Fully staffed by caring and dedicated volunteers

Drug & Alcohol Treatment Specialist 

Pastor Sue has dedicated her life to helping those in need and the betterment of the community. Having previously spent 14 years preventing individuals from bankruptcy and rebuilding lives through Credit Counselling, Sue’s passion for helping those in need is now being redirected as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist.

Currently, Pastor Sue works directly with our bail program and attends family courts when possible. Her visible compassion for others affords her the ability to listen to the problems faced by her clients and provide tangible solutions. Her honesty and integrity is admirable and when paired with her impeccable leadership abilities, allow her to be a tenacious asset to our team. By actively seeking out individuals in need within the community, she takes a hands-on approach and has become recognized as a trusted ally to fight for all underdogs alike. Accordingly, Pastor Sue’s door is always open and free of judgement. She encourages anyone in need of support to contact her, regardless of their background or circumstances.

 Case Worker

Addictions and Mental Health Support

Wahab sees the job as a great opportunity to help his community in this beautiful city.

Most people has some sort of addiction or addictive tendencies

He worked with sufferers from various kinds of addictive behaviors for more than 15 years, and he believes in a counseling and psychological approach for the clients as a most important choice to help them control their symptoms.

His educational background includes a bachelor of doctor in medicine from Odessa National University in Ukraine and a MA in psychiatry from Damascus University, and continuous education in the field of psychiatry, substance use disorders.

He speaks English, Arabic and Russian

 أتكلم العربية بطلاقة وهي اللغة ال

On Call - On Leave -Jan 2020.

 Mental Health Counsellor (CCPA) 

I am originally from Cuba. I live in Canada since 2005. I genuinely enjoy working as a mental health counsellor. I hold a Master in Counselling and Psychotherapy from both Ottawa University and Saint Paul University. I am very committed to providing culturally sensitive care. I completed my Master thesis in the area of Integrating Canadian Aboriginal Spirituality and Healing practices into Western Models of mental health. 

My theoretical orientation is eclectic with an emphasis on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as well as Jungian approaches. My aim in therapy is to help individuals reach out into the strongest versions of themselves. 

Addiction and Community Service Worker

Cassy-Lynne comes to us from another community centre where she worked as the onsite addictions support worker, housing aid, as well as the outreach worker. She participated in the weekly dropi-ins and has done so for roughly 3 years. She came to us in May and has since participated in our Thursday drop-in’s, as well as provided her expertise in the realm of addictions and community services. She has always maintained a passion for the field of helping and certainly carries out her roles within the community with great pride.

She is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts at Carleton University, with a major in Forensic Psychology and a minor in the Neuroscience of Mental health. She also carries a diploma in Addictions and community services. Along with these, she carries various certifications, including First aid & CPR, Suicide Assist, Harm reduction and safe needle exchange and non-violent crisis and intervention.

We are certain her expertise and kind heart will a huge asset to the centre

Mental health worker and traditional therapist

Jin Qi (Jackie) Zeng has been a practitioner of traditional medicine for over 15 years since she moved to Canada in 2011. She has training in integrative mental health with special interest by using holistic approach to help those with mental health conditions. 

Jin Qi Zeng was born and raised in a family of traditional Chinese medicine. Before she moved to Canada, she had focused all her career in medical field. She holds M.D. as neurologist and Ph.D. degree in clinic medicine of combined traditional and western medicine as well as clinic post- doctoral neurologist certificate. She has more than a decade of experience in large hospitals practicing her specialty as neurologist and physician in China. 

Jin Qi is passionate about the wellness of community and has been actively volunteered for community, non-profit and charity organ

12 Step Group program

and A.A. Coordinator

With 34 years of continuous sobriety, Tom runs groups for those who have a desire to quit drinking or using. He will also help that individual who needs support to get to a meeting and not feel alone.

Tom is als director of and founder of  " Music In Healing ", and leads a rock band at 65 years old, Rock and Roll Eagles.

Social Worker

I was born and raised in New York City. I've lived in Canada, now, for four years - the latter two in Ottawa. My primary areas of interest and experience are: major mental illness, housing instability, drug use, domestic abuse and/or sexual abuse, and Trauma.  I believe in the power of human resilience, and kindness. 

We all come into this world with unique skills, histories, and supports.  What I hope to provide is (1) guidance toward a more stable and empowered future; (2) development of a stronger, wiser, and kinder support network; and (3) a deeper understanding of self.  

When a person is able to find their truth, face old wounds and mistakes gently, and celebrate their unique and hidden strengths, I believe, the future holds more hope and promise for all of us. 

  Addiction and Community Service Worker 

I am a military wife and mother of two beautiful daughters and also an addictions community social service worker.  

