Insightful Investigators. Strategic Approach. Reliable Answers.
ABOUT
Forward thinking strategic investigators.
We empower employers, regulators and insurers to make informed decisions.
We have provided factual, reliable intelligence for more than 40 years.
Our experienced investigators draw upon decades of collective experience to bring clarity to often complex circumstances.
We produce thorough, timely, transparent investigations.
EXPERTISE
Workplace
Investigations
We conduct methodical, objective and balanced investigations for public and private organizations. We deliver clear and substantiated findings, complete with thorough analyses and explanations that support them and withstand scrutiny. Our workplace investigators are respectful and fair, yet thorough with all participants in the investigation process and create a non-judgmental environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their experience.
We assist organizations with allegations of:
- Harassment and sexual harassment
- Discrimination
- Racial harassment
- Bullying
- Policy breaches
- Conflicts of interest
- Abuse of authority
- Whistleblower reports
- Financial impropriety
- Theft
- Failure to accommodate
- Incivility
Regulatory
Investigations
Barker Hutchinson is a leader in professional regulation investigations. We conduct methodical, objective and balanced investigations for a broad landscape of regulators and empower regulators to make reasonable and informed decisions. We also provide investigative training and workshops to regulators, and work closely with regulators to ensure their employees have the training, skill and support needed to bring meaningful conclusions to investigations handled internally. We also assist regulators to develop investigation policy, process and procedure.
We assist professional regulators with issues such as:
- Allegations of sexual and physical abuse
- Allegations of fraud and improper billing practices
- Undercover investigations
- Substance abuse
- Practice related issues
- Unauthorized practice
- Incapacity
Insurance
Investigations
We provide investigation to Property, Casualty and Life & Health insurers throughout Canada. Our investigators’ diverse experience in insurance law, personal injury law, law enforcement and healthcare, combined with decades of collective investigative experience provide unique expertise to insurers. At the same time, our formalized investigative process, expertise and experience enable us to handle complex investigations in a timely, strategic, cost-effective manner.
We assist insurers with issues such as:
- Accident Investigations
- Staged Accidents
- Witness Interviews and Statements
- Fatalities and Catastrophic Loss
- Fraudulent Asset Claims
- Locating Individuals
- Neighbourhood Inquiries
- Priority Disputes
Our Investigative Approach
Experienced
Our knowledgeable investigators have conducted 1000s of investigations for employers, institutions, professional regulators and insurers, and draw upon decades of collective experience to bring clarity to often complex circumstances.
Impartial
We are neutral fact-gatherers relied upon for our unbiased approach. Impartiality is at our core, and the foundation of every investigation we conduct.
Fact-based
We rely on careful assessment of evidence and facts. We do not rely on assumptions or speculation
Timely
Organizations often require our services on an urgent basis. Our size and formalized investigation processes afford us the ability to handle complex investigations in a timely, efficient manner.
Cost-Effective
Our reasonable rates, combined with our experience, expertise and ongoing training enable our investigators to complete thorough investigations in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
Trauma-informed
Our investigators are trained to use a trauma-informed approach and understand how trauma affects an individual’s psychological and physiological states. We work diligently to avoid retraumatization during the investigation process.
TEAM
Who You Choose As Your Investigator Matters.
Our experienced team of investigators is comprised of lawyers, healthcare practitioners, and former insurance and law enforcement professionals who draw upon decades of collective experience to bring clarity to often complex circumstances.
Management and Investigators
Ashley investigates allegations of sexual abuse, inappropriate billing, boundary violations, and other practice related concerns for our regulatory clients. Ashley is an experienced interviewer with an ability to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable speaking about their experience. Ashley’s impartiality, practical experience, and careful assessment of evidence results in efficient and focused investigations.
Ashley practised in the Health Law and Sexual Assault/Abuse practice groups at a prominent Toronto law firm prior to joining Barker Hutchinson. Ashley litigated on behalf of victims of sexual assault while also advocating for physicians before the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board and the courts. Ashley also previously practised in the Arbitration and Investigations group at another international law firm.
