A candid conversation with Talene Carter, Tania Mistretta, and Patricia Toro on the current state of COVID-19 and its impact on schools.

The arrival of a second full school year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic brings with it new challenges, such as, vaccine mandates and whether to mask or not to mask. While the arrival of the vaccines created much optimism for student and employee health and wellbeing and economic recovery, it also raises important human capital, legal and logistical considerations for organizations as they prepare. This podcast will explore:

• Health & wellbeing considerations as it relates to back to school efforts

• Vaccine and/or mask mandates

• Legal considerations for employees and students

Listen below to the full podcast episode, or listen to it on the PLUS Connect App:

Talene M. Carter
Employment Practices Liability Thought & Product Leader
Claims Advocate
Director, FINEX Norther America

Talene Carter is the National Employment Practices Liability (EPL) Thought & Product Leader in the FINEX North America Practice.  In this role, she has responsibility for developing innovative, industry leading employment practices liability solutions, as well as the creation and delivery of relevant thought leadership and advice to national and global clients. Talene is also a frequent lecturer and author on employment practices liability issues. In addition to being the EPL Product Leader, Talene is also a Claims Advocate in the FINEX Claims & Legal Group where she provides claims advocacy for clients in the areas of: Directors & Officers, Fiduciary, Employment Practices, Errors & Omissions, Cyber and Fidelity.  She handles all aspects of the claims process, including advising clients on coverage, best claims practices and advocating on the client’s behalf for maximum recoveries.

Tania J. Mistretta
Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.

Tania J. Mistretta is a principal in the New York City, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Her practice focuses on representing employers in all areas of employment law, including handling employment litigation matters and offering preventative counseling. Tania’s employment litigation experience includes defending employers against claims of discrimination, retaliation and harassment under federal, state and local law. She regularly counsels employers on a broad range of employee issues, including disciplines and terminations, leave and accommodation requests, and helps employers implement policies to keep them in compliance with increasing changes to the law.

Patricia Toro
Senior Director, Health Management
Willis Towers Watson

Patricia Toro is an accomplished executive physician with extensive experience improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of care delivery. She consults for a wide variety of employers to help them improve health care and manage health care costs, including work on pandemic response, on-site and near-site clinics, as well as programs to address various chronic diseases. She has previously helped create solutions for employers at a nationally recognized regional health plan. She previously developed a multistate accountable care organization and led quality and pharmacy teams at a 1,800 physician network in New England. She previously directed an academic program delivering HIV care in Sub-Saharan Africa.