MEET THE TEAM
OMAR EL-LAHAM
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Omar is a graduate of The University of Western Ontario where he earned two degrees: a Bachelor in Arts and Science and a Bachelor of Business Management and Organizational Studies. He also completed the Ontario Provincial Police's "Be the Bridge - Acts of Reconciliation" certificate program, which focused on Indigenous history, cultures and traditions. Omar later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Manchester Metropolitan University in England.
Prior to joining the Stride team, Omar recognized his interest in supporting people during his time at GoodLife Fitness. Omar spent a considerable amount of time delivering fitness training and coaching in various sports activities with clients. He was a personal trainer and worked his way up to being the manager of personal trainers at GoodLife fitness centres in London, Ontario.
Omar's interest in ABI/SCI began with a personal experience. Omar has a family friend who is in treatment due to an acquired brain injury. Omar is fluent in Arabic and has a background in mixed martial arts, black belt designation, training in Judo, Kenpo and Filipino Arnis. His training was pursued for self-discipline and protection. His training was under a former U.S. Green Beret Officer.
In the community, Omar is on the organizing committee for the annual golf tournament held by the Brain Injury Association of Sarnia-Lambton.
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Omar is married and a father of one. Spending time with family is high on his priority list. In his spare time, Omar enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a variety of physical activities such as power-lifting, bodybuilding and outdoor boot-camp training.
AMAL MUSELMANI
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Amal Muselmani is a graduate of The University of Western Ontario where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences with a specialization in Health Sciences and graduated with disctinction. Her experience comes from various roles that have shaped her desire to support individuals with Brain and Spinal Cord Injury.
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While Amal was in school, she was a peer guide with the international and exchange student centre. Amal's focus was to assist with their transition into the university and country. She facilitated access to programs, services and resources by providing information on campus and city resources. Amal had firsthand experience in this area as she grew up in Lebanon and Nigeria before coming to Canada herself.
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Amal also spent time as the Vice President, Events Director for the Arab student's association. She led a team of five directors, increasing club funds and membership. Amal is fluent in Arabic.
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Prior to joining the Stride team, Amal supported individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and Autism. She also spent time as a physio assistant. Much of her time was spent assisting individuals with physical disabilities in physiotherapy, as well as recreation based activities.
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Amal has completed the OBIA course, Level 1, Neurorehabilitation; Assisting Recovery and Function in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury as well as the OBIA course, Level 2, Mental Health, Addictions and Brain Injury.
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In the community, Amal was a co-facilitator for a Brain Injury Support group.
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Amal's family live in Nigeria, however, she has a sister and brother that reside in Canada. In her spare time, she practices Pilates and enjoys trying new restaurants and cafes.
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BRITTANY FARRANTS
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Brittany Farrants is a graduate of Fanshawe College, where she earned a Fitness and Health Promotion Diploma, and of triOS College of Business, Technology and Healthcare, where she completed a Physiotherapist Assistant/Occupational Therapist Assistant Diloma.
Her career began as a wellness coach at London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital. Brittany then moved on to the YMCA where she continued as a wellness coach and personal trainer.
It was at the YMCA where Brittany established a niche supporting a number of individuals with special needs and brain injury. This led to her decision in pursuing a more permanent rehabilitation role with a dedicated focus on acquired brain and spinal cord injury.
Brittany has completed the OBIA course, Level 1, Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury course, as well as the Level 1, Neurorehabilitation; Assisting Recovery & Functioning in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury.
Brittany is married and the mother of two. Brittany frequently attends fitness bott-camp and enjoys training at the gym.
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JAKE WHITNEY
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Jake Whitney is a graduate of Mohawk College where he completed the Social Service Worker program with honours. While in college, he found a passion for acquired brain injury and rehabilitation in the community. As a result, he had the opportunity to complete multiple courses through the OBIA including Level 1, Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery & Function in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury and Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury. Jake also completed the ABI Rehabilitation Therapist Training program through McMaster University. Jake has experience working with Acquired Brain Injury, chronic pain, mental health and addiction.
He is a strong believer in strengths-based practice, collaborative problem-solving and mindfulness. Before his post-secondary education, Jake serviced in the Canadian Armed Forces as an infantry soldier, gaining valuable experience in leadership, teamwork and the importance of physical and mental health.
Outside of his role with Stride, Jake is the President and Founder of Whitney Rehabilitation Support Services. Founded in 2023, WRSS is a Non-Profit, Canadian Registered Charity that aims to equitably subsidize Rehabilitation Therapy services to those who are without coverage or adequate funding. Please take a look for further details at www.whitneyrehab.ca.
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In the community, Jake is on the organizing committee for the annual golf tournament held by the Brain Injury Association of Sarnia-Lambton.
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Jake is married and the father of one. In his free time, Jake enjoys hiking, cycling and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Spending time with family is high on his priority list.
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JORDAN VERHEY
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Jordan Verhey is a graduate of Laurentian University where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Throughout his career, Jordan has worked with individuals with acquired brain injuries, as well as people with sight loss.
He has experience working with a variety of physical and behavioural challenges in client’s homes and in the community, as well as providing group programs. Jordan has completed the OBIA course Level 1, Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery & Functioning in Everyday Life Following Brain Inury.
Jordan brings with him vast knowledge and experience working in Northern Ontario.
Jordan enjoys spending time with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys metal working, woodworking and spending time outdoors.
NANCY RODRIGUES
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Nancy is currently the Executive Director at The LifeSkills Centre and collaborates with Stride Rehabilitation Services Inc.
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Nancy is a graduate of The University of Western Ontario, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminology. Nancy relied on her Psychology background to provide support throughout the community to individuals with developmental / cognitive disabilities. Nancy has a special interest in providing support to individuals who have experienced acquired brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and developmental disabilities.
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In the community, Nancy is a member of the Helmets on Kids Committee. One of Nancy’s main roles is managing social media for the committee. The Helmets on Kids Committee is working diligently on community engagement. Nancy’s influence on the committee, as well as community engagement has been integral thus far.
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Nancy was a Camp Leader at the annual 4-day Camp Dawn for ABI survivors. Camp Leaders work in groups to facilitate activities for campers, playing an integral role in the camp experience. Nancy has completed the OBIA course, Level 1: Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery & Function in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury. Nancy is fluent in French and Portuguese and provides support in either language.
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Nancy is married and mother of two. Spending time with her family is at the top of her priority list. In her spare time, Nancy is a TV show/movie buff, enjoys hiking, fishing, gardening and biking.
JOHN SHAMOON
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
John Shamoon is a graduate of Fanshawe College where he earned a Diploma in the Developmental Services Worker program. His career has been devoted to serving a diverse population of individuals. His experience comes from day programs, treatment facilities, group homes and the school system. Although his focus has remained in the area of acquired brain injuries, much of his experience comes from serving people with developmental disabilities, mental health disorders and extremes in behaviour, such as self-injury and suicidal gestures/attempts.
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In the community, John is a President of the Board of Directors with the Brain Injury Association of London and Region where he served for 9 years. He was also a member of the Helmets on Kids Committee for 9 years. The Helmets on Kids Community Partnership was started by the Brain Injury Association of London & Region along with the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association in 2002. Since its first event held in London, Ontario, this initiative has distributed more than 15,000 helmets to students. This program is intended to put a helmet on the head of every child who needs one and provides education and awareness about bicycle helmet use. In addition, the program also includes a video presentation and educational material for distribution at local schools. John was also on a committee with the Spinal Cord Injury Ontario as a London, Ontario representative for 4 years.
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John is married and father of three. In his spare time, he keeps a close eye on the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League.