Meet the team - Student Health and Wellness Centre

Pronouns: he/him

Clinical Office Administrator, Student Health and Wellness Centre

Ahmed is an enthusiastic student majoring in biomedical science at the University of Ottawa who is eager to contribute to the team success at the Student Health and Wellness Centre through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. He is devoted in helping the students navigate through the various resources available while lending an ear to any of their problems or concerns. Originally from Montreal, he is highly motivated to learn, grow and excel in the public health industry here at the National Capital Region. In his spare time, Ahmed enjoys kayak fishing and going on long backcountry camping trips

Pronouns: she/her

Clinical Office Administrator, Student Health and Wellness Centre

Joana Beauport is a passionate individual with a background in health-care administration and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives. With experience working at The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and Ottawa Public Health, she is dedicated to being a part of essential programs and services that aim to create a healthier and happier society. Beyond her professional endeavours, she enjoys traveling and possesses an adventurous spirit. She believes that exploring new destinations allows her to immerse herself in different realities, stimulate her personal growth, and a broaden her appreciation of the world’s diversity. Above all, she enjoys engaging with people from all walks of life and lending a helping hand whenever possible. Whether she’s offering assistance to friends or to colleagues, her empathetic nature and genuine desire to make a positive difference shine through in every interaction.

Pronouns: he/him

Intermediate Administrative Assistant

Josaphat Joseph is a young man from Montreal with a B.A. in Sociology from McGill University. He is fully bilingual from Haitian descent and has moved with his wife and 2 daughters to the Gatineau/Ottawa region in 2016, after having spent 10 years in the Quebec Public service at the Curateur Public.

He likes to call himself the young veteran or the handyman, as he prides himself in his experience and multiple skills in the admin world. He has now been with the University for 3 years, following his Executive Assistant role at Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa (now Able2), assisting the direction and staff, and coordinating a couple mental health projects and working groups.

His passions are basketball and music, and you can find him from time to time, playing basketball at Montpetit over lunchtime with the students, in an attempt to remain young as long as possible. In his free time, he likes to find all kinds of activities to do with his family.

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Senior Psychotherapist

Anne is a graduate of the master's program in Educational Counselling at the University of Ottawa and has been working on campus for 13 years. She enjoys working with the student population providing them with a safe, accepting environment in which they can feel comfortable sharing their personal concerns. Anne aims to help students educate themselves on several mental health topics, gain insight on their identity and emotions, cope with symptoms of depression and anxiety, develop stress management/self-care techniques, and manage difficult relationships. Her approach to therapy is client-centered - actively listening to client’s needs, collaboratively working with them to meet their goals and tapping into their strengths. Anne also likes to stay engaged in learning and teaching by acting as a clinical supervisor to students aspiring to become therapists. In her spare time, Anne enjoys spending time with her family, being out in nature and photography.

Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and CCC

Ashley has been working at the University of Ottawa Student Psychotherapy and Mental Health Services since 2009. Ashley completed her undergrad in Psychology at Carleton University in 2007 and her graduate work in counselling at the University of Ottawa in 2009. Ashley works from a client centered, integrated approach and enjoys incorporating aspects of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Positive Psychology. Ashley enjoys working with all students and is particularly interested in grief, anxiety, sexuality and male issues.

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Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor – Telfer School of Management

Asma is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and has completed a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto.

Asma has particular experience working alongside adult clients who have experienced childhood and adult trauma in both individual and group capacity within clinical outpatient and research settings such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Women’s College Hospital, the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, and Naseeha youth helpline.

She has supported individuals with various concerns such as: trauma, relationship and intergenerational challenges, spirituality and culture, addictive behaviours, anxiety, depression, and stress/burnout-related issues.

Asma’s therapeutic approach is collaborative, non-judgemental, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed. It honours the client’s own wisdom regarding their emotional and life experiences. Asma incorporates a systemic lens in her practice to explore how broader systems such as society, culture, and family shape our individual experiences and our relationship with the self.

With the therapeutic relationship as a safety anchor for the client to reconnect with their inner wisdom and self, Asma draws from different modalities that match the client’s needs and goals, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Somatic Therapy, Feminist Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

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Senior Psychotherapist

Bernadette has a master's degree in counselling and spirituality from Saint Paul University in Ottawa. Her work is client-centred — she offers clients empathetic listening in a safe, confidential environment that allows them to confide in her, establish their therapeutic goals and work on their well-being. For Bernadette, establishing a good therapeutic bond with the client is essential.

