To increase access to competency-informed trainings, the Alliance developed an online site as a resource for AIMHs and the workforce. The goal is for this site to serve as a ‘one-stop-shop’ resource for AIMHs and the workforce. The site features asynchronous trainings, webinars, in-person options from a variety of AIMHs. The site will be updated on a quarterly basis, so be sure to check back regularly! If you would like a training to be featured, please complete the form found HERE.
All are welcome to use the training hub site as a way to find resourceful trainings! Please be sure to view and share the training hub site. For more information, please email kjackson@allianceaimh.org or kdieffenbaugher@allianceaimh.org.
Childcare and Development Fund (CCDF) Partners Training and Events
Please click any of the logos below for access to all of our partners’ trainings and events.
Bridging the Gap Between Maternal and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Bridging the Gap Between Maternal and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Date: September 15th 2025
Time: 12 PM CST / 1 PM EST
Presenter: Amaris Gibson, LPC, PMH-C, IMH-E® Infant Mental Health Specialist
Description: The TN IECMH ECHO for Doulas is a collaborative learning space for Doulas in Tennessee. We welcome all Doulas to join as we discuss important topics surrounding perinatal mental health and how to best support caregivers and families served.
TN IECMH ECHO EBHV Training: Grief and Loss
TN IECMH ECHO EBHV Training: Grief and Loss
Date: September 16, 2025
Time: 11:30am CST / 12:30pm EST
Description: This 30-minute presentation empowers home visitors to provide sensitive, trauma-informed support to mothers facing pregnancy and infant loss. You’ll learn how to recognize grief and depression, offer meaningful care in the moments immediately after loss, and walk with mothers as they heal and prepare for future pregnancies—without forgetting the child they lost. Discover how your compassionate presence can become a vital part of a mother’s journey through grief and beyond.
This virtual community is open to all home visitors in Tennessee!
The ECHO platform is centered around sharing knowledge, so ALL are welcome whether you're new in the field or have 20+ years of experience!
Presenter: Cree Cosby, FNP-C
From In-Utero Exposure to Early Intervention: Supporting the Smallest Impacted by NAS
From In-Utero Exposure to Early Intervention: Supporting the Smallest Impacted by NAS
Date: September 19th, 2025
Time: 10-12pm CST/ 11-1pm EST
Description: This session takes an in-depth, compassionate look at Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and the unique challenges faced by infants, toddlers, and families affected by prenatal substance exposure. Together, we’ll explore the impact of in-utero substance exposure during early childhood, unpack the complexities of NAS, and examine the therapeutic weaning process.
Through real-world insights and research-based strategies, we’ll discuss how to meet the comprehensive needs of both children and their families—addressing medical, developmental, and emotional considerations. Participants will gain practical tools for fostering resilience, building trust, and promoting healthy outcomes, while also learning ways to partner effectively with families navigating these difficult circumstances.
By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of NAS, a toolkit of effective support strategies, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that every child—regardless of their start in life—has the opportunity to thrive.
Presenter(s): Tiffani Dixon, IECMH-E ®
Connecting While Correcting: Responding to Challenging Behavior
Connecting While Correcting: Responding to Challenging Behavior
Date: Sept 23rd, 2025
Time: 10am CST/ 11am EST
Description: This training explores responsive correction practices grounded in Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) and designed for early childhood settings. Participants will learn strategies to move beyond reactive discipline toward approaches that emphasize connection, trust, and skill-building. Through practical tools and case examples, participants will explore how to address challenging behaviors in ways that promote regulation, resilience, and stronger relationships.
Presenter: Rachel Peterman, Ph. D.
Play by Stages: Big Imaginations, Curious Minds
Play by Stages: Big Imaginations, Curious Minds
Date: Oct 9th, 2025
Time: 10-12pm CST/ 11-1pm EST
Description: This is a two-part training series that dives into the powerful role of play in early development—As children grow, so does the complexity and the purpose of their play. This session explores how play evolves from age three to six, highlighting key developmental milestones and the types of play that fuel emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social connection. Learn how to support imaginative, cooperative, and rule-based play. Create ideas that will coach caregivers in guiding children through this vital stage of discovery and independence—all while keeping play at the heart of growth.
*This training is catalogued with Train TN as a Health & Safety ECE licensure training in accordance with TN Department of Human Services Licensure Rules for Child Care Agencies.
Presenter(s): Elizabeth Ramsey, Ph.D., CFLE, Associate Professor, Human Ecology, Assistant Director, TN Tech Center for Addiction Prevention and Support
Endorsement 101
Title: Endorsement 101
Date: Oct 16th, 2025
Time: 10am CST/ 11am EST
Description: This is an introductory session tailored toward those interested in applying for Infant Mental Health Endorsement® or the Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement®. Participants will learn more about the categories of Endorsement, requirements for each category, and the process for applying for Endorsement in Tennessee.
Presenter(s): Brittany Bowman, B.A, ECMH-E®
STARS: Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) Training
STARS: Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) Training
Date: Oct 23rd & 24th, 2025
*Both days are required.
Time: 8:30- 3:30pmCST/ 9:30- 4:30pmEST
*This is a virtual training session. No recording will be allowed or provided.
Description: This is a training for Child Welfare workers and Foster Parents. Facilitating Attuned Interactions is a model from the Erikson Institute that promotes self-awareness of providers and increased attunement to caregivers that results in improved professional/parent relationships and improved service recipient outcomes. FAN has been a core framework for pediatricians, mental health clinicians, home visitors, and child welfare professionals across the US. The model emphasizes slowing down interactions with service recipients to increase focus on relationships, which has been shown through research to decrease the amount of time for families to reach their identified goals. FAN is a huge asset to a number of TN's workforce sectors, and we're so excited to bring this opportunity to child welfare.
Presenters:
Rachel Hanson, MS, CLC, IMH-E® & Flor Abarca, BA, IECMH-E®
Strengthening the IECMH Workforce through Connection, Collaboration, and Community
Strengthening the IECMH Workforce through Connection, Collaboration, and Community\
Date: November 6th, 2025
Time: 10-12pm CST/ 11-1pm EST
Description: Many infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) organizations in Tennessee face challenges retaining professionals, often due to a lack of consistent, responsive connections and supportive relationships, which disrupts care for children and families. This session, informed by the voices of 128 Tennessee IECMH professionals, explores how organizational culture, psychological safety, and supportive leadership impact workforce retention. Participants will gain practical strategies to foster connection, collaboration, and community within their organizations, building environments where professionals feel valued and empowered, ultimately improving outcomes for infants, young children, and families.
Presenter: Keena Friday-Gilbert, MBA, MSW, IECMH-E®
Flipping the Script: How HOPE Changes the ACES Conversation
Title: Flipping the Script: How HOPE Changes the ACES Conversation
Date: September 12th, 2025
Time: 10-12pm CST/ 11-1pm EST
Description: Discover how the HOPE, Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences, model can transform the way we support children and families. This interactive session offers practical guidance in applying a strengths-based approach that identifies, celebrates, and expands access to the Positive Childhood Experiences essential for every child’s health and thriving. We’ll explore the science behind Positive Childhood Experiences, examine their relationship to the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) model, and highlight how resilience grows from moments of connection.
Grounded in research, participants will learn the story behind the development of the HOPE framework and its Four Building Blocks, gaining tools to integrate these principles into daily practice. Through guided reflection and real-life scenarios, you’ll practice “Type 2 thinking” to see strengths first, and discover ways to foster meaningful, strengths-based interactions in your unique role—whether as a direct service provider, prevention partner, educator, or community leader.
This session is both informative and restorative, offering space to pause, reflect, and reimagine the role of positive experiences in shaping a child’s future. Together, through a reflective space opportunity, we’ll explore multiple perspectives on HOPE and uncover practical strategies for creating environments where all children can thrive.
*This is an AIMHiTN Member’s Training.
