About Pivot HR Services

Our Pivot Story

Strategic HR Consulting Services Rooted in Partnership

Pivot HR Services is a Canadian-owned boutique HR consulting firm. Since 2017, our HR consultants have partnered with private companies, public sector organizations, and nonprofits across Canada to provide flexible, expert HR solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Founded by Robin Turnill, Pivot was created with a clear mission: to offer flexible, expert HR support that adapts to the unique needs of every organization — whether that’s short-term guidance, project-based expertise, or a long-term HR partnership.

We provide comprehensive human resources services that span the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to leadership development, compensation strategy, performance management, conflict resolution, and retention. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding that no two workplaces are alike — which is why we never deliver cookie-cutter solutions.

Robin is an accomplished HR leader with over 25 years of executive and consulting
experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors, crown corporations and
municipal government. She has been an HR Director; a Chief Operating Officer of a
large community healthcare organization; and now provides strategic HR and
leadership services to clients across Canada. As well, Robin was a Faculty Member in
the School of Business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for a decade.

Deeply community-minded, Robin serves as a Board Director for North Shore Crisis
Services Society and is the Chair of the HRMT Employer Advisory Committee for KPU.
She is a past Board Director for CPHR BC & Yukon, past Board President of Kids Up
Front Foundation Vancouver, and past Vice-Chair for Greater Vancouver Community
Services Society.

Robin has a Masters’ Degree in Human Resources Management from York University
and a BA in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. She has a Diversity and
Inclusion Certification from Cornell University and is a Certified Professional Coach
(CPCC) through the world-renowned Co-Active Training Institute. Robin holds her designation in the U.S. from the Society for Human Resource Management as a Senior
Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and has been conferred the highest designation in
HR in Canada as a Fellow Chartered Professional in Human Resources (FCPHR).

Robin Turnill, MHRM, FCPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPCC (she/her)

Managing Consultant, People & Culture

Kristina is a people-focused HR leader with over a decade of experience guiding businesses through growth, change, and complex people challenges. With a thoughtful and empathetic approach, she helps organizations build positive, inclusive workplace cultures while aligning people strategies with business goals.

She previously served as Director of Human Resources for a national firm and brings a strong understanding of both operational and strategic HR needs. Kristina also draws on her experience managing her family business to support entrepreneurial clients and appreciates the balance between business priorities and employee engagement.

Her expertise spans all core HR functions, including employee relations, workplace investigations, compensation strategy, recruitment, HRIS implementation, and talent engagement. She is especially passionate about equitable, transparent HR practices and fostering culturally responsive workplaces.

Kristina holds a Master of International Business from the University of Hertfordshire, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and an advanced diploma in Human Resources from Capilano University. She is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).

Beyond the office, Kristina recharges by travelling, reading anything from business to beach novels, testing out new fitness classes, and chasing fresh air wherever she can find it.

Kristina Kovacevic, MSc (she/her)

Principal Consultant, People & Culture

Katie is a passionate, innovative HR consultant and leader with nearly 20 years of experience including at senior and executive levels across private, non-profit, and public sectors. She partners strategically with clients to align people programs with organizational goals, driving continuous improvement and lasting impact.

Katie holds an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg, a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources Management, a CPHR designation, and certification as a Korn Ferry leadership architect trainer. Her academic and practical expertise enables her to deliver impactful presentations, strategic recommendations, and thoughtful, well-informed decisions.

Her comprehensive HR knowledge spans strategic HR planning, organizational culture and engagement, employee and labour relations, compensation and rewards, performance management, talent acquisition, DEI, and training and development. Katie excels at aligning HR strategy with business needs, designing solutions that foster organizational and employee success.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys outdoor activities that promote environmental protection and loves spending time with loved ones and animals.

Katie Stargardter, CPHR, SHRM-SCP (she/her)

Principal Consultant, People & Culture

Megan is an intuitive and highly driven Human Resources professional who brings in depth expertise and a strategic mindset to every client partnership. As a Senior Consultant, People and Culture at Pivot HR Services, she is committed to empowering organizations and professionals through thoughtful HR strategy, inclusive practices, and practical solutions tailored to each client’s unique goals.

With extensive experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Megan specializes in full-cycle talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, learning and development, DEI, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution. Her work is grounded in a strong foundation of employment legislation and HR best practices, allowing her to advise with clarity and confidence. Megan has held senior HR roles within both consulting and public sector environments, where she provided strategic level support across HR operations, client service delivery, and organizational development.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and holds her designation as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). Megan is certified in Emotional Intelligence to administer and interpret the EQ-i 2.0/EQ 360 assessments and has completed the Workplace Investigation Fundamentals program through Rubin Thomlinson Workplace Training. Megan considers herself a lifelong learner who prioritizes ongoing educational opportunities and continuously invests in expanding her expertise, staying at the forefront of evolving HR trends and best practices.