Ashley earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa where she graduated Cum Laude. She completed a Master of Arts in International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, graduating with Honours, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Global Culture Studies from Brescia University College at Western University.
Apart from her investigative practice, Ashley has a passion for advocating for those without a voice. She sits on the Board of Directors of Courage for Freedom, an organization devoted to ending human trafficking within Canada. She has previously worked, trained or partnered with a variety of organizations, including Just Governance Group, the NATO Association of Canada, International Justice Mission and Global Shapers Toronto.
Email: ashley@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 236
Stephanie is an experienced and diligent investigator who investigates allegations of professional misconduct for a wide variety of professional regulatory bodies. She combines her years of experience as a clinical investigator with her extensive clinical experience as a registered nurse to conduct methodical, objective and balanced investigations.
Stephanie was a clinical investigator with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario prior to joining Barker Hutchinson. In this role, Stephanie relied on her extensive clinical experience and critical-thinking skills to identify and assess risk, and obtain and analyze relevant data while investigating concerns related to physicians’ clinical practice and conduct. Stephanie worked closely with College and outside counsel, health care organizations, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and regulatory bodies from other jurisdictions.
Stephanie has over 10 years of diverse clinical experience as a registered nurse in urban and remote settings, and as a medical case manager. Stephanie has also served as Chair of the Board of Directors of Victim Services of Durham Region.
Stephanie obtained a Master of Health Administration from the University of Regina and an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ontario Tech University.
Email: sgrenke@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 239
Katie is an impartial and analytical investigator whose attention to detail and careful consideration of evidence results in fair, efficient investigations. Katie blends both her legal experience and health care knowledge while conducting investigations for a wide variety of professional regulators.
Katie was a case manager and paralegal at Findlay Law prior to joining Barker Hutchinson where she independently managed and represented clients involved in motor vehicle accidents with respect to their Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule claims from initial intake to resolution. She also worked closely with lawyers on the management and resolution of tort claims, including trial preparation and interviewing expert and lay witnesses. Katie previously also practiced kinesiology in an outpatient health clinic.
Katie obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph. Katie has been a licensed paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario since 2008 and is an active member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and Hamilton Law Association.
Email: katie@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 240
Courtney is an experienced workplace and regulatory investigator. Courtney’s analytical approach and careful assessment of evidence, combined with her experience practising employment and labour law and working at several Ontario health regulatory bodies result in focused and efficient investigations.
As the Manager of Investigations, Courtney is responsible for the strategic oversight of workplace and regulatory investigations while also maintaining her own smaller caseload. Courtney works with investigators to ensure each investigation meets our standards for quality, thoroughness and timeliness. Courtney also assists in the design and implementation of investigation policy and process.
Prior to joining Barker Hutchinson, Courtney practised employment and labour law at two prominent Toronto law firms and held several senior positions within health regulatory bodies. She was the Director of Professional Conduct at the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists, the Manager of Professional Conduct at the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario, and the Discipline and Fitness to Practice Lead at the College of Pharmacists of Ontario. She has also acted as the Interim Hearings Manager at the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
Courtney obtained her LL.M from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law where she was awarded the faculty of law fellowship. She obtained her LL.B. at Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University where she graduated with high distinction and was awarded the alumni gold medal.
Email: courtney@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 223
As the President of Barker Hutchinson, Greg is responsible for strategic oversight and both maintaining and developing client relations. Greg provides investigative training and workshops for professional regulators and employers and speaks at conferences and continuing professional education events.
Greg is also deeply focused on building a sophisticated, methodical, yet pragmatic team of investigators from a variety of backgrounds, and ensuring they have the training, skill and support necessary to produce fair, focused, efficient investigations.
Greg brings a wealth of investigative expertise to professional regulators, employers, and insurers. For nearly 15 years, Greg has worked closely with professional regulators across Canada while investigating allegations of sexual abuse, inappropriate billing practice, incapacity, unauthorized practice, and other practice related concerns.
