Grow Mental Health Appoints Dr. Larissa Robideaux as new Chief Executive Officer
Grow Mental Health has announced the appointment of Dr. Larissa Robideaux as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 2 November 2026.
Larissa brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience across the nonprofit and mental health sectors in the United States, with expertise in organisational transformation, governance, fundraising, service development and strategic partnerships.
Her background includes leading two large mental health departments, including work within a behavioural health provider network.
As Director of Programme Operations and Development at Easter Seals Bay Area, she held senior responsibility for a network of 59 service agencies supporting approximately 2,500 individuals, with a focus on service development, operational effectiveness, quality and accountability.
Larissa previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Excellence in Nonprofits in California, where she led a period of significant growth and organisational transformation.
During her tenure, the organisation expanded its programmes nationally, strengthened its governance and financial sustainability, and grew its revenue by more than 560%.
Originally from Ireland, Larissa has returned to live here permanently.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Doctorate in Organisational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California.
Announcing the appointment, Kate Slater, Chair of Grow Mental Health, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Larissa as Grow’s new Chief Executive Officer. She brings an impressive combination of mental health sector experience, strategic leadership and a proven ability to strengthen organisations and build meaningful partnerships.
“Grow has a proud history of supporting people through the power of peer connection and shared experience. As we look to the future, Larissa’s experience of leading organisations through change, developing services and building sustainable organisations will be invaluable.
The Board looks forward to working with Larissa, our staff, volunteers and members to continue strengthening Grow’s reach and impact across Ireland.”
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Larissa Robideaux said:
“I am honoured to be joining Grow Mental Health, an organisation with such a rich history of supporting people through connection, understanding and shared experience.
Grow’s model is grounded in a powerful truth that has guided the organisation for decades: that people are the experts in their own lives, and that connection, shared experience and community are fundamental to mental health and recovery, not simply an addition to it.
I believe deeply in the power of community and in creating environments where people feel supported, valued and empowered. Grow’s longstanding commitment to peer support and recovery strongly aligns with both my professional experience and personal values.
I look forward to listening to and learning from Grow’s members, staff, volunteers and partners, and working together to honour the organisation’s remarkable legacy while ensuring its unique model of peer support continues to grow, evolve and reach those who need it across Ireland.”
Grow Mental Health provides community-based, peer-led mental health support, helping people to build resilience, develop coping skills and take an active role in their own recovery. Through its network of support groups and programmes, Grow creates opportunities for people to connect, share experiences and support one another in a safe and understanding environment.
Larissa will formally take up her position on 2 November 2026.