Varina Bleil

Varina Bleil is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Maple Counseling Center, a nonprofit mental health organization serving the greater Los Angeles community.13 She assumed this role in January 2021, bringing with her a diverse background in nonprofit management and education.12

Career Background

Bleil made a mid-career switch from the entertainment industry to the nonprofit sector over a decade ago.3 Her professional experience includes:

• Executive Director at Los Feliz Charter School for the Arts (2018-2019)
• Executive Director at American Youth Symphony (2014-2018)
• Executive Director at Inside Out Community Arts (2010-2014)
• Deputy Director at United Friends of the Children (2019-2020)3

Education and Training

Bleil has a strong educational background, including:

• Master's degree in education from Harvard University
• Completion of the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders at Stanford University1

She has also participated in various leadership and development programs, such as the Wells Fargo New Executive Directors Institute and Leadership LA.3

Role at The Maple Counseling Center

As CEO, Bleil oversees all aspects of the center's operations, including:

• Providing low-cost comprehensive mental health services
• Training graduate and postgraduate students working towards licensure in the mental health field
• Fundraising and community outreach
• Managing the organization's budget and staff34

Under her leadership, the center has continued to expand its services, including the implementation of telehealth options during the COVID-19 pandemic.2

Bleil's personal connection to the center adds depth to her role, as she herself utilized its services when she first moved to Los Angeles and was starting out in the entertainment industry.2