Team

Hello, my name is Ash Ahmed and I work as a Human Relation Agent (HRA) at the West Island Crisis Centre. I have been employed for eighteen years at WICC working the night shift. Shortly after graduated from Concordia University in Psychology I had gained valuable experience as a volunteer for several organizations such as the CLSC, Montreal Association for the Blind and Ensemble.

I have always had a passion for psychology and the study of human beings. Very early on, I experienced hardships that allowed me to develop a certain resilience and, above all, a great capacity for empathy. Since then, I have wanted to help people understand themselves better and to give them the tools to feel better and to manage the problems they face.

I have a unique blend of qualifications and life experiences. I have a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology which I completed in New Jersey and I also completed three years of doctoral research/response, including internships and research projects with different populations.

I am a final year undergraduate student at the Université de Montréal, studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. I graduated from John Abbott College with a degree in Natural Sciences.

So, to have the opportunity to work at the Crisis Centre and know that I can contribute to the well-being of people in the West Island, the community where I grew up, is something that warms my heart. Furthermore, being part of the WICC team allows me to gain experience in a field I am passionate about and to get closer to my professional ambitions.

Moreover, my desire to specialize in mental health grew as the years passed. In response to this expanding curiosity, I made the decision to study psychology and behavioral sciences at McGill University. I also minored in gender, sexuality, feminist, and social justice studies in hopes that I could eventually help to optimize the experience and effectiveness of mental health services for various minority identities. 

I have always wanted to work as a Human Relation Agent in a crisis setting because I believe that this opportunity is the best way to get exposure to a wide range of different problems or situations individuals may encounter in their life. Furthermore, the values of the West Island Crisis Center for inclusion and open-mindedness encouraged me to join the team since I hold these values dearly. and I aim to integrate them in all my encounters, both in and out of the workplace.

As a psychology student at the Université de Montréal, I’ve developed a strong connection to my role as a crisis intervention worker at the Crisis Centre, where I work as part of a wonderful team.

In the past, I had the opportunity to volunteer for a helpline, which allowed me to develop a heightened sensitivity to the needs of individuals in vulnerable situations while gaining my first intervention skills.

Being present, actively listening, and offering a compassionate space to others is deeply meaningful to me. I'm fascinated by the diversity of situations I encounter, and each interaction is a chance to learn, reflect, and grow my practical skills.

Research, particularly on depression, as part of my Honours program, also plays an important role in my journey. It fuels my curiosity and helps me better understand the experiences of some of the people I support. With the intention of continuing to work in this field long-term, I see this work as a beautiful beginning.

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a graduate degree in neuroscience and I am currently a master’s student in social work.

Throughout my university studies, I have had opportunities to acquire skills in working with a variety of clients.

I advocate a humanistic posture in my responses. Through empathy, caring and unconditional acceptance, my goal is to support the person in realizing their full potential by focusing on their ability to become aware of their difficulties, to understand them, and to make the changes they feel are necessary to overcome them.

I have many years of experience in organization administration and governance. A participatory and innovative leader, I am known for my political skills, my ability to build partnerships and to bring together various areas of expertise around a single project. Trained as a teacher and specialist in interculturalism, I have held general management positions in local, regional and provincial organizations since 2000.

The WICC’s mission excites me because mental health is at the core of everything: being mentally healthy makes you feel good about yourself. This allows you to fully enjoy the pleasures of life, to blossom and to exceed yourself, in short, to become a more complete human being. Everyone has at one time or another experienced moments that were more difficult than others. The WICC allows us to reach out, to put a shoulder to the wheel to restore faith in existence, one person at a time.

Working in management in different community organizations for several yearsand having worked in collaboration with the surrounding community in differentwork environments, my experience allows me to have an overview of the programsoffered, the approaches conveyed, and the interventions required to help thosein need.

My studies in special education, industrial relations, gerontology andcommunity action allow me to promote the well-being and rights of individualswith ethical and clinical issues in mind. Guiding the Crisis Centerintervention team towards an approach adapted to the clientele and mobilizingall the necessary professionals involved towards a common mission is, for me, ameaningful commitment.

Passionate about the field of human resources and human contact, I have a degree in human resources management. Over the past few years, I have held key positions moving from the manufacturing industry to the healthcare field.

My arrival at the Crisis Centre was a revelation for me, it allowed me to combine two fields that I particularly like; HR and mental health.

I am proud to contribute in my own way in both areas.

As the Administrative and Financial Manager at the West Island Crisis Centre, I apply my expertise to ensure the efficient management of the organization’s resources and finances. With a solid background in the field, I strive to maintain smooth and transparent administration, which is crucial in supporting the centre's humanitarian mission. Deeply committed, I am driven by the belief that every action counts in our support of individuals in crisis..

