Our Team | Onyx Community Services

Marie Pyper / Executive Director

Adviser to the President of The Board,

Marie has had extensive experience in dealing with individuals and advocating for them within the criminal justice system and those with mental health issues.

Marie continues her work in the community daily with those in need by leading our new drop in at St. Margrets Anglicain Church Vanier meal program and outreach services.

She has just completed her Mental Health First Aid.

Marie also acquired her Emergency First Aid AED Level C and

Security/ Private Investigations with Harris Security.

Marie will be assisting with GPS Offender Monitoring with TraTek Industries, to assist those seeking bail.

William Crawford M. Ed.

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.

Yodanis Elias

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.

Tom Jackson RPT ICADC CCCS

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.

Cassy-Lynne Sabetti-Vigneux

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

Jin Qui (Jackie)

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

Cherie Harper

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.

I am also Basic Mental Health First Aid certified.

Pastor Suzanne Landry

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.

On Leave.

Catherine Vandahl

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.

Hannah Kent M.S.W., R.S.W.

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.

Cody Lang Watson

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.

Chloe Allard

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.

Ms. Edith Gahungu

Bachelors of Criminal Justice

Minor in Psychology

Karina Khamitova

Supervisor / Court Liason

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.

Nadine Kaloti

Board Member

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 prograGive customers a reason to do business with you.

Liam Wilson

Health, Safety & Security

Liam Wilson graduated from Carleton University with a bachelor's degree in law.

Working with Onyx is a valuable experiance in his pursuit of legal studies and a career in the legal field.

Volunteering has also given Liam the opportunity to give back to the community

Kathy Taylor MSN, RN

Mental Health Nurse/RN

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!

James Adegboye

Thunder Bay Ontario Liaison

Andrew Grout

Travel Coordinator

Andrew comes to us from Algonquin College's Tourism department and will be interning with us to help staff with travel logistics.

Sara Bernard

Public Relations Director

Jennifer Nguyen

Life Coach

Jennifer is a graduate student from Carleton University with a double Bachelor of Arts in Law and Philosophy. She is currently working towards becoming a Registered Clinical Counsellor.

She is particularly interested in counselling that involves helping individuals cope and overcome mental illnesses, personal empowerment, career and guidance counselling, and relationship counselling for couples and families.

She had previously worked in several methadone clinics in Vancouver, BC and is familiar with alcohol/substance abuse and addiction. She has worked with youth girls as a mentor to develop confidence, self-esteem and life skills, and to promote active lifestyle and healthy eating habits. She is currently a facilitator of a peer support group for individuals with various mood disorders.

She is passionate about providing support to others during times of struggle and loneliness. When she is not working, she is usually reading, hiking, climbing and/or travel

Rong Yang

Web Developer

Rong is a recent graduate student from Queen's University. She is passionate about web development. She started working with Onyx in January 2020 as a web developer. She is responsible for developing UI features and improving overall user experience of their website.

ONYX COMMUNITY SERVICES