Management

Diane Morrison, Executive Director

After 20 years as a professional educator, Diane was appointed Executive Director of The Ottawa Mission in 1992, after volunteering and working extensively here. She has helped transform The Ottawa Mission from a small emergency homeless shelter to the active community resource that it is today.

Diane obtained a Bachelor of Education at McGill University and a Master of Public Administration at Queens. She is a founding member of The Alliance to End Homelessness. In April 2004, Diane was honoured with the Women of Distinction Award from the YM/YWCA. In 2005 she was named by The Ottawa Sun as one of five people who changed the face of Ottawa.

Laird Eddy, Director of Mission Services

Laird was appointed Director of Mission Services in February of 1993. He received his undergrad degree from Bishop's and his Masters of Divinity from McGill. Laird was ordained into the United Church of Canada in 1987.

Laird has been at the center of a number of client-centred initiatives and construction projects that built our new Hospice wing, LifeHouse Centre and Client Services Centre. Laird obtained his C.F.R.E. (Certified Fundraising Executive) certification and is a member of the A.F.P. (Association of Fundraising Professionals).

Simon Brazier, Manager of Client Services

Simon graduated from Carleton University with a degree in Pre-Law. He started at The Ottawa Mission as a Frontline worker in 1998 while completing his degree. He stayed on as Frontline Manager, then as Shelter Manager and is currently the Manager of Client Services here at The Ottawa Mission.

Joey Clare, Manager of Emergency Services

Joey Clare was born and raised in Ottawa. He attended Seneca College in Toronto where he completed a diploma in Marketing. Joey started working at the front desk at The Ottawa Mission in 2004. He leads a team of dedicated young men and women who are the first point of contact for anyone coming to The Ottawa Mission for help.

Terry Dempsey, Chaplain

Terry graduated with a Masters in History and a Masters in Divinity from McMaster. Terry also has a B.Ed. from Brock University. He was ordained as a Minister in the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec in 1980. Terry believes that working among the homeless is the highest calling one can have as a minister.

Jason Fox, Senior Manager, Programs

Jay has almost ten years experience as an advocate for the homeless, therapist and program manager, having worked with various age groups and with clients presenting with addiction, mental health, and job-related problems. He has a background in social work and graduated from McMaster University. Jay has been the leader and manager for award winning programs that are widely respected for their innovation, effectiveness and efficiency in the non-profit community.

Margo Whittaker, Communications Officer

Margo graduated with a Masters in Pastoral Theology from Saint Paul University and the University of Ottawa in 2003. She also has a Masters in English from the University of Ottawa and has been an ordained Anglican Priest since 2006. Margo believes that working on behalf of the homeless fulfills a calling from God, and enjoys her position raising awareness of the work carried out at The Ottawa Mission. Margo leads tours of the facilities and welcomes opportunities to spread the word about The Ottawa Mission at area churches, schools and businesses.

Shirley Roy, Media Relations Officer

Shirley graduated from the Broadcasting Program at Mount Royal College in Calgary and has worked in news rooms across the country. She moved to Ottawa in 1992 and spent 15 years working at various radio and television stations in the capital before joining The Ottawa Mission. Shirley’s role is to facilitate media requests for information and interviews and also to bring attention to the growing number of programs at The Ottawa Mission available to people in need.

Samantha Laprade, Legacy Giving Officer

Samantha graduated from Algonquin College in the Public Relations Program. Her career includes municipal politics, local media and non-profit experience. Samantha has coordinated various fundraising initiatives including special events and telethons. Samantha's role at The Ottawa Mission includes working with donors who wish to leave legacy gifts to care for the homeless for generations to come. Samantha is a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners.

Garth Roy, Senior Accountant

Garth grew up in Buckingham Quebec and attended Heritage College where he received a diploma in Business Administration. He joined the Ottawa Mission in 1991.

Marg Smeaton, Health Services Manager

Marg was trained as a psychiatric nurse at Alberta School Hospital working in the management and development of mentally challenged patients. Marg's interest in palliative care led her to take courses at Algonquin College and to volunteer at The Ottawa Mission Hospice. Since joining the Hospice team in August of 2003, Marg has enjoyed working to bring dignity and comfort to many difficult lives. Marg also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in Honduras.

Troy Thompson, Manager of Addiction Services

Troy completed his Bachelor of Arts in Law in 1996. After several years at an Ottawa law firm, Troy joined The Ottawa Mission in 1999. He returned to school to complete his Masters of Social Work at Carleton University. Troy has contributed to the growth of Addiction Services by establishing a comprehensive aftercare program, and pioneering a program for addicted men who have suffered childhood trauma. He leads an innovative and enthusiastic team of counselors.

Ric Watson, Food Services Manager

Ric trained in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Camosun College, in Victoria B.C. Ric has been at The Ottawa Mission since 2001 where he supervises staff, trainees and volunteers in preparing and serving five meals a day to shelter, hospice and community clients. In addition to planning and preparing more than 1100 meals a day, Ric is responsible for the development and implementation of The Ottawa Mission's Food Services Training Program. The program successfully helps move people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless back into the community with employable skills.