Melissa Simon is a Registered Social Worker committed to advancing access to justice through a client-centred, trauma-informed, and social justice-oriented approach.
As ORCC’s Justice Systems Navigator, Melissa supports survivors as they navigate legal, justice, and social service systems. This includes helping individuals understand available options, access relevant resources, prepare for next steps, and identify pathways forward that reflect their own priorities, safety needs, and circumstances.
Melissa’s practice is grounded in self-determination, dignity, and respect, with a focus on reducing barriers and supporting people as they work toward safety, stability, and connection.
Melissa brings experience in justice services, community mental health, housing, crisis intervention, and non-profit settings. Her background includes intake and assessment, crisis response, safety planning, case management, systems navigation, and collaboration with community partners and multidisciplinary teams to improve access to services.
She also brings experience in accessible communications and documentation, including the development of training resources, accreditation materials, advocacy content, and user-focused documentation.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University and is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Law, with a focus on social justice, equality, and human rights. Her combined social work and legal studies background supports ORCC’s commitment to improving access to justice for survivors.
