Our Staff Team

Amy Kohut

Director of Programs & Community Engagement
amy.oasisd@gmail.com

Amy joined Oasis in 2018 as a volunteer while between jobs and became an employee in 2019. With a background in the corporate retail industry, where she spent most of her career, Amy brings a unique perspective to her role. She sees her transition from retail to community service as a journey from retail into refuge—a calling to help create a welcoming space where all feel valued and supported.

“I love being part of Oasis because it’s more than just work. It’s a way to walk alongside the community, for the community.”

Diana Garnica

Finance Officer, Donor Relations & Community Programs Lead
diana.oasisd@gmail.com

Diana joined Oasis Dufferin Community Center in 2021 with a passion for both numbers and people. Originally from Colombia, she holds a degree in IT engineering and a certificate in business management from Canada. As the Finance Officer, Donor Relations & Special Projects Lead, Diana oversees the organization's finances while also leading and inspiring the seniors group. She finds joy in creating meaningful connections, ensuring financial sustainability, and developing initiatives that empower the community. Her role bridges strategy and impact, helping to foster a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

“I love being part of Oasis because of the strong sense of familiarity and community. Working closely with people and seeing the impact of our work makes me feel at home, creating connections that go beyond just a job.”

Erika Abele

Women’s Counsellour.
erikaoasis@rogers.com

After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto Erika began volunteering at the Oasis Dufferin Community Centre. In 2001 she became part of the Staff at Oasis working in numerous programs such as the food bank, afterschool program and conversational ESL classes. In 2007 she began working in the counselling program at Oasis that serves Newcomer Women providing emotional support as they settle in Toronto. In order to serve this community, she completed her Master of Divinities from Tyndale University in 2012 with a focus on Counselling. In 2019 she also completed a Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor.

Erika is currently the Director of the Women’s Counselling program that offers individual counselling to under-resourced Women that Speak Spanish.

Erika has two children, Sarah and Christopher who are her greatest joy. In her spare time, you can find her going for long walks in the woods or kicking the ball around with her son.

“I appreciate the privilege of journeying with newcomer women. I’ve witnessed their resilience as they face many barriers settling into Canada. I’ve learned from the community and I continue to be shaped by the people that I meet everyday.”

Harry Compton

Food Programs Manager
harry.oasisd@gmail.com

Prior to coming to Oasis, I had some amazing jobs and felt like I did some great things but I never felt like I had purpose. Working at Oasis has given me that. I now understand what community is and how we all play a part in shaping what we want it to be. By supporting our community and our programs I have found my true purpose.

“Oasis is a place for belonging, for fun, for faith, for understanding, for redemption and for compassion. It is a place for all of us.”

Sandra Niangado

Food Bank Operations Coordinator
sandra.oasisd@gmail.com

I first found Oasis in June 2023 when I began volunteering, and what started as an opportunity to give back quickly became something much more meaningful to me. I was drawn to the welcoming environment and the strong sense of community. At Oasis, everyone has something to give, and everyone has a story to share.

As I became more involved, I realized that Oasis was more than just a place where I volunteered—it was a community that I genuinely cared about. I wanted to take on a greater role and continue contributing in a way that would have a lasting impact, which led me to transition from volunteering to becoming part of the staff team.

In my role, I have the privilege of helping provide meals for our community while working alongside an incredible group of staff and volunteers. I love that the kitchen is about more than food. It is about bringing people together, making sure people feel welcome, and creating moments of connection around a shared meal.

“Oasis is more than a workplace to me. It is a community where people come together, support one another, and remind each other that everyone has something valuable to contribute. I’m grateful to be part of a place where the work we do can make someone’s day—and sometimes make a real difference in their life.”

Our 2026 Canada Summer Jobs Team

Tommy

My favourite part about Oasis is the sense of community, in which visitors, workers, volunteers and community members are all treated like equals. Oasis has been an unforgettable experience for me, and a fulfilling time for me.

Sofia

Community is not an empty word at Oasis. You notice this with the people who work here, those who come here and the volunteers. I feel privileged to work with and alongside such an incredible group of people. What draws me here is Oasis’s barrier-free approach to their food equity programming.

Ruth

My favourite thing about Oasis is the boundless love and support I’ve received from this newfound community. Moreover, the passion and warmth shown by my fellow volunteers and staff members never fails to astound me.

Emir

I’m so glad I found out about Oasis through friends, it’s such a welcoming community and I love helping people! Thank you to Canada Summer Jobs and Oasis for giving me the amazing opportunity of working here this summer!