CMHA Ottawa is pleased to announce Heather Garnett as new Director of Quality and Clinical Risk Management

Feb 10, 2025

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch (CMHA Ottawa) is excited to introduce Heather Garnett, the agency’s new Director of Quality and Clinical Risk Management.

Heather brings to her new role more than 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare, specializing in nursing, health administration, quality, safety, accreditation and board governance.

Her experience includes various senior leadership roles across the Ottawa region, including serving as Vice President, Professional Practice, Quality and Chief Nursing Executive, at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre; Director of Integrated Health at Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre; Clinical Director of Mental Health and Professional Practice at the Ottawa Hospital; and Vice President of Patient/Resident Services and Chief Nursing Executive at Almonte General Hospital. In these roles, she was instrumental in driving quality care initiatives, managing clinical services, and leading teams to provide exceptional client-centered care.

“I am deeply committed to advancing mental health services and optimizing client outcomes, while championing a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement,” says Heather. “As Director of Quality and Clinical Risk Management, I am eager to work collaboratively with our teams to elevate client care standards and drive excellence throughout every aspect of our organization.”

Heather holds a BScN and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Ottawa, along with an executive certification in patient safety. Currently pursuing her Lean Healthcare Black Belt Certification, she remains committed to advancing evidence-based practices.

“Heather has dedicated her entire career to supporting people and working to improve the health care systems that serve them. She has a range of experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorder in many parts of the continuum of care,” says Dr. Susan Farrell, CEO of CMHA Ottawa. “We are incredibly fortunate to have her join our leadership team. Personally, I am excited to see the positive impact she will have as we work together to enhance the quality of our services, building on our culture of learning and continuous quality improvement.”

Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending live music shows, and exploring the outdoors through activities like camping, hiking, and kayaking. She also finds joy in gardening and baking for loved ones.

Welcome to CMHA Ottawa, Heather. We’re thrilled to welcome you to our leadership table.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa Branch (CMHA Ottawa), is an independent, community-based non-profit organization that provides services for eligible individuals in the Ottawa area with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorder, many of whom are experiencing chronic homelessness or are vulnerably housed. CMHA Ottawa is dedicated to promoting good mental health, developing and implementing sustainable support systems and services, and encouraging public action to strengthen community mental health services and related policies and legislation.