About Us

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 AzAIMH's mission and promote the health and wellness of this population.

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 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.

Katherine Kicey, a Clinical Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Studies at Arizona State University with a Master’s in Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction, possesses over 20 years of experience spanning school districts, Title One schools, and inclusive classrooms. Her teaching philosophy centers on relationship-based and play-focused approaches for children aged 0-5, a focus she has advanced through her work as a mentor and coach for the First Things First grant initiative. Beyond the classroom, Katherine holds significant leadership roles, including serving as Chair of both the AzEIP CSPD In-Service Committee and the Arizona Association for Infant Mental Health Advocacy Committee, as well as sitting on the board of the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health. Holding a Faculty Research Endorsement in Infant and Toddler Mental Health, she continues to empower the early childhood workforce through her collaborations with AzAEYC and the ECHO Early Child Collaborative to provide high-quality professional development.

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 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.