Irene was born and raised in Thunder Bay and is fluent in Finnish. She is a Vocational & Rehabilitation Consultant as well as a Managing Partner with IRM. Her work experience includes both in private practice, government employment, as well as community based agencies over the past twenty-seven years, joining IRM in 1997.

Professionally Irene has obtained and maintains her designations as a Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP); Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRCC); Registered Vocational Professional (RVP); Registered Community Support Specialist (RCSS) and Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW). In addition, Irene has obtained the Life Skills Coach's Training as well she has completed numerous medical and vocational courses as well as life care planning. Irene has worked with hundreds of clients of various ages with injuries ranging from soft tissue to brain injury and amputations. She has completed various assessments and as well provided comprehensive Case Management for numerous years.

Irene is a member of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada, (VRA) - formerly the Canadian Association of Rehabilitation Professional - CARP, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, as well as the Canadian Assessment, Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Society (CAVEWAS).