Advisory Committees

Join an Advisory Committee

These initiatives define the Board of Directors advisory committees. Please, contact us if you are interested in joining any of the following advisory committees:

Policy and Advocacy Advisory Committee

Goal Statement: Work to identify, monitor and respond to policy and health issues related to the mental health needs of infants, young children and their families. Establish relationships with community partners, which may include the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, State Legislators, the Child Advocate, and other State Leaders. Monitor and advocate for ongoing funding for services for infants, young children and their families, and promote strong policies for infants, children and their families. For example: Earned Family Leave and Medicaid Reimbursement for IMH services, and other relevant issues.

This committee meets the 3rd Monday of every month from 3-4pm.

Co-chairs: Susan Vater and Jerry Calnen

For more information or to join the committee: Susan Vater, [email protected]; Jerry Calnen, [email protected]

Professional Development Advisory Committee

Goal Statement: Partner to advance professional development, higher education curricula, and training opportunities, which will increase knowledge, skills, and capacity of the infant and early childhood workforce, while promoting the Competency Guidelines® that are held by the CT-AIMH, which once met can lead to Infant and Early Childhood Endorsement®.

Continue to offer, support, or sponsor high-quality conferences, training series, presentations and forums. Partner with other training providers to integrate competencies into their current trainings. Ensure that higher education curricula and other curricula are cross-walked with the competencies.

This committee meets the 3rd Monday of every month from 2-3:30pm.

Co-chairs: Heather Bonitz Moore and Heidi Maderia

For more information or to join the committee: Heather Bonitz Moore, Hea[email protected]; Heidi Maderia, [email protected]

Promotion and Education Advisory Committee

Goal Statement: Promote and educate the greater community on the importance of infant mental health and the work of CT-AIMH. Develop educational and promotional materials that will reach members and the greater community. Develop membership communication strategies to support engagement. Respond to opportunities to represent and promote CT-AIMH.

This committee meets the 1st Wednesday of every month from 9-10am.

Co-chairs: Jen Vendetti and Tanika Eaves Simpson

For more information or to join the committee: Jen Vendetti, [email protected]; Tanika Eaves Simpson, [email protected]

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee

Goal Statement: Work to combat discrimination and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership opportunities for CT-AIMH members and the infant and early childhood community.

This committee meets the 2nd Thursday of the month from 9-10:30am.

Co-Chairs:  Carlita Elias and Melissa Mendez

For more information or to join the committee: Carlita Elias, [email protected]

Endorsement Advisory Committee

This committee is composed of the initial people to become endorsed in Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health®. The Endorsement Team plans for the advising and reviewing of portfolios and exams that may lead to Endorsement. Please, contact us if you have questions for this team.