It is with a mix of emotions, that we share an important update regarding our organization. After six and a half years of dedicated service and remarkable leadership, our Executive Director, Julia Kaisla, will be embarking on a new journey. Her contributions to CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) North and West Vancouver (NWV) have been invaluable and have left an indelible mark on our organization.
Under Julia’s leadership, our branch has experienced remarkable growth and success. Our budget has expanded from 1.8 million to approximately 5 million, and our team has grown from 25 staff members to 77. The scope of our services has also broadened significantly; we’ve doubled our housing capacity through our Circle of Care Housing Program and provide support in both Farsi and English through our Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT), Outreach, and Counselling programs.
In the past six and half years, we witnessed Julia’s leadership style that centered on weaving the values of integrity, kindness, and social innovation day in and day out. From championing peer-led frameworks to nurturing stronger ties with Indigenous communities, she has demonstrated the immeasurable power of continually showing up and engaging meaningfully. Her leadership has translated into building trust in our communities and has created lasting partnerships that as an organization, we will carry forward and build on. We want to take this moment to express our deepest gratitude for Julia’s commitment, vision, and tireless efforts in guiding our branch toward its current state of success. Her legacy will always be a part of CMHA NWV’s collective story.
As we bid farewell to Julia, we also look ahead with optimism. We are excited to announce the search for a new Executive Director to lead us into the next phase of our journey. This is a significant step, and we are committed to finding a leader who shares the passion for our ongoing work of creating healthier communities.
During this transition, we are fortunate to have our Director of Operations, Talayeh Jamshidi, stepping into the role of interim Executive Director beginning in December 2023. Talayeh has already demonstrated her exceptional leadership abilities in ensuring stability and success. She has seamlessly served as interim Executive Director in the past, and her expertise ensures CMHA NWV’s continuity and strength.
Our commitment to our mission remains unwavering, and our dedication to serving our community is as strong as ever. We remain focused on our mission of mental health for all. As we move forward, we will keep you updated on the progress of our search for a new Executive Director and look forward to introducing the individual who will help shape CMHA’s NWV’s bright future.
To learn more about the Executive Director role and how to apply, please click here.
Yours sincerely,
Anne Kinvig
Chair, Board of Directors