Laura Russell is the current chairperson of the Schedule 2 Employers' Group. Laura holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Western Ontario and McGill University. Prior to establishing CompClaim Management Inc. in 1988, she spent ten years in heavy industry (primarily steel and automotive parts manufacturing) in progressive Health & Safety and Labour Relations positions. Laura’s comprehensive knowledge and practical experience enables her to provide expert advice and hands-on assistance to a wide range of employers in various industries across Canada. Laura specializes in Safety Program leadership, critical injury/fatality investigations, and appeals representation. Laura was welcomed into the Law Society of Upper Canada as one of the first groups of licensed paralegal practitioners in North America. In 2014 Laura was the recipient of the prestigious Ron Ellis Award for excellence and outstanding contribution to workers’ compensation law in Ontario by the Workers' Compensation Section of the Ontario Bar Association.

Dr Hayes has consulted and facilitated teams, senior management and executives globally for 20 years to identify leadership and staff behavioural issues, and thereafter to enhance team change readiness competencies and coach successful organizational transformation. His training and experience as a Clinical Psychologist with specialization in “Stress and Coping” combined with his rigorous, confidential approach to assessment enables him to identify in leaders, their teams, and their staff underlying skill gaps, interpersonal conflicts, biases, and communication gaps. His balanced, engaging, and objective style effectively engages all stakeholders regarding sensitive issues, to guide the development of meaningful, actionable change plans and to enhance his client’s professional fulfillment and outcomes. He has worked in Healthcare, Not-for-Profit, and Aerospace sectors, and has particular interests in the behavioural assessment of issues and professional maturity barriers among executives and leadership teams, development and implementation of effective training and systems change programs, and development of staff and customers engagement programs.

Daryl is a skilled lawyer who provides advice and representation to businesses in a variety of labour and employment matters with particular emphasis on workplace safety and insurance, human rights and disability management. Prior to joining Sherrard Kuzz LLP, Daryl worked for a public sector agency specializing in management-side workers’ compensation matters. Daryl has taught labour and employment law at George Brown College. Daryl is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association (Labour & Employment, Civil Litigation, Constitutional, Civil Liberties & Human Rights, and Workers’ Compensation) and Law Society of Ontario.

Toni brings unique perspectives gained from working in private and public sector. Using real-world examples, Toni sheds light on how the invaluable talent each of you brings to your organization can positively impact the lives of injured workers. Toni learned the value of dedication at an early age growing up in northern Labrador. Toni’s dedication, hard work, and determination inspired her to pursue post-secondary education. Toni has a Masters in Occupational Health Science (MSc) from McGill University's Faculty of Medicine. She also has a Bachelor and Masters degree in Social Work from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral of Science program at Queen's University. Earning several academic and community awards has proved this attitude and consistent mission of excellence. This perspective inspired her to teach, develop, inspire, and mentor clinicians interested in making a difference in the lives of workers. She brings this same dedication to her work with leaders as they strive to empower their teams and achieve greater success.

Michelle Zare, a licensed Paralegal with over a decade of experience in the field of WSIB law. With an educational background in social justice, Michelle started her practice with a vision to provide guidance and assistance to those who cannot advocate for themselves – social justice in action.

Stephen Robert practices in the Employment and Labour Law Department and represents employers only in the area of Workplace Safety and Insurance, Human Rights, Disability Management, Occupational Health and Safety, other employment and labour law matters. He represents employers regularly at WSIB and WSIAT Appeal Hearings, and before other administration tribunals. In addition, Mr. Roberts assists employers with WSIB audits, rate group classification issues and WSIB registrations along with transfer of costs and SIEF applications. He also advises employers regularly on their obligations under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, the Human Rights Code, and the Employment Standards Act, including advice on return to work, accommodation and severance of employment issues. Stephen is one of only twelve professionals in Ontario certified as a Specialist in Workplace Safety and Insurance Law by the Law Society of Ontario.