Our Team

Dean Benard is a leading expert in workplace investigations, regulatory investigations, mediation, and conflict resolution, with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex and sensitive issues. Recognized for his work on high-profile cases, Dean is widely trusted for his ability to conduct thorough, impartial, and trauma-informed investigations that support fair and effective outcomes.

With a professional background that includes critical care nursing, law enforcement, management, and mediation, Dean brings a unique blend of analytical skill and compassionate insight to every investigation. His expertise spans workplace harassment, misconduct investigations, professional regulation, conflict management, and organizational culture challenges.

As the Founder and CEO of Benard + Associates, Dean has grown the firm from a solo practice into a respected team of more than 20 specialized investigators and mediators. Under his leadership, the firm has become a recognized provider of workplace investigation services, mediation services, and conflict resolution consulting, celebrating over 20 years of sustained success.

Dean is also a trailblazer in investigation training and e-learning. He created the Excelsior+ App, a digital tool offering accessible resources for investigators, and developed a comprehensive online education platform delivering industry-leading investigation training programs, including courses on workplace harassment, trauma-informed investigations, interviewing techniques, and communication skills.

A committed educator and thought leader, Dean regularly delivers workshops, seminars, and keynote presentations to help organizations build safer, more respectful workplaces. He is an author, a contributor to the firm’s YouTube education channel, and other social media platforms, where he shares insights and best practices from his extensive career.

Dean’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and professional growth makes him a trusted advisor for organizations seeking expert guidance in workplace investigations, mediation, conflict resolution, and investigation training.

Brenda Benard is the operational backbone of Benard + Associates, playing a critical role in the firm’s continued growth and success. With a diverse professional background spanning healthcare, policing, and insurance investigations, Brenda brings a rare combination of analytical expertise, strong communication skills, and practical leadership to every aspect of the organization.

Brenda oversees the day-to-day operations of Benard + Associates, ensuring the firm delivers high-quality investigation services, mediation support, and consulting. Her ability to manage complex workflows, streamline processes, and keep critical business functions running seamlessly has made her an essential leader within the organization.

Known for her precision, adaptability, and strategic insight, Brenda plays a central role in turning the company’s vision into reality. She is instrumental in supporting long-term planning, operational improvements, client service delivery, and team coordination. Her leadership helps maintain the firm’s reputation for exceptional service.

Brenda’s partnership with CEO Dean Benard is a driving force behind the company’s innovation and expansion. As a cornerstone of the firm’s leadership team, she embodies the values of collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement that define Benard + Associates.

Her dedication, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to the company’s mission make Brenda a vital part of Benard + Associates, and a key contributor to its sustained success.

Stefanie Blacker brings extensive international experience and specialized expertise in regulatory investigations to Benard + Associates. With a distinguished background as a Senior Case Investigation Officer for the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the United Kingdom, she has managed complex investigations involving professional misconduct, competency issues, and fitness to practise concerns within regulated professions.

Her strong analytical ability, combined with a deep understanding of regulatory processes and investigative best practices, makes Stefanie a key contributor to the firm’s success in delivering high-quality regulatory investigation services. Known for her clarity, precision, and client-focused approach, she consistently ensures that each investigation is handled thoroughly and tailored to the unique needs of every client.

Beyond her investigative expertise, Stefanie plays a central role in leading and advancing the firm’s decision writing services. She has been instrumental in helping organizations produce well-reasoned, concise, and defensible decisions that support fair and transparent outcomes.

Stefanie’s commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and ability to navigate the complexities of regulatory frameworks have made her a trusted advisor to clients seeking guidance in professional regulation, misconduct investigations, and evidence-based decision making. Her contributions continue to strengthen the quality, integrity, and impact of Benard + Associates’ investigative services.

Ziggy Bardel brings more than 15 years of specialized experience in regulatory investigations and has earned a strong reputation as a meticulous, analytical, and highly trusted investigator. Since joining Benard + Associates in 2015, he has become known for his unwavering commitment to uncovering the facts, even in the most complex or challenging cases. His expertise spans a broad range of investigative areas, including professional misconduct, practice concerns, and illegal practice matters.

Ziggy’s investigative approach is defined by precision, thoroughness, and a deep understanding of evidence-based investigation practices. His dedication to accuracy and fairness has made him a reliable resource for clients seeking comprehensive and defensible investigative outcomes. Beyond technical expertise, Ziggy is recognized for his client-focused mindset. He works tirelessly to ensure clients receive clear communication, timely results, and exceptional service.

Within the Benard + Associates team, Ziggy is highly respected for his collaborative nature and willingness to support colleagues. He is often the first person team members turn to when navigating complex questions due to his deep knowledge, practical insight, and calm, humble demeanour. His authenticity, knowing exactly what he knows and never overstating it, has earned him admiration and trust across the organization.

