Since 1998 Carol Bierbrier & Associates’ (CBA) primary focus has been life care planning. This dedication has allowed us to become masters of our craft. Our work is comprehensive, evidence-based, and defensible. Our consultants are Certified Life Care Planners from a diverse range of rehabilitative disciplines, and the majority of our consultants have appeared before the court as qualified expert witnesses. We assist both Plaintiff and Defence Counsel and handle a wide range of files including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice cases, slip and falls, and more. At CBA, we have three tiers of litigation support services and can customize any report to suit your needs.
LEADERS IN FUTURE
CARE COSTING
OUR STORY
CBA was founded by Carol Bierbrier in 1998. Carol has developed a reputation of being a fair and balanced life care planner, and she is recognized as one of Ontario’s most prominent and respected Life Care Planners. She has provided testimony on behalf of both Plaintiff and Defence Counsel in a number of significant cases. Carol has been joined by a team of accomplished consultants, many of whom have been with CBA since its inception. Together they have advanced the field of life care planning and have been widely recognized as experts in their fields. As individuals, and as a team, CBA consultants possess notable industry experience, vast clinical expertise and hold various accolades. They are committed to helping those faced with life-altering injuries live with dignity, and the highest degree of quality of life.
Over the years, CBA has supported various causes, research, and non-profit organizations. We have been proud sponsors of numerous charitable events and foundations. At CBA we value giving back to the community, and will forever be dedicated to funding help, hope, and healing to those whose lives have been forever changed by injury or illness.
MEET THE TEAM
CAROL BIERBRIER
CAROL BIERBRIER
Carol has practiced as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of clinical settings, including community-based rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation, neurology, psychiatry and pediatrics.
Over the last 20 years, Carol has worked in private sector community rehabilitation providing services to the medical-legal community. She has developed extensive expertise in the quantification of damages for personal injury actions due to sexual assault, motor vehicle accident, medical malpractice, slip and fall, and wrongful death. She has been accepted as an expert in her field and has testified on numerous occasions in the Superior Court of Justice.
Carol has written for many publications regarding personal injury and the value of unpaid work. She regularly presents to experts in the field, most recently at the Risky Business Conference and the OTLA Spring Conference. Presentations have covered future care costing, the duties of an expert witness, and other matters in the fields of occupational therapy and life care planning.
Education
McGill University, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, 1974
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1669
Email: cbierbrier@cbafuturecare.com
ALLAN BIERBRIER
ALLAN BIERBRIER
Allan has held senior management positions in both public and private sector health related businesses. He has worked in public health and occupational health in Canada and internationally.
As an executive in a large multinational company, Allan was responsible for disability management and rehabilitation for its 60,000 employees. He has consulting experience in primary health care, health management systems, and strategic management. Past clients have included federal and provincial governments, related government agencies such as the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), and a variety of private industries.
Allan oversees all business aspects of CBA, including operations, finance, and other administrative functions. He brings a strong commitment to professional excellence, client value and service.
Education
University of Ottawa, Master of Health Administration, 1975
University of McGill, Bachelor of Science, 1972
Contact
Phone: 905-882-6947 x1668
Email: abierbrier@cbafuturecare.com
ALYSSA BIERBRIER
MA, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.), CCLCP, PgCPain
ALYSSA BIERBRIER
Alyssa has been working as an Occupational Therapist since 2012. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Critical Disability Studies from York University. Alyssa began her clinical practice in paediatrics working with children, adolescents and their families in both the private and public sectors. She subsequently underwent specialized training in chronic pain management completing a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Pain Management Rehabilitation Medicine. She is passionate about collaborative pain management approaches and improving pain outcomes for her clients. Her interest in this area has generated various opportunities in academia. She holds Adjunct Lecturer Status in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.
Education
University of Alberta, Post Graduate Certificate in Pain Management, 2018
University of Florida, Canadian Certified Life Care Planner, 2016
University of Toronto, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, 2012
York University, Master of Arts in Critical Disability Studies, 2010
McGill University, Bachelor of Arts, 2008
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1687
Email: arbierbrier@cbafuturecare.com
BARB NAGY
BHSc (PT), MSc, FCAMPT
BARB NAGY
Barb has worked in clinical settings in the U.S., Australia and Canada and has experience as an independent assessor in different capacities. Barb has provided expert testimony before the Ontario court as a life care planner. She is actively involved in continuing education in order to keep up with the latest professional developments.
In her downtime, Barb loves to travel far and wide, trek, run, sail with her husband and spend as much time as she can outdoors. She loves gardening though describes her skills as mediocre at best.
Education
MediPro Seminars/University of Florida, Life Care Planning Certificate Program, 2005
Curtin University of Technology, Master of Science, 1999
Curtin University of Technology, Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy, 1995
McMaster University, Bachelor of Health Sciences (Physiotherapy), 1992
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1659
Email: bnagy@cbafuturecare.com
CHRISTINE BILYEA
BA, BSc, BScPT, PT Reg. (Ont.), CCLCP
CHRISTINE BILYEA
Christine has been working as a Physical Therapist since 1991. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. She began her clinical practice in orthopaedics working in the private sector. She developed an interest in equine rehabilitation working with riders and horses. In 2002, Christine started teaching physical therapy assistants and developing curriculum for a private college. In 2006, she began working with catastrophically injured clients as a rehabilitation consultant. In 2010, she completed her CCLCP designation.
In her free time, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, sailing, Latin and ballroom dancing, hot yoga and riding/being with her horse.
Education
University of Florida, Canadian Certified Life Care Planner, 2010 (2015 & 2020)
University of Toronto, Bachelor of Science Physical Therapy, 1991
York University, Bachelor of Science, Biology 1985
York University, Bachelor of Arts, Economics 1980
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1625
Email: cbilyea@cbafuturecare.com
COLLEEN CARTER
B.Kin (Hons), M.Sc. OT, OT Reg. (Ont.), CCLCP
COLLEEN CARTER
Colleen has been working as an occupational therapist since 2006. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University. She is an Authorizer for seating and mobility and an Individual Authorizer for Writing Aids through the Assistive Devices Program.
Colleen began her career working with the paediatric population in the community. She also worked in a Multiple Sclerosis clinic assessing individuals for seating and mobility, augmentative and alternative communication, and environmental aids for daily living. At this clinic, she worked as a secondary investigator in research validating a cognitive rehabilitation program for executive deficits in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
Colleen has two young children who keep her busy outside of work. She enjoys baking, taking her energetic soft coated wheaten terrier for walks, and practicing yoga. Colleen sits on the committee for the Brain Injury Society of Toronto’s Hero 5K Run, Walk or Roll.
Education
University of Florida, Canadian Certified Life Care Planner, 2016
University of Toronto, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, 2006
(Awards: Margaret Bahen Gold Medal Award, Pt & Ot Alumni Association Award, Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award, Horan Prize in Volunteerism)
Mcmaster University, Bachelor of Kinesiology (Hons), Minor in Psychology, 2004
(Awards: Kinesiology Prize)
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1626
Email: ccarter@cbafuturecare.com
CONNIE FRANCOZ
PT – BScKin, BHScPT, Dip. Manip. PT, FCAMPT, CCLCP
CONNIE FRANCOZ
Connie has worked in hospital and private practice settings. She was clinic co-owner of the Halton Community Rehabilitation Centre, located in Milton, Ontario for 20 years. Over her career, she has taken many continuing education courses in the areas of orthopaedics and rehabilitation, and she also has training and experience in the areas of Neuro Rehabilitation, Concussion and Vestibular Rehabilitation, Water/Pool Rehabilitation, Functional Capacity Evaluation, and motor vehicle and WSIB related assessment and treatment.
Connie enjoys being part of CBA and working in the area of Future Cost of Care Analysis/Life Care Planning since completing the University of Florida Life Care Planning Program in 2011. She completed her initial Certification Exam held by the International Commission for Health Care Certification (ICHCC) and is a Canadian Certified Life Care Planner. Connie has provided testimony as an expert witness in the field of Life Care Planning within the Court of Ontario.
Connie has a role as an Advanced Practice Clinician at the Orthopaedic Assessment Clinic (Hip and Knee) for the Waterloo Wellington LHIN. She is a member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, Ontario Physiotherapy Association, a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT), and a member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals.
