Jill Kelland
Manager, social and vocational programs, Regional Mental Health , Capital Health
Being an entrepreneur in Alberta is no big deal. Bringing entrepreneurial business strategies into a big-city health authority and making them work with clients is. Jill Kelland is guilty of the above; of expanding client services, of cutting costs, and increasing efficiencies in her division. But more importantly, she’s helped increase understanding that social vocational programs can help people with mental health conditions compete in the marketplace, not just feed on it. “I like going to work because I feel I’m accomplishing something,” she says.
Capital Health recognizes and appreciates innovation, putting its considerable corporate machinery behind good projects, Kelland says. Like the client-managed hot dog stand, a project which increased the clients’ marketable skills and self-confidence, and was financially successful initiative.
Kelland’s talent for innovation and sound business sense created opportunities for clients – and Capital Health – with hard returns on investments. “Her enthusiasm for her job was so striking because she has worked within the field for a long time,” says June Clark, regional manager for the regional mental health program. “Someone with those years of experience who still has fresh eyes and enthusiasm for the possibilities is very impressive.”
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