The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to announce the appointment of Uppala Chandrasekera, MSW, RSW, as the new Deputy Registrar and Chief Practice Officer. Uppala will begin her position with the College as of January 13, 2025.
After a thorough recruitment process, we are thrilled that Uppala will be joining our team. Uppala brings a wealth of experience to the role, including over 20 years in the health sector. Her work ranges from direct support assisting individuals and families with mental health and addictions issues, to supporting mental health and addictions programs province-wide and implementing the national strategy to address mental health across Canada. Most recently, she served as the Director of Public Health at Toronto Public Health, responsible for public health strategy and clinical services. From 2017 to 2020, Uppala served on the Toronto Police Services Board, the first mental health professional to be appointed to this role. From 2013 to 2022, she was the Director of Public Policy at the Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario.
Uppala is an Assistant Professor (Status Only) at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Through her research, published writings and work in the community, Uppala examines the impact of the lived experience of discrimination and racism on the health, mental health and wellbeing of marginalized populations.
Please join me in welcoming Uppala to the College. We look forward to continuing our journey together, with public protection remaining our top priority.
Sincerely,
Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA
Registrar & CEO