Fully staffed by caring and dedicated volunteers

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

  Licenced Paralegal

Abdulkadir graduated from Carleton University with a degree in Law,
and from Algonquin College as a Paralegal. With experience working
with the Department of Justice, Abdulkadir is eager to contribute to
his community with his P1 License, and is able to aid in a variety of
issues. This includes landlord tenant disputes, small claims court,
and traffic claims.

P1 License: P14799 

  A brief description will help your understanding of my experience and expertise to help ONYX with its mandate to help  people. As a chaplain, a pastor, and a social worker I am compelled to provide spiritual and social services to people of any background. Therefore, as a chaplain, I used to work with elderly and end of life people in nursing homes and hospitals, and people with personal issues. I provided spiritual support, counselling, and prayers to patients/clients and their family members either by phone or in person. I attended on-call death pass away, interdisciplinary professional meetings. I performed live bible studies, worship services, and funeral ceremonies to clients, church members, and training to leaders. These acquired experiences with Vitas Hospice Nursing Home and Hospital, with Multi-Ecoute Community service, and church environments have equipped me with competences and capacities in spiritual care, conflict resolution, counselling, solving problems, decision-making, unification, communication, leadership and pastoral care.

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.

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. 

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. 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.

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

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