INfancy Onward
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Conference
Celebrating Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Relationships
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Registration and Breakfast
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Conference Welcome
Sarah Bailey, M. Ed, IECMH-E®, PMH-C
Nilou Pariborzi, ECMH-E®
Representative Ed Clere
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Session 1: The Power of Connection: Co-Regulation in Action
LaDonna M. Wattley, LCSW
In the earliest years of life, connection is more than comforting—it’s essential. This keynote explores the vital role of co-regulation in early childhood, where adult responsiveness lays the foundation for emotional safety, brain development, and lifelong resilience. Whether calming a crying infant, supporting a toddler’s tantrum, or guiding a preschooler through big emotions, our ability to stay grounded shapes the way children learn to manage theirs.
Join us for a powerful exploration of the science and soul behind co-regulation. Walk away with practical tools, a deeper understanding of attachment in action, and renewed confidence in the relational magic that only you can provide.
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Session 2: A Girl Named Sue: A Child’s Journey from Complex Trauma to Hope, Healing & Recovery
Jamie Like
Many children who experience complex trauma struggle emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. In this session, participants will follow one child’s journey to hope, healing and recovery. Participants will learn to never underestimate the impact they can make on the life of a child, that damage from childhood trauma can be mitigated and that relationships, relationships, relationships are the key to everything!
12:00 PM -1:00 PM – