Ms. Fainer is an innovator with a track record of developing mental health programs that offer solutions to issues raised by communities, consumers and funders. Claire has been a key player at both the local and provincial levels in program development and implementation, serving on government and sector initiatives ranging from system design to pathways to care. Her expertise has been sought by the media including the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star and CBC.

Her background includes many years of diverse work experiences with children, youth, and families, in both Ontario and Quebec. This has included varied service delivery venues such as community service centers, school social services programs, hospital-based psychiatric departments and private clinical practice. Ms Fainer has also participated in a program designed to train aboriginal social/community workers in Northern Quebec.

Ms. Fainer was a member of the Board of Directors of Children’s Mental Health Ontario serving as President of the Board from 1997-99. Ms. Fainer has also held the position of Chair, Community Advisory Board, Whitby Mental Health Centre, and was a member of the Board of Directors of The Wellesley Institute until 2009. Most recently she was the Toronto Community Chair of the province’s Student Support Leadership Initiative.