Meet Our Team

Phone: 905-709-1236 x 103      Email: [email protected]

Julie Ruben Rodney M.Ed., CHRL is the Founder and CEO of MaxPeople, a consulting firm specializing in HR Services, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law. A proud Maritimer to the core, Julie truly values people and relationships which led to her start in organizational behaviour early in her career. She has always been a trailblazer and her company inception, and its structure is no exception. She founded MaxPeople 15 years ago after dealing with the loss of a very close friend and realizing that she wanted to build a business that prioritized family and making time for the important things in life. She also teamed up with her husband to become one of the first boutique HR firms to provide in-house employment law services.  

Julie is passionate about continuing to better understand people and has mastered the use of various psychometric tools such as DiSC, MBTI and McQuaig to ensure she always delivers high-impact programs that are tailored to meet the business objectives of each client. She also cares deeply about helping to develop new leaders, increasing employee engagement and improving workplace culture. 

Julie is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and also has a Masters in Adult Education specializing in Workplace Learning and Change from the University of Toronto. She is an active member of The Executive Committee (TEC) and has been involved in various entrepreneur organizations for well over a decade. Julie has been quoted and contributed articles in publications such as The Globe and Mail, The HR Professional and Dialogue Magazine. She is also a dynamic and accomplished presenter who is invited to numerous speaking engagements each year. 

Julie’s passion for HR is apparent from the first time you meet her. She lives and breathes her company purpose of helping people be focused, happier and more productive and is grateful for the opportunity to assist other organizations to achieve the same. 

Phone: (905) 709-1236  x 102     Email: [email protected]

Jordan Rodney is the President of MaxPeople and Founder of Rodney Employment Law. A lawyer who brings a unique HR perspective to every issue and case he takes on, Jordan’s true passion has, and always will be helping people. A risk-taker at heart, he left the corporate world nearly 11 years ago to team up with his wife to provide in-house employment law services as part of the MaxPeople service offering.

Jordan regularly advises clients on a broad range of complex human resources and employment law issues. He works tirelessly to ensure organizations are equipped to handle workplace challenges using innovative and cost-effective methods. He also takes a customized approach in order to achieve the most practical and effective solutions.

Prior to founding Rodney Employment Law, Jordan spent nearly 15 years in the Human Resources field. He was also previously an instructor at the Schulich School of Business. Jordan obtained his LL.B. from the University of Western Ontario and is a member of the Ontario Bar. He further specialized in HR at Queen’s University obtaining a Master’s of Industrial Relations.

As someone who was fortunate to have had great mentors in his career, Jordan is focused on providing thought leadership and development for those in his firm, his clients and the legal field at large. Jordan has been quoted and contributed articles in publications such as The Globe and Mail, The HR Professional, Dialogue Magazine and Lawyers Weekly. He is also a sought-after speaker who presents to members of various businesses and associations annually.

A lawyer with a strong reputation and extensive experience, Jordan is proud to maintain many long-standing relationships with clients. His combined passion for HR and law give him a unique perspective and he is grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing that with everyone that works with the Rodney Employment Law and MaxPeople teams.

Phone: (905) 695-5995     Email: [email protected]

Miriam is a legal advisor for MaxPeople and a Partner at Rodney Employment Law.  In her practice, Miriam handles a broad spectrum of employment and labour matters, including but not limited to wrongful dismissals, workforce restructuring, employment standards, employment agreements, human resources law, human rights, and occupational health and safety.  Miriam assists both employers and employees, and she strives to provide practical strategies to solve complex workplace issues.

Miriam has spent the majority of her legal career with the firm. Prior to joining Rodney Employment Law, she worked with a boutique employment law firm in Toronto, where she gained deep experience in both civil litigation and labour and employment law. Before embarking on her legal career, Miriam worked as an HR Manager in a busy dental practice, which allowed her to gain valuable experience in human resources and employee relations.  In this role, Miriam acquired significant insight into the needs of both employers and employees, which has allowed her to better understand what her clients are looking for.

Miriam obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from York University.  Miriam is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association (Labour & Employment section) and is in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Phone: (905) 709-1236 ext. 126 Email:[email protected] 

Humera Rehman is a legal advisor for MaxPeople and an Associate at Rodney Employment Law.  Humera advises clients on a wide spectrum of workplace issues including wrongful dismissals, severance, employment standards, employment contracts, workplace investigations, human rights, workplace harassment and bullying, and occupational health and safety.

Prior to joining Rodney Employment Law, Humera worked at two different law firms, gaining experience in a wide spectrum of practice areas including family, real estate, criminal, and immigration law. More recently, Humera worked at a boutique labour and employment firm, where she focused exclusively on employment law and human rights matters.

Humera obtained her Juris Doctor from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. Prior to law school, she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. Humera is a member of the Canadian and Ontario Bar Association and is in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

Prior to her legal career, Humera worked as a Consultant with a health technology start-up and as an  Account Manager in the healthcare field. As a result, she is familiar with the needs of growing businesses and providing practical and efficient solutions that help organizations achieve their goals. In her free time, Humera is passionate about travelling, volunteering, attempting new recipes, and learning to sail.

Phone: (905) 709-1236 ext. 143     Email: [email protected]

Josh Cummings is a Senior Associate at Rodney Employment Law and has extensive experience in employment law. In his practice, Josh advises clients on a wide range of workplace matters including terminations and constructive dismissals, discrimination and human rights matters, workplace harassment and bullying, drafting and revising employment contracts, and unjust dismissals.  He represents both employee and employer clients.

Josh is a firm believer in alternative dispute resolution and is skilled at resolving difficult workplace disputes. Josh is also a determined advocate and has represented clients before the Ontario Superior Court, Small Claims Court, and various Human Rights Tribunals.

Josh began his career in-house working primarily on employment law and litigation matters.  Prior to joining Rodney Employment Law, Josh practiced employment law at well-known employment boutiques in the Greater Toronto Area. In his free time, Josh likes playing and watching hockey, spending time with his family, and being outdoors.

Josh completed his J.D. at The University of Western Ontario.   He also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Arts in political science from Wilfrid Laurier University.  Josh is a member of the Canadian and Ontario Bar Association and is in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

Phone: (905) 709-1236 ext. 114 Email: [email protected]

Shaesta Latif is a Paralegal at Rodney Employment Law.  Prior to joining Rodney Employment Law, Shaesta has worked in the capacity of both Legal Assistant and Paralegal, for several small and large firms in Toronto. Shaesta has experience in various areas of law, including: Employment Law, Corporate Commercial, Corporate Finance, and Personal Injury.

Shaesta graduated from University of Toronto with a B.A. in Political Science. She is a Licensed Paralegal and is in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. Shaesta furthered her education with a Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate from Centennial College.

Rodney Employment Law handles a broad spectrum of employment and labour matters, including but not limited to wrongful dismissals, employment standards, employment contracts, human resources law, workplace safety and insurance, human rights, and occupational health and safety. Rodney Employment Law assists both employers and employees, and our firm strives to provide practical strategies to solve complex workplace issues.

Shaesta is passionate about assisting others and advocating for both organizations and people.  Shaesta adopts a values-based approach in dealing with clients and co-workers and is particularly focused on providing the highest quality work while providing a memorable client experience. In her personal time, Shaesta enjoys reading, attending yoga classes, and travelling as often as possible. She also enjoys volunteering at various fundraising events including, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and United Way CN Tower climb.

Phone: (905) 709-1236 ext. 114 Email:[email protected]

Pamela Blaszczak is a Legal Assistant at Rodney Employment Law. Pamela graduated from Humber College with a Bachelor in Paralegal studies. Humber’s Bachelor of Paralegal Studies program is the only four-year degree program to receive accreditation by The Law Society of Ontario.

Pamela’s passion in Employment Law developed through her experience working in a customer service-based industry. Pamela worked as a Supervisor for a large banquet services company for over eight years which provided her with a diverse skillset which equipped her in providing a memorable client experience for both organizations and people.

Rodney Employment Law handles a broad spectrum of employment and labour matters, including but not limited to wrongful dismissals, employment standards, employment contracts, human resources law, workplace safety and insurance, human rights, and occupational health and safety. Rodney Employment Law assists both employers and employees, and our firm strives to provide practical strategies to solve complex workplace issues.

Pamela’s education combined with her hands-on approach gives her an edge when supporting the Rodney Employment Law team. Her strong work ethic and interpersonal skills enable her to provide a unique perspective when providing support to both her team and clients. In her personal time, Pamela enjoys reading and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by working out, hiking, and biking.

Phone: (905) 709-1236     Email: [email protected]

Estrella Frias is a Talent Acquisition Leader at MaxPeople. She has more than 20 years of experience building and leading high-performance teams and re-imagining leadership and talent acquisition practices that create work environments that differentiate in the markets they represent.

Estrella spent the last 10 years of her career leading the complete transformation and rebuild of the Global Talent Acquisition function for a reputable film tech company driving innovative and highly valued strategic sourcing efforts targeting relevant talent communities.  She is a strong advocate for a positive candidate experience as a game changer in attracting talent and strengthening the employer brand. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Kinesiology and a minor in Anthropology from York University.

Phone: (905) 709-1236  ext 108     Email: [email protected]

Ilana Stern is the Senior Director, HR Services & Training at MaxPeople – a consulting firm specializing in HR Services, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law. A true extrovert, Ilana has always loved being around and helping people which is why she was drawn to a career in the Human Resources field.

As someone who cares deeply about having an impact on people’s work lives, she is passionate about employee relations, training, development and leading complex workplace investigations. She is very practical and  known to her clients and colleagues for being a problem solver.

Prior to joining MaxPeople more than 7 years ago, Ilana gained broad HR experience over several years working in manufacturing, not-for-profit and retail industries. She has led training programs for employees of all levels as well as delivered keynote addresses on a variety of topics. An engaging facilitator, she enjoys interacting with participants while also passing on her knowledge and tips. Ilana has written extensive course materials for clients and is highly adept at using assessments such as MBTI to add value for those she works with.

Ilana obtained a B.A. from York University, after which she earned a post-graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Seneca College.  Ilana is also a Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) candidate with the Human Resources Professional Association.

Ilana wholeheartedly believes in the MaxPeople mission and loves the consulting aspect of her role as it gives her the ability to truly have an impact with her clients. She is energetic and dedicated with a strong focus on cultivating deep relationships while implementing practical business solutions that contribute to organizational growth and success.

Phone: 905-709-1236 x 136      Email: [email protected]

Anna Ali is the Director of Projects & Strategic Initiatives at MaxPeople, an HR consulting firm specializing in Human Resources services, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law. As an experienced HR consultant, she provides our HRessentials clients with a full range of recommendations and support in all aspects of human resources.

Prior to joining the MaxPeople team, Anna gained a significant amount of broad HR consulting and client management experience while working at a global management consulting firm. Anna was a Senior Consultant at a global consulting firm where she developed a deep expertise in strategic change management, large transformation programs, and organizational challenges that can be solved through human-centered solutions. Anna is a client-focused professional, with proven team leadership abilities, she has demonstrated expertise in strategic execution, change management, and project management to deliver exceptional client value. As a collaborative, results oriented HR professional, Anna is dedicated to delivering high-impact results. Anna’s role is to collaborate and align people strategy with business strategy to deliver results. With the insight and aptitude to deliver innovative ideas, her strength lies in her industrious, proactive problem solving and a willing to challenge the status quo to find creative and practical solutions.

Anna obtained her Bachelor of Arts, Honours in Employment Relations & Equity Studies. Anna is a Certified Human Resource Leader (CHRL) and a member of the Human Resources Professional Association.  She has achieved a Masters in Human Resources Management (MHRM) from York University.

Phone: (905) 709-1236 ext. 106     Email: [email protected]

Chen Sasson is an Senior Manager, HR Services with MaxPeople, a consulting firm specializing in HR Services, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law.  Chen has been with the firm since 2013, working closely with a wide range of clients to develop their Human Capital strategy and establish an HR infrastructure within their organizations.

Prior to joining the MaxPeople team, Chen worked at Zylog Systems Canada Ltd. During her time with this organization, she focused on recruitment and selection, on-boarding and training, performance management, establishing policies and procedures, and managing health and safety practices.

Chen graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Business Management degree with an Honors Specialization in Human Resources Management. She has obtained her HR Leader Certification (CHRL).

Chen’s goal-oriented approach to her work, along with her excellent communication and interpersonal skills, allows for the best possible outcome when providing support to her clients. Her passion for HR drives her eagerness to learn and grow every day.

Phone: (905) 709-1236  ext 105     Email: [email protected]

Nadini is a Senior HR Consultant at MaxPeople, an HR consulting firm specializing in Human Resources, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law.

Nadini brings over 10 years of human resources experience within several industries including transportation, manufacturing and professional services.  Nadini’s passion for Human Resources comes from working in a variety of industries where she partnered with key stakeholders to transform their HR framework.  She enjoys problem solving for creative solutions to help her clients be more focused, happier, and productive.  Nadini obtained her Bachelor of Human Resources Management from York University. Nadini is also a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and a member of the Human Resources Professional Association.

