women’s heart health. Ms. Jacques has a B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University in Kinesiology, Physical Education and Psychology, and a J.D. from the University of Windsor.

MARTHA LAI

Martha Lai received an Honours Bachelor of Journalism and a Master of Arts in English Literature, both from Carleton University. She has worked at the WSIAT since 2007, most recently as a Dispute Resolution Officer and mediator.

VANDANA PATEL

Vandana Patel holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from McGill University, as well as a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit-Mercy and the London International Law Program. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1999. She has extensive experience in the fields of immigration and refugee law, human rights law, labour/employment law, and administrative law. She currently serves as an Order in Council (OIC) full-time Vice-chair at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. She previously was a Governor-in-Council Member at the IRB and an OIC Vice-chair at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Prior to her appointment to the IRB, Vandana had over 10 years of legal and human rights experience in both Canadian and international settings.

ELIZABETH KOSMIDIS

Elizabeth Kosmidis has over 25 years of practical experience with the workplace safety and insurance system. Previously, she was a Senior Associate and litigator with the Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie law firm where she practiced labour and employment law with an emphasis on workplace safety and insurance and occupational health and safety. Ms. Kosmidis worked at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for 16 years and held a variety of positions including Senior Legal Counsel to the Board, Director of the Legal Services Branch, Director of the Collections & Audit Branch and Director of the Employer Audit Branch.

LINDA GEHRKE

Linda Gehrke is a retired lawyer with a background in administrative and public law, adjudication, dispute resolution and education. She has served as a part-time Vice-Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) since 2015, as a full-time Vice-Chair from 1998-2008, and in counsel roles for the WSIAT from 1985-1998. She served as senior staff lawyer for a community legal clinic from 1980-1985. From 2008-2016, Linda served as Lobbyist Registrar for the City of Toronto. Linda has been an active volunteer in the administrative justice sector, working with the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators (SOAR) and Osgoode Professional Development to develop professional development programs for adjudicators and regulators. She has received the SOAR Medal and Law Society Medal (LSM) for her contributions to administrative justice and the public service.

PAUL ALLEN

Paul Allen is a part-time Vice-Chair with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT). Prior to this, he represented clients in matters before WSIAT and before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for the past 25 years. He is licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Paralegal. He also has a Master of Health Science degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Brunswick.

MICHAEL MCLOUGHLIN

has extensive experience life and disability claims litigation. He was called to the bar in 1982 and recently retired from the position of Vice-President & Associate General Counsel at Sun Life Financial where he had responsibility for all litigation in Canada involving the company. He has appeared before every level of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal and has been a frequent speaker on insurance claims related topics. He obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Indiana University. In recognition of his contribution as a volunteer he was recently awarded the Distinguished Service Award by Tennis Canada.

CHRISTOPHER RAMSAY

Christopher Ramsay was previously Senior Counsel, Litigation with London Life Insurance Company/Great West Life/Canada Life. He is a former Workers Compensation Specialist with Canada Post and a former Articling Student with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. Mr. Ramsay holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brock University, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Laws degree in Dispute Resolution from Bond University (Australia).

RHEA HOARE

Rhea Hoare is a former Senior Professional Development Advisor and Member of the Immigration Appeal Division with the Immigration and Refugee Board and Counsel of Civil Litigation in the Department of Justice with the Government of Canada. Her community involvement includes having served as a volunteer yoga instructor at the Archway Centre for Outpatients with Schizophrenia, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Ms. Hoare holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen's University.

BRUCE POLLOCK

Bruce Pollock practised employment and labor law for over 35 years with Stikeman Elliot LLP prior to his retirement at the end of 2015. Mr. Pollock appealed at all levels of court in Ontario, both levels of the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada. He also appealed in numerous employment and labor related tribunals in Ontario and the federal sector including the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Tribunal. He was a minor hockey coach for several years and is presently a member of the Board of the West Mall Minor Hockey Association. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Queens University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto.

ROBERT SALISBURY

Robert Salisbury has extensive experience as a lawyer practicing in Ontario, primarily in the areas of employment and labour law. He was called to the Ontario bar in 1983 and was a partner with the law firm Gowlings. He is a former Vice-Chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board. In addition to his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, Mr. Salisbury holds a Masters degree in Coastal and Marine Resource Management from the University of Akureyri, Iceland.

