The Association for Children’s Mental Health Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Carla Pretto as ACMH Executive Director effective May 22nd following the retirement of Jane Shank after 19 years of dedicated service including 10 leading our organization. Carla is a parent with lived experience and a personal mission to lead organized efforts towards mental wellness in children and youth who has dedicated herself and her time to effecting change in systems responsible for providing effective mental health supports for kids and families.
Ms. Pretto is a researcher and nurse by trade who brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to this role. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the University of Georgia and a Nursing Degree from Washtenaw Community College.
Carla also brings 25+ years of experience as a manager and a mentor with an extensive history of project planning and implementation, budget oversite, evaluation, data analysis and standards for evidence based and best practices. She is well equipped to support and engage with a diverse group of statewide staff and partners and has a proven track record of creating positive work environments and partnerships and we look forward to leading ACMH into our next chapter.
Carla shares that she is dedicated to creating a world where all kids have access to the mental health care they need, and no child has to feel inescapable pain that leads them to consider suicide as a tangible solution. Carla describes herself as a mom driven by a love for her children who believes in her ability to use it to create positive change. She lives by example that hope endures and has already empowered many she has crossed paths with and is excited for the opportunity to help empower youth, families and communities on a scale possible through leading a statewide family organization such as ACMH. So please join us as we welcome Carla. We look forward to what the future will bring!
