Shannon Black

Shannon Black holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Carleton University.  She identifies as a black woman and a settler in Canada. Her social location informs and guides her passion, profession, research and the theoretical lens she uses to navigate societal systems.  Shannon’s research interests and work are focused on mental health, concurrent disorder, trauma/ intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, anti-black racism, health equity, resistance to state oppression, social justice, community development /activism etc.  The theoretical underpinnings that guide her work are anti-oppression, intersectionality, equity, black feminism, decolonialism frameworks etc.

Shannon’s unwavering commitment to support those who are the most marginalized is also evident in the volunteer work that she does. She currently serves as a board of directors with the Canadian Mental Health Association (Ottawa Branch), as well she provides educational, mental health and self-identity mentorship/support to individuals across the city.

Shannon is committed to continue doing the work that is necessary to restore the voices to those who have been silenced!

Mary Nduati

Mary is a Registered Social Service Worker with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She holds a B.A. in Counselling,  Diploma in Social Service Work, and training in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has over 15 years of work experience in community based and non-profit organizations in Canada and abroad, working with individuals, families and communities.

Mary has experience in the areas of counselling, advocacy and service coordination to further inform her expertise. She is very passionate to support at risk children and their families in both direct and indirect ways to ensure these children find positive means to experience fulfillment, happiness and success within their homes and their communities. She is client driven, culturally sensitive and competent to assist and establish strong relationships; respect for diversity and individual differences.

Mary is dynamic, passionate and loves her work to empower and mentor those marginalized and racialized; dealing with diverse barriers and hardships; physical, emotional, psychosocial, and mental health issues to promote growth and independence. Mary is trilingual, she is fluent in English, Swahili and Kikuyu.

Mary enjoys cooking, travelling and spending time with her family and friends.

Laura Warren

Laura Warren holds a master’s degree in educational counselling from the University of Ottawa.

Laura is a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) who works with children and adults. Laura has experience providing individual counselling, advocacy, goal setting, and system navigation for vulnerable individuals. Laura works with clients by validating their innate strengths and help nurture the necessary skills needed to achieve meaningful changes in their lives. Laura is an advocate for accessible community-based mental health services, and she is committed to do the necessary work to support those who are the most marginalized.

Laura currently lives in Ottawa but is from Kentville, Nova Scotia, and enjoys visiting her hometown in the summertime.

Amal Othman

Amal is a licensed Social Service Worker and graduate from Algonquin College.

Amal is trilingual, fluent in English, Somali and Arabic. Amal has more than six years of experience working closely with children and their families. Amal’s professional profile is focused on settlement work. She is very invested in facilitating the needs of refugees and immigrants in Ottawa.

Amal’s skill set includes providing advocacy, intensive case management, counseling, mentorship, and resource navigation.

Amal gained many skills and her empathic lens through life experience, which allows her to understand and support those who are the most marginalized.

Sephora Kabuika

Sephora Kabuika is a registered social service worker and a graduate from La Cité Collegiale. Sephora is fluently bilingual in both French and English.
She is currently enrolled at the University of Ottawa, pursuing a bachelor’s in social sciences. Sephora is extremely passionate about social issues and is a committed advocate within the black/ African communities.

Sephora is a visual arts enthusiast, she enjoys painting and drawing. She strives to skilfully incorporate her creative interests in her professional approaches.

Children hold a significant place in her heart, which is evident in her many roles at ‘Britannia Woods community House’, where for many years she served as a volunteer, mentor, grant consultant and participant in multiple community events.

Joël Cimankinda

Joël Cimankinda is a registered social service worker and a graduate from La Cité Collegiale. Joël is currently enrolled at Saint Paul University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Relations and Spirituality.  Joël is fluently bilingual, both in French and English. Joël is a strong advocate against social injustice and is a committed advocate within the black/ African communities.

Joël is a youth leader within the Congolese community, where he serves with discipline, commitment and perseverance. He gladly takes on many roles as mentor, event organizer and counsellor to help youth thrive.

hardships; physical, emotional, psychosocial, and mental health issues to promote growth and independence. Mary is trilingual, she is fluent in English, Swahili and Kikuyu.

Mary enjoys cooking, travelling and spending time with her family and friends.