Phone: (905) 709-1236 ext. 145    Email: [email protected]

Stefanie Xavier Mora is a Senior Human Resources Consultant with MaxPeople, a consulting firm specializing in HR Services, Recruitment, Training and Employment Law.

Stefanie has spent the last 10+ years working in the Service, IT, Construction, and Retail industries in roles where she was a key member of senior management teams. In her time as a freelance HR Consultant, she has worked with small to mid-sized business owners to provide tailored support throughout organizational and cultural change.

Stefanie graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Sociology and English. She went on to get her Human Resources Post-Graduate Certificate from Seneca College. She holds a CHRP designation.

Stefanie is an intuitive and results focused Human Resources professional who counsels from a business-driven perspective. She prides herself as being a trusted advisor to senior business leaders and owners while delivering forward-thinking people support. Stefanie’s core HR philosophy is based on guiding with transparency, integrity, and kindness. She has a passion for coaching managers and employees to get the most out of their employee experience.

Phone: (905) 709-1236  ext 115     Email: [email protected]

Nataliya Uzerina is an HR Consultant at MaxPeople, an HR consulting firm specializing in Human Resources services, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law.

Prior to joining MaxPeople, Nataliya worked in the service industry with a focus on client services. Nataliya successfully managed and led a variety of teams in the Retail and Service industry which inspired her career shift to human resources.

Nataliya has been with MaxPeople for over 3 years and is currently working on the HRessentials team. She advises a wide range of clients from manufacturing to professional services on their HR needs.

Nataliya’s passion for human resources developed through her experience working with a variety of key stakeholders at various levels. She enjoys a challenge and problem solving for creative solutions to help her clients be more focused, happier, and productive.

Nataliya has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Ryerson University coupled with a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from George Brown College. Nataliya’s education combined with her hands-on approach gives her an edge when supporting her clients. Nataliya brings her strong work ethic and interpersonal skills to ensure the best client experience.

Phone: (905) 709-1236 ext. 146    Email: [email protected]

Annette Cianchino is an HR Consultant at MaxPeople, a professional Human Resources consulting firm offering HR services, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law support for organizations in need of an effective people strategy to grow their business.

Prior to joining MaxPeople, Annette spent several years working in various industries including Legal Services, Retail, Higher Education, and Non-Profit as a strategic people leader. With experience in all aspects of the employee experience, she has managed and advised leaders and multi-generational teams, implemented employee engagement strategies, and optimized HR processes and systems to bring efficiencies to businesses.

Annette has a Bachelor’s of Commerce degree in Finance from Ryerson University coupled with a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Seneca College. She is in good standing with the HRPA, holds both the CHRP and CHRL designations, and actively volunteers in a number of mentorship-focused organizations and professional associations. Her diverse experience grants her a breadth of skills, knowledge, and perspectives, to help her clients achieve their objectives through their people.

Phone: (905) 709-1236  ext 133   Email: [email protected]

Breanna is the HR Advisor at MaxPeople, an HR consulting firm specializing in Human Resources services, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law.

Prior to joining MaxPeople, Breanna worked in several customer and client service roles where she played an active role in the facilitation of training and development initiatives. Years of experience working within multidisciplinary teams has shown Breanna the importance of providing employees with the skills required to establish a productive and healthy work environment. From firsthand experience, Breanna recognizes that training is most effective when tailored towards the specific needs of the organization and individual employees.

Breanna has a Bachelor of Health Science degree in Public Health from the Ontario Tech University coupled with a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from George Brown College. A strong-work ethic guided by an evidence and research driven approach helps Breanna create training content tailored to meet the needs of her clients. Breanna’s diverse educational background and work experiences also enables her to provide a unique perspective when providing support to her team and clients.

Phone: (905) 709-1236  ext 147   Email: [email protected]

Stacey is an HR Advisor with MaxPeople, an HR consulting firm specializing in Human Resources services, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law.

Prior to joining MaxPeople, Stacey began her HR career working in the automotive retail industry, providing Learning and Development, Health and Safety, and Recruitment services. Stacey enjoys volunteering her time and expertise in leading teams for nonprofit organizations in her community such as Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Winnipeg Harvest, Tree Canada and 1JustCity.

Stacey holds a diploma in Human Resources Management and a certificate in Management from the University of Winnipeg. She is currently a CPHR candidate and is working towards her Designation. Stacey also possesses a diploma in Graphic Design from Red River College, where she learned to create effective communication and promotion through dynamic design.

