Eleven Keys for Success in Medical Negligence Cases: Lessons from “The Fearless Cross-Examiner”

Emily Lye, Intake and Scheduling Coordinator

Emily works remotely for Integra as our team’s Intake and Documents Coordinator for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Emily helps to ensure smooth operations of accident benefits, disability, and litigated related matters and facilitates assessments and services across Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and PEI. Her main responsibilities include scheduling appointments for examinees, coordinating medical briefs to medical professionals, and providing accurate and timely information to clients of all varieties.

Emily possesses several years of medical administrative experience from working in various healthcare facilities including long-term care, hospital, and primary care. She is currently finishing her diploma in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting. Emily’s strengths include her attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure.

During her free time, Emily enjoys playing piano, spending time with friends and family, traveling, hiking, and watching horror movies.

Winnie Keji, Director, Operations

Winnie is Integra’s Manager of Operations & Client Service. She ensures smooth and efficient day-to-day operations of all Integra offices. In addition, she is responsible for oversight of People & Culture.

She graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a Bachelor of Tourism Management and Marketing. Prior to joining Integra, she worked in the different sectors of the Tourism, and Retail Industries.

Winnie is an avid reader, hiker, and traveller. She is passionate about mentoring, and volunteering. She is currently a volunteer at Dress For Success (DFS) and also at Black Women Connect Vancouver (BWCV.)

Siobhan O’Sullivan, Manager, Operations

Siobhan comes to Integra via another medical enterprise, having been responsible for scheduling and reporting of occupational services in her previous role. Siobhan grew up in Limerick Ireland, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, following which she came to Vancouver on a one year work travel visa.

Over six years later, having fallen in love with Vancouver, she’s still here! Siobhan prides herself on her focus on customer service, building strong relationships with clients, while coordinating services in a very busy clinic environment. Outside of work, Siobhan loves to try out the latest vegetarian recipes, scouring cook books and blogs for interesting dishes. Siobhan is responsible for scheduling appointments and teleconferences, trial attendance and other services for our many legal and insurance clients.

Kate Sexton, Documents Coordinator

Kate Sexton entered the fast-paced world of Independent Medical Evaluations on a temporary, two-week assignment in 2010. Since then, she has worked for various companies, handling a range of positions – from graphic designer and documents coordinator, to Reports and Quality Assurance Manager. After taking a hiatus to have her son, she has returned to IME, ready to take on new challenges.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Waterloo, Kate has over a decade of experience in marketing, graphic design and communications. A natural organizer, she thrives on creating efficient systems and processes to boost productivity. Her compassionate demeanor and attention to detail make her a natural fit for this field.

On weekends, you can find Kate enjoying walks in Vancouver with her family, sipping Earl Grey tea, honing her calligraphy skills, and knitting. She is also a children’s book illustrator in her spare time.

Kayla Gilpin-Jackson, Quality Assurance

Kayla joined Integra in 2022. As a part-time Document Coordinator, Kayla is a member of the team that helps ensure an efficient and smooth client care experience. With her keen attention to detail, efficiency, and organizational skills, Kayla helps ensure client records are correctly filed, processed, and prepared for medical professionals. Her role as Document Coordinator also includes quality control.

As a student interested in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), Kayla enjoys working with a multidisciplinary care team that helps to move clients forward. Her experience at Integra is shaping her aspirations for the future.

Outside of work, Kayla enjoys participating in activities that grow her leadership skills, reading, watching movies, cooking and baking, and spending time with her family. She also enjoys volunteering to help her local community and raising money for cancer research.

Roselyn Uy, Documents Coordinator

Before joining Integra, I spent nine years in the retail industry, starting in customer service and eventually transitioning to the role of Operations Executive. In this capacity, I managed accounts, handled payroll, created staff schedules, and consistently met deadlines. Joining Integra marked a significant career change for me, providing an excellent opportunity to work with important documents, interact with Medical Professionals, QA members and ensure smooth departmental coordination to meet goals, all while enjoying the intricacies of documentation. 

I recently completed a course in accounting and payroll. In my spare time, I continue to immerse myself in these areas, reflecting my passion for continuous learning and professional growth. 

Joshua Ince, Documents Coordinator

Joshua’s role as a part-time documents coordinator is to ensure the efficient and smooth handling of medical records between Integra’s referring clients and our medical professionals.

When not working part-time, Joshua is busy improving his golf game with a goal of securing a top spot on his College Golf Team, at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles in the fall of 2024.  He plans to study Business with a focus on Entrepreneurship and then to pursue a career as a professional golfer.  His current handicap is +2.8.   Joshua uses his golf talents to fundraise for cancer-supporting charities, including the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade, and most recently Make-A-Wish Canada.

Bob Labrecque, Director of Business Development, Ontario

Bob has decades of experience in the medical legal arena, both as a clinician working as a Case Manager and Employment Counselor as well as a Business Development Director with a variety of rehabilitation and related providers throughout Ontario.

Bob has worked providing case management services for seriously injured individuals, coordinated medical and rehabilitation services for individuals, and built relationships across the medical legal space for almost four decades.

Bob’s knowledge of the Ontario SABS, his large network of lawyers and healthcare professionals, and his vast experience as a case manager and as a foster parent will serve him well in his new role.

Mariia Karandei, Documents Coordinator

Mariia Karandei, is your expert in seamless document management. In her current role, she efficiently coordinates mail, scans medical records, and upholds strict confidentiality standards. Drawing from her background as a Support and Education Coordinator, Mariia brings communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills to her document management role. Her achievements include managing communication channels and providing stellar administrative support.

Beyond work, Mariia finds joy in gardening, exploring films and series, and embarking on travel adventures. She’s an active sports enthusiast, engaging in yoga, and has a flair for creative handcraft projects.

With her dynamic skill set and diverse passions, Mariia is more than a Document Coordinator; she’s your partner in efficient, secure document management.

Shannon Chernick, Service-Coordinator, Alberta

Shannon has six years of recent experience performing reception and administrative duties for a busy diagnostic imaging clinic. Prior to that, Shannon was a lifeguard and taught swim lessons to children and adults of all ages.

Shannon works out of Integra’s Calgary office facilitating the scheduling of appointments, communicating with clients, and ensuring smooth clinic operations for our doctors and examinees. She brings the skills she honed as a competitive swimmer of excellent time management and coachability to ensure her success in a new field.

Shannon is a voracious reader and loves finding time to crochet and sew clothing for her children.

Matthew Smyth, Service-Coordinator, British Columbia

Matthew joined Integra in 2023 as Intake Service Coordinator for the Vancouver Office. Some of his roles include Schedule assessments, communicating with clients and medical experts, facilitating appointments, and effectively organizing documents necessary for examinees, ensuring appointments are scheduled quickly and smoothly for all parties involved. These skills were developed in his previous roles in the finance industry as a pensions administrator.

Matthew received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science & Geography from Trinity College Dublin and his Master of Science degree in Critical Geographies from University College Dublin in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland before moving to Vancouver in the summer of 2023. His study of Geography compelled him to travel to help understand the world around us better, experience new things and to seek ways to try to improve the day to day lives of people.

In his free time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his Irish friends who also live in Vancouver! Matthew also enjoys making music, reading, and cooking.

Stella Gowans, Reports Quality Assurance Coordinator

Stella has enjoyed an extensive career as a Paralegal, specializing in the areas of Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice. Her experience has given her a unique perspective on the Independent Medical Examination industry. She brings a wealth of medical/legal knowledge to her position as Quality Assurance Coordinator (and occasional Paralegal “consultant”).

Stella enjoys continuing to learn and takes pride in her attention to detail, always striving to provide the highest quality experience to our clients.

Stella recently relocated to Vancouver Island where she lives with her husband and their dog Shelby. When not working she enjoys walking by the ocean, cycling, reading, travelling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Ananya Nakra, Reports Coordinator

Ananya just graduated from the University of British Columbia Vancouver with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Psychology. She grew up in New Delhi, India and came to Vancouver for her university experience and has stayed in Vancouver since then! She has previously worked for non-profits such as the Hans Foundation and UBC Red Cross in the role of policy advisor and has worked as an advocate for Cochlear India as well.

