New Managing Director at Mental Health Caribbean as of November 1st
The supervisory board of Mental Health Caribbean (MHC) has appointed Kathelijne van den Boogert as the new Managing Director. She will start on November 1st, 2024. The first two months will be a transition period with the current Managing Director, Erik Jansen, who will step down at the end of this year.
After a careful selection process, the Supervisory Board decided to appoint Kathelijne due to her impressive background and expertise. Kathelijne, 45 years old, has extensive experience in both healthcare and the social sector. She has developed extensive knowledge and experience in organizational development and has led the transformation of youth care and mental health services for children and youth in Amsterdam. Over the past seven years, she has worked at Levvel in Amsterdam, an organization that provides specialized youth care and psychiatric services to children, adolescents, and families in the Netherlands. Kathelijne will be relocating to Bonaire with her family.
At the end of August, Kathelijne made an informal introduction to all MHC departments after signing her employment contract at the MHC office on St. Eustatius. Supervisory board member Gerald Simmons-de Jong accompanied her on the introduction visit to St. Eustatius and Saba, and supervisory board member Giullitta Anthony joined the introduction on Bonaire.
Erik Jansen will remain in his position until the end of December 2024 to ensure a smooth transition. Erik sees Kathelijne’s arrival as an opportunity to further strengthen the organization. Erik Jansen: "With Kathelijne’s appointment, I am confident that MHC can take the next step in its continued development towards providing appropriate and necessary mental health services in the Caribbean Netherlands". Starting in December, the incoming and outgoing directors will visit various chain partners on the ABC Islands for an introduction and a smooth handover. A similar visit to the Windward Islands will follow in early 2025.
The supervisory board and staff of MHC look forward to a fruitful collaboration under the leadership of Kathelijne van den Boogert and reflect with great appreciation on Erik Jansen’s years of dedication and commitment.