Ziggy’s steadfast commitment to excellence, strong mentorship abilities, and dedication to delivering high-quality regulatory investigations make him an invaluable member of the Benard + Associates team. His professional integrity and pursuit of truth ensure that every investigation is handled with the highest level of care and professionalism.

Elijah Smythe is a skilled client relations and marketing professional known for delivering exceptional customer service and providing dependable support to both clients and colleagues. With a diverse background spanning client support, social media content creation, administrative operations, and marketing coordination, Elijah brings a well-rounded skill set to his role at Benard + Associates.

Since joining the team, Elijah has made a significant impact on the company’s internal coordination, communication flow, and day-to-day operations. Serving as a key support person for the entire team, and as a trusted right hand to the CEO, he plays an essential role in keeping processes organized, efficient, and moving forward.

Elijah has a unique ability to anticipate needs, solve problems quickly, and ensure that everyone has what they require to do their best work. His warm, supportive nature and unwavering professionalism make him an invaluable member of the Benard + Associates team.

Whether he is managing client inquiries, supporting marketing initiatives, or coordinating internal operations, Elijah approaches every task with care, kindness, and a commitment to excellence. His contributions strengthen both the client experience and the overall effectiveness of the organization.

Valerie brings a thoughtful, methodical, and highly organized approach to her work at Benard + Associates, where she has been a valued member of the investigative team since 2019. Known for her ability to manage complex workplace and regulatory investigations, Valerie consistently demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and exceptional attention to detail.

Her calming communication style is one of her defining strengths. Valerie excels at building rapport with interviewees and stakeholders, ensuring cooperation and fostering a respectful environment throughout every investigation. This approach enhances the quality and accuracy of her findings, contributing to smooth and effective investigative processes.

Valerie is also recognized for her outstanding case management skills. She has a proven ability to balance multiple high-demand tasks without ever compromising the thoroughness or integrity of her work. Clients and colleagues rely on her to deliver accurate, timely, and well-reasoned investigative results, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Her quiet determination, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence make Valerie an invaluable asset to the Benard + Associates team. Clients appreciate her professionalism and clear communication, while colleagues value her as a dependable collaborator who can be trusted to navigate complex investigations with care and precision.

Lauren DeVriese brings more than 16 years of investigative experience to Benard + Associates, where she is known for her exceptional ability to conduct discreet, effective, and detail-driven investigations. Her work spans undercover investigations, regulatory investigations, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and background investigations, making her a versatile and highly trusted investigative professional.

Lauren is particularly skilled at gathering critical information in sensitive or complex situations. Whether managing covert assignments or investigating regulatory matters, she consistently delivers accurate, timely, and actionable findings. Her quiet diligence, reliability, and ability to work behind the scenes ensure that no detail is overlooked and no deadline is missed.

A leader in investigative research, Lauren has developed innovative techniques in OSINT and background investigation practices. She authored a comprehensive internal learning manual that has strengthened investigative methods across the firm and elevated team-wide standards. Her contributions have played a significant role in enhancing the firm’s investigative capabilities and training resources.

Respected by colleagues for her dependability, thoroughness, and calm strength, Lauren is often the professional others turn to when cases are particularly demanding or require a meticulous approach. Clients rely on her ability to uncover the information they need with precision and confidentiality, confident in her commitment to delivering exceptional results.

Lauren’s combination of specialized expertise, strong work ethic, and behind-the-scenes dedication makes her an invaluable member of the Benard + Associates investigative team.

Sophia brings a strong foundation in critical thinking, evidence gathering, and exceptional communication to her role at Benard + Associates, supported by her professional background in nursing. Since joining the firm in 2020, she has taken on some of the organization’s most challenging regulatory investigations, including sexual abuse matters, and complex practice related issues, demonstrating exceptional skill in managing sensitive, complex, and often high-risk matters.

A significant part of Sophia’s work involves identifying and investigating illegal practitioners, including conducting detailed background inquiries, surveillance, and undercover operations. Her ability to adapt quickly, think strategically, and remain composed under pressure allows her to gather crucial information efficiently and discreetly. She consistently produces thorough, accurate, and defensible investigative findings that regulators rely on to protect the public and uphold professional standards.

Sophia is known for her razor-sharp wit, approachable demeanour, and outstanding ability to build rapport—whether with clients, colleagues, witnesses, or subjects of investigation. These interpersonal strengths enhance her effectiveness in both overt and covert investigative scenarios.

Sophia has a natural leadership quality and routinely steps up to support colleagues, mentor newer team members, and contribute to a positive, collaborative environment. Her work ethic is exceptional. She is focused, dependable, and consistently willing to go above and beyond to ensure high-quality results.

With her combination of investigative talent, adaptability, strong people skills, and unwavering dedication, Sophia brings it all to the Benard + Associates team, and is a trusted professional for clients navigating complex regulatory issues.

