Canada
Karen Minden, C.M., PhD, is a senior advisor and consultant in the field of social entrepreneurship and philanthropy with special expertise in youth mental health; and China - Asia Pacific relations. She was Founding CEO of Pine River Institute and Pine River Foundation. The Institute, which offers an innovative, successful and nationally recognized treatment program to adolescents struggling with mental health and addiction, opened in 2006. Minden retired from this venture in January 2014, after 15 years of research, planning, fundraising, and creating a new approach to helping troubled teens and their families. Karen has a broad foundation in research, public policy, philanthropy and international relations. She has held senior executive positions in national foundations including the Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation, and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. She has international leadership experience in Asia Pacific economic, scientific and academic policy and cooperation. Formerly professor of management and political science, Karen has a PhD from York University, and an MA from the University of California at Berkeley. Her publications include books and articles on health care development in China, management of technology in the Pacific Rim, Pacific Rim science and technology networks, and adolescent mental health and addiction. Dr. Minden was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2010, for her contributions to addiction treatment programs for adolescents in Ontario, and for building closer economic partnerships between Canada and the Asia Pacific region. She received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. She currently serves as an advisor to several mental health initiatives, including First Nations youth addiction treatment; and professional development for mental health workers.
Advisor and consultant in the field of social entrepreneurship and philanthropy with extensive leadership experience; special expertise in youth mental health; China and Asia Pacific relations. Recent projects include Senior Advisor, Gwekwaadziwin Youth Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Centre, working with six First Nations on Manitoulin Island; Senior Advisor, Algonquin College Nature-based Therapy post-grad program development.
Pine River Foundation raises funds to support Pine River Institute, and advance the field of adolescent mental health and addiction treatment. It supports excellence, integrity, and innovation in the study and practice of adolescent mental health and addiction treatment through training and education, professional collaboration, and outreach. The Foundation recently completed a $3.5 million dollar capital campaign.
Designed and implemented the creation of a new residential treatment centre for youth struggling with mental health and addictions, based on best international practices. Raised over $4M to open the Institute in 2006, and secured permanent funding from the Ministries of Health and Education for ongoing operations. The Institute has a robust research evaluation program and has a consistently high success rate in helping youth and their families return to functional living. It is recognized as a leading Canadian treatment centre for troubled teens.