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. Margaret's Anglican Church Vanier meal program and outreach services.
She has just 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.
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.
William Crawford M.Ed. C.C.C.
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.
William Crawford M.Ed. C.C.C.
William Crawford M.Ed. 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
William Crawford M.Ed. C.C.C.
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.
Sagesse Joseph
Cassy-Lynne Sabetti-Vigneux
Sagesse Joseph's / Senior Pastor
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
Abdulkadir Abdulkadir
Sagesse Joseph's / Senior Pastor
Cassy-Lynne Sabetti-Vigneux
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
Sagesse Joseph's / Senior Pastor
Sagesse Joseph's / Senior Pastor
Sagesse Joseph's / Senior Pastor
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.
Pastor Suzanne Landry
Hannah Kent M.S.W., R.S.W.
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.
Jordan Devine
Hannah Kent M.S.W., R.S.W.
Pastor Suzanne Landry
Director of Operations
Board Member
Hannah Kent M.S.W., R.S.W.
Hannah Kent M.S.W., R.S.W.
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.
Elsa Michel
Caitlin-Robyn Densmore
Caitlin-Robyn Densmore
Life Coach
Evening Meal Program
Caitlin-Robyn Densmore
Caitlin-Robyn Densmore
Caitlin-Robyn Densmore
Social Media / Promotional Designer
Rebecca Manning
Caitlin-Robyn Densmore
Rebecca Manning
Court Translator
Inuit Program Coordinator
Cody Lang Watson
Cody Lang Watson
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. 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
Cody Lang Watson
Cody Lang Watson
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.
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Edith Gahungu
Cody Lang Watson
Edith Gahungu
Administrative and Reception
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 out the community and in hopes to pursue a career in the legal
Nadine Kaloti
Karina Khamitova
Karina Khamitova
Board Advisor
Liam Wilson
Karina Khamitova
Liam Wilson
Health, Safety & Security
Liam Wilson graduated from Carleton University with a bachelor's degree in law.
Working with Onyx is a valuable experience 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.
Liam is a licenced Security Guard in Ontario
Kathy Taylor MSN, RN
Kathy Taylor MSN, RN
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
Kathy Taylor MSN, RN
Kathy Taylor MSN, RN
Northern Ontario Liaison
Alice Kensit
Kathy Taylor MSN, RN
Alice Kensit
Administrative Liason Coordinator
Family Dispute Mediator
Andrew Grout
Shalin Varghese
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
Shalin Varghese
Andrew Grout
Public Relations Director
Shalin Varghese
Shalin Varghese
Shalin Varghese
Mental Health Intake Worker