Ananya is an avid reader, loves anything to do with history-be it architecture or food! She is also an avid writer and has partaken in several projects that have led to her writings being published in small local magazines. She is passionate about the deaf community and strongly supports new policies for combating ableism. She also loves spending time with her family and friends.

Alexa (Waight) Biesok, Director of Business Development (BC, AB, AT)

Alexa has worked in the Independent Medical Assessment industry since 2015 in business development and client relationship management roles. She prides herself in her customer focus and attention to detail, as well as being both accessible and flexible.

Alexa’s prior work experience includes a robust background in both retail and office management. She is passionate about helping others and always goes above and beyond for all stakeholders. Alexa places a very high value on quality of service, and you can expect her to be reliable, authentic and compassionate.

Over the past five years Alexa has volunteered for various animal rescue organizations including Thank Dog I Am Out and West Coast Pet Project.

When she isn’t working, Alexa enjoys chasing after her toddler, going to the gym, reading crime fiction and spending time with friends and family.

Maeve Mulhall, Service Coordinator

Maeve embraced a new country and industry when she joined Integra as an Intake Coordinator in the Vancouver office in March 2023. Transitioning from Ireland and her background in the FMCG industry and Nutritional Sciences, Maeve infuses her role with meticulous attention to detail, organizational prowess, and effective communication skills.

In her downtime, Maeve delights in discovering all the wonders BC has to offer, from exciting hikes to remarkable sites. She plays Gaelic football and touch rugby, and eagerly anticipates hitting the ski slopes this coming winter.

Sital Sharma, Documents Coordinator

Sital joined Integra’s Vancouver office as a Document Coordinator, bringing eight years of expertise in office administration and customer service. Her key responsibility is the efficient organization and provision of client reports and documents to medical professionals, ensuring a smooth transition of accurate medical records for effective assessments.

Leveraging her excellent interpersonal skills, Sital fosters robust relationships with clients and medical professionals, ensuring efficient coordination and prompt service delivery. Her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration enhances her understanding of office management and organizational processes.

In her leisure time, Sital is a cinephile who loves exploring new places, tasting diverse cuisines, reading, and losing herself in the world of music.

Navjot Kaur, Clinic Coordinator

Navjot is a highly skilled clinic coordinator at Integra with over five years of valuable experience in customer service. She excels in managing administrative tasks, coordinating appointments, and ensuring accurate patient records, streamlining operations for our healthcare professionals. Her excellent interpersonal skills coupled with a commitment to outstanding customer service make patients feel at ease during visits. Navjot collaborates seamlessly with healthcare professionals and staff, creating a harmonious work environment. Her active listening and empathy enhance the care provided to patients.

Outside of work, Navjot is a passionate reader, enriching her understanding and adding depth to her role. Combining efficiency, empathy, and adaptability, Navjot positively impacts lives in her unique role as a clinic coordinator.

DR. Harpreet Sangha, MD, FRCP(C), Dip CSCN (EMG)

Dr. Sangha is a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. He is a licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada and certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is a Diplomat of the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists in EMG (Dip. CSCN -EMG). Dr. Sangha has additional fellowship training in Pain Medicine from the University of Toronto, Department of Anesthesia.

Dr. Sangha currently holds a full­time, clinical appointment at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, a University of Toronto Teaching and Research Hospital, where he has dual appointments on both the Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Program and Neuro-Rehabilitation services with a specific interest and expertise in the physiatric management of trauma patients. Dr. Sangha has a full-time academic appointment as an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto.

DR. Lisa Becker, BSc (HONS), MD, FRCP(C)

Dr. Lisa Becker is a duly qualified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science degree with combined majors in Kinesiology and Human Biology prior to entering Medical School. In 2001, she completed her medical degree (MD) at McMaster University and successfully completed the Royal College fellowship examinations in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in May 2007.

