The Infant Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona
The Infant Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona
Day One - Thursday, October 18, 2018
Concurrent Sessions A: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Workshop A1
"On the Origins of Reflective Functioning (RF) and the Relevance of RF to Work with Young Children and their Caregivers"
A closer hands-on exercise relevant to the plenary talk.
Howard Steele, PhD, is Professor and Chair of Clinical Psychology, at the New School for Social Research in New York City. At the New School, Dr. Steele co-directs the Center for Attachment Research, www.attachmentresearch.com. Howard Steele is also senior and founding editor of the international journal, Attachment and Human Development, and founding president of the Society for Emotion and Attachment Studies.
Workshop A2
"Emma's Story, and How We Can Change the Laws To Better Protect Children"
A robust reform package signed into law this spring gives abused and abandoned children in Arizona some of the strongest legal rights and protections in the country. The package of bipartisan reforms passed the Arizona Legislature by a margin of 87-1 and was signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey. The reforms let judges expedite a child's court case in cases of extreme abuse and move young children out of the system and into safe families faster. Generation Justice is launching a Pro Bono Legal Clinic for Children in January, 2019, to recruit and train a network of pro bono attorneys that will represent the best interests of Arizona's children. These attorneys will work with relevant parties, including biological parents, family members, and foster caregivers, in a manner that ensures applicable laws are being followed so that better outcomes are achieved.
Darcy Olsen founded Generation Justice in 2017. She is a nationally recognized reform leader and a veteran foster mom. Darcy was the chief leader of the national Right to Try movement, which has given Americans facing terminal illnesses a fighting chance at longer life. She has testified before Congress, written columns for outlets from the Wall Street Journal to USA Today and has appeared on countless public affairs television programs. She earned a bachelor's degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and a master's degree in International Education from New York University. She has four young children, all of whom were first fostered and ultimately adopted.
Workshop A3
"Expanding Reflective Practice with ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)" PART 1
ACT is an evidence-based approach to increase psychological flexibility. Through experiential activities, participants in this 3-part workshop will understand and apply ACT's core processes (present moment awareness/mindfulness, accessing self-as-context, defusion, acceptance, valuing, and committed action) to their own practice, identify the main barriers to psychological flexibility, and practice skills they can use to increase their reflective practice with others.
Dr. Larry Dumka is a couple and family therapist, trainer, and emeritus professor in Arizona State University's Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics. He promotes evidence-based approaches to helping people accomplish changes in their social contexts. He has also developed and tested family-based interventions to increase positive youth development.
Workshop A4
"Sleep Secrets - The Role Of Sufficient Sleep for Babies and Toddlers and How to Help Caregivers Avoid the Pitfalls of Sleep Deprivation. No Cry It Out Necessary."
This workshop will discuss the sleep needs of young children and how they change from 0-5 years old. Participants will explore the process of helping parents meet those needs. The common causes of frequent night waking, nap challenges, what is considered "typical" and signs of sleep deprivation will be discussed. The group will explore ways of supporting a sleep deprived parent with gentle coping strategies and co-regulation to improve their child's sleep. Tracy will provide tips to support infants' and toddlers' sleep through relationship with their caregivers.
Tracy Spackman teaches caregivers to help develop their child's sleep potential. Tracy is trained and certified as a Gentle Sleep Coach by The Sleep Lady plus studied these additional programs:
• Sick Kids Hospital's Infant Mental Health Community Institute,
• The Wonder Weeks Academy
• Babies In Mind - University of Warwick
Workshop A5
"The Powerful Promise Behind Arizona's Expulsion Prevention Policy"
Preschool expulsion and suspension are very common, but surprisingly harmful practices used across the country to manage challenging behaviors. Participants in this workshop will hear how groundbreaking research on expulsion galvanized the federal government to support expulsion prevention policies across the US. We will describe ADES-CCA's Expulsion Prevention Policy and its Expulsion Prevention program. Participants will hear about the program's approach for "Sharing the Care" and learn how the program supports caregivers, families and children. Finally, we will share three evidence-based approaches for reducing expulsion and describe how trauma informed care practices support expulsion prevention efforts as well.
Rose Phillips, MA, LMFT, is an Assistant Director to Southwest Human Development's Services to Children with Disabilities department. She is part of a team which developed and provides Arizona's Child Care Expulsion Prevention trainings across Arizona. Rose also provides mental health consultation to programs at SWHD and serves as Harris program faculty.
Concurrent Sessions B: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Workshop B1
"Historical Trauma" PART 1
This session will provide an introduction to Indian Law and Policy and its' historical traumatic effects on indigenous populations, including the Navajo perspective, history and culture. Multigenerational trauma and resilience will be discussed. The presenter will share the successes and challenges involved in Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation services on the Navajo Nation and strategies that have supported the work. The session will include several videos and interactive worksheets for participants to take and use in their work
Dawn A. Yazzie, M.A., is an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant with Southwest Human Development on the Navajo Nation, where she provides support to develop the capacity of caregivers to learn to support the healthy social-emotional development of young children. Dawn also works half-time with the Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation.
Workshop B2
"Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders"
This session will provide a review of the spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, risks related to untreated symptoms, and resources.
Michelle Lacy is the LPC and Clinical Director at Women's Health Innovations of Arizona (WHI). WHI specializes in the mental health needs of women and families around pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. Michelle has extensive experience in treating maternal mental health and is a trainer for Postpartum Support International.
Workshop B3
"Expanding Reflective Practice with ACT" PART 2
Dr. Larry Dumka - See Part 1 For Description Of This Breakout
Workshop B4
"Supporting the Development of Young Children"
This workshop will focus on understanding and supporting the development of young children birth to five through relationship-based work with children and their caregivers.
Molly Strothkamp, LMSW, IMH-E (III), is a child therapist and the training coordinator at the Good Fit Counseling Center at Southwest Human Development. Molly is a faculty member for the Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute and she teaches and provides trainings on infant mental health and other related topics to parents, professionals, and community organizations statewide.
Workshop B5
"Bridging Social Emotional Development to School Readiness: Getting From Here To There" PART 1
Young children's early social emotional adjustment can impact their successful entry to group and school settings. Current concerns regarding early suspensions and expulsions, and the resulting school trajectory can benefit from an expanded infant mental health and developmental framework. Using a model of social competence, this talk will trace the path from milestones in emotions, relationships and self-regulation to the developmental advances needed for success in school and life settings.
Dr. Hogan is the Past President of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health, teaches for the USF-SP Infant-Family Mental Health Certificate Program, is a co-author of the Partners for a Healthy Baby Curriculum, and provides training throughout Florida to multidisciplinary audiences on child development and applications of IMH principles.
Concurrent Sessions C: 3:15pm - 4:45pm
Workshop C1
"Historical Trauma" PART 2
Dawn A. Yazzie, M.A - See Part 1 For Description Of This Breakout.
Workshop C2
"NAS and the Family"
This breakout session will focus on working with families who are struggling with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (infants born addicted to Opioids), addiction, and trauma.
Michelle Lacy is the LPC and Clinical Director at Women's Health Innovations of Arizona (WHI). WHI specializes in the mental health needs of women and families around pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. Michelle has extensive experience in treating maternal mental health and is a trainer for Postpartum Support International.
Workshop C3
"Expanding Reflective Practice with ACT" PART 3
Dr. Larry Dumka - See Part 1 For Description Of This Breakout
Workshop C4
"Assessment & Diagnosis of Infants & Toddlers"
This breakout session will focus on principles of appropriate assessments of Infants and Toddlers and practices to avoid in assessment. A variety of assessment tools will be reviewed. Discussion will also focus on the challenge of identifying appropriate DSM V diagnoses for infants & toddlers (which is often required for funding purposes). The group will identify developmentally appropriate diagnoses for young children birth to five years old.
Genett Tomko MSW, LCSW, IMH-E (III) is a Child Therapist and Clinical Supervisor specializing in treatment services for children birth to 5 years old. She also has a private practice in Ahwatukee. Genett has served as the Chair of the Training & Education Committee for the Infant/Toddler Mental Health Coalition of AZ for the past 8 years. Genett has worked with young children and their families in AZ for the past 18 years.
Workshop C5
"Bridging Social Emotional Development To School Readiness: Getting From Here to There" PART 2
Dr. Hogan – See Part 1 For Description Of This Breakout
Day Two - Friday, October 19, 2018
Concurrent Sessions A: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Workshop A1
"On The Efficacy of the Group Attachment-Based Intervention (GABI) Aimed At Improving The Toddler-Mother Relationship: Results From A Randomized-Control Trial"
This workshop offers a more in-depth, hands-on exercise that expands on the plenary talk.
Miriam Steele, PhD, is Professor and Director of the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, at the New School for Social Research where she co-directs the Center for Attachment Research. Dr. Steele is also an Anna Freud Center trained psychoanalyst. Miriam initiated the London Parent-Child Project, a major longitudinal study of intergenerational patterns of attachment, and has also carried out longitudinal attachment research in the context of child maltreatment and adoption. Miriam Steele's principal project at present concerns program evaluation of the GABI treatment model in New York City.
