Our Team
Karen Brownrigg, CHRL, CEC
Founder & CEO
Karen is an accomplished certified human resources leader, certified executive coach, and business strategist with more than two decades of experience leading transformational, security-sensitive, and crisis management issues and initiatives.
Over the years, she has worked in the legal, telecommunications, and not-for-profit healthcare sectors, with the Ottawa Police Service, and for a Federal Crown Corporation in the financial sector.
Karen’s career path has required her to adapt to local, national, and global environments, where she has channeled strategic leadership and coaching skills and an advanced understanding of employee and labour relations, change management, conflict resolution, organizational health, safety and wellness, and talent management. She is bilingual and holds a Top-Secret security clearance.
In 2016, Karen refocused her passion for “human resourcefulness” by launching iHR Advisory Services™, providing Human Resources and “people solutions” for growing businesses, with support from an agile community of Human Resources and business experts whom she enlists from across Canada.
In 2017, Karen obtained her Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University. Karen and the Certified Executive Coaches on the iHR Advisory Services™ team believe that leaders who are empowered through coaching are able to see personal results they never thought possible.
Professional Affiliations and Designations
- Certified Human Resources Leader and member of the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario
- Certified FourSight Facilitator – Creative Problem-Solving Mindset/Toolset for individuals and teams,
- Buffalo State University Centre for Creative Studies
- Certified Change Management Professional, Prosci Change Management Program
- Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, Royal Roads University
- Professional Certificate in Human Resources Management, University of Toronto
- Professional Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Carleton University
- Certificate in Human Resources Management, Algonquin College
- Member of the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation
- Member of the Ottawa Board of Trade
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Renée Fullerton, COO
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Renée is a veteran human resource professional with more than two decades of experience delivering people-first programs and strategic guidance across multiple Human Resources domains and for a variety of organizations – including unionized and non-unionized, federally and provincially regulated, and private industry.
Renée joins iHR Advisory Services™ having spent 10 years with a financial sector Federal Crown Corporation in Employee Relations, Wellness, and, most recently, Leadership and Employee Development. Previously, she managed human resources for a not-for-profit organization and for two gaming sites in Ontario. As a well-rounded bilingual (English/French) executive, Renée has spent her career bringing a solution-focused mindset to challenging and complex Human Resources issues.
Renée’s abilities and experience in team leadership, strategic planning, program development, policy design, budget management, contract negotiation, and service delivery are excellent assets for directing operations and achieving successful business outcomes. With a belief in fostering a culture of equity, empathy, accountability, and growth, she blends a creative vision with practical strategies to advance the company’s goals.
She subscribes to a philosophy of continuous learning having been a member of the Institute for Performance and Development for the past 4 years and the Human Resource Professional Association for 20 years, and a regular participant in professional development courses, workshops & seminars, including development courses with the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto & University of Nebraska in partnership with a Provincial Crown Corporation.
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Chantal Williamson
Vice President, Human Resources (GTA)
Chantal is a human resources expert with over twenty years experience, previously working with premium brands and top employers, such as BMW Group Canada and Starbucks Coffee Canada. Most recently, she led the human resources department in a high growth, electric vehicle, start-up organization. She is passionate about creating and implementing people focused programs and strategies that drive the success of the business, together with employee satisfaction.
Chantal brings extensive experience in all areas of human resources with a focus on talent management, including employee relations, performance, and engagement as well as organizational development, culture, and total pay. Certified in Mental Health First Aid, she is also an advocate for employee wellbeing and has established and chaired various health and safety committees as well as developed employee wellness programs. She has proven experience creating new programs and establishing culture from scratch, as well as enhancing existing people strategies to be more effective.
She is a collaborative and innovative leader that is focused on helping people and organizations operate at their best. With the many years of experience Chantal has seen firsthand how employee happiness, and solid HR practices, impact a company’s success.
Professional Affiliations and Designations:
• Certified Talent Management Practitioner
• Business Administration Diploma, majoring in Human Resources at Algonquin College
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Sheryl Ferguson, CHRP
Vice-President, Human Resources
Sheryl is an accomplished certified human resources leader with more than a decade of experience providing forward-thinking solutions and advice to all organizational levels ranging from C-suite executives to operational managers in a wide range of industries including pharmaceutical, financial, hospitality, energy, mining, forestry, governmental agencies, retail, animation production, and staffing/recruitment agencies.
Sheryl has extensive hands-on experience in leading Human Resources initiatives such as policy development and implementation, performance management, conflict resolution, employee development, and engagement.
Throughout her career, she has gained a deep understanding and experience with provincial and federal employment standards, human rights, diversity and inclusion, privacy legislation, contract law, and accepted Human Resources practices.
Developing strong relationships is the foundation of her professional and personal practice.
Sheryl is a true life learner and is constantly looking to develop her skills in the following fields: Executive Coaching, Agile Methodology for Human Resources, and Design Thinking.