Dr. Becker currently holds a full-time academic position as Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and is a consultant physiatrist at University Health Network, Toronto Rehab site, in both the Musculoskeletal and Brain & Spinal Cord programs. Dr. Becker has been the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program Director at the University of Toronto since 2011 and is the Associate Physiatrist-in-Chief for Education for the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto.

Current professional affiliations include the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Canadian Medical Protective Association, Canadian Medical Association, Ontario Medical Association, Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Medico-Legal Society of Toronto.

DR. Rehan Dost, MD, FRCP(C), Dip CSCN (EMG)

Dr. Rehan Dost completed his medical degree in 1994 from the University of Toronto at the age of 23 and then entered the Neurology residency program at Western University finishing at age 28. He then completed an additional 6 months training in Neuromuscular disease and EMG.He also possesses a bachelors in Pure Mathematics, a Masters in Pure Mathematics and a Diploma from the University of Montreal in Medicolegal Medicine.He is a practicing Neurologist full time with 24 years of clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of traumatic nervous system injuries including cervical radiculopathy, lumbar radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical myelopathy, lumbar spinal stenosis, brachial plexopathy, ulnar neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, myofascial pain syndrome and mTBI/concussion.

He has a full license to practice Neurology in Ontario, BC, Alberta and Nova Scotia.Under the CAT benefits scheme in Ontario, Dr. Dost has conducted over one thousand assessments in which he lead and coordinated teams composed of psychiatrists, psychologist, neuropsychologists, physiatrists, orthopaedic surgeons, ENT, ophthalmologist, and OT in assessing and rating impairment across multiple medical disciplines giving him a wide breadth of knowledge in medicine and how each individual component relates to the other. A significant proportion of these multidisciplinary assessments concerned the diagnosis, impairment and disability analysis, treatment and prognosis of chronic pain and brain injuries with their associated complications including headache, cognitive decline, sleep disorders, seizures, paralysis, oculomotor changes, vestibular injuries and psychiatric sequelae.He has appeared before the Ontario and British Columbia Courts on more than 75 occasions retained by both Plaintiff and Defense Counsel testifying on matters of medical causation, impairment analysis, disability analysis, treatment and prognosis of mTBI/concussion, headache disorders, thoracic outlet syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, and peripheral nerve injuries including spinal.

He has completed thousands of medicolegal assessments retained by both Plaintiff and Defense counsel spanning 20 years across four provinces. His strengths lie not only in knowledge and experience but a unique ability to distill complex technical topics to their quintessential components a layperson could easily grasp. His experience in conducting assessments retained by both plaintiff and defense counsel allows for a balanced, fair, and scientific approach which has been of assistance to the Courts on numerous occasions.

Cydney Lapsker, Service Coordinator

Cydney is a registered social service worker with a specialization in Gerontology and a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Cydney has had a long track record of working in the healthcare profession prior to the IME industry where she provided effective and professional psychosocial, social work, intake and coordination services in a long-term care setting.

When she isn’t working, you can find Cydney going on hikes with her dog, enjoying new food around the city and being up at the cottage.

Marissa McCabe, Service Coordinator

Marissa joined Integra’s team in October 2022 as a clinic and document coordinator, which was a much-needed career change post maternity leave. Previously, she had been working in the childcare industry after living abroad for 2 years and completing Early Childhood Education studies through College of the Rockies.

Marissa now shows her strengths as an intake coordinator for our team. Her strong enthusiasm when it comes to organization and attention to detail come across in her ability to coordinate schedules, briefs and updates to clients, examinees, and medical professionals in a timely manner. You will also find her smiling face in our Calgary office as she coordinates the clinic and assists our medical professionals on site.

If she isn’t working, you can be sure that Marissa will be on some sort of adventure with her toddler as they enjoy hikes, fishing, swimming, playgrounds… anything outdoors! She hopes to instill her passion for travel onto her daughter as she grows up by doing at least one overseas trip a year.