Education
University of Florida, Certificate Program Life Care Planning, 2010
Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Orthopaedic Division, Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy, 2001
Mcmaster University, Bachelor of Health Science, Physiotherapy, 1994
(Awards: Cpa Award – Highest Overall Standing, Cardiorespiratory Award – Highest Overall Standing)
University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, 1992
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1647
Email: cfrancoz@cbafuturecare.com
DEIRDRE WALLACE
B.A.(Hons.), M.Ed., CCRC, RRP, CCLCP
DEIRDRE WALLACE
Deirdre completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Western Ontario and later obtained her Master of Education in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from the University of Calgary.
Deirdre’s early career included providing community-based rehabilitation services for individuals with traumatic brain injury, as well as over ten years working as a clinical case manager for clients with permanent physical, cognitive, and psychiatric disability.
Deirdre has experience in vocational rehabilitation assessment and vocational counselling, and she is a registered member of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada.
Education
University of Calgary, Master of Education, Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, 2008
Carleton University, Sprott School of Business, Canadian Life Care Planning Program, 2005
York University, Bachelor of Arts (Specialized Honours), Psychology, 1990
University of Western Ontario, King’s College, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, 1988
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1665
Email: dwallace@cbafuturecare.com
DIMPLE MUKHERJEE
BSc.O.T., CCLCP
DIMPLE MUKHERJEE
Dimple holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University and has been a practicing Occupational Therapist since 1996. She started her practice in acute care at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario and worked in multiple areas including Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Hand Therapy, Rheumatology, Orthopaedics and Plastics. During her time at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dimple was an active member of the Stroke Care Committee, the General Internal Medicine Quality Care Team, the Hospital Accreditation Team, and various audits and studies including the Delirium Prevalence Study.
Dimple has co-authored “The Results of a Pilot Evaluation: An Occupational Therapy Foot Clinic” (Arthritis Health Professionals Association of Ontario, January 1998). She was a speaker and member of the faculty at the PIA Law Conference, “Practical Strategies for Experts: Testifying Without Fear” (October 20, 2016).
Dimple enjoys spending her free time nurturing her family and her cat, travelling, writing, running, and learning. She holds additional certifications in Health Coaching and Positive Psychology.
Education
Queen’s University, Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy, 1996
Contact
Phone: 905-882-6947 x1649
Email: dmukherjee@cbafuturecare.com
GILLIAN HICKMAN
BAH Psych (Hons), BScOT, OT Reg. (NS), CCLCP
GILLIAN HICKMAN
Gillian has been providing hospital and community based Occupational Therapy services since 1997, with a specific focus on providing assessment and treatment for clients who have sustained complex and catastrophic impairments due to motor vehicle, workplace, or accidental injuries. Her experience includes, but is not limited to, in-home occupational therapy assessments, attendant care assessments, ergonomic/worksite assessments, physical demands analyses, and home safety assessments. Her practice has encompassed clinical occupational therapy treatment and case management services, with a primary focus on preparing comprehensive and defensible life care plans since 2011.
In her free time, Gillian enjoys pursuing her passion of multi-day hiking in remote corners of the world, skate skiing, biking, and pursuing her more recent interest in learning to surf. In her down-time she is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her family.
Education
University of Florida, Canadian Certified Life Care Planner, 2015
University of Toronto, Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, 1997
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1663
Email: ghickman@cbafuturecare.com
HAZEL L. BOWLES
BA, BHScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.), CCLCP
HAZEL BOWLES
Hazel is a member of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists and chaired the Auto Sector Committee for five years. She holds registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario where she also served as an elected Council Member for six years, chairing various regulatory committees including Registration, Fitness to Practice and Quality Assurance.
Hazel is certified by the International Association of Certified Health Care Professionals as a Canadian Certified Life Care Planner (CCLCP) and has served as a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Life Care Planning for three years.
Hazel has managed more than 50 Occupational Therapists and other health care professionals. She has presented on numerous occasions on both Life Care Planning and Attendant Care Needs and has been a guest lecturer and tutor at McMaster University in the Occupational Therapy program. Hazel has also testified in the courts of Ontario as an expert witness in the fields of both life care planning and occupational therapy.
Hazel enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, hiking, kayaking, travelling and spending time with her family and friends. She is working on learning relaxation techniques from her cat.