After leaving the corporate field in 1986, Deborah found her passion in the West Island community by joining a mental health organization. Currently the Administrative Director at the ADD Family & Resources Centre, she works with families with children (6 to 11 years old) with behavioural problems.

Having always worked on the administrative and financial side, she has been a member of several boards of directors, often as treasurer.

After attending a general meeting of the West Island Crisis Centre, she is still present today. Over the years she has served as president, treasurer and secretary.

Passionate about human potential and talent management, I hold degrees in human resources management and international relations.

My mission is to help candidates take on new challenges by providing them with a career opportunity that exceeds their professional aspirations. Each person is unique and deserves a respectful living and working environment that promotes their well-being and allows them to thrive.

As part of this mandate, I have a particular interest in issues of diversity and equity and believe that an inclusive society means not only accepting the differences of its members but also considering them as a source of enrichment. As a board member, contributing to the CCOI's mission of supporting adults in crisis to regain their mental well-being aligns with my vision of "living together" in health and safety.

A graduate in management from the UQAM École des sciences de la gestion, Olivier is now a consultant at Point Cardinal where he collaborates on several mandates. He brings creativity and methodology to the teams he works with, and has a keen interest in business growth, governance and change management. A gourmet at heart, Olivier is constantly on the lookout for new culinary trends in Montreal, which makes him the reference in the field.

I am honoured to be involved with the West Island Crisis Centre as a director. I believe we all need to give back to the community in our own way. My way: getting involved in an organization that understands the reality of adults in crisis and that offers concrete services adapted to the growing needs of the population. A noble cause that is very close to my heart.

Bilingual researcher in digital health projects at McGill University since 2008. Project manager in a public health institution for several years (CIUSSS-ODIM). Developed extensive experience around the world in Africa, Micronesia and the United States in the health field as a clinician and surgeon before coming to Canada and focusing on health research. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), Lean Black Belt Six Sigma and change management specialist. Dynamic leader in innovative health with proven experience and expertise in digital health projects-programs and social support.

Ghassan Baroudi is a business manager, specialized in management consulting and change management. With 20 years of experience, Mr. Baroudi provides professional services to multinational consulting engineering firms, project management and NPOs.

Concerned with societal and organizational issues, he contributed to operations management during the recent floods and, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, visited local shelters. In the same vein, Ghassan participated in the “Citizen’s Summit” (Montreal 2016), met with numerous parliamentarians (Ottawa 2018 and 2019), represented and facilitated dialogue between federal candidates (Montreal 2019 and 2021), participated in the United Nations immersion program (Geneva 2019) and in the European Commission’s “Citizens’ Initiative” week (2020).

Ghassan believes in the importance of two-way communication and active listening for both clients, decision makers and staff.

A pharmaceutical management professional with over twenty years of industry experience, Cindy is motivated by challenges and driven by continuous improvement. Cindy received her MBA from the John Molson School of Business and has since held several positions of increasing responsibility. She is a strong supporter of inclusion and diversity initiatives and was recently featured with her family in her organization’s social media pride campaign. Cindy’s appointment to the West Island Crisis Centre will be her first experience as a board member of a community organization and she looks forward to using her skills, dedication and hard work to support the Centre’s excellent work to the best of her ability.

Anoop Singh holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from McGill University. He has nearly 20 years of experience in heavy civil engineering and mining operations. Anoop joined Bird Construction (formerly H.J. O’Connell) in 2003 and has held various positions such as Field Engineer, Site Superintendent, Project Manager and Quebec Operations Manager.  Anoop has had the opportunity to manage several large-scale projects for the Canadian mining sector as well as industrial and hydroelectric projects in his career.  In 2016, Anoop was appointed to the position of Vice President–Strategic Development and Estimating and is responsible for attracting and retaining customers, negotiating contracts as well as managing several of the company’s partnerships with indigenous peoples.

Ariane Désilets is a consultant at SYRUS, a boutique Montreal-based firm operating at the intersection of business consulting and strategic communications. Her areas of expertise include corporate communications, stakeholder engagement,communication planning, and public relations. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing Communication from the Université de Sherbrooke.

Ariane’s thoughtful and committed approach, combined with a deep interest in social issues, is reflected in her paraprofessional engagements. She joined the Board of Directors of the WICC driven by a desire to contribute to a human centred cause one that is close to the community and essential to strengthening the local social safety net.

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With over 20 years of consulting experience, Stéphane has supported numerous organizations across North America and Europe. Specializing in team engagement and the human side of change management, he helps clients navigate major transformations. He has also played a key role in establishing a strong foundation in human resources management within his firm.

His position as a board member reflects his commitment to contributing to the success of the CCOI, a remarkable organization that has grown and evolved over the years thanks to an inspiring leadership team and employees who are deeply dedicated to its mission. For Stéphane, it’s also a meaningful way to give back to the community where he grew up.

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