About Us

Melissa is a Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant (College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals) with over 30 years of experience providing expert consulting services related to effective and inclusive disability management, coordination of treatment supports, workplace accommodation planning/facilitation and related support services. She further provides workplace interventions related to disability supports, executive/cognitive function education to maximize job performance as well as work/life balance advocacy. She has extensive experience working with individuals who have sustained physical/functional injuries, acquired brain injuries and/or are dealing with mental health or addiction issues. 

Melissa works collaboratively with treatment and assessment practitioners including but not restricted to Occupational Therapists, Neuropsychologists, psychologists, physicians, physiotherapists, and speech language therapists in the development and implementation of treatment planning, disability management and employability. The provision of said supports is to maximize client participation in work, school and related quality of life pursuits.

As former Director of Vocational Services/Co-Owner of RJ Skirda & Associates, Melissa has developed a reputation for providing objective vocational rehabilitation assessments for both defense and plaintiff legal counsel with the goal to advocate for the reasonable and necessary supports/needs of individuals with disabilities. She has worked directly with employers and employees to objectively evaluate work duties and the need for accommodations and/or interventions to maximize function and job retention. 

Through her new consulting firm, Workplace Interventions Consulting Ottawa, Melissa is now providing direct consulting support services to employees while also supporting employers with the facilitation of accommodation planning and related disability management education and supports. It remains her goal to maximize diversity and inclusion in the workplace with a particular focus on those with disabilities and/or functional limitations.