Workshop A2
"The Tiniest Victims of The Opioid Crisis...Babies Born Passively Dependent" PART 1
Two Arizona babies are born every day withdrawing from opioids. Learn about Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). This workshop will address the pathophysiology, presentation, and developmental risk factors associated with NAS as well as treatment protocols. Strategies for educating caregivers, supporting families in coping with NAS, and collaboration with other providers will be discussed.
Tara Sundem is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for babies in the NICU. Tara received her Masters and NNP from Arizona State University. She is driven to improve the care that is provided to these fragile babies and to their families. In 2016, Tara and Kelly Woody, NNP co-founded Hushabye Nursery, a recovery center for NAS.
Workshop A3
"Culturally Responsive Practice with Young Children and their Family: Considering Intersecting Identities and Factors" PART 1
This presentation will focus on culturally responsive practice and the intersecting factors that are relevant when considering culture: race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, age and education. The presentation will also speak to the issue of "power dynamics" in the provider-parent relationship as well as in the greater community. Participants will engage in thought and discussions around their own intersecting identities and how they impact and challenge our values, beliefs and assumptions in our work with children and families. Participants will also be given specific strategies to use to help enhance their culturally responsive practice in ways that support and empower families.
Melissa Mendez, LCSW, IMH-E is Director of Early Childhood Programs at Wheeler Clinic in CT, President of CT-AIMH Board of Directors and adjunct instructor in the MSW program at Southern CT State University. Melissa trains nationally and internationally on topics related to early childhood development and trauma. Melissa has her MSW from the University of Michigan, she enjoys reading historical fiction, running and traveling.
Workshop A4
"Introduction to Reflective Supervision" PART 1
This workshop will introduce the core components of Reflective Supervision including: the roles and responsibilities of the Supervisor and the Supervisee, development of the supervisory relationship, and increasing reflective capacity. Participants will have the opportunity to observe a brief Reflective Supervision session.
Nicole Valdez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is Endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Specialist (IMH-E© III). She has worked with children and families across Arizona in behavioral health, medical, and educational settings. She is currently a Behavioral Health Consultant with Honor Health and has experience as a Reflective Supervisor for behavioral health providers.
Workshop A5
"Trauma at the Border: Understanding and Addressing the Special Needs of Infants and Toddlers Separated or Detained at the US border"
Developmental scientists from around the globe have decried the treatment of families with young children at the U.S. Southwestern border. In this workshop we summarize the science that underlies their concern for the welfare of young children who have experienced the traumatic disruption of attachment relationships with their parents and/or are detained in conditions that imperil this critically important relationship. The short- and long-term consequences of early trauma will be summarized, and key elements of services necessary to support and advocate for these families will be discussed.
Robert Weigand is the Director of the Child Development Laboratory at Arizona State University, a full-day early childhood care and education program serving children ages 20 months to five years of age.
Concurrent Sessions B: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Workshop B1
"Testifying in Juvenile Court"
Testifying in court is unlike any other form of communication. Learn the ins and outs of testifying in Juvenile court. Participants will learn the rules of testifying in court, how to prepare for direct and cross examination, and how to answer questions effectively in court.
Vernon Harris is a Unit Chief Counsel in the Protective Service section of the Arizona Attorney general office. He trains new attorneys and DCS case managers as well as handle high profile cases throughout the state of Arizona.
Workshop B2
"The Tiniest Victims of The Opioid Crisis...Babies Born Passively Dependent" PART 2
Tara Sundem, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – See Part 1 For Description Of This Breakout.
Workshop B3
"Culturally Responsive Practice with Young Children and Their Family: Considering Intersecting Identities and Factors" PART 2
Melissa Mendez, LCSW, IMH-E – See Part 1 For Description Of This Breakout.
Workshop B4
"Introduction to Reflective Supervision" PART 2
Nicole Valdez, LCSW, IMH-E®(III) – See Part 1 For Description Of This Breakout.
Workshop B5
"The Early Childhood Service Intensity Instrument: A Tool For Child and Family Teams"
The Early Childhood Service Intensity Instrument (ECSII) was developed by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for determination of the intensity of services needed for infants, toddlers, and young children with emotional, behavioral, and/or development needs and their families. It was designed for use by Child and Family Teams and community programs such as: early intervention, child welfare, mental health, primary care and early education. It has been adopted for use in Arizona as part of the AHCCCS Targeted Investments (TI) Program, which will provide financial incentives to eligible providers to develop systems for integrated care.
Dr. Bob Klaehn is currently a Medical Director for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's Autism Team. He is one of the developers and trainers for Early Childhood Service Intensity Instrument (ECSII) and former Medical Director for the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities. He is a member of the ITMHCA Board.
Mary Beardsley, M.S. (Family Studies/Human Development) is a Clinical Project Manager with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) with over 13 years of experience in community mental health in Arizona. She is currently on the Board of Directors of the Infant and Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona.