Aditya Thakur is a 20-year-old from Oakville, Ontario and a student at Western University. He has been actively involved with Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) and The New Mentality’s youth engagement initiatives since 2018. He has leveraged opportunities to represent youth and voice their issues in the community. He shows tremendous passion for promoting equity in the mental health system and raising awareness for underprivileged youth. Aditya was a keynote speaker and panelist at the CMHO Annual conference in 2020 and in 2021, and had the opportunity to speak to mental health professionals about leadership equity. He has also advocated for youth mental health during the pandemic and is researching the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health. Aditya is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and adolescents by raising awareness about mental health issues and stigma surrounding mental illness.
Alisha Sharma, Co-Chair
19, Burlington
Alisha Sharma is a 19-year-old from Burlington, Ontario who is passionate about mental health. Advocating for and representing youth voices within Ontario’s publicly funded mental health system, as well as creating projects to engage with the provincial youth community to raise awareness, is something that she strives to do. Having been involved with her local New Mentality group of Halton since high school, then moving into the position of a co-facilitator and now to her current position as a co-chair of the YAC, Alisha has worked on a multitude of creative projects. From writing the 2021 provincial youth-led policy paper with CMHO, presenting at the CMHO conference, and running EDI and focused events with the wonderful committee, she is excited for another year full of new ideas and perspectives.
Arpit Sharma
18, Burlington
Arpit Sharma is an 18-year-old from Burlington, ON at McMaster University and he is passionate in the advocacy of mental health. He has been involved with The New Mentality since 2019 and then gained the position of Co-Facilitator. He shows intense passion in raising awareness and helping remove barriers for underrepresented racialized individuals in the mental health system. He would like to use his voice to make sure that underrepresented communities are heard and that access to resources is easily accessible to those who need it. Being involved with the Youth Action Committee will help him to make sure that a positive impact is created with the work he does and it will help those who are in need of these resources.
Arwen Cooke
19, Sault Ste. Marie
Hello there! My name is Arwen and I am 19 years old! I tend to flip flop around in what pronouns I use but They/Them is always fine. I am a youth from a city in northern Ontario called Sault Ste Marie. I am also an Anishnaabe from Biigtigong Nishnabeg (Heron Bay), a small reserve north of Sault Ste Marie. I’m an artist with my specific passion being in illustration but I also have an appreciation for youth engagement.
Being a youth of colour, specifically as an Anishnaabe, I have long since struggled with my mental health from early in my childhood. My mother always pushed for me to be able to achieve more in my life so we moved away when I was young, but I knew individuals suffering from serious mental health deficiencies that children as young as four should not have had to struggle with. We up in the north and especially those in small reserves have low access to mental health related services and low opportunity to speak our minds or even develop opinions on mental health services. It’s always been very stigmatised and hush hush to have mental health issues and services catered to an audience that didn’t serve our needs. Those things stuck with me which has been my recent passion in terms of mental health advocacy; BIPOC youths mental health and their access to services regardless of where they live, whether they are in crisis or not, and that they deserve services catered to their needs. I hope to put my skills and passion to use as well as make some new friends along the way. I can’t wait to begin this year strong with you all!
Crystal Ward
17, Huron Perth County
Hey friends, My name is Crystal! I use she/they pronouns, I’m 17 and currently located in a small town near Stratford. I have been a part of The New Mentality since November 2020 with my TNM group – New Horizons. But I’ve also been actively a part of my school board’s mental health initiatives, As well as with my school’s GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance)! My intentions with the work I do is to drive change within the mental health system, which ranges from 2SLGBTQ+ work as a queer youth to sharing my experiences within the system to help prevent tough experiences for others in the future. I believe that every voice matters and deserves to be heard, to create a more accepting and safe environment for all within the mental health system!
Other than my volunteer work I’m an avid artist who loves listening to music! I most often use watercolour, digital imaging, and photography when doing art. I listen to all genres of music but I prefer punk rock and pop music! I can’t wait to start this new adventure with this amazing network and beyond with being a part of the YAC of 2023!
Diya Mohan
19, Scarborough
Hello! I’m Diya Mohan (they/them) and I’m a youth advocate and leader in the mental health system currently in Scarborough, Ontario. I’ll be twenty this October, and I started volunteering at my local youth hub in freshman year, focusing on targeting systemic gaps affecting racialized youth in the community. As a leader of my own New Mentality group, part of the Provincial Youth Advisory Council, and a youth representative in the Advisory Board for our youth hub- I hold positions to speak for my lived experience as a POC in a low-income household and host a voice for a demographic that is underserved in the mental health system. After years of being part of the system, witnessing and experiencing the biases and discomfort surrounding race and culture, I am devoted to making the system more accessible, aware, and socially responsible. I’m invested in intersectional identities, such as BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ communities being prioritized and met with an equally beneficial experience with the services and systems offered currently. I hope to make and see change by being part of the YAC, and am so happy to have the opportunity to do so!
Erin Park
19, Scarborough
Hey! I’m Erin (she/they)! I’m a nineteen year old youth advocate who is working to dismantle barriers for racialized, queer, and disabled youth accessing the mental health system. I draw from my own lived experience of growing up in low-income, immigrant communities to tackle the system inequities that still plague the mental health sector. Getting other youth involved in policy making and other forms of advocacy work is super important to me, and being able to work with the YAC to lead the way for other amazing youth is a privilege. The creativity, hard work, and of course, youthful charm of our YAC is what makes us so impactful, and I hope to keep bringing good energy for this upcoming policy term!
Gin Phillips
20, Sudbury
Hello! I’m Gin (they/them), a 20 year old university student currently in Sudbury. Aspiring to work in the mental health field and studying psychology, mental health has always been a big passion. I’m originally from Kapuskasing, and have participated in as much youth advocacy as I could and can. As an autistic youth of colour it is important for me to see and hear others voices being projected as loudly as possible, and as the world changes I’m hoping to make this possible!
With another chance to be in the Youth Action Committee, I’m hoping to contribute in helping others and even myself. I’m a growing person, in every aspect of my life and this will be another way to better myself and improve where I can
Murphy-Issac Boyse
23, St. Thomas
Hi, I’m Murphy-Issac (they/he). I’m 23 years old and have been involved in equity advocacy for 9 years, primarily focused on queer and mental health advocacy. I’m a proud Hufflepuff, and as such I strongly believe in hardwork, kindness, justice, laughter and loyalty. My passion is driven by the positive impact youth engagement and equity work has on communities that I have had the privilege of witnessing and taking part in. I hope my work through the YAC can spread this positive impact to the larger youth community and pave the way for future youth leaders who are just now beginning their advocacy journey.
Saumya Arora
22, Toronto
I’m Saumya, currently 22 and on my way to becoming a teacher. I first started working with The New Mentality during my undergraduate degree and love being a part of this diverse group of youth advocates who are working so hard to make tangible change. As a future teacher I believe strongly in the value of having diverse mental health supports that can be accessed by all youth, and I want to use my time at The New Mentality to both push for that and also learn more about mental health so I can support my peers and future students!
We are so excited to have such incredible advocates from across Ontario joining our 2023 Youth Action Committee! To learn more about the Youth Action Committee click here.
Hodan (she/her) is passionate about mental health advocacy, youth engagement, and health equity. She envisions a mental health system where youth across Ontario have equitable access to mental health services that meet their diverse needs. Hodan hopes to use her position on the committee to help elevate the voices of youth across Ontario.
Aditya Thakur, Co-Chair
19, Oakville
Aditya Thakur is an 19-year-old from Oakville, Ontario and a student at Western University. He has been actively involved with Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) and The New Mentality’s youth engagement initiatives since 2018. He has leveraged opportunities to represent youth and voice their issues in the community. He shows tremendous passion for promoting equity in the mental health system and raising awareness for underprivileged youth. Aditya was a keynote speaker and panelist at the CMHO Annual conference in 2020 and in 2021, and had the opportunity to speak to mental health professionals about leadership equity. He has also advocated for youth mental health during the pandemic and is researching the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health. Aditya is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and adolescents by raising awareness about mental health issues and stigma surrounding mental illness.
Nneoma Achioso
23, London
Hi my name is Nneoma Achioso. I’m 23 years old and currently reside in London, Ontario finishing up my undergrad degree at Western University. It has only been a few years since I discovered that I have a strong passion for mental health. I realized mental health is something I want to not only learn more about, but I also want to contribute to breaking down the walls of stigma surrounding it. In recent years, I have also gained some lived experience with witnessing how the various aspects of the mental health system work, and sometimes not always for the best interest of the patient, specifically those from BIPOC community. As a black woman, I can understand how intersecting identities can disproportionately impact access to services and result in differential treatment by healthcare providers.
Being a part of the Youth Action Committee provides me with the opportunity to be a voice for my fellow BIPOC, while tackling the complex issues within our child and youth mental health system. I hope through our policy work we can commence the start to a more equitable and accessible mental health system for all youth.
Erin Park
18, Scarborough
Hey! I’m Erin (she/they)! I’m an eighteen year old youth advocate who is working to dismantle barriers for racialized, queer, and disabled youth accessing the mental health system. I draw from my own lived experience of growing up in low-income, immigrant communities to tackle the system inequities that still plague the mental health sector. Getting other youth involved in policy making and other forms of advocacy work is super important to me, and being able to work with the YAC to lead the way for other amazing youth is a privilege. The creativity, hard work, and of course, youthful charm of our YAC is what makes us so impactful, and I hope to keep bringing good energy for this upcoming policy term!
Saumya Arora
21, Richmond Hill
Hi, I’m Saumya (she/her), and I’m a 21 year old university student, creative writer, and aspiring teacher based out of Richmond Hill. After becoming involved in conversations about mental health during my time at university, I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of The New Mentality at Lumenus Community Services in Toronto for two years. It is important to me to destigmatize mental illness and open up conversations about mental health in my community. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to receive the mental healthcare they require regardless of status or circumstance and am excited to contribute to the Youth Action Committee this year!
Gin Phillips
19, Kapuskasing
Hello, my name is Gin (although most may be familiar with Chy)! Properly going by they/them, I’m nineteen and aiming for a degree in psychology. I’m a youth advocate that’s been participating in the New Mentality since I was fifteen, and advocating for longer. I have particularly strong feelings regarding mental health and racial equality since both have always directly affected my life, and hope to use my experience to boost and help others, using my voice to make sure everyone within our communities is heard, and given an opportunity to speak. It’s important that cultural awareness is spread and resources are more accessible in a way that’s best fit for those with much different experiences. My goal is to create even the slightest difference and shed a much better light on the inequities of our youth, and the YAC seems like a perfect place to start.
Arwen Cooke
18, Sault Ste. Marie
Hello there! My name is Arwen and I am 18 years old! I tend to flip flop around in what pronouns I use but They/Them is always fine. I am a youth from a city in northern Ontario called Sault Ste Marie. I am also an Anishnaabe from Biigtigong Nishnabeg (Heron Bay), a small reserve north of Sault Ste Marie. I’m an artist with my specific passion being in illustration but I also have an appreciation for youth engagement.
Being a youth of colour, specifically as an Anishnaabe, I have long since struggled with my mental health from early in my childhood. My mother always pushed for me to be able to achieve more in my life so we moved away when I was young, but I knew individuals suffering from serious mental health deficiencies that children as young as four should not have had to struggle with. We up in the north and especially those in small reserves have low access to mental health related services and low opportunity to speak our minds or even develop opinions on mental health services. It’s always been very stigmatised and hush hush to have mental health issues and services catered to an audience that didn’t serve our needs. Those things stuck with me which has been my recent passion in terms of mental health advocacy; BIPOC youths mental health and their access to services regardless of where they live, whether they are in crisis or not, and that they deserve services catered to their needs. I hope to put my skills and passion to use as well as make some new friends along the way. I can’t wait to begin this year strong with you all!
Alisha Sharma
18, Burlington
Alisha Sharma is an 18-year-old from Burlington, Ontario who is passionate about mental health. Particularly advocating for and representing BIPOC youth voices within Ontario’s publicly funded mental health system, as well as creating projects to engage with the provincial youth community to raise awareness. Having been involved with the local New Mentality group of Halton since high school, then moving into the position of a co-facilitator and now to her current position as a member of the YAC, Alisha has worked on creative projects from social media interaction on Instagram, hosting and creating a podcast, and even being involved with the TNM Disable the Label Hosting Team to create an exceptional event centred around mental health for youth across the province. This summer, she had the opportunity to get behind the scenes with her advocacy and interned with Children’s Mental Health Ontario as a policy writer to write the YAC’s fourth policy paper on BIPOC youth voices in the mental health system. This paper was then presented at the CMHO conference with other YAC members. As a member of the YAC for a second year, Alisha hopes to further promote YAC projects, and work on ways to engage with the youth across the province, all the while making a change that will spark a new era.
Gregory Doucet
18, Vaughan
My name is Gregory and I am 18 years old. I live in Vaughan, Ontario and I am a strong advocate for children and their well-being. In particular, I focus on those who are often underrepresented in society, such as those with visible or invisible disabilities, and multicultural individuals. I am a part of the Youth Action Committee as I want to give a voice to those who currently aren’t able to advocate for change. Those who struggle with health related issues, whether they are solely related to mental health, or are intertwined with their physical health, everyone deserves the best support possible. I firmly believe that regardless of the perceived competency of a youth, they deserve to have their opinion heard and accounted for when making decisions that may impact them.
Diya Mohan
18, Scarborough
Hello! I’m Diya Mohan (they/them) and I’m a youth advocate and leader in the mental health system currently in Scarborough, Ontario. I’ll be eighteen this October, and I started volunteering at my local youth hub in freshman year, focusing on targeting systemic gaps affecting racialized youth in the community. As a leader of my own New Mentality group, part of the Provincial Youth Advisory Council, and a youth representative in the Advisory Board for our youth hub- I hold positions to speak for my lived experience as a POC in a low-income household and host a voice for a demographic that is underserved in the mental health system. After years of being part of the system, witnessing and experiencing the biases and discomfort surrounding race and culture, I am devoted to making the system more accessible, aware, and socially responsible. I’m invested in intersectional identities, such as BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ communities being prioritized and met with an equally beneficial experience with the services and systems offered currently. I hope to make and see change by being part of the YAC, and am so happy to have the opportunity to do so!
Crystal Ward
16, Huron Perth County
Hey friends, My name is Crystal! I use she/they pronouns, I’m 16 and currently located in a small town near Stratford. I have been a part of The New Mentality since November 2020 with my TNM group – New Horizons. But I’ve also been actively a part of my school board’s mental health initiatives, As well as with my school’s GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance)! My intentions with the work I do is to drive change within the mental health system, which ranges from 2SLGBTQ+ work as a queer youth to sharing my experiences within the system to help prevent tough experiences for others in the future. I believe that every voice matters and deserves to be heard, to create a more accepting and safe environment for all within the mental health system!
Other than my volunteer work I’m an avid artist who loves listening to music! I most often use watercolour, digital imaging, and photography when doing art. I listen to all genres of music but I prefer punk rock and pop music! I can’t wait to start this new adventure with this amazing network and beyond with being a part of the YAC of 2022!
Murphy-Issac Boyse
22, St. Thomas
Hi, I’m Murphy-Issac (they/he). I’m 22 years old and have been involved in equity advocacy for 8 years, primarily focused on queer and mental health advocacy. I’m a proud Hufflepuff, and as such I strongly believe in hardwork, kindness, justice, laughter and loyalty. My passion is driven by the positive impact youth engagement and equity work has on communities that I have had the privilege of witnessing and taking part in. I hope my work through the YAC can spread this positive impact to the larger youth community and pave the way for future youth leaders who are just now beginning their advocacy journey.
