Ms Krista Vanderheide

Ms Krista Vanderheide is the Assistant Secretary, responsible for the System Enablers Branch, in the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Division at the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Based in Melbourne, Krista brings extensive experience from senior roles in the Victorian Government including Department of Health (Victoria), the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Treasury and Finance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from The Australian National University (2005–2009).
A passionate and experienced government executive, Krista oversees the Australian Government’s national mental health website and is leading the design and implementation of a new digital National Early Intervention Service. She also manages the Department’s relationship with the e-Mental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC). Her strengths span policy analysis, public policy, research, and the non-profit sector.
Known for her commitment to social policy, Krista fosters inclusive, empathetic, and flexible work environments—championing values she lives by as a leader in Australia’s mental health policy landscape.

Panel Discussion Title: Is Digitalisation in Mental Health an Enabler or a Detriment?
Date: 17 July 2025, Thursday
Time: 9:00 AM