Our Staff

Rob Datema

Executive Director

Rob joined The Lighthouse in 2006 after devoting twenty years to youth ministry in various North American cities and towns. Rob has a Bachelor of Theology from Ontario Bible College and a Master of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary.

Samia Saad

Registered Psychotherapist and Hispanic Program Director

Samia joined The Lighthouse in 1988 as a volunteer and started full-time in 1989 as Hispanic Ministry Coordinator and Refugee Sponsorship Coordinator. Samia has a Bachelor of Religious Education, a Master of Divinity in Counselling from Tyndale University, College and Seminary and a Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies from York University. She has specialized training in trauma therapy, as well as training in popular education and participatory leadership. Samia is practicing individual, couple and family therapy under the supervision of an AMFT Approved Supervisor. She is a pre-clinical fellow of the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the Ontario Association of Marriage & Family Therapy (OAMFT), and she is working toward becoming a clinical member. Samia is fluent in Spanish and English.

Thuy Tran

Registered Psychotherapist and Vietnamese Program Director

Thuy holds a Master of Divinity in Counselling, a Bachelor of Education and Pedagogy (Viet Nam), and diplomas in Community Development, and in Human Services Counselling with a major in mental health issues and a minor in criminal justice. She is also trained in Life Skills Coaching and is a certified Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Counsellor. Thuy is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and a member of the Canadian Association of Marriage & Family Therapy (CAMFT). She is practicing individual, couple and family therapy and is fluent in Vietnamese and English. Having been deep-rooted in Christian faith traditions and practice, she is also proficient in Christian counselling.

Nardia Whitley

Food Bank Coordinator

Nardia joined The Lighthouse January 2023 as Food Bank Coordinator. She was a placement student at The Lighthouse in 2022. She also volunteered for The Lighthouse.

Bianca Martin

Community Support Coordinator

Bianca joined The Lighthouse full time in the Summer of 2022. Bianca was first introduced to The Lighthouse as a placement student in 2016 and summer staff in 2017 and 2019. Bianca graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Family and Community Social Services along with a Social Service Worker Diploma from the University of Guelph-Humber.

Madeley Perez

Hispanic Administrative Assistant

Madeley joined The Lighthouse in 2012 and comes twice a week to provide administrative assistance with the Hispanic Program. She has an Administrative Certificate from St. Stephen Employment and Training Centre. Madeley is fluent in Spanish and English.

Tracy Nguyen

Vietnamese Administrative Assistant
and Program coordinator

Tracy joined The Lighthouse in 2015 to provide administrative assistance with the Vietnamese Program. Tracy has a Masters of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Juana (Tania) Callejas

Custodian

Tania joined The Lighthouse in 2007 and provides custodial services and fosters a warm and welcoming environment at our centre.

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