MEET THE FJC TEAM
Fatma Alobeid
University of Ottawa
Fatma Alobeid is a third-year law student at the University of Ottawa, with a BA degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Carleton University. Throughout her law school journey, she has been actively dedicated to promoting access to justice.
At Carleton University, Fatma coordinated the Women's Learning, Advocacy, and Support Centre, showcasing her commitment to feminist pursuits. As Vice-President Advocacy at her law school, she continued her passion for advocating for students.
In her second year, Fatma worked as a caseworker at Community Legal Services of Ottawa's Income Support Division, contributing to addressing access to justice issues, particularly in Ontario Disability Support denials. Inspired by her family law class and caseworker experience, Fatma is eager to embody the values of PBSC and expand her knowledge further as a caseworker at the Family Justice Centre this summer.
Shannon Ray
Western University
Shannon Ray is a student caseworker with the Family Justice Centre. She is passionate about helping families access and navigate the justice system. Prior to attending law school at Western University, Shannon worked as a legal assistant in family law and as an assistant with other non-profit organizations. She completed her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Guelph in Environmental Science.
In her free time, Shannon loves to read, spend time with friends and get creative through beading and painting.
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Alison MacDougall
Queen's University
Alison McDougall is entering her 3rd year at Queen's University Faculty of Law. Alison completed her Bachelor's of Human Ecology, concentrating in Family Social Sciences and Psychology at the University of Manitoba. Before returning to law school, Alison had a successful career in Sales and Marketing, working in both corporate manufacturing and professional sport.
Alison is passionate about understanding the innerworkings of the family and helping to break problematic cycles within them.
Additionally, growing up in a remote community has opened her eyes to the large gap in access to justice that the FJC aims to fill. She looks forward to giving back to her community through the FJC and throughout her future career.
Sarah Bonner-Proulx
Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Sarah is an incoming 2L at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Toronto Metropolitan University. Sarah was born and raised in Northern Manitoba.
Prior to law school, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Life Sciences at the University of Manitoba while working full-time as the Vice-President Advocacy for the university's students' union.
Sarah feels strongly about facilitating access to justice and providing quality services to historically underserved populations. When she’s not at work or school, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors, experimenting with new recipes and exploring new places with her friends and dog, Sasha.
AlyxisWatson
University of Windsor
I have just completed my third year of my J.D. I am really passionate about family and criminal law which was increased during the past year when I studied in Yellowknife with the judges at the Supreme Court.
Before attending law school I got my undergraduate in Criminal Justice. I have always been interested in being in the legal system either through policing or law
I am very adventurous and when not thinking about law I try to travel and explore, either through hiking, or kayaking. I try to take any chance to be out in the wild.
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Nina Varghese
University of Toronto
Nina is an incoming second year student at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. She previously attended the University of Alberta, and has a degree in Finance.
She is passionate about access to justice, especially in the family law sphere. Since family law is the part of the justice system that touches the most lives, she believes that everyone should be able to access help in navigating this system. Similarly, having seen family and friends struggle to navigate the family law system, she feels passionate about using her knowledge to now help alleviate that burden for others.
Jessica Dykes
Bora Laskin Faculty of Law
Jessica is a second-year law student in the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University. She is pursuing a specialization in Aboriginal and Indigenous Law as part of her legal studies. Jessica is a retired paramedic with extensive experience in the delivery of prehospital care in remote northern communities. Before pursuing legal studies, Jessica worked as a college professor in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
She is passionate about helping people navigate the legal system. As a flight paramedic, Jessica developed an understanding of the challenges faced by remote communities when accessing various services. This influences her work today as increasing access to justice in the North is one of her primary goals. Jessica has a keen interest in family law and is grateful for the opportunity to use her skills to help FJC clients navigate their legal matters.
When she is not studying, Jessica finds joy in gardening, cycling, swimming, and fishkeeping. She also enjoys playing chess.