Shannon Collier

With over three decades of diverse professional experience, I bring a rich tapestry of skills and expertise to my roles. My career journey began in the hospitality industry, where I worked from 1987 to 2007 in a variety of settings, including restaurants, pubs, and hotels. I honed my skills in numerous positions, ranging from busser and hostess to server, line cook, bartender, and bar manager. Early in my career, I attended George Brown College, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant Management with a focus on Culinary Arts. Later, I served as a Restaurant & Banquet Supervisor at Club Link, solidifying my leadership capabilities in the hospitality field. After leaving this industry, I sought certification from Centennial College and dedicated 3 years to the auto service sector while spending my downtime travelling around Europe.

In January 2011, I transitioned into the insurance industry, joining GuardMe as a claims assistant. Over the years, I climbed the ranks, serving in roles such as Clinic Coordinator, Claim Examiner, Senior Examiner, and Crisis Care Team Lead. Today, I manage the Crisis Care team, leading five medical case coordinators in providing critical support to students, schools, and healthcare partners. I also contribute to workplace safety and development as a member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee and serve as a subject matter expert on claims-related matters.

My skill set is defined by versatility, innovation, and a solutions-oriented mindset. I excel at problem-solving, leveraging a vast network of resources to connect people and ideas effectively. In addition to my primary role, I manage a local studio part-time for a popular fitness company and have engaged in community leadership, including serving on the Kingsfest Music Festival board (2016-2017) and chairing the Heritage Centre Community Committee for the Town of Richmond Hill for eight years. As benefactor for local charities both independently and through the Girl Guides of Canada while in my youth, I've volunteered for numerous organizations including the Canadian Amputee Hockey Team, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Cancer Society and participated in numerous 5km-10km races for many causes over the past 21 years.

Outside of work, I enjoy home cooking, health and fitness, action movies, crossword puzzles, gardening, and spending time with friends. A lover of animals, I share my home with a 25-year-old cockatoo, an 8-year-old conure, and three cats. When I have time to relax, you’ll find me binge-watching mystery or medical dramas. Fun fact - I started tap dancing at age 4 and worked as a teacher/choreographer in every discipline for many years, competing on the international circuit for a decade before spending 3 years dancing professionally in an all female tap company until retiring in 2002.

I am passionate about finding creative solutions, and balancing professional excellence with personal fulfillment, and I'm known for my adaptability, resourcefulness, and dedication to making meaningful connections, whether at work or in my personal life.