EBAN BAYEFSKY

Eban Bayefsky was called to the Bar in 1987. He was most recently a Vice-Chair at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. He was an Arbitrator for twenty years at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, and a part-time Vice-Chair at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. He has been Counsel at the joint office of the Human Rights Board of Inquiry, Pay Equity Hearings Tribunal and Employment Equity Tribunal, and at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, Workers’ Compensation Board, Ministry of Labour and Law Society of Upper Canada. Mr. Bayefsky holds a B.A. in philosophy and an LL.B. from the University of Toronto, as well as an LL.M. in Administrative Law from Osgoode Hall Law School.

NANCY FERGUSON

Nancy Ferguson is a lawyer with a background in administrative law matters. She has worked primarily in the area of public protection including managing, investigating, and mediating, consumer complaints. This includes complaints about breaches of privacy, professional, misconduct, and incapacity. Ms. Ferguson holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree.

RON HORNE

Ronald Horne retired as an Appeals Resolution Officer with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. He is a licensed paralegal with the Law Society of Upper Canada. His community involvement includes fundraising for the Brampton Hospital, and previously served as Co-Chair of his local Church Council. Mr. Horne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian History from Laurentian University.

GRANT MCCAFFREY

Grant McCaffrey is a licensed paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario. He worked for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for 34 years in adjudication and appeals. He spent the last 10 years of his career at the Board as an Appeals Manager overseeing a team of senior Board staff. Mr. McCaffrey holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Business Certificate from the University of Toronto.

BERNARD MORROW

Bernard Morrow is an experienced mediator, adjudicator and ombudsperson. He delivers dispute resolution services through Morrow Mediation. His experience includes practicing employment law and serving as Complaints Resolution Commissioner for the Law Society of Ontario, Adjudicator with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Mediator with the Financial Services Commissioner of Ontario, and Legal Counsel and Senior Facilitator with the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Dispute Resolution Office. He has an LL.B. (Western University), an LL.M. (LSE) and a Chartered Mediator designation (ADR Institute of Canada). Active in his community, Bernard enjoys volunteering in youth sports programs and community events.

ANITA WONG

Anita Wong was called to the Ontario Bar in 1999. She is a Lawyer practicing civil litigation at Rastin Law in Barrie. Her main areas of practice include personal injury, insurance, employment, and estate litigation. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University, a Bachelor of Laws from Windsor University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit mercy. She volunteers her time with various organizations including the Simcoe County Law Association and the Simcoe County chapter of Helmets on Kids.

SONJA HODIS

Sonja Hodis is a lawyer in private practice in Ontario. She is also a mediator and arbitrator. Mrs. Hodis has experience in civil litigation with an emphasis on employment, estate and condominium law. She is a frequent guest speaker and has published articles on legal topics including employment law, wills and estates, and condominium law.

CHANTELLE ZEHR

has represented clients for 19 years before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). She also worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Case Manager for the WSIB, a Manger of an educational service provider and a long term disability Case Manager in the insurance industry. She is licensed with the Law Society of Upper Canada as a paralegal. She attained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfred Laurier University and a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from the University of Guelph and York University.

JOANNE FRENSCHKOWSKI

JoAnne Frenschkowski is a lawyer with extensive experience in workplace compensation and insurance matters, as well as human rights law. Prior to joining the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, she worked with the Office of the Worker Adviser as a Legislative Interpretation Specialist and as a Worker Representative in the Occupational Health and Safety Reprisal Program. She has also held positions as Legal Counsel with the Human Rights Legal Support Centre and the Income Security Advocacy Centre. Ms. Frenschkowski holds a Bachelor of Arts in German Philosophy and Literature from McGill University, a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto. She was called to the Bar in 1997.

SHEMIN MANJI

Shemin Manji is a retired Ontario public sector lawyer with over 20 years of experience in administrative, regulatory, pension, access to information and privacy law. She also has experience in adjudication, mediation and legislative drafting. Ms. Manji’s public sector career includes service as a Worker Adviser and Legislative Interpretation Specialist with the Office of the Worker Adviser, Senior Legal Counsel with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario, Arbitrator with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) and Senior Legal Counsel with the Ministry of the Attorney General, Civil Law Division, Ministry of Finance and FSCO Branches. Ms. Manji was a member of the Pension & Benefits Section Executive of the Ontario Bar Association from 2008 - 2016. Ms. Manji holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and a Juris Doctor degree from Osgoode Hall Law School.

