Your Stepping Stone Towards Independence
Out of Home Care Program
River Road Residence for Youth
Director of Youth Services: Tiffiny Hughes
thughes@columbushouse.ca 613 732-8977
Supervisor: Maegan Wescome
mwescome@columbushouse.ca 613 732-8977
The program's focus is on assisting youth with continuing their education. Residents living at Columbus House attend a local High School or the Teen Compass Educational Program on a daily basis. We also assist with learning independent living skills and employment preparation.
For Emergency Services - The Guest House - Please refer to the option under the program menu at the top right of this page
Looking to Become a Resident?
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Eligibility
This is a VOLUNTARY Co-Ed Program
-Between 16 and 21 years of age
-Attending or willing to return to continue your education: High School, Alternative School, Teen Compass Educational Credit Program (a combination of these choices), College, or begin an Apprenticeship
-Able to live with up to seven other youth (co-ed)
-Willing to assist with volunteer work in the community alongside the other residents & staff
- Willing to work a part-time job (we will assist you with a resume & employment search
Please note that we have a policy of no alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia on the property at any time. No smoking/vaping inside the residence. -

How to Apply to Become a Resident
Please click on the Admission Package link below to review the program guidelines.
Contact us at 613 732-8977 between 8am-3pm during the week to schedule an Intake Interview.
*Please note that the Out of Home Care Program does close from Dec.24th-Dec.27th. As we encourage Families to remain connected and work towards repairing or rebuilding their relationship, these few days are spent with them in support of this purpose.
Meet the Team
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Tiffiny Hughes
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH SERVICES
Tiffiny oversees the Out of Home, Teen Compass Educational and Guest House Programs. She is passionate about working with youth and has advocated for them for over 35 years. She uses her experience, insight, and sense of humour to support and assist both our residents and youth in the community in navigating through their current life challenges and celebrating their accomplishments. Tiffiny believes in being a part of the solution, which takes creativity and collaboration. Through this determination, the Teen Compass Programs were created to assist with some of the Educational and Employment gaps in the area for youth.
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Maegan Wescome
YOUTH SERVICES SUPERVISOR
Maegan has worked with Columbus House for over 17 years and wears ‘many hats’ for the programs. Along with assisting in organizing the main structure, including intakes and staff hiring, within the Out of Home Program, she is also the Facilitator of the Teen Compass Educational Program. Maegan has planned and attended many trips outside the county with the youth we serve. She is an advocate for any youth in the programs and finds many opportunities for them. Maegan uses her experience and sense of humour to assist youth in the community in finding encouragement and success along their educational path.
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Fran Santaluce
STAFF TRAINER/YOUTH COUNSELLOR & CASEWORKER
Fran is the primary worker and caseworker within the Out of Home Care Program who assists with keeping the continuity of the day-to-day aspects of the program. She assists with program planning, including activities that provide new experiences and skill-building for the youth in our care. Fran is here to welcome all new residents and assist them with settling into the residence routine. She also provides training and mentorship for new staff members.
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Hayley Litherland
STAFF TRAINER/YOUTH COUNSELLOR & CASEWORKER
Hayley has been a valued member of the team for the past year. As a primary worker and caseworker, she enjoys supporting youth as they build confidence, develop new skills and work towards their goals. She brings a caring and encouraging approach to her role and loves creating opportunities for youth to get out, try new things and make great memories. Hayley planned and lead our summer trip into Algonquin Park this year.
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Megan Eady
YOUTH COUNSELLOR
Megan has been working with the Out of Home Care Program for a couple of years. She brings her sense of humour in each interaction with the residents. Megan is non judgemental and places a focus on building upon each residents strengths. With her background as a hockey player and coach, she shares fitness and nutritional knowledge to assist the residents to build healthy lifestyles.
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Amanda Wilson
YOUTH COUNSELLOR/CASE MANAGER - GUEST HOUSE
Amanda works with youth in the Guest House, Out of Home Care and Educational Programs. She assists youth in our crisis beds, providing support and helping them navigate challenging times. Amanda also supports youth across all of our programs with employment readiness skills and opportunities. She helps them build confidence as they prepare for the workforce and independent living. Amanda enjoys helping youth recognize their strengths and work towards their goals.
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Max Coleman
YOUTH COUNSELLOR
Max has joined the team as a youth counsellor while he continues his education. He enjoys spending time with our residents and building positive connections through the activities they enjoy the most. He love joining in, leading and creating opportunities for youth to feel supported and be themselves. Max believes there is always something to learn from the youth we serve and enjoys learning from their interests, experiences and perspectives.
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Rachel Bailey
YOUTH COUNSELLOR
Rachel enjoys spending time with youth and creating opportunities to connect, learn, and have fun with them. She loves cooking and teaching youth how to prepare affordable meals and cook on a budget as they prepare for independent living. Her patient and kind nature helps create a welcoming environment where youth feel comfortable being themselves and trying new things.
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Mya Lepine
YOUTH COUNSELLOR
Mya has been part of the Columbus House team for a couple of years. She is approachable and easy to connect with for each youth. She enjoys building positive relationships with youth and being part of their everyday experiences. Mya creates a welcoming environment where youth can feel comfortable, have fun and be themselves.
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Graeme Fraser
YOUTH COUNSELLOR
Graeme is continuing his education while embarking on a second career path at Columbus House. He has many life experiences to share with youth and offers valuable insight while connecting with them through their own interests and experiences. Always up for an adventure, Graeme enjoys getting involved in activities, especially outdoors, and making new memories alongside the youth.
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Emile Tavares
YOUTH COUNSELLOR
Emile is beginning an exciting new career path at Columbus House while pursuing his education. Bringing a fresh perspective and a willingness to learn, Emile looks forward to connecting with youth and supporting them as they work toward their own goals and future.
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Katie Maitland
YOUTH COUNSELLOR/STAFF TRAINER
Katie has been with Columbus House for several years along with working in the education system. She is a youth counsellor as well as a staff trainer in the Out of Home Care Program. She uses her creativity to engage the youth we serve in activities that assist them to build self confidence. Katie offers continues support and guidance for each youth as they work through the program.
Thank you to The Home Depot Foundation and the Orange Door Project! The Pembroke Home Depot has supported Columbus House through this event since 2008!