May Newsletter
Updates From Us
We're thrilled to share some exciting updates on all the great things happening at Oregon Infant Mental Health Association (ORIMHA) this month.
Save the Date.
The Northwest Early Learning & Pyramid Summit dates have been set! Please click here to view the flyer. Registration opens May 30!
Issue Brief.
Please check out ORIMHA’s fourth Issue Brief, Social/Emotional Metric’s Connection to Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health. Jacque Serrano, LCSW, CADC I, examines the critical role of the social-emotional metric in early childhood, highlighting its impact on identifying at-risk children (ages 0-5), improving long-term outcomes through early intervention, enhancing coordination across support systems, and fostering a more sustainable health system by prioritizing proactive care.
Click here to read additional Issue Briefs.
Recognizing Sherri Alderman.
As ORIMHA celebrates 10 years as a non-profit organization, we reflect on how grateful we are for the dedicated individuals who have led and shaped our organization over the years. This recognition extends to our founders, who spearheaded the creation of ORIMHA, and to our past and current leaders and members who have tirelessly contributed to our mission.
We would like to use this space to recognize a founding or impactful board member each month. This month we would like to honor Sherri Alderman.
Sherri L. Alderman, MD, MPH, IMH-E Clinical & Policy, FAAP is a board-certified and licensed Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, faculty at Portland State University, Center for Disease Control and Prevention Act Early Ambassador to Oregon, and Help Me Grow Physician Champion. She holds infant mental health endorsement at the highest level (mentor) in both policy development and clinical practice.
Dr. Alderman serves on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Council on Healthy Mental and Emotional Health executive committee, is AAP Early Childhood Chapter Champion in Oregon, Immediate Past Chair of the AAP Council on Early Childhood, and serves on the Board of Directors of the AAP state chapter, Oregon Pediatric Society. Her prior experiences include serving as Senior Policy and Technical Assistance Specialist at ZERO TO THREE.
Dr. Alderman holds an appointed position on the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality, services on the Help Me Grow Oregon Advisory Committee, and is Past President of the Oregon Infant Mental Health Association.
Dr. Alderman has developed and conducted over 200 infant and early childhood mental health trainings, workshops, presentations, keynote speeches, and publications. Her most recent accomplishments are co-author of the AAP Paid Family and Medical Leave Policy Statement (slated to be published in Pediatrics November issue) and as faculty for the AAP Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Pedialink series.
Thank you, Sherri, for all of your efforts.
Every Child Belongs.
The Every Child Belongs project in Oregon is doing something groundbreaking. To our knowledge, this is the first time IECMH Consultants will be employed (primarily) by early childhood education organizations rather than mental health organizations. This innovative approach requires intentional planning so that IECMH Consultants are grounded in the competencies and best practices that are proven to have the desired outcomes.
Which is why it is so critical for the organizations hiring the IECMH Consultants (Regional Service Providers or RSPs) to engage in a comprehensive implementation planning process. DELC has funded and ORIMHA has contracted with an implementation scientist to support RSPs through this intensive process. The evidence from implementation science indicates that when organizations engage in a process for understanding fit, usability, capacity, and identifying the anticipated supports they will need, we can better ensure the highest quality interventions and impact. And, without planned implementation, it can take 17 years to achieve full implementation. But only 2-5 years if intentional implementation supports are in place (Cook et al., 2013). All to say, we are investing early to help assure long term success!
Job Openings.
NeighborImpact is hiring an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Advisor. Click here to learn more and apply!
MountainStar is looking to hire a new part time (20-hour) position to work throughout the Warm Springs Reservation. Click here to find out more about the Outreach Coordinator position. Contact hr@mtstar.org with questions or interest.
MountainStar Family Relief Nursery is recruiting an Early Childcare Specialist to join their team in Bend, Oregon. Click here for more information about the Early Childcare Specialist position. Contact hr@mtstar.org with questions or interest.
Scholarship Opportunities.
Did you know you may be eligible for scholarships to help pay for professional development opportunities? Check out the Portland State University scholarship page for more information.
Congratulations are in order!
Congratulations to our new endorsees:
Tobiah Brown
Cara Davis
Maiko Hata
Brenda Koehler
Sarah Morse
Krista Swanson
Be a voice for babies, families, and the community.
Make a donation today.
Are you in need of reflective supervision?
ORIMHA has a Reflective Supervision Registry where you can find a list of Infant Mental Health Mentors and Infant Mental Health Specialists. Click below to access the registry. AND ORIMHA is offering low-cost group sessions. If you are interested, please email andrea@or-imha.org for more information.
Do you have questions about Endorsement?
Did you know ORIMHA offers virtual support office hours in both English and Spanish? Click the link below for more information and to complete the Zoom registration form.
