MEET THE TEAM
OMAR EL-LAHAM
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Omar is a graduate of The University of Western Ontario, obtaining two degrees. One is a Bachelor in Arts and Science, the other is a Bachelors in Business Management and Organizational Studies. Omar also received an OPP Certificate that was run by the OPP, titled ‘Be The Bridge - Acts of Reconciliation’ which looked at learning about Indigenous history, cultures and traditions. 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.
Omar managed varying degrees of behavior from clients and developed a niche in providing support. Omar has taken his experience to a new level by providing support to individuals who have experienced acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury. 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. 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 is a husband and a father. 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 Bachelor of Health Sciences Program from the University of Western Ontario. She graduated with Honours Specialization in Health Sciences with distinction. Her experience comes from various roles that have shaped her desire to support individuals with Brain and Spinal Cord Injury.
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 first hand experience in this area as she grew up in Lebanon and Nigeria before coming to Canada herself.
Amal also spent time as the Vice President events director for the Arab students association. She led a team of five directors, increasing club funds and membership. Amal is fluent in Arabic.
Since graduating Amal has supported individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and Autism. She also spent some time as a physio assistant. Much of her time was spent assisting individuals with physical disabilities in physiotherapy as well as recreation based activities. Amal has completed the OBIA course, level 1 Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery and Function in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury.
Amal’s family live in Nigeria however she has a sister that resides in Canada. In her spare time, she practices Pilates and enjoys trying new restaurants and cafes.
JACKIE KING
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Jackie King is a graduate of the Developmental Service Worker program at Fanshawe College. She is in the process of completing her Rehabilitation and Disability Management diploma at Simon Fraser University.
Jackie has completed level 1 Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury course with OBIA/Brock University, as well as the level 1 Assisting Recovery & Functioning in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury course, ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training at UWO and Concussion Management Workshop Level 1 and 2 from Concussion Rehab Works Inc.
Jackie is the co-lead of the Brain Injury Support Group in Woodstock, Ontario. This role involves planning and organizing monthly meetings for speakers and supports 26 active members of the group.
Jackie is married and the mother of two young boys. She is a CrossFit athlete and enjoys all fitness-related activities such as weightlifting, running or hiking at local trails.
BRITTANY FARRANTS
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Brittany Farrants is a graduate of the Fitness and Health Promotion Diploma Program at Fanshawe College as well as the Physiotherapist Assistant/Occupational Therapist Assistant Diploma Program at triOS College of Business, Technology and Healthcare. 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 level 1 Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury course with OBIA/Brock University as well as the level 1 Assisting Recovery & Functioning in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury course.
JAKE WHITNEY
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Jake Whitney is an honours graduate of the Social Service Worker program at Mohawk College. 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 Ontario Brain Injury Association including 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 served in the Canadian Armed Forces as an infantry soldier, gaining valuable experience in leadership, teamwork and the importance of physical and mental health.
Jake is on the planning committee for the annual Camp Dawn wine tasting event. Camp Dawn is a registered charity which operates a camping retreat for adult brain injury survivors which is 100% funded by sponsors, events and camper fees. The program is the only one of its kind in Canada. Each September, Camp Dawn hosts 100 adult brain injury survivors from Southwestern Ontario.
In his free time, Jake enjoys hiking, cycling and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Spending time with family is high on his priority list.
JORDAN VERHEY
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Jordan Verhey is a graduate of the Psychology program at Laurentian University. 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. Through OBIA (in collaboration with Brock University), Jordan has completed the Level One: Neurorehabilitation course. He brings with him vast knowledge and experience working in Northern Ontario communities.
Jordan enjoys spending time with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys metal working, woodworking and spending time outdoors.
CHARLES BAILEY
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Charles Bailey is a graduate of the Human Services program at Fanshawe College and an honours graduate of the Crisis and Emergency Management program at Algonquin College. Throughout his career, Charles has worked in a variety of settings, including crown ward group homes that exclusively housed CAS children; and both treatment and custody facilities. Charles has vast experience working with individuals struggling with both physical and sociological barriers and deficiencies including extreme behavioural concerns. Charles now specifically focuses his skillset on rehabilitation support for individuals with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI).
Charles is a husband and father of two. He enjoys film, sports, travel and animals of all kinds. Charles has been an active volunteer hockey coach within the community for 16 years, doing what he can to give back to the sport he so enjoys.
NANCY RODRIGUES
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Nancy is currently the Executive Director at The LifeSkills Centre and collaborates with Stride Rehabilitation Services Inc.
Nancy is a graduate of The University of Western Ontario, obtaining a Psychology and Criminology degree. 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.
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.
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 Level 1: Neurorehabilitation: Assisting Recovery & Function in Everyday Life Following Brain Injury course through OBIA (in collaboration with Brock University). Nancy is fluent in French and Portuguese and provides support in either language.
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.
CHRIS PETERS
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
Chris Peters is a graduate of the Developmental Services Worker program at Fanshawe College. Chris has devoted the first 14 years of his career to working at The Child and Parent Resource Institute (C.P.R.I.), counselling and supporting children and youth with mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and brain injuries. During this time, Chris became a knowledgeable and valuable part of the many interdisciplinary teams that he worked on. This training allowed Chris to provide his clients the best possible support during their treatment and rehabilitation.
Chris is a member of the KickAbout Committee, an adult, co-ed soccer tournament hosted annually by Siskinds, The Law Firm. All proceeds raised support a local charity in London, Ontario. The committee chooses a new charity to donate the proceeds to every year. The most recent tournament raised just over $24,000.
Chris is a husband and father of two. Spending time with family is important to Chris. In his free time, he enjoys a variety of sports such as hockey, soccer, squash and playing the piano.
JOHN SHAMOON
REHABILITATION SUPPORT WORKER
ABOUT
John Shamoon is a graduate of the Developmental Services Worker program at Fanshawe College. 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.
John is the President of the Board of Directors with the Brain Injury Association of London and Region. He is also a member of the Helmets on Kids Committee. 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 is also on a committee with Spinal Cord Injury Ontario as a London, Ontario representative.
John is a husband and father of three. In his spare time, he keeps a close eye on the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League.
