Executive Director
Julia Kaisla (she/her/hers) has led CMHA North & West Vancouver in the role of Executive Director since 2017. Under her leadership, the branch has integrated its services to provide comprehensive case management and support. These services include free or low-cost counselling, peer support and navigation, mental health housing, homeless outreach services, employment support and training. Julia has helped develop a new Indigenous peer support program to serve First Nations communities and has worked with community partners to launch an innovative housing partnership called Circle of Care.
As a person of mixed heritage and a first generation Canadian born to a parent who thrived with mental illness, Julia has used her own experiences to create new conversations within CMHA and in the community. She believes strongly in the opportunity of diversity and is committed to creating a more just and equitable society.
Julia has worked with her branch’s leadership team and Board of Directors to expand the branch’s reach beyond the North Shore community including the Sea to Sky corridor, the Sunshine Coast, and the Central Coast.
Before her work at a branch level, Julia worked at the BC Division office of CMHA, and prior to that, she honed her skills in communications and community relations working for Pacific Blue Cross. Julia has an MA in Conflict Analysis and a BA in Political Science.