Presenters: Sarah Manley Judkins, MSW, ECMH-E® & Rachel Hanson, MS, CLC, IMH-E®, Centerstone
Endorsement 101
Title: Endorsement 101
Date: September 11th, 2025
Time: 10am CST/ 11am EST
Description: This is an introductory session tailored toward those interested in applying for Infant Mental Health Endorsement® or the Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement®. Participants will learn more about the categories of Endorsement, requirements for each category, and the process for applying for Endorsement in Tennessee.
Presenter(s): Brittany Bowman, B.A, ECMH-E®
Introducción al Endoso
Título: Introducción al Endoso
Fecha: 10 de septiembre de 2025
Hora: 11 am CST/ 12 pm EST
Descripción: Esta es una sesión introductoria diseñada para aquellos interesados en solicitar el Endoso® de Salud Mental Infantil o el Endoso de Salud Mental en la Primera Infancia®. AIMHiTN tiene un respaldo nacional, utilizando la capacitación que los educadores de la primera infancia ya deben tomar según los requisitos estatales anuales. ¿Por qué no obtener su capacitación y obtener el respaldo nacional como profesional de la salud mental infantil o de la primera infancia? Los participantes aprenderán más sobre las categorías de endoso, los requisitos para cada categoría y el proceso para solicitar el endoso en Tennessee. Se proporcionará tiempo para preguntas específicas y discusión.
Presentador(es): Flor Abarca, BA, EICMH-E®
TN IECMH ECHO EBHV Training: Introduction to Warmline Consultation
TN IECMH ECHO EBHV Training: Introduction to Warmline Consultation
Date: Monday, September 8, 2025
Time: 10:00am CST / 11:00am EST
Description: Looking for more resources and individualized support in your work? Join us to learn about the AIMHi TN Warmline Consultation service—what it is, how it works, and how it can support you. This session will cover how to access the Warmline and the types of guidance it offers.
This virtual community is open to all home visitors in Tennessee!
The ECHO platform is centered around sharing knowledge, so ALL are welcome whether you're new in the field or have 20+ years of experience!
Presenter: Brooke Lawalin, LMSW and Leah Tolbert, LPC-MHSP(t)
Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) Training
Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) Training
Date: September 2nd and 3rd, 2025
*Both days are mandatory to receive complete certificate for the training.
Time: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm CST / 9:30 am - 5:00 pm EST
Presenters: Alison D. Peak LCSW, IMH-E® & Diana Morelen, PhD, IMH-E®
Description: Facilitating Attuned Interactions is a model from the Erikson Institute that promotes self-awareness of providers and increased attunement to caregivers that results in improved professional/parent relationships and improved service recipient outcomes. FAN has been a core framework for pediatricians, mental health clinicians, home visitors, and child welfare professionals across the US. The model emphasizes slowing down interactions with service recipients to increase focus on relationships, which has been shown through research to decrease the amount of time for families to reach their identified goals. FAN is a huge asset to a number of TN's workforce sectors, and we're so excited to bring this opportunity to you this September.
Endorsement 101
Title: Endorsement 101
Date: August 28th, 2025
Time: 10am CST/ 11am EST
Description: This is an introductory session tailored toward those interested in applying for Infant Mental Health Endorsement® or the Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement®. Participants will learn more about the categories of Endorsement, requirements for each category, and the process for applying for Endorsement in Tennessee.
Presenter(s): Brittany Bowman, B.A, ECMH-E®
Coffee & Connection: Nurturing Learning Spaces for Children and Their Learning
Coffee & Connection: Nurturing Learning Spaces for Children and Their Learning
Date: August 27th, 2025
Time: 11:30- 1pm CST/ 12:30- 2pm EST
Description: Join us for our next Coffee and Connection session designed for early childhood educators, coaches, and directors as we explore how to create responsive learning spaces where children feel seen, heard, and valued through the newly developed Nurturing Learning Spaces framework.
This conversation will offer practical strategies for fostering safe, welcoming environments that support children's growth, relationships, and well-being. We’ll highlight the work of Su Casa Ministries Learning Center, featuring Dr. Cherise Clark, who will share how their team supports children and families by honoring traditions, communication styles, and ways of being.
*This training is bilingual.
*
Presenter(s): Dr. Cherise Clark, Ph.D., Deputy Director
Midday Moments
Midday Moments
Date: August 27th
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm CST
Description: Take a break from the weight of foster parenting, and join us in a supportive space just for you.
This is a place to process it all—the challenges, the victories, and everything in between. Whether you need to talk about the hard moments, share stories of hope, or simply be heard, you’re not alone here.
Bring your lunch, refill your coffee or tea, and give yourself the gift of reflection, connection, and renewal.
Take a breath. Take a pause. These are your Midday Moments.
Because the work is hard, but you don’t have to carry it alone.
Presenters: Jessica Barna, MSW & Sarah Manley Judkins, MSW ECMH-E
Unlocking the Power of Play: Balancing Structured & Unstructured Fun
Unlocking the Power of Play: Balancing Structured & Unstructured Fun
Date: August 22nd, 2025
Time: 10am-11:30am CST/ 11am-12:30pm EST
Description: This session will take professionals through the dynamic stages and types of play that unfold in early childhood, highlighting how each stage unlocks new learning opportunities and developmental milestones. Professionals will have the opportunity to dive deep into the brain’s pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the play process, discovering how play is not just fun, but also a powerful engine for cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Professionals will explore the vibrant world of free play versus guided play, breaking down how each style nurtures different skills and allows children to explore their creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities in unique ways. Professionals will gain a clear understanding of the core skills that emerge through play, from language development and motor skills to social interactions and emotional regulation. And, most importantly, professionals will walk away with practical, hands-on strategies to promote and maximize these skills in young children, ensuring that every play session is a steppingstone toward their future success. Get ready to turn playtime into a learning adventure that’s both fun and impactful!
Presenter(s): Mandy Royston, B.S., IECMH®
STEM from the Start: Welcoming All Learners into Wonder and Exploration
STEM from the Start: Welcoming All Learners into Wonder and Exploration
Date: August 14th, 2025
Time: 9am-11amCST/ 10am-12pmEST
Description: Kick off your year with curiosity! In this session, we’ll explore how early STEM experiences—rooted in inquiry, play, and everyday moments—can support learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, including children with and without disabilities. Grounded in welcoming, developmentally appropriate practices, we’ll share strategies for sparking engagement across those with a variety of abilities and settings. No matter what kind of program you’re in, you’ll leave with practical ideas to create STEM-rich environments. Participants will reflect on their own settings and plan how to integrate STEM experiences that invite all children into joyful discovery.
Presenter(s): Amie A. Perry, M.A. & Alissa A. Lange, Ph.D.
Fueled by Passion: Sharpened by Experience & Stocked for Success
Fueled by Passion: Sharpened by Experience & Stocked for Success
Date: August 13th, 2025
Time: 12pm CST/ 1pm EST
Description: What does it take to thrive for over 40 years in early childhood education—and still show up with a smile? Join this powerhouse duo, Teresa, the inaugural 2024 Early Childhood Educator of the Year, and her fellow veteran educator, soul sister, and partner in crime, Wanda, for a heart-filled, resource-packed session that blends real talk, belly laughs, and classroom gold. This one-hour brain break lunch session aims to blend stories from decades in the classroom with practical tools to refuel and inspire us all. We will cover all the bases, including “day one” stories, to those unforgettable “this is why I teach” moments, and you will walk away refreshed and stocked with resources to sow into your students and bloom right where you’re planted.
Come curious, leave recharged—and maybe even a little teary (in the best way)!
Presenters: Teresa Emebunor, 2024 Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award Winner & Wanda Beaird, Hart to Heart Learning Center Director
Refill and Reflect
Refill and Reflect
Date: August 13th
Time: 11 am – 12 pm CST
Description: Working in child welfare means carrying complex stories, navigating heavy systems, and holding hope in hard places.
Refill and Reflect is a space created just for you—a chance to step away from the urgency, process the challenges and triumphs of your work, and connect with others who truly understand.
Whether you're wrestling with a tough case, celebrating a small victory, or simply need to be heard, this space welcomes it all.
Bring your lunch, refill your coffee or tea, and make room for what so often gets overlooked—your own reflection, your own care.
