2008 Infant Mental Health Conference

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	Early Relationships Matter: Building Networks
	First statewide conference a great success by Lana Nenide, professional development and resource director In June 2008, the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health hosted its first statewide conference, “Early Relationships Matter: Building Networks.” More than 300 people attended the three-day event at the Concourse Hotel in Madison, Wisc., including representatives from 49 Wisconsin counties, and the states of California, New Mexico, Illinois, New Jersey, Arkansas, Minnesota and Tennessee. The conference featured three internationally-known and respected keynote speakers in addition to 39 workshops covering infant and early childhood mental health, the importance of early relationships, brain development, attachment, sensory integration, temperament and a variety of other topics. Reggie Bicha, secretary of the new Department of Children and Families, gave enthusiastic and inspirational opening remarks. Bestselling author and parent educator Mary Sheedy Kurcinka shared her insights, knowledge and expertise in the area of child temperament with both parents and professionals. A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of the James R. Ryan Memorial Award. This award is intended for an individual who has made a significant contribution to the social-emotional well-being of infants, young children and their families. The nominating committee unanimously selected Therese Ahlers as the first recipient of this award. Ahlers is the founding director of WI-AIMH and a nationally recognized advocate for infants, young children and families. The award ceremony was particularly meaningful and special since the date of the ceremony fell on Jim Ryan’s 65^th birthday and his wife and son were both present at the ceremony. In fact, Lisa Ryan was the one who presented Ahlers with the award. Overall, the conference was an overwhelming success. One conference attendee, commenting on the quality and content of the presentations, stated that it was “the caliber of a national conference.” WI-AIMH would like to thank the many sponsors and individuals who assisted with funding, planning, organizing and volunteering for this event.
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	Check back here for photos from the conference.
	Information
	Download the Conference Brochure Download the Conference Schedule. This will give you an overview of the conference activities and help you choose which breakout sessions to attend. Download the Conference Program. This brochure contains full descriptions of all the breakout sessions and keynote presentations. Download Mary Sheedy Kurcinka flyer
	Sponsors
	Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health Children’s Hospital and Health System’s Child Abuse Prevention Fund Children's Trust Fund Department of Children and Families Department of Health and Family Services, Birth to 3 Program DHFS Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services DHFS Division of Public Health Department of Public Instruction/CESA #11 Waisman Center
	Supporters
	Leccia & Associates UW Office of Childcare & Family Resources City of Madison Office of Community Services
	Planning Committee
	Gabe Blood WI Dept of Workforce Development Terri Enters Lutheran Social Services Jeanne Erickson Leccia and Associates Bev Haverly CESA #11 Peggy Helm-Quest WI Dept of Health and Family Services Julia Herwig Waisman Center Arianna Keil Waisman Center Mary Jane Kelley Parent Volunteer Elizabeth Olsen Dane County Parent Council Teressa Pellett Children's Trust Fund Mary Peters WI Dept of Public Instruction Lynn Sankey Waisman Center Linda Tuchman-Ginsberg Waisman Center	WI Alliance for Infant Mental Health Janna Hack, LCSW Infant Mental Health Consultant Conference Planning Chair Therese Ahlers, MS, MPA Program Director Lana Nenide, MS Professional Development & Resource Director Deana Hipke, BA Administrative Assistant Lisa Tate, BS Conference Planning Assistant
	Last Updated: 10/03/2008