Erica Enstrom, Co-Founder & President

Many of you have known Erica over the course of her twenty-year career in the medical assessment business, where she worked as a clinical evaluator with Viewpoint Medical early in her career and subsequently as a business developer with Medisys IMA and its successor Cira Medical. Prior to starting Integra, Erica was the President of IMA Solutions, a business unit of ExamWorks, before leaving to briefly work in the financial services and risk management sector with BridgePoint Financial Group. Erica has her Masters of Business Administration in Organizational Behaviour and Marketing, as well as an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. Erica is also a trained Functional Evaluator.

Over the past twenty years, Erica has demonstrated a loyalty towards clients and medical professionals that is unmatched. Legal and insurer clients know of her desire and capacity to build strong, lasting relationships based on trust and mutual benefit. Physicians and allied health professionals come to her for clinical and business advice because she works transparently and honestly, without exception, as she keeps client and medical consultant priorities top of mind.

Erica is a court-qualified medical legal expert, a clinical consultant, and an evaluator in the areas of functional capacity and cost of future care. She advises clients in the areas of clinical triage, medical assessment and assessor suitability, quality assurance, and overall litigation and claims support.

Erica and her team at Integra support many community initiatives. For the past seven years, Erica has been a board member of the Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC), the Canadian Cancer Society’s largest corporate-affiliated donor. Since its inception in 2002, the BC Chapter of WICC has raised $2 million dollars in donations. Erica is also a donor to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation as well as a volunteer and donor with the Children’s Wish Foundation. In 2017, Erica provided fundraising support to both the Trial Lawyers Association of BC Public Affairs Committee and the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association Women’s Legal Forum.

Ali Knowsley, Accounting Coordinator

Ali joined Integra as a career change, after working many years in the cosmetology industry. Her positions prior to joining Integra’s team focused on scheduling, maintaining client files and ensuring smooth operational delivery of excellent client service. Her passion for detailed, information-based work makes her a great fit for Integra’s team.

Ali takes pride in her meticulous attention to detail, ensuring both efficiency and accuracy in our accounting department. In addition, Ali supports our reports team, receiving reports and documents, communicating between medical professional and quality assurance team members, and ensuring quality throughout the process.

In her spare time, Ali enjoys attending live shows within the Vancouver music scene and working on cross stitch projects. Ali recently started online courses to learn American Sign Language.

Susan Liu, Director, Finance & Accounting

Susan joined Integra in the spring of 2018, following a one-year hiatus in her hometown in China. Susan has extensive accounting experience, having worked for several IME companies over the past ten years prior to joining Integra.

Susan is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely invoicing to clients, on time and accurate payment to medical professionals; managing accounts receivable and payable and general cash flows.

Prior to her time in the IME industry, Susan worked as a file coordinator at a medical office in Vancouver, and prior to that spent time working in a tax preparation business.

When not working, Susan enjoys spending time with friends and family and introducing Integra staff to dim sum experiences in and around Vancouver. Integra counts on Susan (no pun intended) to ensure our accounting systems are accurate and up to date.

Baxter, Morale Coordinator

Prior to joining the Integra team, Baxter spent his time relaxing at home and ensuring the safety of the residence. He made the decision to join Integra to advance his skill set and assist with stress relief and to boost the morale of the office. As a highly motivated breed, he understands that the morale of one location affects the morale of all locations. Based out of the Kelowna office, Baxter works alongside his owner, Celine and coworker Ana, where he is responsible for ensuring daily stretch, breathing and walk breaks are taken.

In his free time, Baxter enjoys long walks on the beach, making new friends, and cuddling up on the couch with Celine for a little reality TV.

Claire D’Alesio, Senior Manager, Operations & Client Service Ontario & Atlantic Canada

Claire is Integra’s Senior Manager of Operations and Client Services for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Claire brings 12 years of IME industry experience throughout Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia with her to this role at Integra.

Claire has a B.A. in English from McMaster University and has completed the Human Resources Management Certificate Program through Mohawk College.

Professionally, Claire has a passion coaching, team building, problem solving and providing excellent customer service. Personally, she is an avid yogi and certified yoga instructor who loves meditating, going for long walks, and enjoying the little things in each day.