Professional Affiliations and Designations:
- Certified Human Resources Professional
- Member of the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario
- Professional Certificate in Human Resources Management, University of Toronto
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Stephanie Lemire
Human Resources Director
Stephanie is a human resource professional with diverse Human Resources experience. Areas of expertise include recruiting, onboarding, training, employee relations, benefits administration, and more!
Prior to joining iHR Advisory Srvices™ Stephanie was the Lead Human Resources Manager for a medium-sized company in the healthcare field. Those years as an in-house Human Resources Manager provided her with the knowledge and skills required to offer sound advice and guidance on a variety of Human Resources matters for small to medium organizations.
Stephanie’s passion for leadership and helping others started at a young age within the hockey community of her small town. She has 6+ years of experience in coaching hockey and most recently was the only female coaching staff in the NCJHL.
Stephanie is currently working on her CHRP designation.
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Raj Kapoor
Human Resources Business Partner
Raj is a data-driven human resource professional with several years of Human Resource experience. Areas of expertise include workplace investigations, employee relations, policies and best practices to establish a positive work environment, full-cycle recruitment, survey development and analysis, employee engagement, and conflict resolution.
Prior to joining iHR Advisory Services, Raj worked as a Human Resources Business Partner for a Fortune 500 company in the retail industry, as a Human Resources Consultant in the construction industry, and as a Human Resources Supervisor in the electronics/engineering industry. His passion and experience have provided him with the knowledge and skills required to offer sound advice and guidance on a variety of Human Resources matter for small to medium organizations.
Raj’s logistical approach to human resources allows him to conceptualize business problems related to human capital and form practical solutions.
Raj earned his Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Hofstra University and is also a certified Hogan Assessment Facilitator, specializing in the in-depth personality assessment tool for leaders.
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Rhonda Thilbault, CPM, CHRP
Payroll Specialist and Human Resources Business Partner
Rhonda is a seasoned certified payroll manager and human resource professional who brings more than three decades of experience to her roles as Payroll Specialist and Human Resources Business Partner for iHR Advisory Services™.
Her career includes work in the federal, private, and not-for-profit healthcare sectors, with the Canadian Armed Forces, and for a Federal Crown Corporation in the financial sector. Rhonda has strong analytical skills along with an eye for detail. These skills, along with her extensive knowledge and experience in payroll and Human Resources, enable her to guide her clients in ensuring that their payroll processes and Human Resources policies and practices are aligned, efficient, and effective, as well as legislatively compliant.
She uses her problem-solving capabilities to recommend alternative solutions to client challenges and enjoys assisting others in understanding the complexities of payroll so they are better equipped to pay their teams accurately and on time.
Professional Affiliations and Designations
- Certified Payroll Manager and member of the Canadian Payroll Association
- Certified Human Resources Professional and member of the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario
- Certificate in Business Administration, St Lawrence College
- Past Member and Chair of the Ottawa Branch of the Canadian Payroll Association
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Martin Castellani, CEC
Senior Executive Coach, Conflict Coach & Human Resources Specialist
Based in Victoria, B.C., Martin joined iHR Advisory Services™ as a Senior Executive Coach, Conflict Resolution Coach, and Human Resources Specialist after a 21-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy.
While employed with the Department of National Defence, Martin used his Project Management and Human Resources background to become fully qualified in the recruitment, training and employment assignment for new members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Martin dedicated 10 years as an instructor at the Department of National Defence’s Alternate Dispute Resolution Centre. He subsequently became a Certified Executive Coach.
Martin received the South West Asian Service Medal, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the CFB Esquimalt’s Base Commander’s Coin for his personnel management during the 2016 Duke of Cambridge’s Royal Visit. Martin is based in Victoria, B.C.
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Lysa Appleton
Executive Coach
Based in Halifax, NS, Lysa is a seasoned career practitioner and leadership consultant who has been working in the field of coaching and consulting since 2006. Her working style is warm and intimate yet effective and strategic in supporting people through their career transition, career management, and re-employment.
Lysa is passionate about branding and marketing high-achieving professionals and industry leaders, ensuring clients have a superior edge and advantage that outpaces the competition. While always focused on the big picture, Lysa also works with clients to achieve practical, relevant, and powerful goals that drive personal leadership, professional growth, and change that sticks.
Lysa earned her B.A. from the University of British Columbia and received her coach training and credentials from Coach U, one of the oldest and largest coach training institutes. She is also a Certified Career Development Practitioner and a certified Career Strategist and Employment Specialist with Career Professionals of Canada, (CPC).
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Arthur
Reception and Security
We believe that every dog will have his day and at iHR Advisory Services™, Arthur is living his best life every day.
Arthur enjoys welcoming both human and canine guests, although he does screen newcomers who arrive unexpectedly. He has been known to work like a dog but balances that lifestyle with daily runs, swimming, healthy meals, and social activities in nature.
Lounging in his favourite chair, Arthur is a great listener and can be trusted not to disclose what was discussed during video conference calls and meetings. He is a faithful companion and advisor to our CEO, with a sense of loyalty that extends to the entire team at iHR Advisory Services™.