Our Team

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.

Wahab Daghmach

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

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.

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

Tom Deafy

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.

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.

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.

Aditya Rai

Business and Administration - Accounting

I am a south Asian immigrant from the country of Himalayas Nepal. I immigrated to the Canada with my mother in the hopes of finding a better future. I knew education would be my ticket to this future, that I had envisioned for myself. As a result, I enrolled in Business Administration Accounting program in Algonquin college and graduated in December of 2017. Then I wanted to go further with my education, which has led me to Bachelor of Business Administration program with minor in accounting. I am currently taking this program in Nipissing University and I am also volunteering at onyx community services as an accountant. I am currently in 4th year of my program with a 3.70 GPA and expected to graduate in December of 2019. From both of my programs I have gained related experience through project work which included administrative skills, budgeting, auditing, accounting and implementing tax application for businesses.

After getting my degree my future aspiration is to get a CPA license, so I would be able to get deeper understanding of business’s accounting. Then this would enable me to provide accounting consultant services to various firms and help them grow. In addition, I bring a wealth of other essential skills and qualities that I have developed through studies and various work experience. Such as time management, attention to detail, presentation skills, teamwork, communication, customer service and the ability to meet deadline on time.

Sebastien Atchison

Health, Safety and Security

Licenced Security / Dual Licence

Mario Kezic

Supervisor

Administrative Coordinator

Mario comes to us from an IT background at Algonquin college.

He maintains all our communication systems, and internet and net security systems.

Mario is also a night supervisor at Sobriety House.

Kerem Kir

Marketing Department

I completed my bachelor’s degree in English Literature, in my hometown, Istanbul. In 2018, I moved to Ottawa to have my graduate degree in Brand Management at Algonquin College. Both degrees prepared me to pursue a career in marketing and communications. I have worked in different countries with people from diverse backgrounds. I believe that empathy and love have tremendous help in solving the problems we are facing in our society. I am ready to do my part and create a better future for all of us while working at Onyx.

Nicolas Bury

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.

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.

Christina Gharabeygi

Legal Research

Landlord Tenant

Life Coach

Christina did her Bachelor of Arts degree at Carleton University and is currently a paralegal student. She hopes to take her P1 licensing exam with the Law Society of Ontario this year. She is a long-time Ottawa resident. Her passions include social justice, advocacy and women's rights.

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.

Fully staffed by caring and dedicated volunteers

Marie Pyper / Interim Executive Director