Well regarded for her professionalism, warmth, and analytical thinking, Megan is passionate about fostering inclusive, high-performing workplaces and delivering HR solutions that create meaningful impact.

Megan Finley, CPHR, BBA HRMT (she/her)

Senior Consultant, People & Culture

Hassib’s extensive academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Criminology and a Minor in Psychology. He then completed a Juris Doctor and Master in Business Administration Dual Degree as he was most interested in the ability to think like a lawyer and utilize it in conjunction with shrewd HR and business skills within a non-law environment. To further develop himself as a well-rounded HR leader, Hassib continued his academic and professional pursuits by obtaining his Chartered Professional in Human Resources designation, a Certificate in Organizational Coaching, and an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate among other certificates. Hassib is also now in the midst of an Equity, Diversion, and Inclusion Certificate.

Hassib practiced law for 7 years in mostly corporate and commercial law before he ultimately transitioned into Human Resources work at large and highly complex multi-unionized public sector and municipal institutes. Hassib has gained comprehensive experience with unionized and non-unionized employees through his work as a HR Generalist as well as his work specializing in Labour Relations. He has experience with employment and labour legislation, performance management, succession planning, policy development, unionized and non-unionized recruitment, WorksafeBC matters, grievance hearings, mediations, arbitrations, collective agreement interpretation and bargaining as well as hundreds of workplace investigations.

Hassib has also coached entrepreneurs as well as employees of all career stages from entry level positions to executive directors and associate vice presidents from various organizations. Hassib’s love and appreciation of coaching is intertwined with his passion for perpetual growth and self-discovery as well as genuine and whole-hearted conversation. Although he does not limit himself to any collection of topics that he coaches on, the coaching topics that he finds most exciting are confidence, leadership, career, decision-making, and health and wellbeing. In his non-directional coaching approach, he helps clients look inward to discover all the insights already embedded within them.

Outside of work, Hassib enjoys hiking, photography, and is an avid world traveler having travelled to over 30 countries.

Hassib Hasanzadeh, J.D, M.B.A.

Senior Consultant, People and Culture

Cindy has been in the business of people and organizational performance for 25 years through her work as a Human Resources executive and Professional Certified Coach. She successfully led Human Resources divisions for reputable Fortune 100 companies including DuPont, Johnson Controls and The Boeing Company.

In 2013, she obtained her Certified Professional Co-Active Coaching (CPCC) designation from the Coaches Training Institute (CTI). She is also a designated Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation . Cindy holds an Organizational Psychology Honours degree from Western University and a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations from Queen’s University. She is fluently bilingual in French and English.

As a coach and HR professional, Cindy draws on her experience with organizational dynamics, culture, Human Resources and leadership to offer unique insight and guidance for targeted and effective professional development. Fluently bilingual in French and English, Cindy provides consulting and coaching services in both languages.

Cindy believes that coaching is for everyone: she coaches at all levels, including high-potential contributors, managers, and executives. Using her engaging and candid style, Cindy helps her clients overcome obstacles, access their own wisdom and their strengths to accelerate their professional and personal growth. She is known for wearing her passion for excellence and people’s performance on her sleeve. Cindy also values having meaningful, break through conversations.

Cindy Theriault, PCC, CPHR, MIR

Senior Consultant, People & Culture

Claire is a data-driven digital marketing strategist with a strong foundation in marketing analytics, campaign performance optimization, and SEO. She brings cross-industry experience from Finance, e-commerce, and education tech, having led high-impact marketing initiatives that improved ROI, brand engagement, and digital visibility across North American markets.

With a Master of Business Analytics from UBC, Claire specializes in leveraging tools like Google Analytics, Meta Ads, Python, and Semrush to translate data into actionable marketing strategies. At Pivot HR Services, she oversees digital growth initiatives, including website optimization, search engine visibility, and campaign analytics.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys snowboarding, vlogging, exploring local food spots, and singing — always on the lookout for her next creative or culinary adventure.

Claire Zhang, MS, BS (she/her)

Digital Marketing Manager

Dessie, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, is a valuable addition to the Pivot HR Services team, bringing a versatile skill set and dynamic energy. Throughout her professional journey, she has showcased exceptional organizational and communication skills. Her leadership experience, including serving as the former Captain of SFU's Dance Team, underscores her ability to foster engagement, teamwork, and creative solutions. Dessie's dedication to excellence is evident through her consistent achievement of Dean's List and President's List accreditations, showcasing her commitment to academic and professional success.

With a results-oriented mindset, adaptability, and a passion for collaborative environments, Dessie is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the clients we serve at Pivot HR Services. Her alignment with the company's mission of providing exceptional and customized HR solutions makes her an excellent fit for our team.

Dessie Barton, BBA, CPHR Candidate (she/her)

Consultant, People & Culture

Jasmin is a collaborative and empathetic HR professional whose passions lie within strategic planning, equity, and inclusion. After gaining experience in operational HR, and being recognized for her work in employee retention and engagement, she transitioned to consulting as a means to further amplify her impact in the workplace.

