Meet Our Staff

Malik is fun, social and personable and we are proud to call him our Executive Director. Making a big move to Ottawa in the 80's from Beirut, Lebanon he started out at Notre Dame High School where many of our youth currently attend. Malik pursued post secondary education at Carleton University where he earned a triple major in Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology...Go Ravens! Malik started his journey with The Door back in 2002 where he worked as a Youth Worker and later progressed to the role of Floor Supervisor, and Outreach Coordinator. In 2004 he took the position of Executive Director and has since transformed the casual drop-in centre into an amazing spot for youth to take part in recreational, educational and social programs. The ongoing passion he has about both community and youth development makes him a great advocate; encouraging equal opportunities for all notwithstanding their socio-economic or family structure.

Susan (Sue) Agobia is currently the Program Coordinator for The Door Youth Centre. In her role, she leads a team of volunteers and staff that is responsible for coordinating after-school programs for youths in the Ottawa-Centre area. Sue joined The Door in August 2021 and has since helped in managing daily and weekly activities, as well as organizing monthly workshops. She holds a double B.A. in Developmental Studies and Sociology from St. Francis-Xavier University. Prior to joining The Door, Susan worked with various international and local non-profit organizations in Canada and Uganda ranging from social issues, such as homelessness, to film and fashion. She has a passion for social work and is continuing to develop a career as a social worker. Her interests include painting, swimming, scriptwriting, travelling, and philanthropy.

Vanessa first started volunteering at The Door in 2023 while finishing up her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She graduated from the University of Ottawa with her B.A. in Psychology in the summer of 2024. After over a year of volunteering and participating in events and field trips held by The Door, Vanessa began working as a youth worker. Finally, she worked her way up to the role of supervisor and is excited to be taking on more responsibilities. She is a very hard working and compassionate person, and loves interacting with and supporting the community’s youth. She believes that the experience she has acquired while at The Door is unmatched and will be crucial during her pursuit of her master’s degree. She plans on obtaining a master’s in Counselling Psychology and getting certified as a psychotherapist. She hopes to one day be able to provide therapy to children and teeneagers which is why working at The Door is a perfect fit for her.

Vincent Valentino joined the Door Youth Centre in January 2023 as a volunteer. He has been active in the volunteer community for 15 years with NILMDTS and Ottawa KINO, where he has helped foster artistic collaboration and support. A passionate advocate for creative expression, Vincent has played a pivotal role in creating and sustaining various art communities in Ottawa. In addition to his volunteer work, he is an accomplished author and filmmaker, using his talents to inspire and empower others through storytelling and the arts. His dedication to nurturing creativity makes him a valuable asset to the Door Youth Centre and the wider community..

In December of 2024, Eva completed her second and final field placement at the Door Youth Centre for her Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Ottawa. She is now happy to take on the role of youth worker. Eva has always enjoyed working with children and youth to support them through the challenges that come with going into adolescence and adulthood. She has a passion for the use and benefits of art therapy and other recreational therapies and is happy to work at a centre that offers programs and activities that align with those interests of hers. Eva plans to eventually pursue a Master of Social Work and hopes to be able to provide counselling and therapy to children, youth, and families.

Rabah Al Helfi is a dedicated kitchen cook based in Gatineau, QC, with extensive experience in meal preparation and kitchen hygiene. She has a strong passion for community work, particularly in providing nutritious meals for youth and children. Currently, she works at The Door Youth Centre in Ottawa, where she prepares a variety of international and Canadian dishes, including traditional Moroccan cuisine. Rabah is committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness in the kitchen and creating a welcoming environment for all. Her experience also includes roles at Prescolaire Montessori d’Aylmer and a Moroccan restaurant. She holds a high school diploma and certifications in First Aid and CPR, reflecting her commitment to safety and care in the community.".