Eugene Silva is a highly respected investigator with more than 30 years of experience and a reputation for meticulous attention to detail, patient communication, and an exceptional ability to build rapport. At Benard + Associates, Eugene conducts investigations for a wide range of professional regulators, where his calm approach is especially valuable in sensitive or complex matters.

Eugene spent much of his career with the Waterloo Regional Police Service, serving in key investigative roles across drug enforcement, undercover operations, and cyber-related investigations. A significant part of his expertise includes digital forensics, where he has completed more than 1,200 digital investigations involving complex cases such as homicides, ransomware, and Internet Child Exploitation. His methodical, unbiased analysis has earned the trust of both prosecution and defence teams, and he has testified extensively as a court-qualified expert.

While his technical skills are exceptional, Eugene is equally known for his human touch. He is patient, grounded, and highly skilled at creating a safe and respectful environment for interviews. Whether working with vulnerable individuals, reluctant witnesses, or subject matter experts, Eugene’s rapport-building and clear communication contribute to strong investigative outcomes.

Eugene’s career has earned multiple commendations, including the Canadian Police Exemplary Service Medal, and his expertise has been recognized internationally, including presenting at INTERPOL’s Crimes Against Children Conference.

Combining deep investigative experience, advanced digital forensic capability, and a compassionate, client-focused style, Eugene is an invaluable resource for regulators and organizations seeking reliable, thorough, and professional investigative services.

Courtnie McDowell is both an investigator and mediator at Benard + Associates. She excels in both these important roles bringing clarity, intellect, and compassion to both. 

Courtnie is a Certified Human Resources Leader with more than 14 years of experience in strategic HR partnerships, employee relations, and workplace investigations. Since joining Benard + Associates, her impact has been immediate and significant. Known for her exceptional work ethic, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to fairness, Courtnie has quickly earned the trust and respect of both clients and colleagues.

As an investigator, Courtnie is recognized for her impeccable ethics and dedication to ensuring that every investigation results in a fair, transparent, and well-reasoned outcome. Her expertise in trauma-informed workplace investigations makes her particularly effective in sensitive cases involving sexual harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, and complex interpersonal conflict. She approaches each investigation with a hands-on, methodical process, ensuring thorough fact-finding, objective analysis, and alignment with current legislation and leading best practices.

As a mediator, Courtnie’s empathetic communication and her ability to establish trust quickly make her exceptionally effective at helping individuals work toward constructive, lasting resolutions.

At Benard + Associates, Courtnie brings her expertise, integrity, and commitment to a balanced approach to every case. Clients can rely on her not only for high-quality investigations and mediations, but for the confidence that their matters are handled with care, fairness, and professionalism.

Ted Rhab brings more than 30 years of law enforcement and investigative experience to Benard + Associates, with deep expertise in criminal investigations, offender management, intelligence gathering, and major case management. His extensive background includes significant work in the Major Case Unit and Special Victims Unit, where he led sensitive and high-profile investigations involving sexual offences, high-risk offenders, and vulnerable individuals.

A highly skilled and respected investigator, Ted is also a dedicated mentor and educator. As a Major Case Management (MCM) trainer, he has played a key role in shaping the next generation of investigators by designing and delivering advanced investigative training programs. His ability to break down complex investigative concepts and teach them with clarity has made him a valued resource within the investigative community.

Ted’s academic studies in Sociology at the University of Waterloo complement his professional experience, enabling him to approach investigations with both strategic insight and a deep understanding of human behavior. This blend of academic grounding and field expertise allows him to navigate sensitive cases with compassion, fairness, and strong analytical reasoning.

Known for his hands-on leadership, sound judgment, and exceptional problem-solving skills, Ted is a trusted resource for clients seeking expert guidance in complex, sensitive, and high-stakes investigations, whether in regulatory, workplace, or criminal contexts. His commitment to excellence and continuous learning strengthens the overall investigative capability of the Benard + Associates team.

Stephanie Pigeon is a highly experienced Certified Human Resources Leader with more than 17 years of expertise in employee and labour relations, workplace investigations, and strategic HR consulting. Her extensive background in both unionized and non-unionized environments gives her the ability to navigate complex workplace dynamics with confidence, professionalism, and fairness.

Throughout her career, Stephanie has led numerous high-stakes workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, and policy breaches. She is known for her thorough, impartial approach and her ability to produce clear, defensible findings that organizations can rely on.

Beyond her investigative expertise, Stephanie has successfully led cross-functional initiatives, supported organizational restructuring, and implemented effective training and development programs. Her strategic insight, paired with hands-on experience, allows her to provide holistic support that aligns HR best practices with organizational needs.

Clients value Stephanie for her professionalism, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her balanced approach, strong analytical skills, and ability to build trust make her a highly effective workplace investigator and a respected member of the Benard + Associates team.