Bernadette uses a humanistic approach based on clients’ strengths and abilities, to help them explore their internal and external resources and deal with their problems. Her approach incorporates many therapeutic tools from solution-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, emotionally focused therapy and attachment theory. In addition to individual therapy, Bernadette also offers family and couples therapy.

Bernadette has 17 years of community work experience in Ottawa serving people of diverse social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. She has worked with people on anxiety, low self-esteem, family and sexual violence, interpersonal relationships, depression, integration, addiction and more.

She speaks French, English, Spanish and Lingala.

Pronouns: she/her

Senior Psychotherapist

Caroline has over 10 years experience working in the field of psychotherapy. Caroline has been working at the University of Ottawa’s Student Psychotherapy and Mental Health Services since November 2019 before which she was working in Nova Scotia at the Saint Mary’s University Counselling Centre. Caroline also has extensive experience working in Ottawa’s Community Health and Resource Centres.

Caroline has a very client centered approach to counselling. She strongly believes in empowering clients and therefore works collaboratively with clients to determine appropriate counselling goals and treatment plans. Caroline has been trained in several therapeutic models and uses various components of these models in her work with clients. Specifically, Caroline utilizes components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy and Attachment Theory. Caroline has experience working with a diverse population on various issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, family issues and grief.

Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and CCC

Caroline is a proud uOttawa alumnus and she has experience working with different communities of individuals, couples and groups. Caroline joined the uOttawa Psychotherapy and Mental Health Services team in September of 2017 after having worked in the community for nine years. She believes students’ lived experience is a guiding light in the therapeutic relationship as she fosters a safe, confidential and accepting environment to explore their stories and needs. In her work with individuals and couples, she applies a collaborative, student-centered approach. She develops a personalized plan with the student to help support them in their desires for counselling. Her areas of specialization are attachment, trauma informed, somatic and spiritual/religious. In her spare time, she enjoys being in the outdoors kayaking, cycling, painting and gardening.

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Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor

Carolyn is a registered psychotherapist (Qualifying) who is passionate about helping the university community. Having been a student at uOttawa, Carolyn understands the unique challenges that students often face. Working from a place of non-judgement, empathy, and genuineness, Carolyn will work collaboratively with you to help you achieve your personal growth goals. Striving to create positive change in a safe and nurturing environment, she integrates Humanistic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness/Self-Compassion, Positive Psychology, and Relational therapies (Psychodynamic, Attachment) in her approach.

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Mental Health Intake Officer

Meet Chantelle, our dedicated Mental Health Intake Officer at the University of Ottawa. With three years of experience working in health promotion and various other services on campus, Chantelle is passionate about helping students access the right mental health services tailored to their unique needs. Chantelle completed her Bachelors at the University of Ottawa which has given her an insider's understanding of the student experience. She is a compassionate and empathetic listener who truly cares about the well-being of students. When she's not assisting students, Chantelle enjoys collecting house plants, trying new recipes, and getting out and about as much as possible!

Pronouns: she/her

Clinical Psychologist

Isabelle completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières in 2017. Prior to joining the mental health team at the University of Ottawa in March 2022, Isabelle worked as a psychologist in a psychiatric hospital in Montreal. Her professional activities include individual psychotherapy, group therapy and psychological assessment. She promotes an integrative framework in her practice with a focus on psychodynamic and mentalization-based approaches. She specializes in mood and personality disorders and also works with issues related to anxiety, addictions, bereavement, relationships, crisis management and emotion regulation.

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Isabelle has been a part of the uOttawa Student Psychotherapy and Mental Health Services for over 3 years. She strives to create positive and collaborative relationships with students in which they can feel safe, accepted and explore their current challenges. Through working together, Isabelle can help students to strengthen their ability to: manage stress, regulate emotions, develop a personalized outlook on challenges and life, set boundaries and expand their self care strategies. Isabelle supports students in moving towards their personal goals and reach an enhanced and more fulfilling quality of life as a student, person and member of the community. Isabelle has been connected to the uOttawa campus for many years, from attending classes in Montpetit, studying at Morisset Library to walking by the canal, she has enjoyed getting to know the uOttawa campus and the city.

