Our People
Laura Russell
Founder & Consulting Group Lead
Laura is a recognized leader in workers’ compensation, having received the 2014 Ron Ellis Award presented by the Ontario Bar Association for her significant contribution to the field of Workers’ Compensation law in Ontario.
Prior to establishing CompClaim in 1988, Laura spent ten years in progressive Health & Safety and Labour Relations positions in heavy industry (primarily steel and automotive parts manufacturing). 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 assisting employers in WSIB investigations and audits, complex claim matters and representing employers at all levels of appeal including 400 appeals at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) since 1989.
Laura is known for providing unparalleled advocacy to the employer community. She is committed to advancing the interests of employers in the areas of workers’ compensation both politically through industry groups, and on the ground through direct involvement in claims. She is currently the Chair of the Schedule 2 employers’ group, a position she has held since 2012. Laura is frequently sought out by industry leaders and organizations to engage in consultations aimed at improving worker’s compensation programs and systems.
Education & Credentials
Emily Russell
Senior Workers’ Compensation Specialist
Joining Compclaim in 2007, Emily provides practical and strategic advice to both Schedule 1 & 2 employers in all areas of workers’ compensation. With a focus on ensuring legislative compliance and managing claim costs, Emily offers assistance in the areas of claims management, appeals representation, employer account-related matters including financial and classification audits, and experience rating.
An important part of Emily’s practice is the transfer of knowledge and tools to her clients. As an employer advocate and an accomplished trainer, Emily facilitates educational seminars and workshops to the employer community. She prides herself on keeping the employer community informed of industry developments, legislative and policy changes, and evolving best practices.
Education & Credentials
Tristan Hunter
Lawyer
Tristan Hunter is a Lawyer specializing in workers’ compensation, health and safety, and workplace law.
Prior to joining CompClaim, Tristan articled and worked as an Associate Lawyer with a boutique Toronto labour and employment firm, practicing in all areas of workplace law. Tristan has prior experience representing employers in the areas of labour, employment, health and safety, human rights, and workers’ compensation. Tristan has appeared before Labour Arbitrators and the Ontario Courts, while also providing written advocacy for clients in WSIB and WSIAT appeals.
Tristan is a vital addition to our multidisciplinary team, providing legal expertise in areas of law that may relate to, but extend beyond workers’ compensation.
Education & Credentials
Debbie Martin
Senior Workers’ Compensation Specialist
Debbie has worked with Compclaim for more than 25 years providing expertise in workers’ compensation and disability claims management to employers in all industries. Her credentials in nursing are particularly valuable in assessing benefit entitlement, fitness to return to work and relief of costs. Debbie is our primary liaison for facilitating independent medical opinions and assessments, as well as functional testing. Debbie is semi-retired and acts primarily as an invaluable internal resource to the Compclaim team.
Education & Credentials
Jhodian Jones
Administrative Assistant
Jodi plays a key role in the operations of Compclaim, supporting our Consultants and clients to ensure a high standard of service delivery. She is usually the first point of contact for those contacting our office and is in regular communication with clients as our office liaison. Jodi plays a key role in office administration and supporting our team in claims administration, claims management and appeals preparation. Her extensive knowledge of WSIB and WSIAT procedure makes her a strong internal resource to our team. A large part of her role involves file management, claim filing, hearing scheduling, document review and assisting in the preparation of files for appeal reviews and medical opinions.