Education
University of Florida, Canadian Certified Life Care Planner, 2012
Mcmaster University, Bachelor of Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy, 1990
Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, Diploma of Occupational Therapy, 1989
University of Western Ontario, Bachelor of Arts, 1986
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1632
Email: hbowles@cbafuturecare.com
JAY BIERBRIER
RSW, MSW, CCLCP
JAY BIERBRIER
Jay’s practice includes evaluation and follow-up for individuals of all ages who have sustained traumatic injuries resulting in cognitive, physical, behavioural and/or psychological problems. Jay uses empirical, evidence-based social work approaches to help individuals, families, and groups rebuild their lives after exposure to life-altering traumatic events.
In his free time Jay enjoys playing guitar, hiking and walking his dogs.
Education
Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Master of Social Work, 2013
York University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours), 2010
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1657
Email: jbierbrier@cbafuturecare.com
KHAIRUNNISHA HATIA
Research Administrator
KHAIRUNNISHA HATIA
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1666
Email: khatia@cbafuturecare.com
KIM DELANEY
Intake Coordinator
KIM DELANEY
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1294
Email: kdelaney@cbafuturecare.com
LAUREN WARD
M.Sc. (O.T.), OT Reg. (Ont.), CCLCP
LAUREN WARD
Lauren has been working as an Occupational Therapist since 2016 and is currently working in the mental health field for clients involved in the WSIB/CAMH PTSD Program. In her OT and Life Care Planning work, Lauren has addressed a wide range of client issues including mental health, musculoskeletal injuries, traumatic brain injuries/cognitive impairments, and spinal cord injuries. She has completed In-Home and Attendant Care Assessments as well as Hospital Discharge Planning for clients with a wide range of impairments. In her free time, Lauren enjoys cooking, travelling, spending time with her family and enjoying the outdoors.
Education
University of Toronto, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, 2016
University of Florida, Canadian Certified Life Care Planner, 2015
York University, Bachelor of Arts, (Hons. Psychology), 2011
York University, Bachelor of Education, 2011
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1661
Email: lward@cbafuturecare.com
LISA MARTINEZ
BHSc(PT), MSc, CCLCP
LISA MARTINEZ
Over her career, Lisa has worked in both hospital and community settings, as well as private practice. Lisa is actively involved in continuing education and has extensive training in the areas of concussion, vestibular rehabilitation, and neurorehabilitation. From 2015 until 2018, Lisa was a Professor in the Occupational Therapy Physiotherapy Assistant program at various Ontario Colleges and was also involved in the development and revision of their curriculum.
Lisa obtained her Life Care Planning Certification through the Institute of Rehabilitation Education and Training (IRET).
Education
Life Care Planning Certificate, Institute of Rehabilitation Education and Training (IRET), 2022
McMaster University, Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, 1996
University of Calgary, Master of Science (Neuroscience), 1995
University of Guelph, Bachelor of Science (Human Biology), 1992
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1662
Email: lmartinez@cbafuturecare.com
LAURA FELDT
BSc. O.T., O.T. Reg. (Ont.), CCLCP
LAURA FELDT
Laura works with individuals of all ages who experience cognitive, physical, behavioural, and/or psychosocial challenges, to develop and coordinate goal-directed rehabilitation plans. The diagnostic groups she serves include traumatic brain injury, complex orthopaedic injuries, spinal cord injuries, psycho-emotional disorders, and sensory impairments.
Laura has been practicing occupational therapy since 1989. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science (Honors). In 2015 she completed the University of Florida Life Care Planning Precertification program and obtained her certification as a Canadian Life Care Planner. She has also been a Certified Yoga Instructor since 2013.
Laura’s practice initially focused on working with individuals with serious mental health issues in a hospital setting. She then transitioned to practicing occupational therapy and life care planning in the community setting in the private sector. Laura’s extensive experience, analytical skills and interpersonal skills facilitate positive outcomes for the individuals she works with.
For leisure, Laura enjoys practicing yoga and mindfulness, performing in musical theatre productions, engaging in creative art projects as well as participating in outdoor activities such as hiking through forests and canoeing.
