Duaa Al-Aghar, Executive Director of Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region, leads community-driven initiatives focused on empowering marginalized families, fostering inclusivity, and building a socially resilient, supportive environment for all.

Manages internal administrative operations, including grant-related activities.

Ibrahim Al-Haj Kassem is a certified KPI professional with over 13 years of experience in strategy development and implementation, specializing in aligning nonprofit initiatives with organizational goals through data-driven analysis, financial planning, and performance monitoring systems.

Manahil supports marketing, communications, and program coordination initiatives, including content creation, social media management, and community outreach. She works to ensure clear, engaging communication and meaningful experiences that support and connect the community.

Yousif is a community-based protection and public health professional with over 14 years of experience supporting refugees, newcomers, and vulnerable individuals. AT MSSWR, he supports System Navigation for our clients.

Yasmin ensures efficient coordination, documentation, and data management of MSSWR programs and events.

Saaima works to develop and deliver engaging community programs and events that being people together. She is passionate about fostering inclusive spaces, building partnerships, and creating opportunities that support learning, connection, and community well-being.

A dedicated Program Facilitator committed to creating inclusive, welcoming, and supportive spaces for individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Experienced in coordinating community-based programs that promote connection, learning, well-being, and meaningful participation. Passionate about empowering community members and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Responsible for facilitating the delivery of MSSWR programming, services, and goals.

Facilitates our Create and Connect and Rise and Play Programs

Samaana Anwar is an Honours Biology student at the University of Waterloo with a passion for medicine and social justice. She contributes to cancer research as a Research Assistant and supports her community through roles at Muslim Social Services and various hospital volunteer positions.

Manages external communication with partner organizations and assists MSSWR clients with accessing necessary resources.

Fatima has worked across various social service sectors, including disabilities, addiction, immigration, and student support. Fatima has developed a deep passion for exploring the intersections of identity, attachment, cultural dynamics, faith, and well-being. In the therapeutic space, Fatima offers a culturally safe, trauma-informed, empathetic, and compassionate approach rooted in faith and tradition.

Fatima holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Social Work at the University of Windsor Fatima is a Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW.

Sarah Malik is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Waterloo. She is also an incoming Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing) student at Western University. Sarah is passionate about culturally responsive and accessible mental health care. She has experience working with diverse populations, including students, Muslim youth, and English language learners, and is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive experience for individuals seeking mental health services. 

Denise is a Registered Social Worker (MSW) and trauma-focused counsellor who brings a compassionate, non-judgemental, collaborative approach to healing and wellness. She provides person-centred support to children, youth, and adults navigating complex trauma, gender-based violence, identity-based harm, and systemic barriers, with an emphasis on dignity, empowerment, and cultural affirmation.


Denise integrates a range of evidence-based modalities, including CBT, DBT, ACT, CPT, EMDR, and attachment-informed approaches. Her clinical practice is grounded in an understanding of how social location, migration experiences, faith, and community context shape mental health and well-being. She is committed to offering accessible, warm, and culturally attuned care that meets clients where they are. She believes that growth is possible when rooted in respect, curiosity, and hope.

Razak Aziz is a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, holding a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor. With over 20 years of experience, Razak specializes in working with children and youth, focusing on depression, coping skills, grief, and social media addictions, using a strengths-based approach to foster resilience and growth.

Annelise Baker is a dedicated counsellor (MSW, RSW) specializing in trauma-informed therapy and evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and IFS. With a focus on individual, child, adolescent, and family therapy, Annelise tailors her approach to meet each client's unique needs, integrating art and play for children and youth, and incorporating cultural and spiritual values in holistic care.

Nazish completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree at Renison School of Social Work, University of Waterloo. She is a registered social worker with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Nazish is dedicated to walking alongside clients, meeting them where they are at. She provides confidential safe space to talk through the issues clients are dealing with. Her
focus is to ensure clients feel heard, seen and valued. Compassion, open-mindedness, making a difference, relationship and empathy, honesty are primary values she holds. Nazish works from a client centered, harm reduction and trauma informed care lens. She draws on strength-based perspective, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy.

Tamara Shantz is a clinical intern studying in the Master of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy program at Martin Luther University College (Laurier). She has a background in social work, religious studies, and peace and conflict studies, as well as over 20 years of experience working in spiritual care, especially with young adults, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and adults transitioning into retirement.

Salima is an experienced Registered Mental Health Social worker with over 10 years’ experience. Fluent in three languages (English, Arabic and French). She earned MSW from Dalhousie University, attained BSW from University of Manitoba.

She provides mental and emotional support to families, elderly as well as teens and individuals going through life challenges, depression, anxiety, grief, relationships issues, work burnout, and PTSD.