MAX Ottawa
Our team is made up of passionate and engaged guys into guys or allies, working as directors, staff or volunteers, contributing to our communities’ health and wellness.
Adam Awad
Over the past 15 years, Adam has worked on dozens of campaigns to mobilize communities and effect change. Most recently, he was the Manager of Communications at the Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH), where he helped anchor the public health response on mpox in Ontario and developed media and educational resources on sexual health for queer and trans men.
He has also served as the National Chairperson for the Canadian Federation of Students, as a director on the Boards for both the Centretown Community Health Centre and the Alliance for Healthier Communities, and has worked on political campaigns at all three levels of government.
Equally comfortable at the boardroom table, at the barricades, or at the baths, Adam brings his life experience to MAX's work. In his downtime, he’s typically tending to houseplants, at the pool, or at the circus gym.
ExecDirector@maxottawa.ca
613-701-6555
Adam Awad
Executive Director
Adam Awad
Over the past 15 years, Adam has worked on dozens of campaigns to mobilize communities and effect change. Most recently, he was the Manager of Communications at the Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH), where he helped anchor the public health response on mpox in Ontario and developed media and educational resources on sexual health for queer and trans men.
He has also served as the National Chairperson for the Canadian Federation of Students, as a director on the Boards for both the Centretown Community Health Centre and the Alliance for Healthier Communities, and has worked on political campaigns at all three levels of government.
Equally comfortable at the boardroom table, at the barricades, or at the baths, Adam brings his life experience to MAX's work. In his downtime, he’s typically tending to houseplants, at the pool, or at the circus gym.
ExecDirector@maxottawa.ca
613-701-6555
Ahmed Muslimani
Ahmed (they/them) is the Manager of Partnerships and Strategic Development. They will be supporting the building of community partnerships and fundraising strategies. Ahmed began their career in community work nearly 12 years ago after arriving in Canada as a refugee claimant. Their work has largely focused on newcomers and queer communities, anti-oppression, and sexual health education.
a.muslimani@maxottawa.ca
613-701-6555
Ahmed Muslimani
Manager of Partnerships and Strategic Development
Ahmed Muslimani
Ahmed (they/them) is the Manager of Partnerships and Strategic Development. They will be supporting the building of community partnerships and fundraising strategies. Ahmed began their career in community work nearly 12 years ago after arriving in Canada as a refugee claimant. Their work has largely focused on newcomers and queer communities, anti-oppression, and sexual health education.
a.muslimani@maxottawa.ca
613-701-6555
Brian Reusch Serapio
Brian Reusch Serapio (he/him) is originally from Minnesota. In 2010, he moved to Ontario for graduate studies and then started a family. Brian brings a variety of experiences from the charitable sector, with a focus on community engagement, volunteer management, curriculum development, training and facilitation. A total Gemini, he is a social introvert, a country boy that loves the city, and a comic book nerd that loves to bake and hang out in the backyard with his family.
Brian Reusch Serapio
Manager of Community Development
Brian Reusch Serapio
Brian Reusch Serapio (he/him) is originally from Minnesota. In 2010, he moved to Ontario for graduate studies and then started a family. Brian brings a variety of experiences from the charitable sector, with a focus on community engagement, volunteer management, curriculum development, training and facilitation. A total Gemini, he is a social introvert, a country boy that loves the city, and a comic book nerd that loves to bake and hang out in the backyard with his family.
Brenna Egan
Brenna (they/them) is the events and outreach coordinator for MAX. Originally from the GTA, they spent many years in Vancouver for their undergrad before moving to Ottawa to pursue their master’s in Women and Gender Studies at Carleton. Since then, they have become heavily involved in Ottawa’s queer nightlife scenes and believe that bringing queer people together is a powerful way to recognize, celebrate, and encourage the wide range of identities that compose the 2SLGBTQ community in Ottawa. When not at work, Brenna can be found cuddling with their dog, over-caffeinating at a local cafe, or checking out new nightlife scenes around the city.
b.egan@maxottawa.ca
Brenna Egan
Events and Outreach Coordinator
Brenna Egan
Brenna (they/them) is the events and outreach coordinator for MAX. Originally from the GTA, they spent many years in Vancouver for their undergrad before moving to Ottawa to pursue their master’s in Women and Gender Studies at Carleton. Since then, they have become heavily involved in Ottawa’s queer nightlife scenes and believe that bringing queer people together is a powerful way to recognize, celebrate, and encourage the wide range of identities that compose the 2SLGBTQ community in Ottawa. When not at work, Brenna can be found cuddling with their dog, over-caffeinating at a local cafe, or checking out new nightlife scenes around the city.
b.egan@maxottawa.ca
Antonio Wilson
(He/Him)
'Peace, Love & Prosperity', are the three pillars of my life.
I take life one day at a time, because why are we rushing? Currently, I wear multiple hats; 'Logistics Specialist', 'Team Lead - BGMN: Ottawa' and 'Peer Facilitator'. Sounds like a lot, and yes it is but rest is always prioritized.
Among other things, I enjoy being adventurous, exploring nature or new cities, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Favourite Quote: "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
a.wilson@maxottawa.ca
Antonio Wilson
Peer Facilitator - Keeping It 100 (K1)
Antonio Wilson
(He/Him)
'Peace, Love & Prosperity', are the three pillars of my life.
I take life one day at a time, because why are we rushing? Currently, I wear multiple hats; 'Logistics Specialist', 'Team Lead - BGMN: Ottawa' and 'Peer Facilitator'. Sounds like a lot, and yes it is but rest is always prioritized.
Among other things, I enjoy being adventurous, exploring nature or new cities, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Favourite Quote: "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
a.wilson@maxottawa.ca
Jas (She/They)
Jas has been with MAX since 2019. Starting off as the Strategy Support Coordinator for sex workers. With her lived experience, colorful resume, and with over a decade of experience as one of Ottawa's local Drag Queen's and Miss Capital Pride 2015, she brings a unique and intimate peer perspective to her new role as MAX's Harm Reduction Distribution Officer.
j.karam@maxottawa.ca
Jas / J.
Harm Reduction Distribution
Jas (She/They)
Jas has been with MAX since 2019. Starting off as the Strategy Support Coordinator for sex workers. With her lived experience, colorful resume, and with over a decade of experience as one of Ottawa's local Drag Queen's and Miss Capital Pride 2015, she brings a unique and intimate peer perspective to her new role as MAX's Harm Reduction Distribution Officer.
j.karam@maxottawa.ca
Justin Emard
Justin (he/him) is the Navigation and Training Coordinator. Drawing on a background rich in customer service, leadership, community/public health nutrition, and dietetics, Justin brings a multifaceted expertise to his role. As Navigation and Training Coordinator, Justin takes the lead in overseeing outreach, training, and resource development for service providers. Identifying as gray-ace, he brings a distinctive perspective to the team, championing inclusivity and diverse insights. Outside of work, you’ll find Justin on his yoga mat, running along the canal, or engrossed in non-fiction books.
Justin Emard
Navigation and Training Coordinator
Justin Emard
Justin (he/him) is the Navigation and Training Coordinator. Drawing on a background rich in customer service, leadership, community/public health nutrition, and dietetics, Justin brings a multifaceted expertise to his role. As Navigation and Training Coordinator, Justin takes the lead in overseeing outreach, training, and resource development for service providers. Identifying as gray-ace, he brings a distinctive perspective to the team, championing inclusivity and diverse insights. Outside of work, you’ll find Justin on his yoga mat, running along the canal, or engrossed in non-fiction books.
j.emard@maxottawa.ca
Maticus Adams
Maticus Adams (he/him) is the Resource Development Officer. He moved to Ottawa for school in 2009 to study Animation. He has been volunteering with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community since he was a teenager and has experiencing working in queer sexualized spaces, customer service and event organizing. In his free time, he is a visual artist, writer and costume maker, and is an avid fan of horror, pop culture and a variety of nerdoms.
m.adams@maxttawa.ca
Maticus Adams
Resource Development Officer
Maticus Adams
Maticus Adams (he/him) is the Resource Development Officer. He moved to Ottawa for school in 2009 to study Animation. He has been volunteering with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community since he was a teenager and has experiencing working in queer sexualized spaces, customer service and event organizing. In his free time, he is a visual artist, writer and costume maker, and is an avid fan of horror, pop culture and a variety of nerdoms.
m.adams@maxttawa.ca
Noor Abdel-Mageed
Noor (they/them - he/him) is the Trans Health Project Associate. They will be supporting the Trans Health Navigation Project, which is being run in collaboration with the Trans Health Program at Centretown Community Health Centre. Originally from Calgary, Noor moved to Ottawa in 2022 for their undergrad in Neuroscience and Mental Health. He began his career in community work as a community organizer and has also worked on multiple political campaigns. Their work has primarily focussed on access to housing, disability, queerness, and harm reduction. When not working, Noor can be found with his nose in a book or creating fibre art!
n.abdel-mageed@maxottawa.ca
Noor Abdel-Mageed
Trans Health Project Associate
Noor Abdel-Mageed
Noor (they/them - he/him) is the Trans Health Project Associate. They will be supporting the Trans Health Navigation Project, which is being run in collaboration with the Trans Health Program at Centretown Community Health Centre. Originally from Calgary, Noor moved to Ottawa in 2022 for their undergrad in Neuroscience and Mental Health. He began his career in community work as a community organizer and has also worked on multiple political campaigns. Their work has primarily focussed on access to housing, disability, queerness, and harm reduction. When not working, Noor can be found with his nose in a book or creating fibre art!
n.abdel-mageed@maxottawa.ca
Massimo Lunardon
Massimo (he/him), originally from Toronto, came to Ottawa in order to study linguistics and world history. While completing his degree, Massimo started working in a local drag bar, gaining a profound appreciation for the local queer scene. With ambitions to work more within the community, Massimo began working for Capital Pride where he oversaw the organization's communications and translation for over two years, a task which lent itself to better understanding the groups he served. Now in the role of Executive Assistant, Massimo hopes to support the team at MAX so that the best services possible can be provided. When he's not working, you'll find Massimo in the front row of a drag show, at the gym, or watching animes.
m.lunardon@maxottawa.ca
Massimo Lunardon
Executive Assistant
Massimo Lunardon
Massimo (he/him), originally from Toronto, came to Ottawa in order to study linguistics and world history. While completing his degree, Massimo started working in a local drag bar, gaining a profound appreciation for the local queer scene. With ambitions to work more within the community, Massimo began working for Capital Pride where he oversaw the organization's communications and translation for over two years, a task which lent itself to better understanding the groups he served. Now in the role of Executive Assistant, Massimo hopes to support the team at MAX so that the best services possible can be provided. When he's not working, you'll find Massimo in the front row of a drag show, at the gym, or watching animes.
m.lunardon@maxottawa.ca
Xiaojian Wang
Xiaojian Wang (he/him) is the Queerspora Peer Facilitator. Xiaojian moved to Ottawa, Canada from Beijing, China in the summer of 2022. As a newcomer, he went back to school to complete the Master of Public Health degree while navigating his new journey in Ottawa. Prior to moving to Canada, Xiaojian worked as a TV journalist/director in China. Xiaojian has a particular interest in sexual health issues. He brings to this role his passion about public health, his experience of settling down in a new environment, and his skills in facilitating conversations. In his leisure time, he spends time playing volleyball, biking and binge-watching tv dramas.
Queerspora@maxottawa.ca
Xiaojian Wang
Peer Facilitator - Queerspora
Xiaojian Wang
Xiaojian Wang (he/him) is the Queerspora Peer Facilitator. Xiaojian moved to Ottawa, Canada from Beijing, China in the summer of 2022. As a newcomer, he went back to school to complete the Master of Public Health degree while navigating his new journey in Ottawa. Prior to moving to Canada, Xiaojian worked as a TV journalist/director in China. Xiaojian has a particular interest in sexual health issues. He brings to this role his passion about public health, his experience of settling down in a new environment, and his skills in facilitating conversations. In his leisure time, he spends time playing volleyball, biking and binge-watching tv dramas.
Queerspora@maxottawa.ca
Massimo Lunardon
Massimo (he/him), originally from Toronto, came to Ottawa in order to study linguistics and world history. While completing his degree, Massimo started working in a local drag bar, gaining a profound appreciation for the local queer scene. With ambitions to work more within the community, Massimo began working for Capital Pride where he oversaw the organization's communications and translation for over two years, a task which lent itself to better understanding the groups he served. Now in the role of Executive Assistant, Massimo hopes to support the team at MAX so that the best services possible can be provided. When he's not working, you'll find Massimo in the front row of a drag show, at the gym, or watching animes.
m.lunardon@maxottawa.ca
Al Micus
Peer Facilitator - Now What?
Al Micus
We don’t talk about trees getting older, we say “they’re growing.” Let’s use that same term for ourselves.
