Farah Aw-Osman has over 30 years of community work experience. He is a founding member of the Somali Centre for Family Services in Ottawa. A former employee of Jewish Family Services, Canadian Friends of Somalia and Dr. Ummad Foundation. Currently, he is the Executive Director of the Centre for Resilience and Social Development (CRSD).  Farah has worked extensively to help the Refugees and Immigrant Communities in Canada and abroad tackle issues relating to youth justice, radicalization, employment, mental health and addictions, anti-racism, settlement &integration as well as civic and diaspora engagements

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Mandi Pekan is a Registered Psychotherapist, educator, and trauma trainer with over 15 years of experience in community development. In her executive role at the CRSD, Mandi oversees mental health, advocacy, and justice services, driving initiatives that address the complex needs of marginalized communities. Her approach is deeply rooted in an embodied social justice, focusing on the systemic, relational, cultural, and political impacts of trauma and healing. Mandi is committed to advocating for systemic change, particularly in promoting community-based alternatives to youth criminalization and incarceration. Her leadership has been instrumental in shifting narratives. She has informed and provided consultation to numerous initiatives, including Alternatives for Safer Ottawa: Non-Police Mental Health Crisis Response, Rethinking Youth Violence and From Punishment to Prevention (Street/Gun Violence).

Faith Mottahedi is the clinical team lead at CRSD. Her clinical work is a unique blend of various therapeutic modalities, carefully tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. At the core of her practice is a person-centered approach to therapy, enhanced by elements of psychodynamic theory, childhood attachment, poly-vagal somatic theory, and dialectical behavioral therapy. This eclectic mix aids in the healing process of her clients. When working with youth, Faith particularly enjoys incorporating creative arts and hip hop/rap music therapy into her sessions. Her practice is grounded in a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and anti-oppressive framework, reflecting her deep understanding and empathy towards the challenges faced by new immigrants and people of color in Canada. This understanding stems from her personal background as a child of refugee parents. Faith’s experience is diverse, encompassing work with children, adults, couples, and families. She has also actively participated in community empowerment programs for youth and young adults in Ottawa, demonstrating her commitment to social betterment. Academically, Faith holds a BSc in Health Science and a MA in Psychotherapy, Counselling and Spirituality with a specialization in Couples and Family Counselling from Saint Paul University. She is currently advancing her studies by pursuing a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Social Research, focusing her project on youth homelessness prevention, interventions, and increasing access to justice for other vulnerable populations.

Mariam studied at the Univeristy of Victoria where she received her degree of Bachelors of Child Youth Care (BCYC). Mariam worked as an Education Assistant for a few years where she gained experienced working with children and youth with disabilities and neurodiversity. She has a passion supporting young people and families impacted by systemic barriers, specifically the criminal legal system.

Ifrah is a Community and Justice Service Worker with over 7 years of experience advocating and implementing programs that support people and communities through transitional and pivotal phases of life. Prior to joining the team at CRSD, Ifrah worked in a variety of roles in thenon-profit sector including as a caseworker, supporting young men and women with addictions, mental health disorders and navigating the criminal justice system. Ifrah is passionate aboutcreating safe spaces for young people to grow, build a positive sense of self and develop life skills using a trauma-informed approach. Ifrah looks forward to continuing to promote healing, expression, and culture through a therapeutic approach.

Ihsan brings a wealth of expertise to our team, drawing from a background in career recruitment and banking, coupled with a dedicated commitment to fostering inclusivity within diverse communities. In his role as a program coordinator, he guides and mentors youth through their employment journey, ensuring a work environment that is both fair and conducive to growth. Beyond his professional endeavors at EYTE, Ihsan values familial moments as a dedicated father and pursues fitness, with a particular passion for basketball.

Sarah Yassin is a clinical Social Worker at the Center of Resilience and Social Development (CRSD). She is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical and evidence-based practice. Sarah has acquired a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University in February 2020. She has a deep passion for promoting mental health and social well-being and has committed her career to helping individuals and families navigate various challenges. She is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their concerns, identify coping strategies, and work towards positive change.

Manal is a certified psychotherapist (Q) specializing in mental health. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults. Her work experience and training focused on racialized discrimination, Human trafficking, crisis intervention, trauma-focused therapy, domestic violence victims, addiction and homelessness, acculturation, integration, and struggles facing newcomers to Canada. Manal has experience helping individuals manage low motivation, anxiety, social-emotional difficulties, body image issues, depressive symptoms, stress and much more. She believes in an individualized and collaborative approach where individuals have the opportunity to actively engage and reflect on their goals. Manal is a member of the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO)

Sarah is a dedicated Youth and Family Worker with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, concentrating in Social and Personality Psychology. She is currently pursuing a diploma in Social Service Work. She has professional experience working as an Addiction Support Counsellor through a harm reduction model. Raised in an immigrant household, Sarah possesses a profound understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds and the unique challenges faced by families. She is passionate about empowering youth and families and is committed to providing support and fostering positive development within the community.