Refill your cup. Reflect on your impact. Reconnect with why you do this work.
Presenters: Jessica Barna, MSW & Sarah Manley Judkins, MSW ECMH-E
ECHO EBHV Training: Navigating the Journey: Welcoming New Families
TN IECMH ECHO EBHV Training: Navigating the Journey: Welcoming New Families
Date: August 12th, 2025
Time: 11:30am CST/ 12:30pm EST
Description: The art of the welcome is the quiet superpower of lasting connection. It begins before a single word is spoken. We all know this work is relational at its core. But in those early visits—before trust is built—our presence is the tool. Together, we’ll explore how to intentionally create safety and connection from the very first hello. The welcome sets the tone for trust, partnership, and meaningful engagement. Inviting new participants into our programs means balancing key responsibilities with the opportunity to build real connection. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to bring your authentic self into each visit while honoring both process and person. We’ll unpack the difference between simply “signing up” and true "enrollment", introduce tools to support presence, and examine how your energy, mindset, and questions shape a participant’s experience.
Whether you’re new to home visiting or bring years of experience, you’ll leave with fresh insights, space to reflect, and practical strategies to help every participant feel seen, supported, and genuinely welcomed.
This virtual community is open to ALL home visitors in Tennessee!
Presenter: Jennifer Ayers, RN, BSN
Model the Magic: Infusing Well-Being into the Classroom for You and the Children You Lead
Model the Magic: Infusing Well-Being into the Classroom for You and the Children You Lead
Date: August 7th, 2025
Time: 10am- 11am CST/ 11am- 12pm EST
Description: Let’s turn everyday classroom moments into a little bit of magic! In this training session, you’ll learn how to sneak self-care and regulating tools into daily routines—for both you and your kids. From morning hellos to cleanup time, discover simple ways to boost calm, connection, and joy. You’ll leave with fresh ideas, a few laughs, and the tools to model emotional well-being without adding anything extra to your already-full plate!
*This training is catalogued with Train TN as a Health & Safety ECE licensure training in accordance with TN Department of Human Services Licensure Rules for Child Care Agencies.
Presenter(s): Josie Davis, BA, MA, IECMH-E®
TN IECMH ECHO Evidence-Based Home Visiting Training: Navigating the Journey: Preparing Families for a Successful Exit
TN IECMH ECHO EBHV Training: Navigating the Journey: Preparing Families for a Successful Exit
Date: August 4th, 2025
Time: 10am CST/ 11am EST
Description: Ending services with a family is a significant part of the home visiting journey and how we say goodbye matters. Whether closure is planned or unexpected, it offers a powerful opportunity for reflection, celebration, and growth - for both families and home visitors. Join us as we explore how to approach endings with intention, in a way that honors the relationships built and supports smooth transitions. We look forward to hearing your experiences as we consider strategies for preparing families (and ourselves!), and consider how closure can reinforce the lasting impact of the work.
This virtual community is open to all home visitors in Tennessee! The ECHO platform is centered around sharing knowledge, so ALL are welcome whether you're new in the field or have 20+ years of experience!
Presenter: Laura Shoaf, MSW, IMH-E®
T.R.E.N.D.S that Stick: Making Temperament, Environment, and Attunement Work for You
T.R.E.N.D.S that Stick: Making Temperament, Environment, and Attunement Work for You
Date: July 31st, 2025
Time: 10-12pm CST/ 11-1pm EST
Description: Get ready to dive into T.R.E.N.D.S.—a fresh, practical approach that helps professionals tune into unique aspects that drive children’s growth: their temperament, responsiveness, environment, nurturement, DAP and Supervision. In this dynamic session, participants will unpack simple, research-informed strategies to better understand and support children’s developmental needs and well-being. Through hands-on examples and education, participants will walk away with ready-to-use insights that boost confidence, enhance relationships, strengthen developmental outcomes, and create a more supportive and enriching environment for the children they serve.
Whether you’re navigating big feelings, shifting routines, or diverse learning styles, this training equips you to respond with positive intention and impact, feeling energized and empowered—ready to create more responsive, nurturing, and growth-rich environments for every child in your care."