Jasmin’s formal education spans HR management, change management, and collaborative conflict resolution. She is currently pursuing studies focused on behavioural insights at UBC to enhance her change management and conflict resolution skill set. Jasmin combines a passion for understanding human behaviour with practical skills in managing organizational dynamics to prioritize employee well-being and operational excellence.

In her free time she loves to spend time outdoors with family and friends, plan her next adventures, and experiment with new recipes and art projects.

Jasmin Aujla, DHRM, Cert. Con Res, Cert. Change Mgt (she/her)

Consultant, People & Culture

Jeremy Turnill has been an integral part of the Pivot HR Services team since its inception with his focus on business strategy and financial management. Seasoned in talent acquisition, Jeremy has a particular interest in working with the public sector, as well as the construction and skilled trade industries, to help support their hiring needs. Trained initially as a firefighter at the outset of his career, Jeremy has had a rigorous focus on first aid and safety which he enjoys putting to use in the workplace, having served on several Occupational Health and Safety Committees. Jeremy also spent many years as an educator and has extensive expertise in the learning and development space. Jeremy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Simon Fraser University as well as a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of British Columbia, and has his certification in Leadership in Education.

A major sports aficionado, Jeremy has been a coach for over a decade for a variety of youth sports (including those played by his two children). Jeremy is also a Board Director for the North Shore Avalanche Hockey Association.

Jeremy Turnill, BA, B.Ed (he/him)

Consultant & Finance Manager

For rapidly changing companies who are looking to build mature HR practices, Niruja is a leader who creates systems that are simple enough for today, yet easily adapt for tomorrow.

With her strong background in program management, she quickly grasps organizational priorities and has a bias for action. Never shy in a boardroom, Niruja uses data to tell meaningful stories that align staff, management, and executive levels. Niruja’s mission is to nurture a company’s employee experience as much as their customer experience.

Beyond being a passionate people & culture advocate, Niruja spends her time diversifying her professional background. She is an instructor at U of T’s School of Continuing Studies, and is a Strategic Advisor with VentureLab.

Her career highlights include leading an organization through a slew of critical M&A activity - where they acquired not one but three businesses. In her most recent project, playing a critical part in the transformation of an organizational design and cultural evolution.

Niruja Nagarajah, BA, HRM (she/her)

Consultant, Organizational Design & Effectiveness- Toronto based

Kate joins Pivot with over 15 years of experience as a People & Culture leader, primarily in the technology space. From start-ups to global corporations, Kate has partnered with leaders/executives from across organizations to build effective teams, create tailored solutions, enhance business efficiencies and thoughtfully improve the employee experience. Kate is known as a trusted business partner, one who strives to understand all perspectives prior to crafting solutions, and is creative and collaborative in her approach to her work.

Kate’s professional career began as a performing musician – believe it or not, there are many parallels between music and working with people. It’s critical to be prepared, be able to pivot with little notice, to always know your audience and to do your best to leave them feeling that they were part of every aspect of what was presented.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Dalhousie University, a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and is a Certified International Trade Professional.

Outside of her career, you can find Kate at the hockey rink or baseball field cheering on her kids or hiking the North Shore mountains of B.C. Kate recently challenged herself with learning how to play hockey and even joined a team. She is still waiting to be drafted!

Kate Hughes, BA, MMus (she/her)

Consultant, People & Culture

Gaby Fisch is a coach, trainer and consultant specializing in learning, culture, and organizational development. She is a curious lifelong learner, completing her BA in cultural anthropology, followed by her MBA, coaching certification and a consistent stream of professional development courses and self-study.

For the past seven years, Gaby has been engrossed in learning and teaching about the neuroscience of emotions, behaviour and change - and how we can harness this understanding to the benefit of relationships, both within and outside the workplace.

Gaby brings over 17 years of broad experience in HR, coaching, facilitation and consulting, gained through a unique combination of corporate, non-profit and tech start-up experience, as well as her coaching and consulting practice. Born in Mexico, Gaby is fluently bilingual in Spanish and English.

Gaby spent over five years with the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, in a variety of HR leadership and Talent Development roles. Most recently, Gaby was Chief People Officer at Inkblot Therapy, and she currently serves as an Executive-in-Residence at the Ryerson Venture Zone. Gaby is a keen advocate for building deliberately developmental organizations, and loves documentaries, podcasts and nature-based travel.

Gaby Fisch, MBA (she/her)

Coach, Facilitator and L&D Specialist - Toronto based

Who We Are

Our HR consultants bring a powerful blend of hands-on HR leadership, academic excellence, and industry certifications. With advanced degrees in Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, and International Business — and professional designations in HR, compensation, and executive coaching — our team offers both depth and breadth of knowledge across the HR landscape.

We have supported clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and public sector institutions to community health organizations, crown corporations, municipalities, and professional firms. Regardless of size or sector, we tailor our approach to match your culture, strategy, and goals.