- dreads going to work because of the toxic culture
- is having interpersonal conflict at work, even if it’s been going on for a long time
- has an important conversation coming up that you’re worried about or need to prepare for
- doesn’t want to talk to anyone in your organization about what’s going on for you
Why Novel? This is a new way of looking at HR.
HR is about more than just hiring, policies, and pay. We apply novel, research-based practices like psychological health and safety, conflict competence, neuroscience, and behavioural economics to workplace challenges like employee mental health, conflict, burnout, engagement, productivity, absenteeism, or turnover.
We can help you if:
YOU'RE AN EMPLOYEE WHO:
YOUR ORGANIZATION NEEDS:
- a neutral 3rd party to coach employees through conflict or to mediate a dispute
- help implementing the National Standard of Psychological Health and Safety
- to create a stronger organizational culture through conflict competence, respect and fairness
Psychological health and safety is for everyone and every workplace.
Here’s what we bring to the table:
WE'RE COLLABORATIVE + INCLUSIVE
— Our consulting work involves all stakeholders but we understand that there are power and privilege dynamics, intersectionality and lived experience that may limit participation. We work to include everyone and make sure their voice is heard.
WE'RE INFORMATIVE + ACCESSIBLE
— We provide well researched and tested information in a way that is easy to understand and apply.
WE'RE PROCESS + RESULTS ORIENTED
— It’s not just about the end results – we ensure the process is fair, thorough and reflects the unique workplace and individuals in it.
WE'RE PURPOSEFUL + PRACTICAL
— Our solutions are designed with your unique organization in mind. We use objectives and key results to measure progress and show how far you’ve come.
WE'RE COMPASSIONATE + CULTIVATING
— We understand you’re going through a difficult time and we’re here to support you with sensitivity and care. But don’t mistake it, we’ll be challenging you to move beyond what you’re used to.
About Sarah.
I’m glad you’re here. I’m Sarah (she/her), and I’m a conflict coach, mediator, and psychological health and safety advisor. I’ve worked with small or family-owned companies for over 20 years, and now my focus is on helping organizations build a better foundation for their business specifically through conflict resolution and psychological health and safety.
My role is to help you navigate conflict in the workplace by preparing for difficult conversations or increasing your conflict competence. At the company level, I’ll help you implement strategies and resources to ensure your workplace promotes the wellbeing of its employees, prevents harm to their mental health, and responds appropriately to incidents as they come up.
Educational Background & Credentials
Click to expand each section.
I hate being in conflict and I know first hand how helpful it can be to have a coach help you work through it and prepare. What’s even better is the next step: having a mediator facilitate the process. Why go through something so difficult alone?
I’ve completed several courses on negotiation and alternative dispute resolution and I use the CINERGY® model of conflict coaching. I’ve recently completed online dispute resolution training so I am happy to provide these services virtually.
I’m also trained in Non-Violent Communication (NVC) and Human Rights Theory.
I am a member of the ADR Institute of Ontario, co-chair of the ADRIO Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Section, and a member of the Board of Directors.
There was a time when I wanted to be a therapist, so I started with a Diploma of Professional Counselling (*please note this is not an indication that I am a Registered Psychotherapist or Clinical Counsellor). Instead of continuing with this designation, I went back to work in small business (my family business, to be specific), but I’ve never lost my passion or interest in mental health. Since then, I’ve continued to learn about psychotherapy, positive psychology, neuroscience and trauma through various courses and conferences. When I learned that there was a growing movement to bring mental health awareness to the workplace, I jumped at the chance to learn more and combine the two fields I had been looking to merge for a while.
*Please note, I do not provide counselling or psychotherapy, and my services should not be considered a replacement for qualified mental health care.
I’ve always worked in small businesses (ok, one was medium). You know, the kind where you know everyone’s name and a little something about them. The kind where you could have the whole company in a room for a meeting. My favourite part was taking on different roles and learning as much as possible about each one.
I understand the unique challenges that come with implementing changes in small teams.
While doing my MBA, I was one of the very few people not working in one of the large banks or trying to get into one of the Big 4 consulting firms. I was proud to represent perspectives from a family business, as they actually make up a large part of Canada’s economy (Financial Post, 2019). It was during this time that I realized I didn’t want to just run a business, I wanted to support the people who did. As soon as I graduated, I left my position and started working towards what I’m doing now.
I’ve also been a part of a virtual organization long before this was the norm so I am used to the different dynamics of online meetings and how an organization needs to work when people are not able to be in the same room together.
I’m an active volunteer with Shelter Movers, a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization that provides moving and storage services at no cost to women and children experiencing abuse. I also have experience as a volunteer on a crisis line and training in suicide prevention.
I am a member of the ADR Institute of Ontario, co-chair of the ADRIO Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Section, and a member of the Board of Directors.
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- MBA, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
- BComm, Human Resource Management, University of Guelph
- Executive Certificate in Conflict Management, Stitt Feld Handy/University of Windsor
- Certificate in Mental Health Law, Osgoode Professional Development, York University (in progress)
- Certificate in Human Rights Theory and Practice, Osgoode Professional Development, York University
- MicroMasters in Psychological Neuroscience, Centre for Applied Neuroscience (in progress)
- Conflict Coach Training Graduate, Cinergy Coaching
- Workplace Restoration and Workplace Fairness Analyst, Workplace Fairness Institute
- RESPECT Certified, The Respect Group – Respect in the Workplace
- Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor, Canadian Mental Health Association
- Diploma of Professional Counselling, Vancouver College of Counsellor Training
If you’re interested in any of the educational programs above, please let me know and I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
*Note: All photos of Sarah by Catherine Liguori Photography shot at East Room
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