*This training is catalogued with Train TN as a Health & Safety ECE licensure training in accordance with TN Department of Human Services Licensure Rules for Child Care Agencies.
Presenter(s): Leslie Hamlett, MS, TECTA Coordinator, TTU
Thrive to Survive: Balance Amidst the Busyness
Title: Thrive to Survive: Balance Amidst the Busyness
Date: July 30th, 2025
Time: 10am CST/ 11am EST
Description:
“Self-care is never a selfish act. It is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on Earth to offer others”- (Parker J Palmer).
This training allows a space for reflection on how we are currently stewarding ourselves. As professionals, the busyness of life can often feel like it has control of our ability to pour into ourselves. Through this workshop, we will explore what self-care is and how to intentionally implement self-care in our day. We will create space to wonder, express, and share, allowing each of us time to reconnect with ourselves.
*This training is catalogued with Train TN as a Health & Safety ECE licensure training in accordance with TN Department of Human Services Licensure Rules for Child Care Agencies.
Presenter(s): Josie Davis, BA, MA, IECMH-E®
Play All Day, The Outdoor Way
Title: Play All Day, The Outdoor Way
Date: July 23rd, 2025
Time: 10-11:30am CST/ 11- 12:30pm EST
Description: Outdoor play for children may be more important than ever before. In just a few decades, children’s unstructured outdoor play has decreased by 50%. What has changed? We will reflect on the benefits of outdoor play for children and how it supports their growth and development. Participants will be inspired to reimagine outdoor play as a vital, enriching part of childhood. Practical strategies and activity ideas will be shared to help create outdoor environments that spark curiosity and maximize children’s engagement.
*This training is catalogued with Train TN as a Health & Safety ECE licensure training in accordance with TN Department of Human Services Licensure Rules for Child Care Agencies.
Presenter(s): Michael Lantz, CCR&R Coach, Outdoor Learning Specialist
TN IECMH ECHO Doula Training: Compassionate Care: Supporting Grieving Mothers Through Loss and Beyond
Title: Compassionate Care: Supporting Grieving Mothers Through Loss and Beyond
Date: July 21st, 2025
Time: 12- 1pm CST / 1-2pm EST
Description: Come together for a brief presentation followed by collaborative opportunities to discuss best practices and strategies regarding maternal and infant mental health, share feedback, and offer support. This session will highlight the value of Reflective Practice. Emphasizing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relational engagement is a wonderful tool to care for yourself as you support your clients.
This virtual community is open to doulas in Tennessee!
The ECHO platform is centered around sharing knowledge so ALL are welcome whether you're new in the field or have 20+ years of experience!
Presenters: Cree Cosby, FNP-C
Trust-based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Part-Two: Correcting Behavior while Meeting Needs and Keeping Connection
Trust-based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Part-Two: Correcting Behavior while Meeting Needs and Keeping Connection
Date: July 18th, 2025
Time: 10am - 12pm CST/ 11am - 1pm EST
Description:
This session builds on Part One. Trust-based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is an attachment-based, strength-focused intervention, which provides a framework for healing through the trusting connections children need to grow. These workshops will cover how challenging experiences change the brain, body, biology, belief system and behavior for children who have experienced a variety of barriers. Participants will learn Connecting Principles to meet attachment needs, Empowering Principles to meet physiological needs and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors, promoting growth and well-being.
Presenter(s): Deidra Love, M. Ed., TBRI Practitioner
Play by Stages: From Peekaboo to Pretend
Play by Stages: From Peekaboo to Pretend
Date: July 17th, 2025
Time: 10-12pm CST/ 11-1pm EST
Description: This is a two-part training series that dives into the powerful role of play in early development—from sensory exploration in infancy to symbolic play in toddlerhood. Learn how specific forms of play align with each developmental stage from birth to age three. Explore how to recognize, support, and scaffold these natural behaviors to promote secure relationships, emotional growth, and cognitive development. Discover strategies to partner with children and families in creating playful, purposeful environments that foster resilience and connection in the earliest years.