ROMONA GANANATHAN

Romona Gananathan is a lawyer with a combined Juris Doctor in Law and Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Osgoode Hall Law School/York University. She completed a PhD in Education Policy at the University of Toronto and has taught labour, employment, and human rights law at the post-secondary level. She has been an Adjudicator with Tribunals Ontario since 2013. Prior to her appointment, she practiced law in both the private and public sectors, primarily in labour and employment, immigration and refugee, disability, and human rights law. She has an extensive background in the public and not-for-profit sector in Ontario, where she served as an Executive Director, lawyer, volunteer, and board member with various organizations. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and serves on its Equity Advisory Group. Her community involvement includes being a Board Member of the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators and serving on a Community Council at Bridgepoint Hospital.

MARLENE KESLER

After 20 years in healthcare policy and occupational health and safety/industrial hygiene, Marlene Kesler transitioned to administrative law after earning a Master of Laws in Health Law from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2020. She also holds a Master of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health Science (University of Illinois at Chicago), a Bachelor of Physical Education (University of Calgary), and designation as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional. To better understand the intersectionality of health, law and aging, Marlene completed the Certificate in Elder Law at Osgoode Hall Law School in 2022. She is a former member of the Social Benefits Tribunal and the Council of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, and has volunteered with the Public Health Services Health and Safety Association and Girl Guides of Canada.

PAMILA AHLFELD

Pamila Ahlfeld is a lawyer with an LL.M in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Since 2004, has been an adjudicator with various tribunals, including the Immigration and Refugee Board (RPD and IAD), the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the Social Security Tribunal, and the Social Benefits Tribunal. She is currently working part-time as a Deputy Judge at Small Claims Court. She also volunteers with the Coach and Advisor Network at the Law Society of Ontario.

ELIZABETH LOUISE LOGAN

Elizabeth Louise Logan is a part-time Vice-Chair at the Licence Appeal Tribunal and President of Logan & Associates. Louise's past work experience includes the roles of President & CEO of the Ontario Public Services Health and Safety Association, National Director of the XXII World Congress on Safety & Health at Work, and Director General and Chief Review Officer at WorkSafeBC. Louise holds a Masters in Administrative Law from Osgoode Hall, a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia, and a BA from the University of Toronto.

SUSAN PECKOVER

Sue Peckover has a background in executive compensation, including international stock option consulting, international taxation, and bilateral taxation and social security agreements. She has a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. She was called to the Ontario Bar in February 1999. She is bilingual in English and French. In her spare time, since 2011, she has volunteered as a genetic genealogist.

ELEANOR SMITH

Eleanor Smith has been a Vice-Chair at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal since 2000. Prior to her appointment as Vice-Chair, she was General Counsel at the Tribunal from December 1989 until 2000. Ms. Smith formerly held the position of Director of Appeals at the Ministry of Labour where she heard appeals under section 32 of the Occupational health and Safety Act. She has also worked as a lawyer in both government and private sector.

TOM MITCHINSON

Tom Mitchinson, of Toronto, has extensive experience in adjudication, investigation and mediation. Mr. Mitchinson was Assistant Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario between 1991-1993, 1994-1996 and 1997-2004. Between 1996-1997, he served as the first Assistant Deputy Minister of Business Planning at the Ministry of Solicitor General and Correctional Services and was Executive Co-ordinator for the Ontario Court of Justice from 1993-1994. Mr. Mitchinson is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and a Contributing Editor of Politics Canada and E-Government Reconsidered. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and a LL.B from the University of Windsor.

