Anita Manley

Anita Manley is a mental health advocate, advisor, fundraiser, blogger, and peer facilitator. At The Royal, she has volunteered as a peer supporter for the women's mental health program since 2012, was a member of the Client Advisory Council for five years, former editor of The Client's Voice newsletter and frequently shares her story with many audiences. Anita represented The Royal as co-chair of the Champlain LHIN PFAC and as a patient advisor for the resource development advisory group at Health Quality Ontario. Previously, Anita was a patient advisor for the Champlain Peer Network, The Ottawa Hospital Mental Health Community Advisory Committee, and a board member for Ottawa branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.  

Anita was recognized as one of the ‘Faces of Mental Illness’ campaign with CAMIMH; a recipient of The Royal’s 2015 Inspiration Award; a ‘Top 40 for 40’ year anniversary of The Royal Foundation; and a notable ‘Adult Hero’ on Silken Laumann’s website, Unsinkable.

Anita is thrilled to be the first client representative on The Royal’s board of trustees.

She holds a BA in communications from Carleton University and instructs public speaking and leadership courses with Christopher’s Leadership in Ottawa.