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Meet the team

Military Family Services - NCR Team Mar 2023
WE’D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE MFS-NCR TEAM

They know the military lifestyle and its unique challenges — inside and out! As trained staff members who often collaborate with other agencies and organizations, our team is your gateway to services and supports in, and around, the National Capital Region (NCR). They are committed to working closely with your military family to help you develop and facilitate viable solutions in your community, or as close to home as possible. 

  • Anise Poirier

    Anise Poirier

    Counsellor View Bio
    Anise Poirier

    Anise Poirier

    Counsellor
    MSW, RSW
    Registered Social Worker


    Hello, my name is Anise. I am a social worker registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and l'Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec. I have a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Moncton, in New-Brunswick.  I have over 15 years of experience in the field of addiction and mental health. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches and have experience working with children, adults, couples and families. I am bilingual and offer services in French and English.

    As a social worker, I learnt that self-care strategies are crucial to manage the ups and downs of life. I personally enjoy the practice of daily mindfulness, self-compassion, cooking and downhill skiing which increase my sense of wellbeing. 

    Located in the Uplands Community Centre
    Offering services virtually and in person
    343-542-0502
    [email protected]
  • Ariana Sams

    Ariana Sams

    Counsellor View Bio
    Ariana Sams

    Ariana Sams

    Counsellor
    Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
    Individual, Couple, and Family Therapist


    Hi, my name is Ariana. I completed a Master of Science in the Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) program at the University of Guelph. Prior to graduate school, I studied Applied Psychology at Bishop’s University where I became a neuroscience enthusiast. I am certified in diverse therapeutic modalities and utilize a trauma-informed, sex-positive, culturally-inclusive, and systemic approach to therapy.
    I have worked in the field of mental health for the past 8 years in different roles and environments. In my previous position as Clinical Therapist, I gained extensive knowledge in supporting individuals, couples, and families in situations of violence and experiences of trauma.
    Reaching out for support with regards to mental health can seem like a daunting experience and sharing intimate parts of your life can feel challenging, and at times overwhelming. My primary goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space for those you identify as family and an environment within which you feel heard, seen, and validated.
    I look forward to connecting with the families that I will have the privilege to work with.

    Located in the Uplands Community Centre
    Offering services virtually and in person
    343-542-0897 
    [email protected]
  • Chantal Picard

    Chantal Picard

    Program Specialist - Child and Youth View Bio
    Chantal Picard

    Chantal Picard

    Program Specialist - Child and Youth

    343-574-3204   

    [email protected]

  • Cindy Le Breton

    Cindy Le Breton

    Child Care Navigator View Bio
    Cindy Le Breton

    Cindy Le Breton

    Child Care Navigator

    Cindy has worked  for over 25 yrs in the field of child care, and has been working with military families for over  seven yrs. 

    Her father was a cartographer for the military. Any deployments he had happened before she was grown. He pretty much stayed put in Ottawa, so Cindy didn’t get posted anywhere. 

    Cindy holds a diploma in Child and Youth Work as well as a diploma in Early Childhood Education. 

    613-991-4024 

    [email protected]

  • Kandy Gray

    Family Care Coordinator View Bio
  • Karen Hamilton

    Karen Hamilton

    Program Specialist - Relocation View Bio
    Karen Hamilton

    Karen Hamilton

    Program Specialist - Relocation

    I love adventure as it allows to challenge myself and other people’s perceptions of me. I’ve enjoyed so much over the years: skydiving, being lifted up in the air by dolphins, driving a race car, hiking to the top of an active volcano, and the best of all getting married to the Love of My Life.

    At age 30, I packed up my entire life in two suitcases and immigrated to Canada where I had nothing nor anybody waiting for me. That was really scary, but my dream was bigger than my fear. I left behind everything and everybody I had ever known: my family, a good career, my community. I gradually rebuilt my entire life over the past 14 years. That wasn’t without my fair share of struggles. Between my time in my home country and in Canada, I moved 14 times. This experience helps me relate to the challenges that military families go through as they get posted.

    “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” (Mae C. Jemison: first African-American woman to travel to space).

    343-549-1201  

    [email protected]

  • Kendra Marshall

    Kendra Marshall

    Counsellor View Bio
    Kendra Marshall

    Kendra Marshall

    Counsellor
    M.Ed., CCC

    Hello, my name is Kendra. I am a Certified Canadian Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling Psychotherapy Association. I have a Master’s in Education Degree in Counselling Psychology. I am also a certified teacher. I provide individual support to adults, adolescent and children along with counselling support for families. I offer in person and virtual services.

    A majority of my work experience has been in a school environment working with families and youth as a school counsellor. I have also worked in a private practice setting supporting individuals, youth and their families. As a military spouse, I can understand and relate to the vast experiences that the military lifestyle can offer. I can also identify with some of the challenges and opportunities that are experienced. 

    I am passionate about mental health and social-emotional development. Building resilience, learning new skills, and doing hard things is possible, and sometimes we need support and encouragement for this to happen.

    Located in the Uplands Community Centre
    Offering services virtually and in person
    343-576-3176 
    [email protected]
  • Marie-Claude Couture

    Marie-Claude Couture

    Program Specialist - Complex Needs View Bio
    Marie-Claude Couture

    Marie-Claude Couture

    Program Specialist - Complex Needs

    I am a Social Service Worker with 20 years of experience working with families who have been impacted by stress, addictions, mental health, and domestic violence, and those who have children with a variety of complex needs. I have specialized training in children’s mental health and an interest in trauma-informed care. 

    Having been raised in a military family myself, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges that come along with this lifestyle and how they can affect the family system.

    My passion is helping families and children. I am excited and look forward to offering strategies, tools, resources, and emotional support to military families while they strive to reach their goals.

    819-665-6846 

    [email protected]

  • Mona Abinader

    Mona Abinader

    Second Language Educator View Bio
    Mona Abinader

    Mona Abinader

    Second Language Educator

    Greetings. I’m Mona Abinader, an enthusiastic virtual second language instructor proudly associated with CFMWS. I was born in Lebanon, and destiny landed me amidst the wonders of Canada. Oh, the trials and tribulations of mastering a new tongue! Through my personal voyage of language acquisition, I emerged with a distinct perspective and a set of skills that set my heart ablaze with a fervor for teaching and learning.

    I have traversed the globe, weaving linguistic spells in diverse lands. From the enchanting classrooms of South Korea to the dazzling realms of Dubai, India, Thailand, Nepal, Nicaragua, Vietnam, and even the vast landscapes of the United States and Canada, I had the immense privilege of guiding learners of all ages, cultures, and proficiency levels on their linguistic expeditions. Both English and French flowed through my teachings, acting as bridges between souls yearning to connect through the power of words.

    My own educational journey began at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, where I obtained my Bachelor of Education and a bilingual degree from the renowned School of Community and Public Affairs. This scholarly pursuit fortified my unwavering dedication to multiculturalism and community engagement, fueling my desire to create harmonious environments where diverse voices can flourish.

    Eager to expand my horizons, I pursued a Master of Arts in Instructional Technology at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. It was within these halls that I delved into the wonders of Instructional Technology, pursuing a Master of Arts degree that focused on the harmonious marriage of technology and education. But my thirst for enlightenment remained unquenchable, propelling me to conquer the final frontier of scholarly pursuits. With unwavering determination, I embarked on the arduous path toward my doctorate in Educational Leadership, specializing in the art of crafting online learning communities that nurture and facilitate growth and foster connections.

    Within the very core of my being lies a boundless passion for languages and a profound appreciation for the beauty of diversity for I believe it is through unity in diversity that we truly thrive. So, dear seekers of linguistic enlightenment, should you ever find yourself yearning to unlock the vast realms of language, know that I, Mona Abinader, stand ready to guide you on this marvelous journey. Together, we shall explore uncharted territories, igniting the spark of curiosity and transforming your world, one word at a time.


    [email protected]
  • Mylène O'Brien

    Mylène O'Brien

    Program Specialist - Deployment View Bio
  • Rahma Sardheeye

    Program Specialist - Volunteers View Bio
  • Raïssa Zeyrek

    Program Specialist - Adult & Parenting View Bio

    Raïssa Zeyrek

    Program Specialist - Adult & Parenting

    343-549-0508  

    [email protected]

  • Management and Administration

    Multiple Roles View Bio