Checking In with Colleen MacDonald
As Ontarians navigate the effects of COVID-19, it’s important for everyone to make an effort to keep in touch with friends and loved ones as best that they can. During the next few months, we’ll be reaching out to Oatley Vigmond’s lawyers, accident benefits specialists, and hard-working staff through a recurring “Checking In With _________” Q&A segment hosted on the firm’s website.
Today’s check-in is with Oatley Vigmond Accident Benefits Specialist Colleen MacDonald.
How her life has changed:
“I have more time on my hands. Now things are simpler and home-based. My exercise classes have been replaced with long walks and web-based exercise classes. I am meeting with friends on Zoom calls. I have a renewed interest in cooking and my house has never been so organized!”
What she misses the most in life:
“I miss socializing with family, friends and colleagues – especially those random last-minute calls to get together for dinner, a movie or a campfire.”
What meeting with clients has been like during a pandemic:
“We are meeting with clients on virtual platforms or by teleconference. It’s a great option given the current social distancing requirements but it doesn’t replace the face-to-face meetings with clients. It seems more natural to establish rapport during in-person meetings and to offer hands-on assistance with pressing client issues. I am looking forward to returning to those face-to-face meetings once it is safe to do so.”
The best television show she’s been watching recently:
“I loved ‘Making a Murderer’ on Netflix, which was hard not to watch once you have started. Attorney Kathleen Zellner was fascinating to watch in it. A close second would be ‘Tiger King’, an interesting story and cast of bizarre characters!
What she has learned from the past few months:
“I have learned to enjoy a slower pace and downtime with my husband and son.”
The first place she will go when quarantine restrictions are lifted:
“To see my sister Kim who lives in a retirement home. She has been on lockdown since March 10th. Although we still have facetime calls, it doesn’t replace our weekly dinners at Valentino’s and day trips. The second place I will attend is my hair stylist!!”
About the Authors
Colleen provides clients with prompt and effective assistance to help them access the insurance benefits they deserve following an automobile accident. She also helps assemble a reliable community rehabilitation team for her clients. She has several years of experience providing rehabilitation and support services to individuals with acquired brain injury, spinal cord, orthopaedic injuries and other personal impairments.