Education
University of Florida, Life Care Planning Precertification Program (Approved Training Program for Canadian Certified Life Care Planner Certification Through the ICHCC), 2015
The Yoga Sanctuary, Yoga Alliance Certified 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program, 2013
University of Toronto, Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy (Honours), 1989
Ontario College of Art and Design, Visual Arts Program Coursework, 1983 to 1985
York University, Coursework Towards Bachelor of Arts (Psychology; Visual Arts), 1981 to 1983
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1637
Email: lfeldt@cbafuturecare.com
MICHELLE WAGENBERG
BScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.), CCLCP
MICHELLE WAGENBERG
Michelle completed three years of a Neuroscience Specialist Program at the University of Toronto during which she received a scholarship for academic standing. She received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto in 1999. In 2012 she obtained certification in the field of life care planning through the International Commission on Health Care Certification (ICHCC). Michelle holds membership with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists and the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals.
In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and attending musical and sporting events.
Education
Carleton University/university of Florida, Life Care Planning Pre-certification Program, 2010
University of Toronto, Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, 1999
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1664
Email: mwagenberg@cbafuturecare.com
MIRA MILLER
MEd, BA, BPHE, BScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.), CCLCP
MIRA MILLER
Mira is strongly committed to continuing her education to ensure foundational knowledge pertinent to her professional work remains current and relevant. She has completed a post-graduate certificate program in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and recently completed a Master of Education in Social Justice Education focused on Indigenous Health and Educational Policy post-reconciliation. Mira is currently enrolled in a Doctoral Program in Curriculum & Pedagogy at OISE where she is utilizing an occupational therapy model as the basis of her research to demonstrate how public perceptions of different communities affects their access to health, education and social services and the resulting impact on social determinants of health. As a result of her commitment to research and lifelong learning, Mira has been involved in multiple research projects and has published and presented her work locally, nationally and internationally over the past 26 years.
Outside of work, Mira enjoys exploring the world year-round while hiking, camping, canoeing, and photographing her adventures. Mira is an accomplished triathlete, competitive swimmer and basketball player. While at home, Mira enjoys gardening, creative projects, baking and reading. Her favourite pastime is enjoying life with her three children.
Education
University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Master of Education, Social Justice Education, 2022
University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Post-graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 2014
University of Florida, Canadian Certified Life Care Planner, 2011
The University of Western Ontario, Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, 1996
Queen’s University, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (Concurrent), 1993
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1656
Email: mmiller@cbafuturecare.com
PATRICIA HOWELL
M.B.A., B.Sc.O.T., OT Reg.(Ont), CCLCP
PATRICIA HOWELL
As a clinician who has treated countless clients with brain injuries and other serious injuries, many over decades, she knows how a client’s status can change over time. As a result, she has earned a reputation for providing Life Care Plans that are reasonable and defensible. She also recognizes that a specialized knowledge of disability and Life Care Planning is only valuable if reports and testimony are easily understood by lawyers, judges, and jurors.
Patricia is well known for her many contributions to the rehabilitation and personal injury community. These include organizing and presenting at numerous major symposia and, as a founding member of the Ontario Rehab Alliance, championing position papers and government and public relations initiatives to advocate on behalf of the seriously injured and those that serve them.
Education
University of Florida, Certified Canadian Life Care Planner, 2011
York University, Master of Business Administration, 1990
Queen’s University, Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, 1982
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1622
Email: phowell@cbafuturecare.com
REBECCA DWORKIN
B. Kin (Hons), DC, CCLCP
REBECCA DWORKIN
Rebecca is a passionate lifelong learner. She has continued to expand her education through attending workshops and studying in the areas of spinal and extremity manipulation, chronic pain management, palliative care principles, brain injury, spinal injury care and diagnostic imaging.
Education
University of Florida, Canadian Certified Life Care Planner, 2016
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Doctor of Chiropractic, 2004
McMaster University, Bachelor of Kinesiology, 2000
Contact
Phone: 1-866-314-7335 x1695
Email: rdworkin@cbafuturecare.com
JOIN THE TEAM
We are always looking for Certified Life Care Planners (and those in the process of certification) to add to our growing team.
TRUSTED EXPERTISE
CONTACT US
© 2022 Carol Bierbrier & Associates. All rights reserved.
Careers | Links | Privacy Policy