About Us
The Arizona Association for Infant Mental Health (AzAIMH), formerly known as The Infant/Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona, is a voluntary 501c(3) organization that was established in 1995. We promote the understanding that the perinatal through early childhood years are a critically important period in psychosocial development. Therefore, equally critical is the collaboration of the professionals from local, state, and nonprofit community-based organizations to work toward policy and social change for the benefit of Arizona's youngest children and their families.WHAT DOES THE ASSOCIATION DO?
AzAIMH provides infant mental health and child development training and offers a professional endorsement to individuals from a variety of disciplines who work with infants and toddlers. A bi-annual Institute brings high-quality infant/toddler mental health speakers and workshops to the Southwest.
Optimum infant mental health is the “Goodness of Fit” between the infant and their environment and caregivers. This “goodness of fit” allows for emotional growth and development demonstrated by:
– Healthy attachment between the child and their caregivers;
– Emerging self-confidence;
– Competency in human relationships; and
– Behavior appropriate to the developmental stage.
AzAIMH serves as a forum for interdisciplinary exchange, education, and collaboration in service delivery in order to impact policy and social change for the benefit of Arizona infants and their families.
Read a statement of support from the Arizona Association for Infant Mental Health (Alliance Statement Opposing Separation of Mothers and Children at Borders).
Position Statements
Meet Our Leadership
Kelly Lalan, LMSW
Chair/Secretary
Kelly Lalan, LMSW
Kelly Lalan is the Health Choice Arizona ASD, CRS, and Birth to Five Clinical Care Coordinator. She grew up in Littleton, Colorado, earned her bachelor's degree from NAU in 2007, and a Masters of Social Work from ASU in 2016. Kelly has helped establish a Birth Through Five program and organized a statewide Autism conference. Through this work group, she aims to raise awareness of ITMHCA's mission and promote the health and wellness of this population.
Amber LaMonte, Psy.D.
Co-Chair, Membership Committee
Amber LaMonte, Psy.D.
Desirae Cruz-Bailey, MAS, IMH-E®
Endorsement Committee Chair
Desirae Cruz-Bailey, MAS, IMH-E®
Desirae joined the AzAIMH Board in 2020 and holds degrees in Family Life Education and Infant-Family Practice. A member since 2010 and endorsed as an Infant-Family Specialist, she has worked for years empowering families and advocating for young children. Desirae currently provides therapeutic services as a Child and Family Therapist, specializing in early childhood mental health, at Casa de los Niños in Tucson, AZ.
Christine Waldbeiser
Secretary
Christine Waldbeiser
Christine Waldbeiser, with over 15 years of experience, is the Program Specialist for Family Support and Literacy at First Things First, focusing on home visitation and early childhood programs. She leads statewide initiatives to improve Arizona's family support system and holds a B.S. in Family Social Science, along with certifications in the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Sally Moffat RN, MSN
Treasurer
Sally Moffat RN, MSN
Sally has served on the AzAIMH Board since 2018 and is currently treasurer, with a background in pediatric health care and experience as a CASA for infants and toddlers. After earning her nursing degrees from Ohio State University, she retired as Director of Community Outreach at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Now, she focuses on project work with PCH and prioritizes her volunteer role with AzAIMH, supporting professionals and advocating for young children.
Nichol Khan, M.Ed. MSW
Nichol Khan, M.Ed. MSW
Nichol is a project manager in the Children's System of Care at Mercy Care, focusing on birth to five and child welfare. After teaching in South Phoenix, she transitioned to behavioral health, earning a Master of Social Work. For the past 10 years, she has worked with Arizona Medicaid health plans, managing data, policy, programs, and trainings to improve care access for young children and those in child welfare.
Monica McDonough LMSW, IMH-E®
Chair, Marketing Committee
Monica McDonough LMSW, IMH-E®
Monica McDonough, LMSW, IMH-E®, is a Program Manager with Arizona DCS and a faculty associate at ASU. She leads four child welfare units, is endorsed as an Infant Family Specialist and Reflective Supervisor, and develops trainings on infant-toddler mental health. Monica also serves as an AzAIMH board member and Endorsement Advisor, providing reflective supervision.
