President & CEO

Mark is a registered psychotherapist with 20 years of experience in the mental health and social services sector. Mark is known for his ability to envision a bold future and make it a reality through sound strategy development. As an integrative thinker, Mark keeps the client at the center. He is unwavering in his dedication to improving access to mental health and addiction supports in the region and further afield.

Before joining Ottawa Salus in 2021, Mark was the Director of Mental Health and Community Programs at Family Services Ottawa. There, he worked closely with the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, the Canadian Mental Health Association Ottawa, and the Ottawa Health Team – Équipe Santé Ottawa. Mark co-led the development of Counselling Connect, a community mental health and addictions platform on which more than 20 community partners provided free phone and video counselling.

Mark has also served on various regional committees, including the Regional Planning Table for Trans Health, Champlain Virtual Care Committee, Champlain Quality Improvement Committee, Ottawa Family Court Community Liaison and Resource Committee, and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Clinical Supervision Committee.

Mark holds a business diploma, an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Economics, and a Master’s in Counselling.

Why Ottawa Salus?

Salus works to support some of the most marginalized persons in our community. Having a home is foundational to mental health and working with an organization that not only offers a home but also the supports to thrive in that home is very rewarding.

Director of Communications & Public Affairs

Allie is an experienced communications strategist with over a decade of leadership across political, agency, and corporate sectors. She brings a steady, solutions-focused approach to complex communications challenges, with deep expertise in issues management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic positioning.

Prior to joining Salus, Allie served as Director of Public Affairs at Enterprise Canada, where she led strategic communications efforts for national clients across a variety of sectors. In this role, she helped organizations navigate high-stakes issues, engage key stakeholders, and build public support for complex initiatives. She previously served as Director of Communications at the Liberal Research Bureau, where she where she oversaw communications strategy for the federal Liberal caucus. Her work focused on clear, values-driven messaging in a fast-paced political environment, alongside team leadership and strategic counsel on both policy and communications.

At Salus, Allie focuses on building clear, consistent communications that reflect the work and values of the organization—from internal storytelling to public advocacy. She brings a practical, collaborative approach to her work, and is committed to helping bridge the gap between policy, practice, and public understanding.

Why Ottawa Salus?

I was drawn to Salus because supportive housing is one of the most powerful tools we have to promote health, dignity, and stability—but it’s often under-recognized, underfunded, and incredibly complex to navigate. I want to help change that. The focus Salus places on meeting clients where they are and on collaborating with partners to best respond to community need resonates deeply with me. I’ve seen firsthand the power of community and what happens when people rally around a shared purpose. I’m honored to be part of a team that rallies around those who need extra support—and to help ensure that something this essential gets the attention, investment, and understanding it deserves.

Director, Human Resources

Lynda joined Salus with over 25 years of experience in Human Resources within the public and not-for-profit sectors. She earned her CHRP/CHRL designation in 2003 and has established herself as a trusted and respected leader throughout her career. Known for her results-oriented approach, Lynda has significant experience in leading change and developing and delivering HR programs and services that drive impactful results.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lynda has contributed her expertise as a volunteer Board member for two not-for-profit organizations and is actively involved with Parkrun Orleans. Outside of work, Lynda is an avid long-distance runner and cyclist, demonstrating her dedication to both personal and professional excellence.

Why Ottawa Salus?

“Salus has been providing resources and support in our Ottawa community for over 45 years.  As a part of this team I am able to live my values at work and support an amazing group of staff dedicated to the clients they serve and the valuable work that they do.”

Director, Philanthropy

Nan is an accomplished fundraising and engagement strategist with over 15 years of experience driving transformational revenue growth for mission-driven organizations in both the nonprofit and political sectors.

She spent more than a decade with the Liberal Party of Canada, where she led major donor programs and national events, significantly expanding the organization’s donor community and increasing fundraising outcomes year over year. At the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Nan spearheaded a multi-year initiative to advance women’s heart health and played a key role in launching a national grant program supporting students from equity-deserving communities.

Nan also served as Director of Philanthropy at the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), where she secured a landmark donation that had a lasting impact on the organization’s capacity to serve Indigenous women and girls. In 2025, she led fundraising efforts for the Mark Carney Leadership campaign achieving record results and setting a new benchmark for political fundraising in Canada.

Throughout her career, Nan has remained deeply committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and systemic change through the power of philanthropy.

Why Salus?

“I am honoured to join Salus in support of its vital mission to provide supportive housing and mental health and addiction recovery services. I believe that housing is more than shelter—it is a cornerstone of stability, dignity, and healing. With mental health challenges on the rise and housing insecurity affecting more people than ever, Salus’ integrated approach offers a lifeline and a path forward.

I am passionate about building the philanthropic partnerships that help bring this transformative work to life.”

Director, Clinical Services

Papa Ladjiké Diouf is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. He studied psychology and sociology, specializing in various issues based on trauma. He has been working as a psychotherapist for 19 years, including 10 years as a clinical supervisor and clinical director. He has worked in several environments (Africa and Canada) and with different clienteles (men, women, adolescents, couples and families) on a variety of issues (trauma, migration, depression, anxiety, sex workers, street children, addictions and concomitant disorders, etc.).

His current interests include mental health and housing, historical and intergenerational trauma, racial issues, immigrant clientele, and the mental health challenges faced by Black people. He is the Leader of the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition and co-directed work on the anti-racism program for Addiction Mental Health Ontario and the City of Ottawa. He is married with two children.

Why Ottawa Salus?

“Ottawa Salus’ values are aligned with mine as professional in psychotherapy and as person.  Salus is a client-focused organization with a very experimented and dedicated staff and leadership. Helping vulnerable individuals to meet their balanced lives by witnessing them working incredibly hard on their recovery goals is very humanising.”