Our Team

  • Jamie Everitt, RSW

    Program Manager

    jamie@epilepsyottawa.ca

    In 2019, Jamie completed her Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University. After working as a placement and summer student with Epilepsy Ottawa throughout the latter half of her degree, Jamie was brought on full time. She now works primarily in adult services managing Clinic to Community, UPLIFT, Epilepsy Connect Ottawa, and general client support needs.

    Jamie’s passion for helping those with chronic illnesses stems from experience of her own. The drive to assist and educate those who are in need are the primary reasons she feels so at home at Epilepsy Ottawa. She hopes to see the agency grow in the coming years with sights set on expanding outreach and programming.

  • Sarah Hembruff

    Case Manager, Summer Student

    support@epilepsyottawa.ca

    Sarah is a current student working towards her Master of Social Work at Carleton University. In 2022, Sarah graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Childhood and Youth Studies with a minor in Sociology. Sarah has over 10 years of experience working with children and youth. Most recently she has worked as an educational assistant supporting the emotional, physical, social, behavioural, and mental health needs of children and youth with varying needs and abilities. She has also recently worked with a non-profit that supports children and youth with autism and other learning needs where she was responsible for developing and facilitating different groups for children and youth with ASD and other learning needs. In the future Sarah hopes to continue to work with, advocate for, and support the varying needs and mental health of children and youth with disabilities.

  • Hannah Driedger

    Epilepsy Connect Ottawa, Volunteer

    connect@epilepsyottawa.ca

    Hannah graduated from Carleton University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She has experience working as a behaviour therapist where she interacted with children with developmental disabilities to improve their communication skills, knowledge acquisition, and emotional regulation. She has also been a peer mentor to students during their transition into university life, where she gained experience offering emotional and informational support to those adjusting to a new lifestyle. She is passionate about responding to individuals’ and families’ unique experience with epilepsy by providing meaningful programs that are tailored towards fostering emotional wellbeing and a sense of community. In the future, she plans to continue working in the social service field in a mental health setting to help support vulnerable populations.

  • Zaina Abulaila

    Communications, Volunteer

    volunteer@epilepsyottawa.ca

    Zaina Abulaila is currently pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science at the University of Ottawa. She has recently started volunteering with Epilepsy Ottawa, where she is eager to apply her academic knowledge and experiences. Zaina has previously worked as a volunteer tutor, assisting children with their educational needs. Additionally, she has experience working with a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families and children overcome various life challenges. In this role, she contributed to programs that provided support in areas such as education, emotional well-being, and social integration. Zaina is passionate about using her skills and education to support children and youth, especially those with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. In the future, she hopes to continue advocating for and assisting individuals with epilepsy, integrating her biomedical science background to make a meaningful impact in their lives.