Stacey has a passion for creating more accessible and inclusive workplaces and creating solutions that both support the organization and their individual employees.

Phone: (905) 709-1236  ext 127   Email: [email protected]

Johanna Van Bilsen is the Learning & Development Specialist at MaxPeople, an HR consulting firm specializing in Human Resources services, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law.

Prior to joining MaxPeople, Johanna worked as a Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator. Johanna successfully trained, led and motivated large teams of university students to actively engage in the community through volunteer and fundraising events. Johanna’s passion for training developed through her experience working with a variety of individuals at various levels. Johanna’s philosophy on learning is grounded by psychological theories of adult learning, and motivation which help her create content that is meaningful and memorable.

Johanna has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Labour Relations from Brock University coupled with a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from George Brown College. Johanna’s education combined with her dedication enables her to support the Training and Recruitment team at MaxPeople. Johanna brings her strong work ethic and interpersonal skills to ensure a positive client experience.

Phone: 905-709-1236 x 149     Email: [email protected]

Kayla is the Senior Learning & Development Coordinator at MaxPeople, an HR consulting firm specializing in Human Resources, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law services.  

Prior to joining MaxPeople, Kayla spent several years in the not-for-profit sector, specifically within addiction recovery, mental health and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder diagnostics and lifespan services. Through this experience, Kayla advocated for the needs of the individuals she served and provided empathetic leadership to a large team of Frontline employees. With strong organizational skills and a joy for knowledge sharing, she has developed and led evidence-based training for various audiences. Kayla defines herself as having a “passion for people” and gravitates to environments where people are encouraged and empowered to be themselves; this perspective has led her into client-centred, strengths-based professional pursuits.  

Kayla holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Gender Studies and Sociology, coupled with a Master of Industrial Relations from Queen’s University. As part of the MaxPeople team, Kayla looks to bring her experience to provide a grounded, meaningful, and tailored approach to her clients.  

Phone: (905) 709-1236 ext. 113    Email: [email protected]

Daniel Kobrossi is a Business Development Director with MaxPeople, an HR consulting firm specializing in Human Resources services, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law.

Prior to joining MaxPeople, Daniel gained extensive experience as a  Business Development Manager with various Recruitment firms where he helped clients secure top talent in areas such as accounting/finance, Human Resources, and IT. Daniel is a graduate of York University where he obtained his B.A. in Economics.

Daniel’s customer centric approach to listening and understanding clients’ needs before discussing and recommending solutions has allowed him to develop and sustain long standing business relationships with his clients, who trust and value his expertise. With a true passion for helping organizations grow talent, Daniel is looking forward to helping MaxPeople build upon existing relationships and developing new partnerships.

Phone: (905) 709-1236  ext 101     Email: [email protected]

Teresa Hoang is the Marketing Manager at MaxPeople, an HR consulting firm specializing in HR, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law.

As a creative and results-oriented professional with over ten years of marketing experience, Teresa has been instrumental in helping organizations in the not-for-profit and manufacturing industries to grow their customer base and company profile. During her time with MaxPeople, Teresa has taken the company’s marketing to the next level by developing and implementing effective initiatives that have led to increased brand awareness and sales growth.

Teresa holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing Management Degree from Ryerson University. As a passionate marketer, Teresa excels in utilizing a wide range of storytelling mediums to turn ideas into compelling messaging that engage and attract target audiences. Teresa’s greatest strengths are her creativity, drive and eye for detail. She also thrives on challenges and has a solid reputation as a problem-solver and a creative mind in video production, content creation and  social media management.

Teresa is distinguished by her strong work ethic, her focus on collaborative team-building and her dedication to meeting the strategic goals of the organization. Throughout her career she approached every job as opportunities for growth and discovery, she hopes to bring the same mindset and vision to MaxPeople.

Phone: (905) 709-1236  ext 148     Email: [email protected]

Alexander Daigle is the Data Analyst at MaxPeople, an HR consulting firm specializing in HR, Training, Recruitment and Employment Law.

Alexander’s passion for data analysis comes from his strong technical background and natural curiosity. He is a critical thinker who strives to make data easy to understand and is adept at drawing conclusions and making decisions based on the numbers.

Prior to joining the MaxPeople team, Alexander worked as an analyst in financial services with a focus in root cause analysis and remediation. He received an Honors Bachelor of Science in mathematics, statistics, and economics from the University of Toronto.