We’re not getting older, we’re just growing. Al (he/him) is the facilitator of the “Now What” program, a resource and mentorship group for guys over 50. Al’s background is in education and counselling. He has previously mentored a support group, supported by MAX, prior to and during COVID. It focused on a variety of topics and issues as directed by group members. If the weather is conducive, no matter what the season, you’ll likely find him out on some backroad or pathway, cycling, on one of his bikes.
NowWhat@maxottawa.ca
Rémi Samson
Rémi Samson (he/him) worked for 22 years as a lawyer with the Supreme Court of Canada. He studied law, queer theory, and language, and taught at the University of Ottawa. Over the last six years of his career at the Court, he took on leadership and executive roles in the chambers of the Chief Justice of Canada. With roots in Northern Ontario, Rémi grew up in Québec City, and has called Ottawa home since 1999. He is fluent in French and English, and passionate about the ways law, language and power intersect.
Rémi Samson
Chairperson
Rémi Samson
Rémi Samson (he/him) worked for 22 years as a lawyer with the Supreme Court of Canada. He studied law, queer theory, and language, and taught at the University of Ottawa. Over the last six years of his career at the Court, he took on leadership and executive roles in the chambers of the Chief Justice of Canada. With roots in Northern Ontario, Rémi grew up in Québec City, and has called Ottawa home since 1999. He is fluent in French and English, and passionate about the ways law, language and power intersect.
Allen Chen
Allen is a passionate volunteer for social issues, especially for community building for guys into guys. Previously, he has worked with campus queer student groups at UBC and McGill. Currently, he works as a civil servant with the government during the day, and in his downtime he is a consummate video and board gaming enthusiast.
Allen Chen
Vice-Chairperson
Allen Chen
Allen is a passionate volunteer for social issues, especially for community building for guys into guys. Previously, he has worked with campus queer student groups at UBC and McGill. Currently, he works as a civil servant with the government during the day, and in his downtime he is a consummate video and board gaming enthusiast.
Brent McRoberts
Brent McRoberts (he/him) is the founder and President of BMCR Associates Inc., a leader in management consulting and executive coaching. Prior to establishing BMCR Associates Inc., Mr. McRoberts had an extensive career as a seasoned executive with a passion for public service. Mr. McRoberts’ roles and responsibilities during his career spanned a number of organizations, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Solicitor General of Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada and Canada Border Services Agency,and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. In 2005, Mr. McRoberts joined the Public Health Agency of Canada where he was the Executive Director for the Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPR) and the Acting Director General of CEPR from October 2009 to September 2010. He provided national/ international leadership and technical expertise for the coordination of public health security issues, including: the development and maintenance of national emergency response plans; the monitoring of outbreaks and global disease events; and general security for Canadians in collaboration with other federal and international health and security agencies; laboratory safety and security, quarantine issues and travel health advisories; and being the lead authority in the GOC on emergency response.
Brent McRoberts
Brent McRoberts
Brent McRoberts (he/him) is the founder and President of BMCR Associates Inc., a leader in management consulting and executive coaching. Prior to establishing BMCR Associates Inc., Mr. McRoberts had an extensive career as a seasoned executive with a passion for public service. Mr. McRoberts’ roles and responsibilities during his career spanned a number of organizations, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Solicitor General of Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada and Canada Border Services Agency,and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. In 2005, Mr. McRoberts joined the Public Health Agency of Canada where he was the Executive Director for the Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPR) and the Acting Director General of CEPR from October 2009 to September 2010. He provided national/ international leadership and technical expertise for the coordination of public health security issues, including: the development and maintenance of national emergency response plans; the monitoring of outbreaks and global disease events; and general security for Canadians in collaboration with other federal and international health and security agencies; laboratory safety and security, quarantine issues and travel health advisories; and being the lead authority in the GOC on emergency response.
Teilhard Paradela
Ty (they/them) works as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Secretariat at Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). They have completed their PhD in History from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. They are also involved in LGBTQI+ advocacy, HIV-AIDS prevention, and community organizing and archiving work in their country of origin, the Philippines, and in the Filipinx/a/o diaspora in Canada. They enjoy reading, jogging, watching television, and traveling the world.
Teilhard Paradela
Teilhard Paradela
Ty (they/them) works as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Secretariat at Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). They have completed their PhD in History from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver. They are also involved in LGBTQI+ advocacy, HIV-AIDS prevention, and community organizing and archiving work in their country of origin, the Philippines, and in the Filipinx/a/o diaspora in Canada. They enjoy reading, jogging, watching television, and traveling the world.
