Three images featuring young children and family moments: children finger painting, a child on a playground with an adult, and a child hugging an elderly man reading a book.

Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health: Birth to Five 2024 Conference

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13th

Loudermilk Conference Center
40 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

CONSILIENCE IN ACTION

Bridging Disciplines to Advance Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health in Georgia

Conference Focus

Dr. Stan Sonu, GA-AIMH's 2023 Conference keynote speaker, spoke to the notion of Consilience. This concept represents the unity of knowledge, connecting insights from various fields to create a comprehensive understanding. Dr. Sonu expressed that we must realize the promise of consilience will require a new era of intentionality, ongoing dialogue, and interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve the necessary system transformation. Our focus is on building bridges—bringing together diverse perspectives and approaches to foster collaboration and innovation in supporting young children's and families' mental health. Join us as we explore how interconnected ideas can lead to impactful change.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

2024 Keynote Speaker

Dr. Avivah McPherson is a dual-licensed Perinatal Clinical Psychologist specializing in Infant and Early childhood mental health care and the treatment of early childhood trauma. Dr. McPherson received her doctoral degree from John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill California, and obtained specialized training in Infant-Mental Health and the early childhood treatment of Trauma, with the UCSF Child Trauma Research Program at San Francisco General Hospital.

Clinically, Dr. McPherson has a passion for working within pediatric communities, integrated health systems, and enhancing the development and implementation of culturally informed practices within systems that impact culturally diverse children and families within underserved communities. Dr. McPherson's passion is to empower clinics, schools and mental health service providers to implement culturally responsive practices, while reducing the impact of early childhood experiences of adversities (ACEs) on health outcomes.

Motivated by the opportunity to reduce disparities in healthcare, Dr. McPherson has worked collaboratively with the former Surgeon General of California, to improve health outcomes and reduce the impact of toxic stress by screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and providing early intervention for infants and young children ages zero to five. She has served as a contributing research partner with the ACE Aware Initiative of California and participated in the development and piloting of the PEARLS screening tool utilized nationally to identify and screen for Adverse Childhood Experiences. She has served as a psychological consultant for media content creation with Sesame Street, PBS Kids, and Netflix’s Little Monsters.

In her current role as a Perinatal Psychologist and Program Development consultant with Northside Hospital, she is piloting the development of an integrated Infant-Mental Health clinical program across 5 Northside Hospital campuses in Georgia. Dr. McPherson also serves as a thought partner with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), providing thought-provoking and sensory engaging professional training to community-based professionals on infant-mental health and the tenets of trauma-informed culturally responsive care within foster care.

Portrait of Dr. Avivah McPherson, Psy.D., Perinatal Psychologist, and Keynote Speaker

Conference Sponsors

Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics logo1

Conference Preview

Registration & Morning Social
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Kick off the day by reconnecting with familiar faces—or meeting new ones—over coffee and light refreshments. We’ve got an exciting activity lined up, and rumor has it there may be prizes involved! Don’t miss the chance to start your day energized and ready to engage! Doors open at 8 AM!
Welcome
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Raynell Washington, Director of the Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health (GA-AIMH)
Set the Stage
9:15 AM - 9:25 AM
Amy Jacobs, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Commissioner
Keynote Presentation
9:25 AM - 10:15 AM
Dr. Avivah McPherson, PsyD
House Study Committee on Infant and Toddler Social and Emotional Health 5-Year Celebration & Awards Ceremony
10:15 AM - 11:10 AM
Callan Wells, GEEARS: Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students Senior Health Policy Manager & GA-AIMH Policy Advisor
Break/Transition
11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
Panel Discussion: The Hidden Caregiver
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
This panel highlights the crucial, often unrecognized role of "hidden" caregivers—such as mothers with disabilities, grandparents, fathers, incarcerated mothers, and others who step in when primary caregivers are unable to. Panelists will discuss these caregivers' unique challenges, their impact on children’s development, and how they relate to the broader goals of infant and early childhood mental health.
Networking Lunch & Professional Portraits
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Connect and expand your network! Plus, stop by for a FREE professional portrait—perfect for updating and enhancing your profile. It’s also a great opportunity to engage with our sponsors and exhibitors.

