Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health and Community Services
Children’s Institute
Dr. Diane Elias has single-handedly reshaped the clinical and provided strategic direction for Children’s Institute’s clinical work. As the clinical and administrative leader overseeing hundreds of therapists, care coordinators and administrative teams, Elias manages a complex, high-stakes division dedicated to serving L.A.’s children and families grappling with the systemic challenges of poverty and trauma. She brings “strategy, discipline and C-level skills to a very complex and challenging business and operation.”
Words To Describe Them: Compassionate, strategic, dedicated, adaptive, charismatic, brilliant
From the Indispensable: “What drives me to do more is the human side of this work. At my core, I am a therapist, and my heart is with the children, families, and professionals walking through life’s hardest moments. I wonder how families experience our care, whether they feel seen, supported, and safe, and whether our staff feel valued while doing such important work. Leadership has taught me that behind every policy, staffing decision, spreadsheet, or compliance requirement is a real person. I am motivated to create spaces where both families and clinicians can heal, grow, and thrive together.”