Eric Hendrick
19, St. Thomas
Hi my name is Eric!! My pronouns are He/Him/His. I am 19 years old and I have been on youth engagement committees for the past 5 years! I believe in using my outgoing and fearless personality to be a voice for youth across the board, I realized that some youth don’t have the resources or the contacts to voice their concerns and I want to be able to build my personal tool belt to help others build their own! In September I started my first year of the Child and Youth Care program and I have never been more excited. I can’t wait to work closely with youth to start a change.
We are so excited to have such incredible advocates from across Ontario joining our 2022 Youth Action Committee! To learn more about the Youth Action Committee click here.
Where do I start? How do I start? You may be having these thoughts come up for you when it comes to conversations around anti-racism. If you’re reading this and are a part of the TNM network, you know that we have been trying to have conversations on race in the mental health system for quite some time now.
Through our work, we’ve heard from many that they want to learn, grow and be a true ally to racialized communities. We want you to know that we are proud of you for taking this step towards learning and unlearning. It’s not an easy road, but it’s an important one to take.
We know that everyone is at different stages of learning, and also that everyone has different learning styles. Which is why, you will find a compiled list below of podcasts, movies/TV shows, and books for you all to read, listen and watch at your own pace.
We believe it’s important to learn from all different folks from all walks of life when it comes to conversations around anti-racism. One book won’t give you all the answers to solve systemic racism, but we hope it will inspire and encourage you to embark on a lifelong journey of learning.
For my racialized folks in the network, I know we many times bear the weight of having to educate others. I want you to know that it is not your job to do so. I hope this list of resources provides you a space of solace, a sense that you are not alone in feeling that weight, and a sense of community.
Reflection Questions
I ask that you do some inner reflection work as you embark on this journey, here are a couple questions to get you started:
What was an insight or an ah-ha moment while reading, listening, or watching a resource from the list below?
How do you plan on continuing your learning journey?
If you know of a resource, that isn’t added to this list please email me, Fizza Abbas, Network Coordinator for TNM at fizza@thenewmentality.ca – we want this to be a blog that we can keep adding to, as we advocate to create a mental health system that is truly inclusive to all.
My name is Jay (she/her) and I’m so excited to introduce myself as the Program Manager of The New Mentality. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you (old TNM friends and new), but in the meantime, let me share a bit more about myself!
If I had to describe myself in a word or two, I’d say I’m a possibility thinker. I love getting curious and exploring a variety of options and possibilities. I like to think that we are happier when we can imagine new ideas and opportunities for ourselves and our futures.
It’s possibility thinking that makes me a life-long learner. I’m constantly trying new things. Whether it’s salsa dancing, fighting in a boxing match, skydiving, or travelling, I’m always looking for ways to meet new people and gain new experiences.
I actually started my career journey working in international development – primarily supporting youth in their personal and career journeys through arts and education programming. I’ve had the pleasure of working with youth all around the world – Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Germany, and Brazil to name a few – and they have taught me so much, both personally and professionally.
As I continued to work with these youth, the one thing I realized is that without the proper supports and considerations, systemic challenges exist as critical barriers to youth success. These barriers can look like access, discrimination, tokenism, or just a lack of meaningful engagement. Regardless, the one thing they always have in common is how they impact the wellness of young people.
It quickly occurred to me that we can’t run any successful programs where youth are encouraged to actively participate, without consideration for their mental health. It’s this realization that prompted me to work on programs like the Community Healing Project, Connected North, the Toronto Youth Equity Mental Health Training, and Kids Help Phone Crisis Response.
Throughout all these experiences, I’ve learned that the people and organizations I’ve worked with have the best understanding of their needs and the needs of their communities. What I love about The New Mentality is that it provides opportunities for young people and their allies to be the driving force for the changes they want to see.
I believe that the most effective programs are the ones that allow folks to see themselves reflected in, not just impacted by, the work.
I’m looking forward to continuing to collaborate with the Network to further feelings of ownership, include more voices that reflect the diversity of our young people, increase capacity building opportunities for our adult allies, and build a more sustainable program for years to come.
For now, though, I’m just excited to say “hi”! Please feel free to reach out to me to me. I’d love to schedule a virtual coffee (or tea) chat to get to know everyone!
