Staff Spotlight
Connected by collaboration and a shared vision of holistic care at the Carlile Centre
We recently caught up with Donya Jalali, a Social Worker who joined the Carlile Centre team at the HOpe Centre.
Donya pursued a career in social work to leverage a social justice perspective in her interactions. She finds fulfillment in working with people and remains continually impressed by their resilience. "I believe in the importance of looking at systemic barriers when supporting individuals," she says.
Collaboration at Carlile
Donya's favorite aspect of being a social worker is participating in an interdisciplinary team. She deeply values the incredible knowledge, experience, and perspectives her colleagues bring to supporting clients.
"I was excited to join the Carlile team and expand my practice for youth mental health and substance use to an acute setting," she shares. "I love being a part of a compassionate team who share the vision of providing innovative and holistic care to young adults experiencing challenges with mental health and substance use. My colleagues keep me motivated and make me excited to come to work every day."
With a collaborative team who checks in on one another regularly, Donya says "I never feel isolated in decision making for a patient and I appreciate all my colleagues' time and care in supporting one another through challenging experiences."
Connection across regions
VCH is a geographically expansive health authority encompassing 14 Indigenous nation communities. What stands out to Donya are the numerous opportunities to connect with other service providers across this region. "I encourage prospective health care professionals to reach out to and embrace the knowledge and resources the VCH community offers."
Every day, Donya is impressed by the diversity of service users and service providers. "Everyone coming through these doors offers an incredible story and makes an impact on the people they interact with."
About the new Carlile Unit
Hospital care for this age group who are experiencing major mental illnesses is essential. Most major mental illnesses start at this stage of life, right when young people are forming lasting relationships, and making plans for their careers. For example, this is the age when symptoms of psychosis most commonly begin. Assessment and treatment of acute illness is a key part of the system of care that supports young people to continue with their development and grow towards a healthy, productive future.
The team at the new Carlile Unit (HOpe 3 at Lions Gate Hospital) is working together to address the growing need for acute Mental Health Substance Use (MHSU) care for youth and young adults aged 17-25. The new Unit aligns with the Mental Health Commission of Canada's recommendations for designing services to meet the urgent needs of young people in this age range and will serve people from all parts of the region.
As Carlile continues its transition from a concurrent disorders program for youth to an acute psychiatric ward for young adults, Donya recognizes and acknowledges that while change is challenging, it can lead to exceptional results.
Join the team
Donya joined VCH to maintain a work-life balance and a shortened commute. "I love the location of Lions Gate Hospital and the HOpe Centre in central Lonsdale," she tells us. "Working in a community I call home is a great perk and can take my breaks outside in the fresh air."
We have opportunities for health care professionals with mental health and substance use work experience to join the new Carlile unit team.