Ana Renales, Intake and Documents Coordinator

At Integra, Ana provides intake and administrative support, from our Kelowna operations hub. She communicates with clients, coordinating medical assessments and services with referring parties, medical professionals and examinees.

Ana graduated from Okanagan College with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in marketing. Her vast experience in hospitality with the most valuable qualities for a Hotelier – multicultural communications, effective multitasking, discipline, ability and efficiency in working well under pressure – has made her an asset to Integra.

In her free time, Ana relishes in watching Ted Talks, listening to music, playing board games with her family, and playing video games her my son. And, Ana is always up for a road trip, anytime!

Celine Grosch, Team Lead, Reports & Quality Assurance

Celine comes to Integra with significant experience from working at a full-service law firm in the Okanagan as a Trial Coordinator and Legal Administrative Assistant. Her scheduling experience together with her attention to detail, organization skills and multitasking abilities are strong assets for her position to facilitate quality assurance, to coordinate report deadlines, and to support Integra’s administration team.

Based out of Integra’s Kelowna office, Celine prides herself on working hard to meet all requests and needs from clients and medical professionals. Her goal is to organize and assist others to make obtaining reports as seamless as possible.

In her spare time, you will find Celine hiking, biking or running – anything to get outside and enjoy all the Okanagan has to offer.

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Elisa Hemmati, Report Quality Assurance Technician

Elisa Hemmati is one of our Report Quality Assurance Technician.

Elisa graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2020 with her Bachelor of Science, major in Kinesiology, minor in Archaeology. At Integra, Elisa is responsible for reviewing medical-legal expert reports to ensure they are clear and concise. She is also part of the weekend clinic team where she is responsible for facilitating assessment services on Saturdays.

Prior to joining the team at Integra, Elisa was focused on gaining experience in the health and rehabilitation aspect of her degree through volunteer work. She is passionate about teaching and has experience as a teaching assistant in Kinanthropometry and a peer tutor in anatomy. She believes that her work at Integra will further expand her knowledge in the medical field.

Kaede Hislop, Reports Coordinator

Prior to joining Integra, Kaede spent two years at an Arts startup, helping with business development while also teaching children and young adults how to carve stone. Prior to this, she worked for an IME company as both a clinic coordinator and then a reports coordinator.

Kaede has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University and a love for art history and travel. When she isn’t trying to get her fix of the two, you can find Kaede indulging in as many TV series as possible or practicing as an amateur pasta maker.

Kaede strives to understand the needs of all the different departments at Integra so she can lend a helping hand wherever one is needed. Her patient and kind demeanor is a great welcome for examinees who may be distressed about the IME process.

Kaede loves to work with people and loves the work that Integra offers her. And if you don’t know how to pronounce her name? Just rhyme it with Friday!

Cara Kendrick, Team Lead Reports & Quality Assurance

Cara’s handles report coordination duties and provides support to Integra’s clinic administration team. Cara enjoys organizing and assisting others to make their roles function smoothly and efficiently, so these responsibilities are well suited to her skills and experience.

Before arriving at Integra, Cara studied in Ireland, graduating with an MA in International Tourism, and subsequently spent two years working in the tourism industry arranging and coordinating travel down to the minute detail for highly demanding golf travelers. Cara also has a keenness for travel, and has spent time backpacking around South America and Asia prior to relocating to Vancouver. This move to Vancouver has allowed Cara to seek a new career path, which brought her to Integra.

In her free time, Cara is an avid reader. She also loves trying out new restaurants, and more recently, exploring the beautiful scenery that BC has to offer.

DR. Chris Watt, Medical Director

Dr. Chris Watt is a certified Sports Medicine Physician through the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine since 1994. He is a Certified Independent Medical Examiner through the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME.) Dr. Watt has acted as an independent medical consultant with expertise in musculo-skeletal and occupational medicine since 2002. He has served as an expert witness in the Supreme Court of BC on many occasions. Dr. Watt provides a wide variety of occupational medicine and disability evaluation services including return to work assessments, independent medical evaluations and pre-employment exams. He has also provided executive medical exams with fitness and stress testing and exercise prescriptions through Executive Health programs to the private sector.