If you would like to connect, please contact me at jay@thenewmentality.ca
Turning 18-years-old can come with some new and exciting experiences like voting, opening your own bank account, or getting a tattoo. It can be starting a new chapter of your life by graduating high school and starting university or college. However, the biggest thing about turning 18 is becoming an adult, at least on paper (I’m 21 and I definitely don’t think of myself as an actual adult), and that can mean changes to the mental health services that you have access to.
In high school, I started in a therapy program at my community’s youth mental health agency, Skylark. I also started receiving services at Sick Kids Hospital with a care team of doctors and therapists. On my 18th birthday, I found myself at my very last appointment and thought, “Well, what am I going to do now?”. The program at Skylark had a two-year maximum and Sick Kids only treats kids, so I knew from the beginning that my time at both place was limited, but when the time came I still didn’t know what to do next. Through a series of tips I learned on my journey, I want to share some of my experiences with starting over in the adult mental health system to hopefully provide some guidance and hope to anyone going through the same thing.
So there I was, 18-year-old brand new adult Dana. I no longer had a psychiatrist or therapist, and I was moving away to a new city to start my undergraduate degree. I was completely unsupported arriving to residence in September of my 1st year, so I started looking in the first place I could think of: campus.
If you’re a university or college student, check out the services offered by your school.
I go to Western University and one of its affiliates, Brescia University College, in London (Ontario not England, but how cool would that be?), and a great thing about it is the student health clinic. The clinic offers support not only for physical health, but for mental health, including access to crisis counselling and psychiatrists. My smaller school, Brescia, has a social worker on staff that offers case management to students experiencing moderate to severe mental health struggles. I’ve worked with this social worker since my 2nd year of university and continue to meet with them regularly well into my 4th year. They helped connect me to a psychiatrist on campus without waiting months to be seen, find a therapist in the city, and support me with any academic accommodations I need. Do some digging to see what kind of mental health and wellness services your school offers on its campus! Services on campus can be convenient and helpful if they’re a good match for you. I personally found that the mental health services at my school have been a paramount support throughout my education.
You might have to look at private practices if you’re looking to work with a therapist long-term.
There are so many amazing community agencies/organizations across Ontario that provide mental health services for adults, however, many of these places don’t offer long-term individual therapy. This was something I was looking for coming out of the youth system and quickly found out that if I wanted to work on my mental health challenges and personal goals one-on-one with a therapist over an extended period of time, then I needed to find someone in the private practice sector and pay them (this is where my school’s social worker helped me out, as mentioned above). This was very different, and a bit stressful, for me because up until that point I never had to pay money to work with a therapist and rates for one session could be upwards of $150. I was lucky enough to find someone who offered subsidized rates for broke students like me. If you’re worried about finances, but want to work with a therapist long-term there are options for those in financial need through government grants, OSAP, and your school’s health insurance plan.
You still have access to lots of community mental health services, support lines, and hospital services that don’t cost anything.
The word “youth” has a pretty wide age range, typically ages 13-25 (sometimes even going up to 27), so many youth mental health agencies continue to provide services to young people over 18. If you’re able to continue accessing services at your current youth organization or can start at another one, that’s awesome! It adds a few years to your time before you need to cross the line into the adult system. This wasn’t the case for me, but the adult mental health system still have great community services. In London, CMHA Middlesex is one of the biggest community mental health service providers in the city. They offer a wide range of supports free of charge, everything from crisis intervention and stabilization services, to an eating disorder program, to supportive housing. There are also helpful support lines such as Reach Out, Crisis Text Line, and Good2Talk which is post-secondary student-specific, and I’ve used each of these lines myself. Hospitals also offer different inpatient and outpatient programs for adults, depending on the severity of the mental health challenges one is struggling with. If you’re looking to get support from a hospital program, connect with your family doctor for a referral.
Thanks for giving this a read and I hope there was something you could take away. See you next time!