Learning Sessions
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
The learning sessions offer in-depth discussions, interactive workshops, and hands-on learning tailored to various aspects of infant and early childhood mental health. Led by experts in the field, these sessions provide opportunities to explore specialized topics, share best practices, and connect with peers to enhance knowledge and skills in supporting children and families.
Break/Transition
2:15 PM - 2:25 PM
Learning Sessions
2:25 PM - 3:40 PM
The learning sessions offer in-depth discussions, interactive workshops, and hands-on learning tailored to various aspects of infant and early childhood mental health. Led by experts in the field, these sessions provide opportunities to explore specialized topics, share best practices, and connect with peers to enhance knowledge and skills in supporting children and families.
Break/Transition
3:40 PM - 3:50 PM
Panel Discussion: The Movement Toward Infant-Toddler Courts in Georgia
3:50 PM - 4:40 PM
This panel will explore the unique role of the Infant-Toddler Court model in supporting young children and families involved in the child welfare system. Panelists will discuss the need for specialized, court-coordinated interventions, the interdisciplinary collaboration that has driven this work, and the impact of trauma-informed care in helping families achieve stability and positive outcomes.
Call to Action
4:40 PM - 4:50 PM
Representative Marvin Lim
This powerful closing is designed to inspire attendees to take meaningful steps forward. It offers actionable strategies to transform learning into impactful action and drive change in infant and early childhood mental health. Participants will leave with a strong sense of purpose and practical tools to create positive change within their organizations and communities.
Closing
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM
EveLyn Wedge, GA-AIMH Community Advisory Council

The HUB

THE HUB

DISCOVER THE HUB: YOUR ULTIMATE GA-AIMH RESOURCE AT THE 2024 CONFERENCE

The HUB is your one-stop destination for all things services and supports, resources, and workforce development opportunities. Bring your business cards, insights, and enthusiasm to create a vibrant networking space.

Here's what you can look forward to:

Discover new services and resources for children and families
Stay in the loop about upcoming trainings and events
Exchange business cards, flyers, and foster new collaborations
Connect with members of the IECMH community

But that's not all! The HUB is also your gateway to GA-AIMH, where you can learn more about membership and I/ECMH Endorsement, and sign up for committees to get actively involved. Get ready to make lasting connections, share your passion, and take your career to the next level. See you at The HUB!

Know Before You Go

Have a question? Get an answer before the conference.

Directions

Directions

The Loudermilk Center is located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, conveniently accessed from all points in Metro Atlanta right off of I-85 near I-20. The Atlanta MARTA Peachtree Center Station, Atlanta’s rapid rail, and bus system is a short distance away.

Directions: https://loudermilkcenter.com/location/

Parking

Parking

Parking is included in your registration. The parking garage is connected to the Loudermilk Conference Center building.

Please bring your parking ticket for validation at the front desk in the conference center lobby.

Hotel Accommodations

Hotel Accommodations

Downtown Atlanta has a wide variety of hotels at various price points, conveniently located a walk away or a brief ride away from getting to the Loudermilk Conference Center.

GA-AIMH has not reserved room blocks at any hotels.

Nearby Hotels: https://loudermilkcenter.com/hotels-nearby/

Attire

Attire

Business casual or clothing appropriate for your office dress code. Be aware that some buildings sometimes have unusually cold or warm temperatures. Consider dressing in layers or bringing a light sweater.

Meals

Meals

Beverages, lunch, and refreshments will be provided for all attendees.

CEU Information

CEU Information

GA-AIMH is pleased to offer CEUs at this year’s conference! Participants must attend the learning session in full and complete the session evaluation to earn credit. Certificates of attendance will be provided to all attendees.

Project SCEIs Continuing Education Credit
Babies Can't Wait (BCW) Professionals are eligible to receive up to 3 contact hours of Project SCEIs Continuing Education Credit.

LCSW/LMSW Continuing Education Credit
Social workers are eligible to receive up to 3 core continuing education units through the Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work.

LPC/APC Continuing Education Credit
Professional counselors are eligible to receive up to 3 core contact hours through the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia.

Health and Safety

Health and Safety

GA-AIMH expects attendees to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on reducing COVID-19 infection and protecting against severe complications. We encourage attendees to take the precautions they feel comfortable with (i.e., mask-wearing).

Registration and Help Desk

Registration and Help Desk

Registration is officially closed. Check-in for badge pickup starts at 8 AM on Wednesday, November 13th. The registration desk is located at the main entrance. We ask that you wear your badge during all GA-AIMH Conference sessions.

Please note that same-day, onsite, registration is not available for the conference.

Volunteers will be available throughout the day to assist you. You can visit the registration desk with any questions.

Contact Us

Address

Center for Leadership in Disability
Urban Life Building
140 Decatur Street SE
Suite 140
Atlanta, GA 30303

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Reach Out

404-413-1289

[email protected]

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