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About

Our Team Members

Our team is the driving force behind our mission, bringing passion and dedication to everything we do. Together, we strive to create a positive and lasting impact in the community

Duaa Al-Aghar

Executive Director

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.

Liz Cooper

Manages internal administrative operations, including grant-related activities.

Yasmin Ali

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

Andrew Bao

Creates compelling visual content (flyers, videos, reels) and manages social media to grow MSS’s online presence, engagement, and community impact.

Samaana Anwar

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.

Ibrahim Al-Haj Kassem

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.

Menar Al-Najjar

Manages financial records, bookkeeping tasks, and expense tracking while supporting financial reporting, grant compliance, and coordination with auditors to ensure MSSWR’s financial efficiency.

Sally Alkarmi

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

Amina Abdulqadir

Provides administrative support for programming and helps to guide program participants through activities.

Malik Awan

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

Adam Adam

Provides administrative support for programming and helps to guide program participants through activities.

Sujude Kabbar

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

Afnan Al-Najjar

Afnan Al-Najjar is a Program Facilitator with MSS. She is dedicated to using her skills in organization and collaboration to foster inclusive educational spaces and support student success.

Shiwan Ibrahim

Shiwan Ibrahim is a registered psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), specializing in trauma-informed therapy for immigrants and refugees. With a respect-focused approach, Shiwan uses a variety of therapeutic methods, including CBT, DBT, ACT, and Solution-Focused Therapy, to empower clients and support their mental health journey with a judgment-free and collaborative approach.

Razak Aziz

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

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.

Sara Samy

Sara Samy is a compassionate Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) specializing in supporting individuals with depression, anxiety, and trauma-related challenges. Using a person-centered approach, Sara integrates therapies such as EFT, CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care to empower clients, fostering resilience and personal growth in a non-judgmental, supportive environment.

Sarah Alsyed

Sarah Alsyed, RP (Qualifying), is a psychotherapist who provides a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed space. Integrating person-centered, CBT, narrative, and solution-focused therapies, she works to empower clients and support their capacity for growth.

Hilal Biyikli

Hilal Biyikli is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), employing an integrative, humanistic approach. Hilal combines person-centered, solution-focused, CBT, and EFT therapy to help clients navigate challenges and cultivate self-compassion and growth.

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