Greg investigates allegations of harassment, bullying, discrimination, abuse of authority and conflicts of interest on behalf of employers and institutions. Greg also investigates fraud, staged accidents, personal injury, theft, and priority disputes, amongst other concerns, for insurers across Canada.
Greg holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph.
Email: greg@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 221
Nazia investigates allegations of sexual abuse, inappropriate billing, unauthorized practice, off-duty conduct, scope of practice, and other practice related concerns on behalf of regulatory bodies. Nazia brings extensive regulatory experience and a detailed yet pragmatic approach to each investigation.
Nazia has 15 years experience working in health regulation and was a Compliance Case Manager at the College of Physicians and Surgeons prior to joining Barker Hutchinson. In this role, Nazia analyzed statutory committee decisions and carried out the appropriate monitoring requirements for complex and high risk matters.
Nazia obtained a Bachelor of Social Work from Ryerson University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Linguistics from the University of Toronto. Nazia is a registered social worker and a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Nazia has completed both the basic and specialized National Certified Investigator and Inspector Training programs through the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation. She has also completed training in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Email: nazia@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 235
Maya is a skilled investigator whose attention to detail and practical experience result in fair and focused investigations. Her neutrality and empathetic demeanour create an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experience.
Maya conducts workplace investigations into allegations such as discrimination, bullying, harassment and abuse of authority. Maya also investigates allegations of sexual abuse, inappropriate billing, boundary violations, incompetence, unauthorized practice, and other practice related concerns on behalf of professional regulators.
Maya practised at a law firm specialising in health law and professional regulation prior to joining Barker Hutchinson. Maya acted as a prosecutor for professional regulators and was involved in all aspects of hearings related to disciplinary, registration and fitness to practise matters. She regularly appeared before tribunals and various levels of court, and routinely reviewed and scrutinized investigation reports. Maya has also acted as legal counsel at the Ontario Securities Commission.
Maya earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from Osgoode Hall and an Honours Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc) from Western University. Maya also currently sits on the Baycrest Research Ethics Board where she reviews research proposals.
Email: maya@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 227
Alex is an experienced investigator whose practice is focused on assisting our regulatory clients. Alex has extensive experience investigating allegations of sexual abuse, inappropriate billing practices and prescribing practices.
As the Manager of Investigations, Alex is responsible for the strategic oversight of regulatory investigations while also maintaining her own smaller caseload. Alex works with investigators to ensure each investigation meets our standards for quality, thoroughness and timeliness, and also meets each regulator’s expectations. Alex also assists in the design and implementation of investigation policy and process.
Alex was an investigator with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario prior to joining Barker Hutchinson. Alex was the lead investigator on a number of high profile cases. She worked closely with College counsel, insurers, law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and regulatory bodies from other jurisdictions. She was also responsible for mentoring investigators.
Alex practised as a registered nurse prior her employment with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Alex practised in the area of mental health and also served as a case manager who conducted and coordinated home health care services.
Alex obtained her Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science from Queens University where she graduated with distinction. Alex also obtained her Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Ontario Institute of Technology where she was awarded several scholarships, including a scholarship for the highest GPA in the Faculty of Health Science. Alex has completed the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulations Certified Investigator and Inspector training as well as training in investigations and interviewing from the Workplace Institute. Alex is also trained in conducting trauma informed interviews.
Email: alex@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 224
Lisa is a skilled and adaptable investigator with a wealth of experience in professional regulation. Lisa combines this experience with her more than 20 years of clinical experience as a registered massage therapist to provide methodical and effective investigations for a wide range of professional regulators.
Lisa has been a member of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (“CMTO”) for more than twenty years and has amassed a breadth of experience by serving the CMTO in a variety of leadership roles. Lisa was the President and Chair of the Board between 2015 and 2020. In this role, Lisa was accountable to the Council, government, public and registrants for effective governance, in accordance with all applicable legislative requirements. Lisa has also sat on multiple Statutory Committees, including the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, Discipline Committee, Fitness to Practice Committee, Registration Committee and Quality Assurance Committee. Lisa also serves as a rostered member of the Discipline and Fitness to Practice Committee at the Ontario College of Teachers.