Thank you so much Dana! If you have any questions please contact email info@thenewmentality.ca
Job Posting: Program Manager Position Type: Full-Time Contract position until March 31, 2023, with the possibility of renewal Reports to: Senior Program Manager Location: Toronto, Ontario Salary: $60,000-$70,000 Start date: October 2021 Number of Hours Per Week: 40
About The New Mentality
The New Mentality (TNM) is a provincial network that engages and connects youth ages 13-25 who identify as having experience with mental illness. We co-create, support, and facilitate structures for youth-led change in the mental health system and work on a provincial scale to improve the practice of youth engagement. We believe youth can contribute to creating a better mental health system. Working in partnership with youth, adult allies, and child and youth mental health centres, we amplify youth voice and produce recommendations to the mental health system. The New Mentality is a program of Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO). CMHO is the association representing Ontario’s publicly-funded Child and Youth Mental Health Centres.
About the Role
The New Mentality Program Manager oversees all elements of The New Mentality program, including the planning and delivery of TNM Groups, Disable the Label, and the Youth Action Committee. The Program Manager is a key member of the CMHO team focused on youth voice and has an important role in policy, advocacy and member service delivery. The Program Manager works with the Senior Program Manager and other key stakeholders, including TNM youth, adult allies, consultants, advisory members, to develop high-level objectives and oversee the strategic direction of The New Mentality. The Program Manager is responsible for the financial management of the program, which includes identifying and pursuing funding opportunities, developing and monitoring project budgets, and other day-to-day project management. The Program Manager supervises and supports the Network Coordinator.
The Ideal Candidate
The Program Manager is a visionary who looks ahead with clarity. As a result, they seize opportunities and leverage points to amplify youth voice and drive change in the child and youth mental health system. They have a passion for working with young people and creating inclusive spaces for all youth to thrive and contribute. They have a deep understanding and experience leading conversations on racism and other equity challenges. They are skilled in budget management and have experience supervising staff. We emphasize the need to welcome into our community a strong leader who is committed to co-creating spaces centred on meaningful relationships and shared leadership using anti-oppressive and anti-racism frameworks. The successful candidate is looking to lead a dynamic team of individuals who are passionate about creating real change.
Key Accountabilities
Build and execute The New Mentality program operational plan, including Network Engagement, Disable the Label, and the Youth Action Committee.
Work with the Senior Program Manager to develop a program sustainability model.
Develop and monitor program budget and provide quarterly reports to the Senior Program Manager; ensure TNM projects stay within budget and deliver as obligated.
Oversee delivery of annual Disable the Label conference, including the hiring of the facilitation team, safety and crisis management, managing on-site incidents, and post-event reporting and evaluating
Oversee delivery of the Youth Action Committee, including supervising and supporting adult allies, safety and crisis management, managing on-site incidents, and ensuring project deliverables are met.
Oversee implementation of TNM Groups, including building relationships with TNM group partner agencies and identifying and developing new partnerships with CMHO agencies.
Identify funding opportunities from foundations and government; lead the proposal development and submission processes.
Key Qualifications
Five years of experience working in the child and youth mental health sector or related social services field.
Three years of experience in program management and staff supervision in a not-for-profit social service organization.
Experience leading and hosting conversations on racism using integrative anti-racism and anti-oppressive practices.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse staff and stakeholders, including youth from marginalized communities.
Excellent communication, organization, time management, conflict management and interpersonal skills.
An ability to work independently and as part of a team in a diverse environment.
French/English bilingualism is a strong asset; a second language other than English and French is an asset.
Related post-secondary education or equivalent.
Compensation
In addition to the Program Manager’s salary, the Program Manager will receive a competitive benefits package and be eligible for Children’s Mental Health Ontario’s RRSP matching program.
To Apply
To apply, submit your cover letter and resume to Mary-Anne Leahy as one document (titled with your first and last name), in PDF format, to resumes@cmho.org by October 3, 2021with the subject heading “Program Manager, TNM.” Resumes not submitted in this format will not be accepted.
The New Mentality is committed to equity in our policies, practices, and programs. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from people who identify as Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, living with a disability, or a religious minority.
If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, contact Mary-Anne Leahy at the email above. Please note in the subject line: “Program Manager Application: Accommodation Needed.”
We thank everyone for their expression of interest. We are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying, however, with the limitations of time, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