Gloria Mianitse is a YOW with a bachelor’s in Human rights and Social Justice. She was born in Congo, raised in Uganda, and immigrated to Canada in 2017. She is dedicated to making a positive impact. With an understanding of social services and a particular interest in children’s rights, Gloria strives to empower and advocate for individuals in need. She brings a strong academic foundation and passion for advocating for the well-being and protection of youths and marginalized communities. As an outreach worker, she is committed to ensuring that the rights of every child are upheld, fighting for justice and that they have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Let's work together to create a brighter future for the next generation

Brianna Asiamah is a social work clinician for the the Center of Resilience and Social Development (CRSD). Brianna is also a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Brianna obtained her master’s in social work (MSW) at Carleton university, and Bachelors of social work (BSW) at the University of Ottawa. Brianna is Bilingual and offers services in both official languages. Brianna specializes in working with marginalized youth to achieve their goals, resource build, and fulfil their fullest potential. Brianna offers individual therapy with techniques using Narrative therapy, Solution focused, and Anti-Black Racism perspective. She strives to make clients feel seen, heard, and understood in the issues and problems they may encounter. Brianna also has a heart of pursuing social justice, and strives to engage in systems, laws, and policies that are most affecting our marginalized youth.

Abdulasis Mubarak, a YOW from the CRSD. He’s always had an innate desire to help others and to make a difference in peoples lives. This deep rooted passion is what drew him into the field of social work and allow him to fulfill those desires. It brings him great joy to the see improvement in people so lives no matter the size.

Christopher is a YOW with lots of experience in the field of social work. Having been born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario in an immigrant household Christopher has a good grasp of the social lifestyles for teenage minorities growing up in the city. He has worked and volunteered in notable communities in Ottawa, the most notable experience being Debra Dynes. Having worked in the community and with the children and adults in the neighborhood, he developed a passion for helping people who are currently in a struggle of their own and joined the team at CRSD with hopes to guide as many children and teens as possible to a better, happier life, and hoping to change the communities in Ottawa suffering from violence, poverty or an unfair system placed upon them.

Yassin Samatar is a YOW at the Centre for Resilience & Social Development (CRSD). As part of his work with the Rajo Project, he is committed to providing programs that promote healthy living in order to achieve healthy communities. Ultimately his goal is to encourage marginalized youth to tap into their hidden strengths and potentials. He is currently pursuing his psychology degree at Carleton University, Ottawa.

Nefissa Bedri is an advocate and researcher focusing on mental health issues and racialized communities. Originally from Ethiopia, she moved to Ottawa to complete her university education, where she earned an Honours Bachelor’s in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology. Her experiences as a research assistant in research institutes and labs, working on cutting-edge projects have strengthened her commitment to innovative approaches in community care. Beyond research, Nefissa has been involved in community development, including managing operations for various initiatives and helping establish networks to empower youth and women. Her dedication to advocacy and her leadership in multiple initiatives have shaped her drive to support youth facing social challenges. Now, at CRSD, she aims to work directly with children, teens, and communities in Ottawa, helping them navigate obstacles and create a more equitable future.

Sumaya is a Program Assistant at Empowering Youth Through Employment (EYTE), where she plays a role in helping young people gain the experience they need to overcome barriers to employment. With a welcoming approach, she supports and mentors youth throughout their job search journey, ensuring they feel confident and prepared. Outside of her professional life, Sumaya enjoys long walks to recharge and loves experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes, always eager to try something different.

Iqra Nasim is a fourth-year BSW student at Carleton University. She supports the "Weaving Threads of Change: Transformative Responses to GBV" research project, on behalf of the CRSD. She has experience working in the GBV sector, and in a Muslim women’s transitional home. Iqra is dedicated to providing culturally responsive care and engaging in critical analysis of systems of oppression. In her role as a research consultant, she is committed to ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and represented in research, and that survivors receive services that empower them.

Emad is a fourth-year honours Bachelor of Social Work student at Carleton University, currently completing his practicum at The Centre for Resilience and Social Development. He has gained experience in the social services sector, working with diverse populations to address issues like mental health, inequality, and family support. Emad has also held leadership roles within the Bachelor of Social Work Student Association and participated in research focused on social policies' impact on vulnerable communities. As he nears graduation, Emad is committed to advancing equity and inclusion in social work practice.

Dylan Bartley is a dedicated Master of Social Work student with a strong background in community engagement and a passion for supporting youth. As a proud member of the Caribbean Canadian community, he brings experience in program development and mentorship. Dylan holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University, where he focused on cultural diversity and systemic challenges faced by marginalized populations. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, enhancing his understanding of mental health and developmental psychology, and a diploma in Child and Youth Care from Algonquin College, equipping him with skills in interventions and therapeutic programming. Dylan emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, particularly in tackling systemic challenges. His commitment to empowering high-risk youth and their families drives efforts to strengthen cultural identities and community ties. He implements practices that respect cultural differences while focusing on combating systemic issues, especially anti-Black racism