About The Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services (CRECS)
The Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services (CRECS) collaborates in research, evaluation, and training with organizations in the educational, social service, and health sectors to improve social programs and policies for citizens, especially those facing social exclusion.
University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is one of the main partners in this project. The work is led by researchers from the Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services (CRECS).
The University joined this project to work alongside tenants and learn from the community. Their goal is to understand what residents need, what is working well, and how to support positive change.
The research team helps organize community activities, gather feedback, and share what is learned so the community can continue to grow and improve.
Meet Our
uOttawa Research Team
Dr. Tim Aubry,
Senior Resarcher
(he/him; English)
I am a Full Professor in the School of Psychology and Senior Researcher at the Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services at the University of Ottawa. I have collaborated on research projects with community organizations and government at all levels, contributing to the development of effective social programs and policies. I look forward to working with you and the Bank St. Community in order to foster positive mental health initiatives.
Minda Wood, Researcher
(she/her; English/French)
I am PhD candidate in Community Psychology at the University of Ottawa and a researcher with the Centre for the Research on Educational and Community Services. I have been involved in community-based research and evaluation for over 5 years, and I am passionate about working with diverse and/or marginalized populations to co-create positive change. I look forward to continuing our work together and finding solutions to strengthen the community!
Christa Masengesho Ndamage, Research Assistant
(she/her; English/French)
......
Dr. John Sylvestre, Senior Researcher
(he/him; English/French)
I am the Director of the Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services at the University of Ottawa. I have contributed to many research and evaluation projects with local organizations in Ottawa to improve the services and supports available to our communities. I am proud to work in partnership with the Bank Street community.
Karen Umurerwa, Research Assistant
(she/her; English/French)
I am a Research Assistant at the Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services at the University of Ottawa. For the past five years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the 1365 Bank Street community, which has strengthened my passion for community development and working with newcomers and diverse families. I enjoy building meaningful connections, supporting community members, and contributing to projects that reflect the needs and strengths of the community. For me, the most rewarding part of this work is connecting with people, learning from their experiences, and seeing communities grow stronger together.
Dr. Irene Vitoroulis, Senior Researcher
(she/her; English/French)
I am a developmental psychologist and Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Ottawa. My research focuses on migrant and racialized youth and families, including family integration and belonging, discrimination, bullying, and well-being. I work with community partners to improve supports for youth and families settling in Canada and develop a sense of belonging in their communities.
Afsah Dawood, Research Assistant
(she/her; English)
I am a Master's student in social and community psychology at the University of Ottawa. My research focuses on democratic tenant participation within a social housing setting and have had the pleasure of working with the community at 1365 Bank St since 2022.
Dr. Katrine Sauvé-Schenk
(she/her; English)
I am a registered occupational therapist and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. My research explores how housing, income, and linguistic minority status shape participation in everyday life and affect health equity. Through partnerships with community organizations, I work to develop solutions to help reduce these inequities and improve health outcomes.
Lilian Berty Hatungimana, Research Assistant
(he/him; English/French)
I’m a psychology graduate from the University of Ottawa and research assistant with the Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services. I have been involved inn community-based research for the past 3 years and half. I am passionate about working with communities, supporting positive change, and helping build stronger and more connected communities. I look forward to continuing working with the community.
Community partners
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