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ONYX IS OPEN DURING THE PANDEMIC. CALL US AT +1 (888) 833-5303 EXT 5 FOR MORE INFO
Executive Director
Marie Pyper
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. Margaret's Anglican Church Vanier meal program and outreach services.
She completed her Mental Health First Aid training.
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 and Alcohol monitoring for Driving offences in provincial courts and is working with the team in September 2020 in Family Court.
She is now actively involved in the bail courts and is also actively involved in creating community partnerships and growth in our community.
" My door is always open."
William Crawford M.Ed. C.C.C.
Mental Health Counsellor
Certified Canadian 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 C.C.C. 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.
Cody Lang Watson
Life Coach
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.
Cody has also recently completed his 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.
Haley Lee
Community Justice and Reintegration Worker
Haley Lee is a recent graduate of the Fleming College Community and Justice Services program and has since spent time aiding individuals in the vulnerable sector, specifically in a hospital setting. Haley also comes to Onyx with several hours of crisis management and conflict resolution skills in the residential group home setting. She also possesses several certifications such as;
•Ontario Security Guard License
•Mental Health First Aid
•Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
•Safe Talk Suicide Intervention
Kevin Macnamara
Marketing Coordinator
Kevin came to Onyx Community Services to complete the practicum portion of his Executive Business Administration program at Willis College and within a matter of days realised that he was where he was meant to be. His main goals at Onyx Community Services are developing community partnerships and sponsorships.
Currently, Kevin is working on making sure our Thursday Meal Program will be re-booted as soon as the pandemic is finished. He has also been working on re-implementing our vetran programs and helping spread LGBQT+ awareness in the community.
When he’s not at OCS, Mr Macnamara is a “dog-dad” to his German Short Haired Pointer, Rupert, a full-blown Yogi, and a golf enthusiast.
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
Pastor Suzanne Landry
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist
- Family Court Matters
- Life Coach, Credit Counselor
Always there helping those in need. Pastor Sue has always loved working at street level in our local communities.
Although on call after a major surgery, she remains o committedthe organization and its message of hope and growth.
She remains on the Board of Directors in good standing and as former Executive Direcor.
Jason Dedeyne
Sr. Law Clerk
Graduate / Algonquin College
Salematou Balde
Translation and Administration
Alana Grant SSW
Alana Grant is a Social Service Worker student at Algonquin College. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in English. Alana is part of the Community Justice team, as well as doing social service work.
Social Service Work Diploma
Bachelor of Arts in English
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Carleton University
Amandeep Chohan
Amandeep is a recent graduate of Carleton University from Law. He has a very passionate and driven personality. He was born in Ottawa and loves his city. He knows various languages such as English, French, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, and is currently learning Spanish.
Amandeep is part of the Onyx Legal Research Team.
Andrew Grout
Andrew Grout
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
Andrew Grout
Andrew Grout
Life Coach
On Call
Board Member
Karina Khamitova
Karina Khamitova
Karina Khamitova
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
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
Ete Awinoren
Karina Khamitova
Karina Khamitova
Legal Research
Hisham Abusaif
Karina Khamitova
Hisham Abusaif
Law Clerk
A former lawyer for the anti in trafficking in Persons Center and the National Association for women's' Role Development in Damascus, Syria, and coordinator for a social peacebuilding Project in Lebanon. I have a bachelor's degree in law from Damascus University and a Diploma in International Affairs from London International Ac
Law Clerk
A former lawyer for the anti in trafficking in Persons Center and the National Association for women's' Role Development in Damascus, Syria, and coordinator for a social peacebuilding Project in Lebanon. I have a bachelor's degree in law from Damascus University and a Diploma in International Affairs from London International Academy. Recently, I have a Law Clerk diploma from Algonquin College as a first step in my new career in Canada. I possess excellent interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and personnel management. I have passionate about working and helping vulnerable people.
Elsa Michel
Malak Elgheriani
Malak Elgheriani
Life Coach
Evening Meal Program
Malak Elgheriani
Malak Elgheriani
Malak Elgheriani
Board Member
Malak is a detail-oriented, driven person who has always been energized by working with people. Recently, She has done her Executive Business administration program at Willis College. She also has a Diploma in Human Resource Management. In addition, she has a Graduate Diploma in Risk Analysis Engineering from Memorial Univer
Board Member
Malak is a detail-oriented, driven person who has always been energized by working with people. Recently, She has done her Executive Business administration program at Willis College. She also has a Diploma in Human Resource Management. In addition, she has a Graduate Diploma in Risk Analysis Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She is a part of the ONYX Administration-Accounting team.
Samba Ba
Malak Elgheriani
Samba Ba
Weekend Supervisor
Samba is a graduate of Executive Business Administration at Willis College. He has previously obtained a Bachelor of Art in French and is holding a French teaching diploma. He has extensive experience with all administrative tasks, including scheduling and correspondences thanks to the position he had held in school man
Weekend Supervisor
Samba is a graduate of Executive Business Administration at Willis College. He has previously obtained a Bachelor of Art in French and is holding a French teaching diploma. He has extensive experience with all administrative tasks, including scheduling and correspondences thanks to the position he had held in school management as the principal’s assistant.
In addition to his duties, Samba dedicated his life to the community services. He was active in many organizations in his community. He was part of the Association des diabetes in Mauritania. Additionally, He volunteered at the local library to provide after school tutoring and encourage literacy in youth.
After completing his practicum, Samba is holding administrative weekend supervisor roles at Onyx Community Services.
Samba loves languages and is open to learning. He speaks French, English, a little Spanish and is learning German.
James Adegboye
James Adegboye
James Adegboye
Northern Ontario Liaison
Simao Mbaki
James Adegboye
James Adegboye
Addiction and Community Service Worker
Outreach Pastor