*This training is catalogued with Train TN as a Health & Safety ECE licensure training in accordance with TN Department of Human Services Licensure Rules for Child Care Agencies.
Presenter(s): Elizabeth Ramsey, Ph.D., CFLE Associate Professor, Human Ecology Assistant Director, TN Tech Center for Addiction Prevention & Support, Assistant Director
Introducción al Endoso
Título: Introducción al Endoso
Fecha: 14 de julio de 2025
Hora: 11:30 a. m. CST/ 12:30 p. m. EST
Descripción: Esta es una sesión introductoria diseñada para aquellos interesados en solicitar el Endoso® de Salud Mental Infantil o el Endoso de Salud Mental en la Primera Infancia®. AIMHiTN tiene un respaldo nacional, utilizando la capacitación que los educadores de la primera infancia ya deben tomar según los requisitos estatales anuales. ¿Por qué no obtener su capacitación y obtener el respaldo nacional como profesional de la salud mental infantil o de la primera infancia? Los participantes aprenderán más sobre las categorías de endoso, los requisitos para cada categoría y el proceso para solicitar el endoso en Tennessee. Se proporcionará tiempo para preguntas específicas y discusión.
Presentador(es): Flor Abarca, BA, EICMH-E®
Endorsement 101
Title: Endorsement 101
Date: July 10th, 2025
Time: 10am CST/ 11am EST
Description: This is an introductory session tailored toward those interested in applying for Infant Mental Health Endorsement® or the Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement®. Participants will learn more about the categories of Endorsement, requirements for each category, and the process for applying for Endorsement in Tennessee. Time will be provided for specific questions and discussion for DCS/ Child Welfare/ Safe Baby Court/ Foster Care.
*This training is for Child Welfare, DCS, and Safe Baby Court Professionals.
Presenter(s): Brittany Bowman, B.A, ECMH-E®, Kristin Williams, BS, IECMH-E® & Laura Thorn, MA, IMH-E®
The Impact of Play in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
The Impact of Play in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Date: July 10th, 2025
Time: 10am-11am CST/ 11am-12pm EST
Description: In this session, we will explore the critical role of play in children's development and how educators can effectively incorporate it into learning experiences. Participants will learn about the importance of play in fostering growth and development, how to use serve-and-return interactions to strengthen connections, and the various stages of play that children engage in. Throughout the session, we’ll highlight the crucial role of caregivers in providing a secure, supportive environment that encourages children to explore and learn through play. By the end, you’ll have practical strategies for integrating play in a way that supports children's development and enhances their learning experiences.
Presenter(s): Mandy Royston, B.S., IECMH®
Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Tips
Title: Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Tips
Date: July 1st, 2025
Time: 12:30pm CST/ 1:30pm EST
Description: Summer brings sunshine, play, and exploration- but with that, it also introduces unique safety needs for infants, toddlers, and young children as their world expands to the outdoors. This training equips infant and early childhood mental health professionals with the knowledge and tools to support families and caregivers in maintaining physical and practical safety during the summer months.
Attendees will explore key seasonal concerns—including but not limited to, identifying safety warning signs, heat-related awareness, sun precautions, water safety, and outdoor play tips- as well as leave with know-hows and strategies that will assist in sailing through the summer fun with a soothing experience for all.
Presenters:
Bettina Jones, Signal Centers Health, Safety, & Supervision Statewide Coordinator & Ebony Triplett, Signal Centers Health, Safety, & Supervision Assistant Coordinator
Fomentar Interacciones Seguras y Atentas: Crear entornos de aprendizaje para los niños
Título: Fomentar Interacciones Seguras y Atentas: Crear entornos de aprendizaje para los niños
\Fecha: 27 de junio de 2025
Hora: 11 a. m. CST/ 12 p. m. EST
Descripción: Todos los días tienes la oportunidad de dar forma a cómo los niños se ven a sí mismos. Creas un espacio seguro para que asuman riesgos, generen confianza a través de los errores y fomenten la curiosidad que impulsa el descubrimiento. Al fomentar interacciones seguras y atentas, resalta la importancia de tener un sentido de identidad y un espacio acogedor. En esta sesión, explorará cómo crear un entorno en el que los niños se sientan vistos, valorados y apoyados en su viaje de aprendizaje. Comprenderás la importancia de las relaciones y la seguridad emocional en el proceso de aprendizaje. Identificará estrategias para crear un ambiente de aprendizaje que fomente la identidad y ayude a los niños a sentirse bienvenidos. Por último, desarrollará habilidades para cultivar un espacio de apoyo para todos los estudiantes.