Lisa obtained her Massage Therapy Diploma from Centennial College.
Email: lisa@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 238
Wilf is the past president of Barker Hutchinson.
Wilf’s client base includes professional regulators, law firms, insurers and corporations.
Wilf has extensive experience investigating allegations of improper billing, professional misconduct and practice related issues, complaints of sexual abuse and unauthorized practice on behalf of professional regulators. He also has comprehensive experience investigating fraud, staged accidents and personal injury, amongst many other issues, on behalf of insurers.
Wilf founded W.H. Barker & Associates Ltd. in 1982 after working for more than twenty years as an officer with Metropolitan Toronto Police and as an in-house investigator with a large litigation law firm in Toronto.
Email: wilf@barkerhutchinson.com
Alison is an empathetic regulatory and workplace investigator devoted to the pursuit of truth, integrity, and justice. Alison investigates a wide range of complex allegations in an analytical, methodical manner.
Prior to joining Barker Hutchinson, Alison gained experience investigating allegations of harassment and analyzing complex legal issues while practising as a litigation associate at a prominent Toronto law firm. Alison’s practice focused on employment and contractual disputes, consumer product regulations, pharmaceutical class actions, and Indigenous matters.
Alison earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary. She completed a Master of Biotechnology at the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Science in Bio-Medical Science, graduating with distinction. Alison is a member of both the Law Society of Ontario and Law Society of Alberta.
Email: alison@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 248
Hailey brings seven years of legal experience to Barker Hutchinson with a focus on criminal law. Hailey investigates allegations of sexual abuse, inappropriate billing, off-duty conduct, and practice related concerns. Hailey’s experience and her analytical and nuanced approach assists her in bringing clarity to complex investigations.
Hailey practised criminal defence at a respected boutique firm prior to joining Barker Hutchinson. Her expertise includes cases with large, complex volumes of evidence, reluctant witnesses, mental health concerns and strict timelines.
Hailey has conducted dozens of trials at both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice and was second-chair counsel for one of the largest financial fraud trials in Canadian history. Hailey has analyzed numerous police investigations and understands the importance of a balanced, unbiased and thorough investigation.
Hailey earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Windsor and her Honours Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Western Ontario.
Email: hailey@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 231
Katie is an impartial and analytical investigator whose attention to detail and careful consideration of evidence results in fair, efficient investigations. Katie blends both her legal experience and health care knowledge while conducting investigations for a wide variety of professional regulators.
Katie was a case manager and paralegal at Findlay Law prior to joining Barker Hutchinson where she independently managed and represented clients involved in motor vehicle accidents with respect to their Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule claims from initial intake to resolution. She also worked closely with lawyers on the management and resolution of tort claims, including trial preparation and interviewing expert and lay witnesses. Katie previously also practiced kinesiology in an outpatient health clinic.
Katie obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph. Katie has been a licensed paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario since 2008 and is an active member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and Hamilton Law Association.
Email: katie@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 240
As the Vice-President of Barker Hutchinson, Laura is passionate about all things investigation and deeply focused on training and mentoring our sophisticated team of investigators. Laura manages the development of policy and process that supports our investigators and aligns with the needs of our clientele. Laura also works closely with management to ensure policy and process is consistently applied.
Laura brings a wealth of experience to our regulatory clients. She blends extensive health care knowledge and practical experience with years of experience as an investigator to bring clarity to complex investigations. Laura has extensive experience investigating allegations of sexual abuse, patient injury, inappropriate billing practices, incompetence, unauthorized practice, and other practice related concerns.
Laura previously practised physiotherapy for nearly a decade. She worked in both private practice and as a team physiotherapist with the Canadian National Track Cycling Team, and was rostered to perform spinal manipulations and acupuncture.
Email: laura@barkerhutchinson.com Direct: 416-363-6787 Ext. 222