Fully staffed by caring and dedicated volunteers

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 organizations. 

Margaret is a client-focused, compassionate Registered Nurse with excellent nonjudgemental listening skills, Margaret is a compassionate nurse empathetic to her client’s pain and suffering. She works well as a team member to support, guide and assist clients to promote wellness, identify risk factors, advocate for the promotion of wellness, rights and ethical issues, family dynamics, general health assessments, clients’ needs and goals, problem-solving, developing creative care plans with the collaboration of the client and implementing care and education assistance, and client referrals or resources.

Margaret has earned a Bachelor’s of Theology Degree (2019) and a Master in Theology Degree (2021) from the Regency School of Missions and Ministry and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree with Distinction (2017) from St. Francis Xavier University while working in Long Term Care Facility as a Full-time Registered Nurse Supervisor/Manager. Margaret has obtained many certificates in Nursing such as: Substance Use, Gerontology, Continuing Care, Advance Foot Care & Diabetes, Advanced Wound Care, PIECES, Montessori Based Dementia Care, U First & Gentle Persuasive Approach, Management and Leadership (Level#1), Served as Union Executive Member of ONA, Served on BSO Committee Pilot Project launched two RPN positions, Analyzed trends of infections implemented a tracking tool to improve better outcomes during infectious outbreaks. She was presented with an Award for her commitment of time and exceptionally dedicated services.

Margaret is a Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, she enjoys lifelong learning, reading, biking riding and swimming. As a Volunteer, she served in her Church as a Children’s Church Director, Volunteered in the local schools, lead a Mother’s Who Care Prayer group praying for the local schools and communities.

Mental Health Worker

MS in Psychology

Dayong was a lawyer but he later pursued studies in psychology when he found himself more and more interested in his inner world. Before his family immigrated to Canada in 2015, he already had a MS in Psychology and the professional qualification for mental health counselling in China.

During his stay in Canada, he completed two graduate programs – Autism and Behavioural Science; and Addictions and Mental Health with honours. Now he is in Yorkville University’s MACP program and working towards a registered psychotherapist.

Dayong is also an advocate for mindfulness practice because he personally practiced mindfulness for many years and benefited from this practice. 

Intake Support and

Case Management Worker

Donna Pearson has joined us as an intake worker at Onyx Community Services. She works very closely with the Mental Health and Addictions Team.  She has retired from working in Social Services with Young Offenders and primarily worked at Youth Services Bureau in Ottawa.  Donna brings with her many qualifications and experience.  To benefit the community, she has been involved in volunteer work since 1976 and is happy to continue to give back to the community and its vulnerable persons.

• Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist        
• Family Court Matters
• Life Coach, Credit Counsellor

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 committed to the organization and its message of hope and growth.

Sue is on the Board of Directors in good standing and as the former Executive Direcor.

Addiction and Community Service Worker

SUPERVISOR / Thursday Night Meal Program

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

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

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.