Carmen Collado, LCSW-R, is a seasoned leader in the behavioral health field, recently appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Community Counseling & Mediation (CCM). With over 30 years of experience in human services, Collado brings a wealth of expertise in delivering compassionate, high-quality care across diverse communities in New York City. In her new role at CCM, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing mental health, housing, and educational programs, she joins President and CEO Douglas Brooks to oversee daily operations and execute strategic initiatives that address complex community needs.
Carmen Collado, LCSW-R
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Brooklyn, CCM provides an array of essential services to approximately 10,000 children, youth, adults, and families each year. Through its network of six mental health clinics, four supported housing programs, youth enrichment initiatives, and family support services, CCM is a linchpin in New York’s human services sector. The organization’s mission centers on empowering individuals from underserved backgrounds, helping them thrive through culturally responsive programs that foster stability, wellness, and self-sufficiency. CCM’s commitment to its core values of competency, empowerment, respect, and advocacy resonates deeply with Collado’s approach to leadership.
Collado’s past roles have uniquely equipped her for this new challenge. Most recently, she served as Chief Relationship Officer for The Shield Institute, an organization supporting children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. During her tenure, she made impactful contributions by reorganizing, rebranding, and expanding the footprint of Pure Vision Arts (PVA), an art program of The Shield Institute, where she increased access for neurodivergent artists and integrated behavioral health services. “Watching the artists gain a sense of pride and seeing their contributions celebrated was truly inspiring,” Collado shared.
PVA is Manhattan’s only full-time studio dedicated to artists with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism. Collado’s work with PVA helped generate new revenue, enabling broader outreach while preserving PVA’s mission to empower artists through self-expression and economic opportunities. This transformative experience exemplifies her dedication to inclusive, holistic programming, a commitment she carries forward in her work at CCM.
Before her tenure at The Shield Institute, Collado held key positions at the Institute for Community Living (ICL), where she developed crucial partnerships with managed care organizations, government bodies, and peer organizations, securing over $1.75 million in funding to sustain supported housing programs. Her initiatives included promoting cultural competence within the agency, aligning policies with the diverse populations served, and fostering stronger community connections. Additionally, as Chief Government and Community Relations Officer at Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, she led the JBFCS Foster Care Initiative, which reduced disruptions in foster care placement through on-site mental health support for children—a model that later influenced statewide mental health policy.
Throughout her career, Collado has championed policy advocacy for vulnerable populations, working alongside policymakers, coalitions, and community leaders to effect meaningful change. Her efforts have included advocacy for Timothy’s Law and mental health parity, children’s mental health, and geriatric mental health services. These initiatives highlight her commitment to creating systemic improvements that uplift not only individuals but also the larger communities in which they live. In recognition of her contributions, Collado received the Latino Leadership Award from New York University’s Center for Adolescent and Family Health in 2018.
With a staff of 325 and an annual budget of $25 million, CCM is poised for growth under Collado’s leadership. The organization receives funding from several prominent agencies, including the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Collado’s strategic focus on fostering partnerships and ensuring high-quality, inclusive services will be instrumental in helping CCM expand its impact. “It’s about building connections and creating spaces where people feel supported and empowered to reach their potential,” she explained.
Collado’s trajectory in human services demonstrates a commitment to advancing mental health and social equity through compassion, collaboration, and innovation. As she takes on this new chapter with CCM, her vision for sustainable, inclusive growth will undoubtedly shape the future of the organization and the lives of those it serves.
For more information, please contact Carmen at ccollado@ccmnyc.org and visit the Community Counseling & Mediation (CCM) website at ccmnyc.org.