RAMON ANDAL

Ramon Andal obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Western University where he received awards for highest standing in Contracts and Insurance Law. The Canadian Bar Association awarded him first prize for his legal writing. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1989, becoming the first Filipino lawyer to practice law in Toronto. He began his career as an insurance litigation lawyer at Cassels Brock & Blackwell, before opening his own firm concentrating in insurance defence, insurance coverage, administrative law, human rights, mental health and capacity law, professional liability, construction, directors and officers liability, and environmental litigation. He was the Contributing Editor of Insurance Law in Canada and the Canadian Encyclopedic Digest, Insurance Law Title. He served as presiding lawyer member of the Board of Inquiry (Police Services Act) and the Consent and Capacity Board, member of the Social Security Tribunal (Income Security Section) and part-time Vice Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. He is a founding member of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and served as director of the Peel Law Association. He has acted as counsel to Filipino and Chinese community organizations in litigation and human rights matters including the campaign to obtain an apology and redress for the Chinese Head Tax. The Law Society of Ontario gave him recognition as an Early and Exceptional Ontario Lawyer of Filipino Heritage, as part of the Diversifying the Bar: Lawyers Make History Project. His oral history is included in the Oral History Program of the Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History.

DARIA STRACHAN

Daria Strachan was appointed as a Vice-Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) in February 2022. Ms. Strachan is a fluently bilingual civil litigation lawyer, having obtained her common law degree from Queen’s University (J.D.) and her civil law degree from l’Université de Sherbrooke (LL.B). Ms. Strachan is a partner with the law firm of Shields Hunt Duff Strachan, where she specializes in employment law, labour law, administrative law, human rights law, and commercial litigation. She is also an Adjudicator with Resolution Canada and a Workplace Investigator. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Strachan taught Civil Procedure at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law and worked as a lawyer within the Department of Justice Canada. Ms. Strachan volunteers with Pro Bono Ontario, and REACH. She is also known to volunteer as a soccer coach and hockey trainer.

MARK GORDON

Mark Gordon is a part-time Vice-Chair with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) and a part-time Member of the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board. Prior to this, Mr. Gordon guided and supported clients in the management and accommodation of injuries and disabilities in the workplace and represented clients in matters before both workers' compensation boards and tribunals throughout Canada. He is licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Paralegal and holds a Honours Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph.

ANDRÉ DURETTE

André Durette is a native of the City of the Greater Sudbury, where he presently lives in one of its rural areas. He has also lived, studied, and worked for a decade in southern Ontario. He has a Biology degree as well as a Law degree. He has spent most of his working career to date in Human Resources and ended a 20-year career in that capacity at a community college culminating in six years as its HR Director. He has subsequently engaged in a new career as a nascent labour arbitrator, starting with completing the Osgoode Hall/York University Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Adjudication for Administrative Agencies, Boards and Tribunals. He is completing a six-year volunteer directorship with the St Joseph Health Centre in Sudbury.

CLAUDIA D'ANGELO

Claudia D'Angelo is a licensed Paralegal in Ontario and has represented both workers and employers at the WSIB and at the Tribunal. Ms. D'Angelo is also a retired member of the WSIB community having held several progressive positions within the WSIB including Appeals Resolution Officer and Assistant Director. Ms. D'Angelo has an Honours Degree from the University of Toronto in History and English and is certified as an Adult Education Specialist.

DAVID THOMSON

David Thomson is a human resource professional with 37 years of experience in the automotive, transportation and manufacturing industries. His extensive Human Resources Management experience has been attained in the Automotive, Manufacturing and Transportation Industries. His community involvement includes serving as a coach representative at the Orangeville Minor Soccer Club. Mr. Thomson has a mechanical engineering certification from Stow College of Engineering in Glasgow, Scotland.

CARMINE SACCO

Carmine Sacco is a full-time Member with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. Mr. Sacco has 25 years of experience in workers compensation matters and has previously represented clients before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Mr. Sacco is licensed by the Law Society of Ontario as a Paralegal since 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology from the University of Toronto.

SONYA TONI SAHAY

Sonya Sahay has been serving as a member (part-time) since 2019. She previously served as a member (full-time) from 2017-2018, as a member (part-time) from 2008-2016, and Vice-Chair from 2006-2008. Sonya is a former counsel for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Her community involvement includes serving as a parent volunteer for Forest Hill Elementary and Secondary Schools.

ZOE AGNIDIS

Zoe Agnidis has been a registered Physiotherapist in Ontario for over 30 years. She holds a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario. Through her clinical work in both rural and urban health care settings, Ms. Agnidis has extensive experience assessing and treating musculoskeletal injuries. She is also a freelance medical writer since 2001, with expertise in preparing evidence-based review articles. Her writing addresses a broad scope of medical topics including musculoskeletal conditions, pharmacotherapeutics, oncology, and rehabilitation programs for injured workers.

