May, 2026 | Presidents Message
Author Ava Isaacson
Welcome back Team TLOMA!
Sending a big thank you to all who organized and attended TLOMA events in April. What an exciting month! Despite the battle between spring and old man winter – our members came out on top!
April Event Debrief
Money, money, money - MONEY!
The 2026 Compensation Survey launched on April 8, 2026. If you wish to participate and/or purchase the survey but have not yet registered, make sure to do so by June19, 2026.
Celebrate good times - come on!
Our first Networking Event of the year was held at The Joneses on April 15. Special shoutout to our event sponsors PaayaTech, Dexco & iCompli. Another big thank you to our undercover mole played expertly by James MacInnis and our super sleuth winner - Michelle Bilboe!
It's the eye of the tiger, the thrill of the fight!
Sandra Bekhor led an excellent SIG on April 21 re Feedback that Works: Coaching Managers for Real Impact. If you missed it, or would like to watch it again, be sure to login to Member365 to watch the recording.
May is for Mental Health
As members of management, our roles can be isolating and all-consuming. Without having proper support systems in place (and even with support systems), the toll on one’s mental health can be extreme. Benefits service providers in recent years have amped up their EAP offerings to keep up with the demand but burnout and the stigma around it are still prevalent.
This year, consider participating in and promoting mental health awareness during Mental Health Week. Every year the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) dedicates a week towards educating and providing resources to those in need. Mental Health Week will take place from May 4-10, 2026 with the timely theme, "Come Together" which aims to foster belonging and reduce loneliness.
I also encourage those who are feeling burnt out or need to vent to reach out to your fellow TLOMA members. I say it every month but I mean it! For those participating in the Mentor Match program, consider discussing with your mentor/mentee. For those feeling a little shy, reach out to a colleague in your Human Resources department (if you have one), your EAP provider or visit our Wellness Resource landing page on the TLOMA website.
Nominating Committee
Beginning the first week of May, TLOMA will be sending out information requesting TLOMA members to volunteer to be part of the Nominating Committee. By participating on the Board or volunteering for one of our other roles, you'll gain valuable insight into how a Not-For-Profit Association operates. Want to Make an Impact and Help Fill Key Roles! Please watch your inbox for details.
Upcoming Events
We have a Technology SIG on May 13 and an Operations SIG on May 27 – both topics TBA. Be sure to register so you don’t miss out on great speakers and all of the current law firm changes.
Last but not least, on behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce on June 24, 2026 we will be holding a virtual “Meet the Board” session where we will provide updates on what the Board is working on, answer your Q&A’s, canvas member suggestions and some networking. Stay tuned for further information on how to sign up!
‘til we meet again!
Ava
Ava Isaacson is the Director of Team Development at Sherrard Kuzz LLP, one of Canada’s leading employment and labour law firms, representing employers. Her responsibilities include recruiting, training, managing, supervising, coaching and motivating the support team firm wide. Ava has been in the legal industry for more than 10 years, in both the public and private sectors, with a focus on employment and labour relations.
Ava has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a specialization in creative writing and journalism from University of Windsor, and an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in human resources management from Seneca College. She is a licensed paralegal and has obtained her CHRP certification.
Ava is honoured to be selected as a member of the Board of Directors and is looking forward to tackling the exciting new challenges ahead.
