Announcing the Retirement of CEO Ceri Harnden

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is with mixed emotions that I share news that our Chief Executive Officer, Ceri Harnden, will be retiring from EveryMind Mental Health Services effective December 31, 2026.

Ceri’s retirement will mark the conclusion of 35 years of exemplary service to this organization, our community, and the broader child and youth mental health sector and its ecosystem. Throughout her career, Ceri has embraced a path of life-long learning. She is respected as a highly competent, collaborative and credible leader fueled by her passion, energy, and deep caring for our staff and clients.

As our CEO for the past six years, Ceri’s steady and impressive leadership carried our organization through the challenges of a global pandemic; successfully transitioned us from the organization’s founding CEO; led a significant corporate amalgamation and rebranding; and oversaw the organization’s move to Accreditation Canada with a renewed, more rigorous focus on improving safety, quality, and operational efficiency and effectiveness. She also worked closely with the Board and our Youth & Family Advisory Council to establish a strong foundation for the future, anchored firmly in our refreshed Vision and Mission statements, Values, and a new Strategic Plan (2025-2030).

Reflecting on her journey, Ceri shared:

“As EveryMind celebrates its 40th birthday and breathes life into its new Strategic Plan, it is the right time for new leadership at the helm. It has been a privilege to have had a career full of purpose and opportunity for positive impact. I truly believe that collectively we’ve made a positive difference and that the future is brighter for infants, children, youth, and families who face mental health challenges.”

In late April, the Board established a CEO Search Selection Committee tasked with the responsibility of finding the best individual to build on the strengths of EveryMind as a stable, effective, and accountable organization and to lead EveryMind into the future.

Please join me in expressing my deepest gratitude to Ceri for her tremendous and positive impact on the lives of so many children, youth, and families through her dedicated work over the last 35 years. We wish the absolute best for Ceri and her family, and we hope she enjoys all that retirement has to offer.

Sincerely,

Nainesh Kotak

President, Board of Directors