• A lack of knowledge of proper procedures for administering standardized testing
• A failure to develop and implement compensatory strategies for individuals with special needs
• A lack of available resources to assist individuals with physical disabilities, such as ergonomic devices and assistive computer technologies.

As Rosemary believed these areas were all integral to ensuring a successful outcome to any return to work plan, she started CareerQuest with a mission of bringing superior levels of knowledge, integrity, professionalism, and cost-effectiveness to the industry.

Rosemary is a Registered Rehabilitation Professional who possesses three Bachelor of Science degrees: one in Psychology, one in Biology (specializing mainly in Neurocognitive Processes), and one in Exceptionality in Human Learning, all obtained from the University of Toronto.

For approximately seven years, Rosemary held the position of Coordinator for the Psychology and Impulse Control Disorders Programs at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), formerly known as the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry. She was responsible for both clinical and research endeavours while developing various programs for the community’s most difficult clients, including criminal offenders. She was also directly involved in developing and delivering international conferences that provided continuing education opportunities for hundreds of professionals in the field. While in this role, she acquired formal training in the administration of standardized testing for an extensive number of psychological and educational assessment tools designed for use with a variety of populations.

In 1994, Rosemary joined Lacroix, Scher Consultants in Toronto where she spent over four years developing a firm understanding of psychometric properties while she conducted hundreds of neuropsychological, psychovocational, and academic assessments. Conducting these assessments allowed her to be involved in developing academic, ESL, and computer skills training programs targeted to individuals presenting with physical, emotional and/or learning challenges. Rosemary was also involved in the development and delivery of a non-dominant hand training program that has helped a great number of individuals achieve dominant hand transference and return to competitive employment.

In 1998, Rosemary decided to turn her knowledge and experience in many areas of vocational rehabilitation to providing case management services for individuals on long term disability insurance. It was at this time she became acutely aware of the lack of high quality service providers available in the field. CareerQuest was founded to fill this void. Over the past seven years, Rosemary has built an organization that is fast becoming an industry leader in providing successful and cost-effective solutions through a knowledgeable team of instructors, program coordinators, psychometrists, and kinesiologists, all of whom are directed by a professional and experienced management team.

Despite the demands on her time from managing an operation such as CareerQuest, Rosemary volunteers her services in a number of ways. She serves on the Conflict Resolution Committee for the Ministry of Community and Social Services’ Employment Supports Program and contributes as one of a three-member panel that makes recommendations to the Ministry in situations of dispute. In addition, she often hosts meetings of service providers active in the community in an effort to work collaboratively with other professionals, identify gaps in service, and discuss solutions to improve the overall state of the industry.

James joined CareerQuest in 2003 as an Organizational Analyst to act as an adviser to senior management and take responsibility for the development and standardization of corporate policies and procedures. However, building on his previous experiences in the industry, he quickly became involved in all aspects of our operation from administration to program delivery. James became our Operations Manager in 2005 and is primarily responsible for general management of day to day operations, including handling the majority of staffing and human resources matters. He is also actively involved in the preparation of training program proposals for our referral sources and corresponding with them regarding the development of unique training options.

Prior to joining CareerQuest, James worked as both an Instructor and Centre Manager for one of the largest training organizations in the industry. His past experiences have also included a stint in corporate administration supporting the CEO of a TSX listed high-tech company in the Waterloo region and several years in the automotive industry with a car parts manufacturer.

James holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Western Ontario.