Board Director – Children’s Mental Health Ontario Volunteer

Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) is a member-based association representing Ontario’s publicly funded Child and Youth Mental Health Centres. With the combined strength of our members, we advocate for services, policies and government investments that are responsive to the needs of infants, children, youth, and families seeking mental health services in Ontario. Our primary goal is to promote an effective, coordinated, and high-quality mental health care system that puts infants, children, youth, and families first. CMHO’s nearly 100 member organizations operate in every region of the province, providing targeted prevention, early intervention, short- and long-term counselling and therapy, addiction services, and intensive services.

CMHO Board Directors are committed to fulfilling the CMHO Mission & Vision. The membership elects the governing Board of Directors, who may serve a maximum of two 3-year terms. Board Directors are either Members-At-Large or regional representatives for one of five Ontario regions. Board directors help advance our commitment to equity and inclusion and can help us better represent historically underrepresented and marginalized communities, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, racialized and LGBTQ2S+ communities, women, and people with disabilities (including people who have the lived experience of mental illness and addictions).

Currently, CMHO is seeking to recruit three Members-at-Large to serve as Board Directors. Ideal candidates will demonstrate proven leadership and governance experience, along with strong communication, teamwork and collaboration skills.

The CMHO Board uses a Board Composition Matrix to ensure that our governance leadership has the appropriate mix of regional representation and individual characteristics, competencies, and experience. Candidates with various skills and professional backgrounds from CMHO member organizations are encouraged to apply for the Member-at-Large position. In addition, to balance the skills present on the Board, we encourage applications from those with government relations, financial, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion knowledge related to board governance. A full range of skills will be considered, along with those listed above. Knowledge of Ontario’s child and youth mental health system is essential.

The board meets a minimum of five times (3-5 hours/meeting) per year, and board committees meet a minimum of 5 times yearly for 60-90 minutes. Board meetings are primarily virtual, and for any in-person meetings, all expenses are covered.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply in writing with a cover letter and curriculum vitae by April 10 2026 to Governance and Human Resources Chair, Ms. Maria Talotta [email protected]
Please ensure your cover letter and CV are combined in one pdf document.