As Integra’s Medical Director, Dr. Watt is available to the staff, clients and assessors for clinical guidance as it relates to file triage, clinical suitability and assessor credentialing and training.

Dr. Watt is a peer article reviewer for the Canadian Family Practice Journal. He has a special interest in and has made multiple presentations on topics related to Sports Medicine, health promotion for BCMA, lifestyle interventions for chronic disease management, and the management of mood disorders. Dr. Watt is an avid athlete and has participated in IronMan, has cycled the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, and and was a part of a team completing the Race to Alaska.

Nikki Kirkland, Trial Coordinator

Nikki has ten years’ experience as a Legal Administrative Assistant. Her strong work ethic has allowed her to assist both Senior Partners and Associates in law firms of all sizes, including the largest law firm in B.C.​ With this experience, Nikki has had the pleasure of working with diverse groups of people with different working styles. She has developed excellent organizational skills, effective approaches to problem solving and the ability to meet deadlines while maintaining a high standard of work.

Nikki works remotely for Integra as our team’s Trial Coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of expert testimony, coordinating of trial preparation by phone and office meeting, attending trials to solicit experiential feedback from experts and clients, ensuring financial matters are tied up post-settlement, and other administrative tasks as required.

In her spare time, Nikki enjoys spending time with her family, attending dance classes, and preparing and savouring delicious food. She is an avid reader and hopes to beat her partner in a round of golf one day.

Don-nel Heppner, Intake and Documents Coordinator

Don-Nel joined Integra at the beginning of 2020 as an accomplished Business and Administrative Manager with significant experience in the health care industry. Her strong organizational and administrative skills come with superior capabilities in planning and attention to detail. She is an innovative problem solver, able to proactively develop solutions to challenges in a variety of work environments. Don-Nel is responsible for ensuring the operations in Kelowna run smoothly, while also facilitating intake and documents management for a variety of clients across BC & Alberta.

Don-Nel came to Kelowna 7 years ago from Saskatoon where she was born and raised. The Okanagan’s beauty stole her heart. Don-Nel takes a great deal of pride in connecting with her community and clients on a personal level, with a focus on building lasting relationships.

Outside of work Don-Nel loves trying out new recipes and adventures with her husband, gardening, crocheting and of course boating… the lakes in the Okanagan are amazing. Most importantly, family is Don-Nel’s top priority, including her first grandchild who has Don-Nel wrapped around his little finger.

Saima Alam, Intake and Documents Coordinator

Saima joined Integra at the start of 2020 as intake and documents coordinator for the Edmonton office. Some of her responsibilities include ensuring consistent communication with clients, organizing and distributing medical briefs, and facilitating appointments with examinees. Her role also requires her to keep the Edmonton office organized and orderly, while ensuring all stakeholders – clients, examinees and medical professionals – are having their needs met.

Prior to joining the Integra team Saima attained her paralegal studies diploma. Through her participation in the program, Saima had an opportunity to complete a practicum at Court of Queens Bench. This provided her with the experience to work with many diverse groups of people, keeping up with a fast paced environment, and got to work both independently and as part of a team.

During her free time Saima enjoys cooking up new recipes, spending time with friends and family, and watching murder mysteries.

Ashlea Mok, Report Quality Assurance Technician

At Integra, Ashlea is responsible for reviewing medical legal expert reports to ensure they are clear and concise. Ashlea graduated from the University of British Columbia Okanagan with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics. Prior to joining the team at Integra, Ashlea was working for another medical company in the role of Kinesiologist. During her six years in that role, Ashlea had a number of responsibilities, including conducting medical testing and assessment, and reviewing medical reports for content and clarity. Ashlea prides herself on her attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills.

Ashlea grew up in a small town in the West Kootenays of British Columbia. She believes her upbringing has inspired a lifelong appreciation for all things outdoorsy. She has a passion for camping, hiking and exploring the beautiful outdoors of British Columbia with her family. Ashlea is also an avid crafter and loves trying her hand at making anything and everything she is inspired by on Pinterest, from cooking the newest recipe to sewing projects for her daughter.