Tamir Virani
Tamir (He/Him) has worked in the healthcare industry for 10+ years leading communications, marketing, advocacy and policy work across different sectors including quality improvement, end-of-life care and mental health. Tamir is currently a Senior Marketing and Communications Lead at Frayme, a national non-profit in the youth mental health and substance use sector. Prior to this, Tamir worked as a journalist for the Ottawa Citizen, and as a peer support worker at the University of Ottawa. Tamir holds a postgraduate degree in journalism and communications and a Masters of Health Administration from the Telfer School of Management. Outside of work, Tamir freelances as a videographer and graphic designer and has won many people over with his Skor cookie recipe. He has also volunteered on the Board of Directors for the Centretown Community Health Centre and as Chair for the Ottawa Chapter of Start Proud, an organization dedicated to the professional development of 2SLGBTQA+ students. As someone with lived experience, Tamir is passionate about mental health within the queer community and advocates for an integrated system that will not let anyone who needs support slip through the cracks.
Tamir Virani
Tamir Virani
Tamir (He/Him) has worked in the healthcare industry for 10+ years leading communications, marketing, advocacy and policy work across different sectors including quality improvement, end-of-life care and mental health. Tamir is currently a Senior Marketing and Communications Lead at Frayme, a national non-profit in the youth mental health and substance use sector. Prior to this, Tamir worked as a journalist for the Ottawa Citizen, and as a peer support worker at the University of Ottawa. Tamir holds a postgraduate degree in journalism and communications and a Masters of Health Administration from the Telfer School of Management. Outside of work, Tamir freelances as a videographer and graphic designer and has won many people over with his Skor cookie recipe. He has also volunteered on the Board of Directors for the Centretown Community Health Centre and as Chair for the Ottawa Chapter of Start Proud, an organization dedicated to the professional development of 2SLGBTQA+ students. As someone with lived experience, Tamir is passionate about mental health within the queer community and advocates for an integrated system that will not let anyone who needs support slip through the cracks.
Curtis Fillier
Curtis Fillier (he/him) is currently a Real Estate Broker and Team Lead for YOW Home Team. With his extensive education in Business and Accounting coupled with professional experience managing several corporations including one of Canada’s largest privately owned, Curtis is well versed in all areas of business.
Curtis is an avid volunteer and always eager to put himself forward to further a worthwhile cause. Extremely comfortable around a Board room table, Curtis is the 2023/2024 President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. He has also been a member of and chaired numerous committees and tasks forces within various non-profit organizations.
An avid traveller, Curtis has a passion to see the world and experience other cultures and travels as often as his schedule allows. In his downtime, Curtis can be found at the gym, participating in a number of 2SLGBTQ+ sports leagues, working on home renovations or hanging with his dog Bowser.
Curtis Fillier
Treasurer
Curtis Fillier
Curtis Fillier (he/him) is currently a Real Estate Broker and Team Lead for YOW Home Team. With his extensive education in Business and Accounting coupled with professional experience managing several corporations including one of Canada’s largest privately owned, Curtis is well versed in all areas of business.
Curtis is an avid volunteer and always eager to put himself forward to further a worthwhile cause. Extremely comfortable around a Board room table, Curtis is the 2023/2024 President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. He has also been a member of and chaired numerous committees and tasks forces within various non-profit organizations.
An avid traveller, Curtis has a passion to see the world and experience other cultures and travels as often as his schedule allows. In his downtime, Curtis can be found at the gym, participating in a number of 2SLGBTQ+ sports leagues, working on home renovations or hanging with his dog Bowser.
Austin Zygmunt
Austin (he/him) is a family doctor and public health physician in Ottawa. His professional work focuses on providing scientific and technical expertise to address sexually transmitted and blood borne infections. His leadership experience includes serving on various boards, committees, and working groups for both community and medical organizations. In his spare time he enjoys running, cycling, and cross-country skiing on the many great paths and trails found in the Ottawa region.
Austin Zygmunt
Austin Zygmunt
Austin (he/him) is a family doctor and public health physician in Ottawa. His professional work focuses on providing scientific and technical expertise to address sexually transmitted and blood borne infections. His leadership experience includes serving on various boards, committees, and working groups for both community and medical organizations. In his spare time he enjoys running, cycling, and cross-country skiing on the many great paths and trails found in the Ottawa region.