RICHARD HOSKIN

Since 1983, R. Kelly Hoskin, of Ingersoll, has held numerous positions with IMT Partnership, including Local Union President (United Steelworkers - USW), President of the USW Southwestern Ontario Area Council and as a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Advocate. Mr. Hoskin has been trained at all levels of the WISB through the Ontario Federation of Labour Occupational Disabilities Response Team.

STEPHEN ROTH

Stephen Roth is a Lawyer with Roth Professional Corporation focusing on personal injury and employment law. Mr. Roth is a former Independent Insurance Auditor with Adjusters Canada/Crawford Adjusters. His community involvement includes serving as a member of the Board of Directors with Family Services Perth-Huron. Mr. Roth holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree, a Chartered Insurance Professional certification from the Insurance Institute of Ontario and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario.

MARY TZAFERIS

Mary Tzaferis is a former Regional Manager for the Office of the Worker Adviser with the Ministry of Labour and Member, Representative of Workers with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. Her community involvement includes serving as a member of the Threads of Life - Steps for Life Work Committee and as a member of the Local Advisory Committee for Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. Ms. Tzaferis holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Toronto.

GARY BURKETT

Gary Burkett is a semi-retired Executive with extensive commercial and public sector acumen, specializing in Human Resources, in numerous industry sectors. This includes a career with 3 blue chip companies (FedEx, Bell and Molson). In addition, he has over 20 years board experience with for-profit companies (e.g. Oakville Hydro Corporation) as well as with volunteer organizations (e.g. Career Edge). Gary believes the following leadership attributes are important to be successful: fairness, balance, flexibility, transparency, managing conflict towards constructive ends, courage to challenge in a curious and respectful manner, evidence-based decision making, collegiality, listening and satisfying multiple stakeholders with varying interests.

RICHARD OUELLETTE

Richard Ouellette has had a career in workplace safety and insurance spanning more than 25 years. He worked at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Modified Work Program Specialist. He was an Employer Advisor with the Office of the Employer Adviser, a WSIB Consultant at Compensation Advocacy Services, and former Senior Health Advisor with Ontario Power Generation. Throughout his career he served on the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Advisory Committee. He is a volunteer mentor with Raising Voices, a program developed by the Alzheimer Society of Peel, and with the Mississauga Festival Choir. Mr. Ouellette holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo.

(JAMES) IAN THOMPSON

Ian Thompson is a Senior Union Representative, Canada Employment Insurance Union. He is a former National Staff Representative, Canadian Union of Public Employees. His community involvement includes serving as an executive board member with the Italian Canadian Club of Milton. He previously served as Co-Chair of the Multi Sector Pension Plan, Pension Plan Administrative Corporation. Mr. Thompson has served as a member of the Maplehurst Correctional Complex Community Advisory Board since 2016. Mr. Thompson holds a Master of Arts in Social Welfare Policy from McMaster University, and a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University.

KRISTEN SODEN

Kristen Soden graduated from the University of Toronto in 1989 with a B.A. (Hons.). She was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1995 after completing her LL.B. at the University of Windsor in 1993. She practiced law at Lang Michener in Toronto with a focus on employment law and commercial litigation. Ms. Soden has been with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Tribunal as a Member since 2017. She has completed the Arbitration Course through the ADR Institute of Ontario and has a Certificate in Adjudication for Administrative Agencies through SOAR and Osgoode Professional Development.

CLAUDINE SALAMA

Claudine Salama worked with the Public Service Alliance of Canada from 1983 to 2001 as a Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation Specialist. In 2003, she moved to California to work with SEIU Local 250 and a year later, she was recruited to join The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions as a lead for KP HealthConnect (the electronic medical record system). In 2006, she was assigned a new portfolio and led programs at Kaiser Permanente related to Workplace Safety. In 2008, she was awarded a scholarship to attend Harvard Business School (HBS) in Cambridge, MA and completed the HBS Executive Leadership Program. She is a Certified Adult Educator from the Workers' Health and Safety Center in Toronto.