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Senior Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor

Jennifer aims to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative space for students to explore life’s challenges. Jennifer works from a student-centred approach to connect with students to mobilize their own strengths and resiliency, support self-discovery and self-compassion, and build healthy coping strategies. She integrates various psychotherapeutic approaches into session to help students develop better stress management, learn to regulate emotions, and work through personal, relationship, family, and identity issues.

Jennifer is a graduate from the Master’s in Counselling Psychology program at the University of Ottawa and a registered psychotherapist through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She has been on campus for over 12 years, as a student and now as a Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor, and is a proud member of the uOttawa community.

Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys being active outdoors, reading mystery novels, watching and playing hockey, and spending time connecting with family and friends.

Pronouns: they/them

Registered Social Worker

Mark Patton believes that when we feel stuck, working through challenges alone can be difficult and at times impossible. Mark’s approach involves listening to a student’s experiences and developing a plan to help them move forward towards their goals and dreams. Everyone’s experiences are different and, therefore, plans need to be tailored to individual needs. Mark has a master’s degree in social work from McGill University and has over twenty years of experience working with people who are experiencing anxiety and depression as well as severe and persistent mental health issues. Outside of work Mark likes to paint, run, cross-country ski and read.

Pronouns: he/him

Mental Health Intake Officer

Meet Mohamed, a mental health intake officer at the University of Ottawa. Mohamed has experience in various mental health-related positions and he is dedicated to helping students access the right resources both on-campus and in the community. Currently pursuing a Masters in Counselling Psychology, he also works as a mental health youth worker at Youth Services Bureau. Mohamed loves discovering new music, keeping up with world events, and is always interested in learning new things!

Health and Wellness Counsellor

Mylène is thrilled to be part of the University of Ottawa community as a Health and Wellness Counsellor. Mylène enjoys working with students as they transition to university by providing support, insight and strategies to help students manage some of life’s challenges. Mylène strives to create a connection with each student to allow them to feel safe and to enhance the work they do together. Her approach is fluid, flexible and creative in helping students better understand oneself and their relationships. The goal is to help students achieve their goals and lead a fulfilling life. 

Mylène has approximately 20 years’ experience as a rehabilitation counsellor in mental health and has spent the last six years working as a counsellor in the university setting, the college environment and within the private sector. She had the opportunity to return to university as a mature student in 2012 to pursue a Master in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Spirituality from St. Paul University. Mylène uses various psychotherapeutic approaches in her practice, specifically drawing from psychodynamic, humanistic and collaboratives theories. She is also a trauma informed therapist. In her spare time, Mylène enjoys travelling, running, biking and exploring different forms of artistic expression.

Pronouns: he/him

Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor

Pierre holds a master’s degree in counselling and Spirituality from Saint Paul University. In addition to individual therapy, he is offering couple counselling services with focus on spirituality, resilience, attachment and positive therapy. In his practice, Pierre uses different techniques such as mindfulness, CBT, EFT, IMAGO, Gestalt, etc. He has extensive experience helping people with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, school or work stress, grief, self-esteem and anger issues. He has a multicultural background and is fully bilingual (French and English). He also speaks Haitian Creole as he is originally from Haïti.

Before working as a Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor, Pierre had spent 23 years working at the IT department of the University of Ottawa as a business analyst. He had completed his bachelor’s degree in Management Information System at Telfer School of Management as well as his Master of Business Administration (MBA).

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Senior Psychotherapist – Common Law Section

Rand holds a B.Sc. (Hons) Specialization in Psychology from the University of Ottawa, an M.Sc. in Applied Psychology from Trinity College Dublin, and engages in continuing education and ongoing professional development to remain up to date in her field. She remains connected to the uOttawa community as a proud alumna.

She has several years of experience working with diverse ages and populations, in a variety of academic and community settings. Her experience in individual and group therapy covers a range of areas, including anxiety, depression, grief, traumatic stress, substance use, relationship issues, life transitions, academic performance, personal growth, etc.

She is passionate about student mental health and works collaboratively with each student, using a client-centred, culturally sensitive, and integrative approach, incorporating modalities such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused, strengths-based, and other interventions, to foster resilience and well-being.

In her spare time, Rand enjoys photography, sports, travelling, and fiction or crime genres of books and television.