Nicole Roskens, MC LPC
Co-chair, Membership Committee
Nicole Roskens, MC LPC
Nicole has served on the AzAIMH Board since May 2021 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor focused on trauma, infant-toddler mental health, and child welfare. She has held various roles, including program manager and clinical supervisor, and is trained in CPP and EMDR. Currently, Nicole is the Clinical Director for the Cradle to Crayons Program, overseeing the Zero to Three Safe Baby Court Team Approach in Maricopa County.
Lorna Sedillos, LCSW, IMH-E®
Social Justice Ad Hoc Committee
Lorna Sedillos, LCSW, IMH-E®
Lorna Sedillos, LCSW, RPT, IMH-E®, has been in private practice since 2010 and is a Registered Play Therapist with 29 years of experience. She specializes in reflective practices, relationship-based work, and Play Therapy. Lorna offers Reflective Supervision and consultation for individuals and groups and has held her Infant Mental Health Endorsement since 2013. She joined the ITMHCA Board of Directors in 2020.
Genett Tomko, MSW, LCSW, IMH-E®
Training and Education Chair
Genett Tomko, MSW, LCSW, IMH-E®
Genett has chaired the AzAIMH Training & Education Committee since 2010 and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in Infant Mental Health. She works at Southwest Human Development and runs a private practice in Chandler. Genett uses Play Therapy, yoga, and mindfulness to treat children with trauma and behavior challenges. She has also led many infant mental health trainings and served on the AZ Play Therapy Association Board for six years.
Priscilla Whitlock-Coates
Priscilla Whitlock-Coates
Priscilla Whitlock-Coates has been on the AzAIMH Board since 2012 and serves on the Endorsement Committee. She has over 30 years of experience in children's services, working as a therapist and in leadership roles. Currently, she contracts with the military and provides therapy to families with children from prenatal to age 5.
Heather Bonitz Moore ATR-BC, LPC, IECMH-E®
Endorsement® Coordinator
Heather Bonitz Moore ATR-BC, LPC, IECMH-E®
Committees
Training and Education:
Chair: Genett Tomko
Promotes professional education for those who work with infants, toddlers and their caregivers. Offers professional seminars, study institutes, presentations and professional sharing.
Click here if you are interested in joining this committee.
Institute:
Chair: Genett Tomko
Click here if you are interested in joining this committee.
Advocacy and Public Awareness:
Chair: Katherine Kicey
Click here if you are interested in joining this committee.
Membership:
Co-Chairs: Nicole Roskins, Amber LaMonte
Click here if you are interested in joining this committee.
Endorsement:
Chair: Desirae Cruz-Bailey
Click here if you are interested in joining this committee.
Nominations:
Chair: Amber LaMonte
Click here if you are interested in joining this committee.
Equity and Social Justice Committee:
Chair: Lorna Sedillos
The Equity and Social Justice Committee will work towards a shared organizational understanding of equity within relational practices that value all children, families, and practitioners.
- The committee will identify opportunities for improving our capacity and commitment to address equity for children and families from communities who face various types of adversity.
- The Committee will provide a space for reflection, exploration, & personal and professional growth, in adherence to our DEI statement.
Time commitment: 1-hour virtual committee meeting every other month, frequent e-mail communication (as needed), and approximately 1-hour of your time each month on committee responsibilities.
Click here if you are interested in joining this committee.
alliance for the advancement of infant mental health
The Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health is a global organization that partners with associations of infant mental health and other child-serving organizations so that they can support, grow, diversify, and advocate for their local infant & early childhood mental health-informed workforce. The Arizona Association for Infant Mental Health is a proud founding member of the Alliance, among other U.S. state and international AIMHs who have licensed the use of the Competency Guidelines (MI-AIMH Copyright © 2024) and the Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health®. AzAIMH upholds its relationship with the Alliance, specifically through ensuring fidelity to the Endorsement® process and moving infant mental health-related policy issues forward. As a member of AzAIMH, you are part of this rich international network of like-minded professionals.