JOSEPH PROVATO

Joseph Provato has over 30 years’ experience in workplace safety and insurance matters. Prior to joining the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, he worked with the Office of the Worker Adviser as a Regional Manager and Worker Advisor representing injured workers at all levels of appeal. Mr. Provato holds a Diploma in Social Work from Seneca College and attended York University where he majored in Psychology and is a licensed paralegal in the province of Ontario.

PATRICIA GREENSIDE

Patricia Greenside has been a part-time member since 2018. Prior to joining WSIAT she was a full-time member with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, adjudicating in both the Refugee Protection Division as well as the Immigration Appeals Division for approximately 8 years. Prior to that she adjudicated at the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal, Rent Control and Rent Review Services for approximately 13 years. Patricia currently volunteers weekly at the LSUC Lawyers Feed the Hungry program and previously volunteered for several years at Women's Habitat and has done mission work in Ethiopia.

MENA FALCONE JOHNSTONE

Mena Falcone Johnstone has been a part-time Side-Member with the WSIAT since 2015. Previously, she was a part-time Vice-Chair with the WSIAT from 2012 to 2015. She was called to the Bar in 1992, and has worked for the Office of the Employer Advisor as a Medical and Legal Researcher. She also worked at the WSIB as a VR Caseworker and Policy Writer. She has been a Policy Director with Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, as well as the President and CEO of a company she founded to teach children the fundamentals of finance and money management. Ms. Falcone Johnstone also worked at a boutique employment and labour law firm in downtown Toronto, and has written for the Law Society’s professional development curriculum. She is a 30-year sponsor to children with World Vision and Plan Canada, and has fundraised for cancer and multiple sclerosis over many years.

JEAN-SÉBASTIEN GALLANT

Jean-Sébastien Gallant is a corporate counsel with a wide range of experience acquired while working in private practice and government. He has a Bachelor of Law and a master’s in economics. He was called to the Law Society of Ontario in 2004. Prior to law, he worked in the Insurance industry. He has taught law at college and university level. His community involvement includes serving as Chair of the Public Sector Forum of the Canadian Bar Association and as Vice-Chair of the Ontario Bar Association Official Language Committee. He also volunteered for various local sport and community associations. He is fluent in both French and English.

BOB GRISDALE

Robert Kenneth Gideon Grisdale is a Doctor of Chiropractic, and a Course Director for the Faculty of Health, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at York University. Robert’s community involvement includes serving as a volunteer with the University health network Friendly Neighborhood Hotline.

JUNIOR MANDOKO

Junior Mandoko holds a Master's degree in Law (LL.M) from Laval University / Quebec, a bachelor's degree in depth specialization in international studies, law and social thought from the University of York / Glendon. He is a jurist, researcher, essayist and author of two books on human rights, women's rights, international humanitarian law, international criminal justice, sustainable development and food security. Most recently, he was a member of the Advisory Committee on Federal Judicial Appointments. He has worked for the federal government and teaches at Collège Boréal. He is a member of several Francophone boards of directors in the Toronto region. He speaks French and English.

DR. SIMI CHAHAL

Dr. Simi Chahal obtained a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2003 from Life University in Georgia U.S.A. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1997 at Wayne State University in Michigan, U.S.A. She has experience as an Independent Medical Evaluator for various insurance companies and legal teams providing impartial independent reviews of personal injuries, motor vehicle injuries, orthopedic injuries to determine entitlement to accident benefits. She provides clinical and in-home physical rehabilitation for severe and catastrophic motor vehicle accidents, WSIB injuries that are predominantly post-surgical. Simi has been a medical member to CPP-Disability tribunal serving 2 terms under ministerial appointment from 2008-2013. She has worked in adjudication for those filing a disability pension due to physical, psychological disabilities which may preclude them from gainful employment.

MARTIAL MOREAU

Martial Moreau is a former financial advisor associated with the financial industry of Ontario. A previous member of the Council of a regulated College of the Province of Ontario and holds a Certificate of Service with such College. Served two complete terms on an Audit Committee of a local School Board. For two complete terms, chaired an Arbitration Tribunal for the Algoma UIC District Office. Received a volunteer service award from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Culture, and a Community volunteer recognition certificate from Algoma United Way District. Holds an FMA accreditation from the Canadian Securities Institute. Is a BA graduate from the University of Ottawa.