UpComing EVENTS
CONNECTING WITH PARENTS
Understanding the Unique Needs of Parents and Caregivers
Presented by Serena Samaniego, LPC, IMH-E®
Friday September 12, 2025 • 9:00am – Noon (MST)
In Person Training Hosted At
Casa de los Ninos
1120 N 5th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
Parents and caregivers are faced with balancing a multitude of roles and responsibilities. This training dives deeper into the unique needs of parents and caregivers as it relates to infant and early childhood. Participants will apply a trauma responsive lens to explore effective ways of engaging parents and caregivers. This training incorporates the importance of community building and compassion when supporting parents and those in caregiving roles.
Serena Samaniego is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has over 17 years of experience in the field of mental health. Serena is an Infant Mental Health Specialist and Endorsed Reflective Supervisor. Serena’s professional interests include helping children and families who have experienced trauma reconnect with hope and resiliency as well as promoting the importance of trauma responsive communities.
The cost is $45 for members and $60 for non-members
Members of Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health states may attend the AzAIMH educational offerings as an Affiliate Member, at regular member rates. You must provide the state and member number.
Supporting Young Children’s Emotional Wellbeing at the Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender – Parts 1 & 2
Friday October 24, 2025 and Friday November 7, 2025 • 9:00am – Noon (PDT)
via ZOOM
This two-part training invites early childhood professionals to disrupt dominant narratives around emotion, identity, and behavior by examining the intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender in early development. Grounded in relationship-building, parallel process, and reflective practice, participants will engage in exercises that support naming assumptions and biases while exploring nontraditional theories that center racial socialization and emotional wellbeing, especially for children who’ve experienced early adversity. This series challenges professionals to reimagine how they understand and support young children’s emotional lives. Attendance at both sessions is highly encouraged, as each builds toward deeper integration of relationship-based approaches.
Evandra Catherine, Ph.D., IMH-E® is a research professor and early childhood consultant whose work bridges research, practice, and policy. Her research explores the intersections of emotional development, race, gender, and developmental disabilities. She designs and delivers professional development grounded in evidence-based elements, ensuring relevance and impact for early childhood professionals.
The cost is $90 for members and $120 for non-members
Members of Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health states may attend the AzAIMH educational offerings as an Affiliate Member, at regular member rates. You must provide the state and member number.
