A clear language "DON'T"

• High Level Credentials & Expertise:

  Writing skill combined with technical competencies so information/documentation is effectively translated into understandable & persuasive lay language.
  
  

• Proven Success:

  Established in 1998 with long-term clients & diverse results-oriented projects. Case studies & samples available.
  
  

• Built-in Quality Assurance:

  Every project includes a comprehensive needs assessment, custom outline development and review by an independent editor before you see the first draft.
  
  

• Industry Benchmark Pricing:

  Quotes based on industry standard surveys. No time/money wasted negotiating hourly rates or assessing cost competitiveness.
  
  

• The Ultimate "Decoders":

  We decipher topics written by clients in other countries whose native language is not English to ensure their English-speaking customers receive accurate but persuasive messages.
  
  

Credentials & Expertise

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRINT PRODUCTION TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Nancy Hibbeln BA (Hons.), CPPP "Form follows function ... even with clear content, the 'deal breaker' in terms of usability is making sure the design (form) fits the function (purpose of the content)." Nancy has nearly 20 years experience in the world of marketing communications with a focus on graphic design and print management. Her philosophy is one of practical design-driven solutions, resulting in pieces that are always straightforward, relevant and targeted - without being run of the mill. Nancy's passion for innovation is complimented by her overriding concern that each Clear Language @ Work project delivers the best overall solution in terms of quality, price and speed. Experienced in all forms of print and digital media, Nancy has an extensive background in developing Continuing Medical Education materials on a wide range of health issues and disease states. Nancy's career has also included the role of Studio Manager for a graphic design studio (Optic Nerve) and Print Production Supervisor at SMW Advertising. Nancy holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from York University and accreditation as a Certified Print Production Practitioner. She is fluent in French and Spanish. Back to Top FINANCIAL TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Paul LaCroix BA, CMA, MBA Paul has over 20 years experience as a senior financial executive responsible for overseeing operational finance and managing annual capital expenditure budgets in excess of $500 million. His areas of expertise include managing financial control, budgeting functions, quarterly forecasts and fiscal audits, as well as planning capital expenditures including product costing and pricing analysis. Paul has held senior financial positions including Chief Financial Officer and Director of Finance and Business Development (Canadian Hydrogen Energy Canada, Magna International). Significant achievements include the launch of eight new manufacturing operations and leading a business development strategy that resulted in the acquisition of three new top revenue-generating customers. Paul is a Certified Management Accountant who holds a Bachelor of Arts (Finance) from Wilfred Laurier University and Master of Business Administration (Finance) from Queens University. Back to Top HEALTH EDUCATION TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Katharine Slater BA, PHEd, MHSc, RD As a Registered Dietician, Katharine has over 20 years experience in nutrition and community health. She has held a variety of senior management positions in both the public and private sectors including Director of Nutrition and Health Promotion (North York Public Health Department), Director of Policy, Planning and Communications (Scarborough Health Department) and Manager of Government Affairs (Kraft Foods). Significant achievements include being selected for the first North American Public Health Delegation to visit the Republic of China and receiving the Association of Local Official Health Agencies' 'Distinguished Service Award' in recognition of outstanding contributions to public health in Ontario. Katharine has also applied her nutrition and health promotion expertise to the classroom, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (Master of Health Science program) at the Universities of Toronto and Guelph. Katharine holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Birmingham, Bachelor of Applied Arts (Food Science and Nutrition) from Ryerson Polytechnical University and Master of Health Science from the University of Toronto. Back to Top LITERACY TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Susan Rosenstein BA, MA Susan has over 15 years experience working in the areas of literacy and knowledge transfer for diverse population groups. As an expert in literacy levels, readability, cultural sensitivity and qualitative analysis, Susan has developed a wide range of publications for adults and families on complex issues. She has applied this expertise to positions in health promotion, social marketing & product development (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Scarborough Public Health Department, York Region Heart Health, East York Health Unit). Key achievements include the development of a series of successful children's books tackling difficult subjects: Can I Catch It Like a Cold? (depression) and Wishes and Worries (alcoholism). Receiving national media attention, Curriculum Services Canada recommends these publications as supplemental resources. Other information series such as: What Kids Want to Know, Is it Safe for Your Baby? and About (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine) have received similar extensive kudos. Susan holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Master of Arts (Applied Social Psychology) from the University of Guelph. Her undergraduate thesis: Parental Predictions of their Children's Knowledge about Dangerous Situations was published in Child Abuse and Neglect, 1988; 12(3) 355-61. Her expertise in the area of qualitative research was also recognized with the publication of her paper: The Usefulness of a Standardized Form for the Process Analysis Stage: A Case Study in the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, vol 7, no 1, Spring 1992, pp 119 - 131. Back to Top MEDICAL TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Dr. David Esser MD As a General Practitioner with additional training in Orthopaedic Surgery and Emergency Medicine, David has over 20 years experience in both urban and rural hospital settings (Mt. Forest, Georgetown and Toronto). For the past 12 years David has primarily worked in the Operating Room as a Surgical Assistant on general surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopaedic and plastic surgery cases. When not in the Operating Room, he can be found coordinating the Surgical Assistants for two sites of the Humber River Regional Hospital, as well as sitting on its Family Practice Executive Committee and Operating Room Operations Committee. David also established the Ontario Medical Association's Section for Surgical Assistants and currently acts as the Section Chair. David holds a Doctor of Medicine from The University of Western Ontario. Back to Top SCIENCE & EDUCATION TECHNICAL CONSULTANT Greg Michalski BSc (Hons), BEd Music to Greg's ears, the question: "How does the world work?" With an experiential philosophy to learning, Greg has applied his passion for science to the classroom for over 15 years. Whether teaching Grades 7-12 Biology, Chemistry or Physics in a traditional classroom setting or Environmental Science as part of an outdoor expedition, Greg's captivating hands-on approach has realized very positive results. Greg has held positions in both the public and private sectors, including the Ontario Science Centre as part of the Education Department and Crescent School for boys as a Science Teacher and Head of Grade 11. The establishment of Grade 11 and 12 biology courses in South America and a new science laboratory in South Africa are examples of international education accomplishments. Greg holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree (Biology) from The University of Western Ontario and earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. Back to Top