Presentador(es): Flor Abarca, BA, EICMH-E®
Protecting Vulnerable Children: Understanding Human Trafficking and Its Impact
Title: Protecting Vulnerable Children: Understanding Human Trafficking and Its Impact
Date: June 27th, 2025
Time: 9:30am CST/ 10:30am EST
Description:
Human trafficking is a hidden epidemic that disproportionately affects vulnerable children, especially those in foster care, with over 60% of survivors having spent time in the system. This 2-hour session will educate attendees on what human trafficking is, the foster care to human trafficking pipeline, the signs of trafficking, the role social media plays in recruitment and exploitation, the practical steps they can take to protect the children they serve, and how to report a suspected case of human trafficking. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the issue, tools for identifying potential victims, and resources for preventing trafficking and supporting at-risk youth.
Presenter(s): Kait Poppa, MS, Anti-Trafficking Program Manager at The No More Foundation
Fuel Your Drive: Strong Body, Strong Mind
Title: Fuel Your Drive: Strong Body, Strong Mind (Part 3/3)
Date: June 26th, 2025
Time: 11am CST/ 12pm EST
Description:
This engaging and interactive training serves as part three to the continuation of the emotional well-being workshop series. “Fuel Your Body: Strong Body, Strong Mind,” focuses on the enhancement of emotional well-being, exploring how the physical body plays a pivotal role in our own self-care journey. This training looks at three different factors of the physical body, including sleep hygiene, breathing, and movement. Weaving each factor into the tapestry of each of our individual self-care journeys, attendees will leave with increased education, an understanding of the why behind these necessary tools, and initial application tips, furthering their own self-care plans.
*This training is catalogued with Train TN as a Health & Safety ECE licensure training for self-care.
Presenter(s): Josie Davis, BA, MA, IECMH-E®
Strengthening Your Circle: Empowerment through Warmline & Reflection for Foster Parents
Title: Strengthening Your Circle: Empowerment through Warmline & Reflection for Foster Parents
Date: June 24, 2025
Time: 11-12pm CST/ 12-1pm EST
Description: Foster parenting can bring both meaningful connection and emotional complexity. This training introduces two powerful support tools designed to walk alongside placement parents: The Warmline and Reflective Spaces. Participants will learn how the Warmline serves as an early childhood help line, offering immediate, evidence-based consultation on issues such as behavioral challenges, grief and loss, difficult transitions, and more. The training will also explore how Warmline consultations often connect naturally to Reflective Spaces—ongoing therapeutic spaces held over Zoom where foster parents can process their experiences, build emotional insight, and feel less alone. Together, these supports aim to reduce placement disruptions and promote caregiver confidence. Join us to better understand how to access, promote, and engage with these resources to enhance your caregiving and professional practice.
Presenters: Jessica Barna, MSW & Sarah Manley Judkins, MSW, ECMH-E®
Healing through Connections: Nurturing the Developing Brain
Title: Healing through Connections: Nurturing the Developing Brain
Date: June 20th, 2025
Time: 10am CST/ 11am EST
Description: This is a transformative training session designed to deepen participants’ understanding of how challenging life experience shapes the developing brain and influences behavior in children. Participants will explore the science behind early life stressors' impact on brain development and how those effects often manifest emotionally, socially, and behaviorally in infant and early childhood.
Through an engaging blend of research-based insights and real-world application, participants will learn practical, relationship-centered strategies to support healing and resilience in children. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, mental health professional, or service provider, this training will equip you with tools to foster connection, promote regulation, and create healthy attachment-based environments where children can thrive.
Presenter(s): Loryn E. Smith, MSW