Testimonials

I wanted to reach out to you and thank you very much for all of your guidance, support and advice during the highly stressful, emotional and shocking time that my world was turned upside down. Your correspondence with the City and your attempts to obtain answers and clarification on what had transpired pertaining to my termination was very helpful. I took your advice, got a lawyer, a financial advisor and now can hopefully move on to the next chapter of my life. Thank you again for playing such a pinnacle role in helping me through this process and navigating my emotional roller coaster. Thank you again for everything.

A big THANK YOU re signed settlement. This message is to say a BIG THANK YOU and send a warm and heartfelt hug to you, Grace, for enabling me to close out my chapter at the City with dignity and pride.

My words of appreciation do not do adequate justice for all your tireless work during the work days and long into the evenings over the last 8 weeks, to get me the severance package I wanted. From the counter offer to the constant follow up with Renee, you had my interest at heart, at all times. I am sure mine was not the only case you were dealing with, but you always made me feel that it was.

Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart, Grace

I greatly appreciate how quickly and professionally you [Mary] handled this. Mary was fantastic and resolved the issue.

Thank you again for all your help and very wise advice so soon after I was let go. It helped to give me some bedrock to find my footing again and allow me to think through what my options were. It’s comforting to know that COTAPSA members have fantastic people such as yourself to work with them at times of crisis and confusion.

For what it’s worth, I know that all my former colleagues understand the value of joining COTAPSA now, and I suspect that you will see some new members shortly (if you haven’t already).

As a member of COTAPSA, I was discharged from my job. After contacting you, I felt at ease as you took over and fought for me. I am truly grateful and thankful for all your kind assistance as the compensation of continuance has truly helped me in continuing my choice of studies. Thank you for all that you do for not just me but for others.

Mary was a wonderful support throughout the process, although the outcome was not what we had hoped for or felt was ‚’justice’, I am grateful that we walked away having established a friendship with such a kind, caring, and genuine person. That is something I will truly value and carry with me in my life.

Before my own experience, I didn’t fully appreciate the value of belonging to a professional association as a non-union professional. I never imagined that I would one day need the support it provides. When the need did arise, however, I was pleasantly surprised by the breadth of assistance available from Cotapsa and the unwavering commitment to supporting members.

Throughout a complex and challenging situation, Grace Ciardullo and Michael Major provided thoughtful advice, sound guidance, and steadfast support. Their professionalism and expertise gave me confidence during a very difficult time.

I am especially grateful to Grace for her clear, no-nonsense approach and strong advocacy. She ensured I understood my options, answered my questions honestly, and advocated tirelessly on my behalf. Her dedication and determination helped me achieve the outcome that was best for me.

I am sincerely thankful for the support I received and now have a much deeper appreciation for the important role a professional association plays in advocating for and protecting its members.

After more than thirty-five and a half years of service with the City of Toronto, I can say that joining COTAPSA in 2013‚ when I transitioned into a management staff role within the City’s technology sector‚ was one of the most important decisions of my career.

In my final years, I faced significant personal loss and serious health challenges. COTAPSA’s guidance and compassion made all the difference, helping me navigate a complex time and reach a peaceful, well-planned retirement.

I am sincerely grateful and would highly recommend COTAPSA to anyone in a management staff role. It allows you to focus on your work, knowing you are not alone.

… [I] commend Mary Kovacs for the exceptional support, professionalism, and guidance she provided to me throughout my retirement negotiations with the City of Toronto.

This was a complex and, at times, stressful process, further complicated by the need to engage with challenging and, on occasion, difficult personnel at the City level. Throughout it all, Mary remained composed, patient, and highly effective. She consistently demonstrated sound judgment, clarity, and a steady commitment to ensuring the process moved forward in a constructive and respectful manner.

Mary was responsive, well-prepared, and took the time to clearly explain details and implications, which made a meaningful difference during an important transition in my career. Her ability to manage sensitive discussions while maintaining professionalism and civility Particular is particularly noteworthy. Mary’s supportive approach helped foster trust and confidence during the process, and I truly felt that she was advocating for a fair and thoughtful outcome in a very challenging environment. Her conduct reflects extremely well on COTAPSA and the standards she upholds.

I wanted to ensure her efforts did not go unrecognized and to express my sincere appreciation for the role she played during this time.

I thank Grace Ciardullo & Mary Kovacs for being my supports when I needed them.