I have volunteered at the Shepherds of good hope for 15 years and at la Soupe populaire de Hull.  In my free time I enjoy knitting and running with my German shepherd Miss Jett. Together Miss Jett and I have mastered a 5 km run and currently working on 10 km run.  I had a late start with my education because of the choice I made to be a stay home mom.  I first completed addictions and community services at Everest college, after that I went back to La Cité collégiale.  I am now in my third undergraduate year in social work at Laurentian university.  My dream of becoming an addictions social worker is almost complete. I love mental health and addictions.  Giving a helping hand to those who suffer from mental health and addiction is my passion. 

Mental Health Counsellor

William is a graduate of the Counselling Psychology program at the University of Ottawa. In therapy William works from a person-centred approach and looks to build upon client strengths to create the best therapeutic outcomes. By creating a space for acceptance and empowerment he works with clients to reach their goals in therapy. Of special interest to William is working with the youth and young adult population. Most of all, William is looking to create a positive impact working at Onyx Community Services.

 Supervisor

Mario works part-time at our partner agency, Sobriety House, and is on call here at Onyx in client services and administration.

He is Mental Health Emergency First Aid trained, and is currently taking his Private Investigation Licence to assist in courts and with GPS Offender Monitoring. Mario just passed his Security Guard training with Harris Security, also an Onyx partner.

Operations Manager

I have various experience in relation to client services, administrative tasks and management duties. My goal here at Onyx Community is to improve our fundraising sector, help clients achieve their goals, and increase community support towards Onyx. I am extremely happy to be a member of the Onyx team due to their history of helping the community.   

Website/Social Media Coordinator

Nicolas has just completed his Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Ottawa. He now uses his free time to help out the community by providing website services for Onyx.

Drug & Alcohol Treatment Specialist 

Pastor Sue has dedicated her life to helping those in need and the betterment of the community. Having previously spent 14 years preventing individuals from bankruptcy and rebuilding lives through Credit Counselling, Sue’s passion for helping those in need is now being redirected as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist.

Currently, Pastor Sue works directly with our bail program and attends family courts when possible. Her visible compassion for others affords her the ability to listen to the problems faced by her clients and provide tangible solutions. Her honesty and integrity is admirable and when paired with her impeccable leadership abilities, allow her to be a tenacious asset to our team. By actively seeking out individuals in need within the community, she takes a hands-on approach and has become recognized as a trusted ally to fight for all underdogs alike. Accordingly, Pastor Sue’s door is always open and free of judgement. She encourages anyone in need of support to contact her, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Social Media / Promotional Designer 

Court Translator 

Community Justice Assistance Worker

Life Coach

Legal Research

Cody volunteers at Onyx as a Life Coach, Reintegration Specialist, and Legal Researcher. He has previously obtained a Bachelors of Kinesiology and a Masters of Applied Health Science from Brock University. Currently, he is completing a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Ottawa. Throughout his educational career, Cody has received a number of academic awards and achievements, including Dean’s Honour List and various scholarships/fellowships. At Onyx, Cody combines his health and legal educational experience to create comprehensive life coaching and reintegration programs for his clients.

Night Supervisor

Community Reintegration Worker

Chloé has recently completed her bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Criminology at the University of Ottawa. She is joining the Onyx evening team in hopes to help the community and pursue a career in correctional and reintegration services.

Certified Alcohol & Drug Counsellor

Registered Psychotherapist

Tom has joined our team with 27 years of experience working in the field of Mental Health & Addictions. He works with clients in both individual and group counselling settings. 

In addition to his training in Mental Health & Addictions from Algonquin , an International Certified Alcohol & Drug Counsellor and a Canadian Certified Clinical Supervisor. 

Reception and Legal Research 

Karina is a fourth year Law student currently completing her undergraduate degree at Carleton University. She has previously studied at Vanier College and obtained a CEGEP diploma in Psychology. She is interested in legal studies and criminology and is passionate about criminal law. Karina is joining the Onyx team to help out the community and in hopes to pursue a career in the legal field.  

Legal Research

Supervisor

I am a university student studying Criminology with a minor in Law. I

am very passionate about learning new techniques to help troubled individuals recover from addictions and mental disorders. My main goal is to help individuals stay out of the Criminal

Justice System. Working with Onyx, I am hoping to bring new ideas and strategies to improve our relationship with the community and build a strong reintegration progra

   I have worked as a nurse for over 30 years. I first worked in community  health, then in pediatric nursing, and for the last 12 years in mental  health nursing. 

In mental health, I have worked in hospital and in  clinics. I have worked with people who wee dealing with a lot of anxiety and low moods.  

Also, I have worked with veterans and people who are challenged with addictions and with coping from traumatic experiences.

In volunteering with ONYX Community Services, I offer mental health nursing  support, mental health education one-to-one and in groups, community resource information and crisis support. 

I am licensed as a registered nurse in Ontario and British Columbia [inactive] and as an advanced practice nurse in Colorado and New York  State. 

I look forward to meeting you!