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Senior Mental Health and Wellness Counsellor

With compassion, acceptance and a sense of humor, Theresa’s strength lies in building strong therapeutic relationships with individuals, couples or groups, to facilitate change in students' lives.

Theresa creates a safe and open environment to assist with a variety of challenges and "niche areas of interest include" - mood challenges, relationship and interpersonal issues, toxic and gender-based violence, eating disorders and neurodiversity (ADHD in women, and neurodiversity spectrum). She welcomes opportunities to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and is LGBTTIQQ+ positive.

Theresa collaborates with each client, uses an integrative approach using Attachment-Based/Family Systems, Interpersonal Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral/Dialectical Behavior Theories, within an anti-oppressive, trauma and cultural humble framework. She has worked in a variety of community and academic settings with over 15 years' experience. She holds an additional graduate certificate in couples counselling. In her spare time, she spends a lot of time at the hockey rink, with her family and cute bulldog. She enjoys nature, baking, movement, music and watching Netflix shows her students recommend!

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Clinical psychologist

Dr. Carolyn Mirotchnick holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Victoria. She completed her pre-doctoral psychology residency at the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Psychological Services and Research and The Ottawa Hospital. Prior to joining the team at the University of Ottawa’s Student Health and Wellness Centre, she worked at a private practice clinic in the community and at The Ottawa Hospital Eating Disorders Program.

Dr. Mirotchnick balances warmth and collaboration to provide evidence-based psychological care to address a broad range of problems, including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, trauma, grief, perfectionism, sleep difficulties, and struggles with self-worth.

Her main theoretical orientation is cognitive-behavioural therapy but she also incorporates strategies from dialectical behaviour therapy, emotion-focused therapy, interpersonal therapy, and motivational interviewing. In her free time, Dr. Mirotchnick loves spending time in the sun, exploring new places, and playing with her dog.

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Family Physician, Psychotherapist

Helga has been a family physician for over 30 years. She has recently completed additional training in psychodynamic and Brief - Focused psychotherapy. She is a member of MDPAC (MD Psychotherapists of Canada). In her current role she is working with students who are having challenges with anxiety, depression, OCD, substance misuse, as well as a number of other mental health challenges. The pandemic has brought abundant additional mental health challenges for many. Helga is keen to work with our Student Health and Wellness Centre mental health team in bringing about significant and lasting mental health improvements to all seeking our care. Being a part of an individual's health journey is rewarding as well as a privilege to be a part of.

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Clinical Physician

Dr. Louise Fullerton has been involved in Student Health for more than 12 years and considers assisting young people with their health journeys to be her ‘ niche ‘.  She has had many parts to a long career including Emergency Medicine in big and small hospitals, a full family practice from babies to elderly and a hospitalist in underserviced areas. She is a life long learner, teaching Medical Students and Residents, and being an Examiner for Medical licensing exams for over 30 years. She was recently appointed as a Lecturer at uOttawa. 

Dr Fullerton was born in the Yukon but attended uOttawa Medical School and did her Residency in Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine here as well and remembers when the campus looked very different! She is very enthusiastic about what the new Student Health and Wellness Centre brings to Campus.

 She has 2 grown children who are involved in academia, a husband who golfs a lot, and 2 little granddaughters whom she adores and is teaching to swim.

Her most rewarding moments of practice are meeting with students individually and getting to know them and their concerns. They also keep her engaged and enthusiastic about life as well!  YOLO in her heart.

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Registered Practical Nurse

Melanie has been a nurse for 19 years, worked most of her career at the Montfort hospital. Melanie started her career on the surgical and medicine unit, day surgery, emergency department and ambulatory clinic. Melanie also worked as a clinical instructor at Collège La Cité. Melanie loves her nursing career and is passionate about being able to help people/students. She really enjoys and appreciates her new career here at uOttawa. She is from a small town in northern ontario called New Liskeard (1.5hrs past North Bay) and did her schooling at Collège Boréal in Sudbury. She is a mother of 2 young children whom she adores. On her days off she enjoys doing activities with her children, you can find her at her campground in Perth during the summer. Other than nursing she is passionate about fishing, she LOVES TO FISH!