Patty Pronovost is a seasoned investigator with more than 30 years of experience across policing, regulatory enforcement, and public-sector investigations. At Benard + Associates, Patty conducts complex regulatory investigations bringing a wealth of expertise and a proven ability to manage sensitive, high-stakes cases.

Patty previously served as a Detective Constable with the Guelph Police Service, where she led intricate investigations in the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit. She played a pivotal role in the police service’s early efforts to combat human trafficking, securing convictions and training officers on emerging investigative techniques and legal developments. Her work in these specialized units demonstrates her deep experience in trauma-informed investigations, and managing cases involving vulnerable individuals.

Following her distinguished policing career, Patty joined the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food as a regulatory investigator, where she enforced provincial legislation and conducted investigations involving food safety, covert surveillance, search warrants, and Crown brief preparation. Her responsibilities required strong knowledge of judicial processes, evidence collection, and evidence management, all of which she continues to apply in her current regulatory work.

Before joining Benard + Associates, Patty served as a Regional Investigator with Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), where she managed high-profile investigations involving serious injury, death, or sexual assault allegations linked to police actions. These cases demanded exceptional objectivity, tact, and adherence to investigative best practices.

Patty is widely respected for her professionalism, trauma-informed approach, and ability to navigate complex, high-pressure investigations with fairness and clarity. She is a powerful asset to regulatory bodies and legal teams seeking skilled, court-tested investigative support and reliable, evidence-based outcomes.

Aislinn Quigg brings a detail-oriented, methodical, and compassionate approach to her work as an Investigator at Benard + Associates, ensuring every investigation is conducted with fairness, professionalism, and integrity.

Before joining our team, Aislinn worked as a clinical research nurse where she supported multiple clinical trials from start to finish. Her role included patient screening, data collection, protocol adherence, management of adverse events, and effective communication with study sponsors and investigators. This experience has equipped her with a high level of analytical skill, documentation precision, and an ability to navigate complex information, key strengths she now applies to investigative work.

Aislinn has also held front-line roles across diverse healthcare settings, including hospital nursing, an aboriginal health access centre, and various community health centres. Her ability to build rapport quickly, communicate clearly, and maintain a calm, grounded presence supports her investigative work and the application of trauma-informed practices and effective fact-finding.

With advanced training in mental health first aid, cultural safety, and a suite of clinical certifications, Aislinn brings a balanced blend of technical knowledge and human-centred practice to her role. Dedicated, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning, she approaches each investigation with a focus on clarity, respect, and high-quality outcomes for all parties involved.

Avon Giddings is a highly seasoned Human Resources leader with extensive experience guiding organizations through mergers, acquisitions, corporate restructurings, and complex workplace challenges. With deep expertise in leadership development, change management, conflict resolution, and mediation, he is a trusted advisor to clients across both the public and private sectors.

For more than 15 years, Avon has been an integral part of Benard + Associates, making him the longest-serving member of the team. His longevity reflects not only his exceptional skill, but also the profound impact he has on clients, colleagues, and the firm as a whole.

Avon’s innovative and balanced approach to conflict resolution and mediation has earned him recognition from regulatory bodies across Canada, who frequently rely on his insight to help navigate complaints, resolve disputes, and restore working relationships. His ability to listen deeply, communicate with clarity, and bring calm to emotionally charged situations is unmatched.

Widely regarded as one of the most genuinely likeable and grounding people you can meet, Avon brings warmth, wisdom, and humanity to every interaction. His presence creates space for understanding, compassion, and meaningful resolution, even in the most challenging circumstances.

We are truly fortunate to have Avon on our team. His experience, steady leadership, and remarkable people skills continue to elevate the quality and integrity of the services we provide.

Peter Treacy is an experienced Human Resources Leader and skilled workplace investigator with more than 20 years of professional experience. Holding both the CHRL and CTDP designations, Peter has built a career grounded in fairness, professionalism, and a deep understanding of employee relations and organizational behaviour.

Before joining Benard + Associates, Peter operated his own HR consulting practice, where he conducted workplace investigations and provided HR advisory support to a wide range of organizations. His background includes work across multiple sectors, giving him a broad perspective on workplace dynamics, policy application, and best practices in resolving complex employee issues.

Peter brings strong expertise in HR policy interpretation, conflict resolution, leadership development, and change management, all of which strengthen his approach to conducting thorough, objective, and well-reasoned investigations. His commitment to ensuring a fair process and clear, defensible findings has earned him the confidence of clients who rely on his balanced and methodical approach.

Known for his professionalism, integrity, and calm communication style, Peter ensures that every investigation is handled with respect, neutrality, and careful attention to detail. His dedication to delivering high-quality investigative work makes him a trusted and valued member of the Benard + Associates team.