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Family Physician, with special interest in mental health and psychotherapy

Dr. Sarah Paluck is an alumna of the University of Ottawa, where she obtained her Bachelor degree of Health Sciences and her Doctor of Medicine degree. She also completed her family medicine residency through the University of Ottawa (Montfort Hospital stream).

Dr. Paluck has a special interest in mental health care with a focus on psychotherapy. She has completed additional training through many organizations including CBT Canada, MDPAC, and ECHO Ontario. She is dedicated to lifelong learning and loves to participate in educational activities and professional development.

Dr. Paluck uses a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches during her sessions and includes elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr. Paluck is excited to be working with the student population and looks forward to helping students optimize their mental health.

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Physician

Dr. Bencharif is a family and emergency doctor born and raised here in Ottawa. After attending medical school at Queen’s University, she completed a family medicine residency at McGill University, as well as an additional year of residency in emergency medicine at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Bencharif is looking forward to working with the Student Health and Wellness Centre team to provide students with the best possible care.

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Health Promotion Specialist – Portfolio: Peer Support

A proud uOttawa alumna with a degree in Economics and Public policy, Gianne serendipitously stumbled into the world of student health, wellness, and support. Her diverse experience gained through her studies complements her passion for mental health and supporting the uOttawa student community.

Gianne has over 6 years' experience in health promotion and education with the Health Promotion team. Her special interests include workplace integration of JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) practices, policy analysis in various public settings (e.g., health care systems, post-secondary institutions), and project management. In her spare time, you can catch Gianne on the yoga mat, hanging out with her cat, Miette, or outdoors on a hike in nature.

Pronouns: She/Her

Health Promotion Specialist - Clinical Portfolio

With over three years of experience in health promotion, Sara is committed to fostering a culture of wellness at uOttawa. She collaborates closely with staff and students to tackle a wide range of health topics. She also works one-on-one with students to promote healthy lifestyles and empower individuals to make informed choices.

As a uOttawa graduate, Sara understands the unique challenges that both students and the broader University community face. Sara focuses on creating inclusive, accessible programs for all students. Beyond her work, you’ll find Sara volunteering in her community, keeping physically active, and spending lots of time with her family and friends.

Pronouns: He/Him

Health Promotion Specialist - Portfolio: Outreach and Education

Jake holds a master’s degree in public health along with a bachelor’s degree in health science (BHSc) from uOttawa, and is very passionate about student health, wellness and support. In his outreach and education role, Jake is responsible for developing and running the Peer Wellness Education Program, planning and delivering wellness activities and events, and developing social media content.

Jake first joined the uOttawa Health Promotion Team as a volunteer peer wellness educator in 2020. Following his time as a volunteer, he moved into the role of peer wellness lead for the physical and nutritional health team, where he was instrumental in ensuring the continuity of health education and student engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jake’s personal goal is to have a lasting impact in the domains of physical activity and recreation, mental health, and men’s health.

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Student Support Specialist (Inclusive Admissions)

Mariette is a higher education and counselling professional dedicated to helping students flourish regardless of their backgrounds and histories. As a first-generation immigrant and a first-generation university student, Mariette recognizes the powerful impact an empathetic, collaborative, and knowledgeable support network can have on a student’s successes and wellbeing during a critical time of dynamic changes. As such, she adopts a spirit and an approach that is person-centred, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. Mariette brings with her over a decade’s experience in community development and relations, youth engagement, educational programming, mental health advocacy, academic research, project management, and more. Outside of uOttawa, Mariette enjoys reading, gardening, playing music, puzzles, and long walks with her dogs.

Pronouns: she/her

Student Support Specialist

Muriel has worked in the field of adult education and student services for close to twenty years. Prior to joining the Student Support Team she held various positions within uOttawa’s Residence Life Team, serving as Assistant Manager, Interim Manager, and Residence Life Coordinator. She also brings experience from a range of roles at other institutions in Ontario, from both the public and private sectors. Muriel is a lifelong learner and has pursued degrees and certificates across many disciplines, including organisational leadership, conflict resolution, education, law, language, safety, and the social sciences. While completing her master’s degree she particularly enjoyed researching adolescent development and educational leadership. As a trainer and mentor herself, Muriel has specialised in offering trainings focusing on non-violent crisis intervention, conflict resolution, emergency management, building community engagement, and leadership skills training. Muriel enjoys helping students to navigate all manner of challenges while also coaching life and leadership skills. Outside of work Muriel adores travelling to visit friends, reading and sleeping, and to her neighbours’ chagrin is perpetually convinced that instruments can be learned through enthusiastic yet infrequent practice. She is always thrilled to appreciate other people’s efforts at cooking and gardening. ;)

Pronouns: she/her

Student Support Specialist

I love working with students and help them get better in all aspects of their lives. I have a background in mental health, counselling and domestic violence. I have worked with a lot of different clientele so far in my career and the students, sometimes, embody all these different clientele and it makes it easier for me to help and support them. I thrive when I'm helping people make a difference in their life and get the proper resources.

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Manager, Student Health and Wellness Centre

Cindy Miron is a nurse who graduated from the Université du Québec en Outaouais and has worked in emergency rooms in the region for 23 years. She completed an honours bachelor’s at the University of Ottawa in 2002, and has been involved in many clinical improvement and supervision projects in the health-care field, both at the organizational level and internationally (in Africa).  

On a day to day basis, she focuses on the quality of care and services offered to students by a passionate, committed team.  

A mother of four, she places great importance on youth physical and mental health, and academic success. 

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Manager, Student Support

Jaclyne Mooney is the Manager of the Student Support team. Since taking on her current role in May 2021, she has built a comprehensive case management framework that supports students with complex needs at uOttawa. In her capacity as manager, she leads a team of seven Student Support Specialists, who provide essential case management support to the uOttawa community. Her team's work involves collaborating with various stakeholders to collect information, perform risk assessments, and intervene as necessary to ensure the campus community's safety.

Jackie's extensive experience in supporting students and youth spans more than a decade at uOttawa (with the Residence Life team and at the Academic Office of the Faculty of Health Sciences) as well as at McGill University and in other educational and community organizations. She spent several years working at a residential treatment center for adolescents with developmental trauma, where she honed her skills in crisis intervention, de-escalation and supporting equity-deserving populations.

In addition to managing student support operations, Jackie is also passionate about facilitating workshops for staff and students, including ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), safeTALK, Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Assault, Bystander intervention and more to help build the community’s capacity to better support each other and our students.

In her free time, Jackie enjoys biking, hiking, baking, and reading. She values being active and engaging in activities that allow her to unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

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Manager, Health Education, Promotion and Prevention

A New Brunswick native, Jennifer has dedicated her career to supporting the wellness of University of Ottawa students. 

She developed expertise in public health after completing studies in the area, and is committed to applying her knowledge to contribute to a wellness-centred student culture. 

Motivated by this challenge and passionate about public health, Jennifer has raised the University’s profile in Canada and elsewhere thanks to the achievements of her health promotion team.

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Manager, Psychotherapy and Mental Health Services

Mélissa is Manager of the Psychotherapy and Mental Health Services. She is passionate about working with her wonderful team of psychotherapists and counsellors to foster a culture of mental health and well-being at uOttawa.

Mélissa has over a decade of experience working as a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) at the University of Ottawa. As a manager of mental health services, she oversees the administration and delivery of high-quality mental health services to meet the diverse and complex needs of the student population. In her spare time, Mélissa enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and exploring the world, reading, being creative and collecting cacti.

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Manager, Psychotherapy and Mental Health Services

Layal has been a practicing clinician for over twelve years, delivering client centered, evidence- based treatment to families, couples, and individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges. After practicing within the College of Alberta Psychologists in Alberta, Layal relocated to Ottawa in 2013.

Along with her clinical practice, Layal has vast knowledge in leading teams towards excellence in mental health and wellness having spent the last several years of her career overseeing the mental health and wellness team for Canadian Armed Forces families in the National Capital Region.

Manager of Psychotherapy and Mental Health Services at the University of Ottawa's Student Health and Wellness Centre, Layal oversees the administration and delivery of high-quality mental health services to meet the diverse and complex needs of the student population. Layal is passionate about working with the fantastic team of clinicians to foster a culture of mental health and well-being at uOttawa!

Pronouns: he/him

Medical Director, Student Health and Wellness Centre

Dr. Leclair was born in Montreal and studied at the Faculty of Medicine of the Université de Montréal.  

With his academic and professional background, he brings multidisciplinary expertise in family medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, medical biology and addiction medicine to the Centre.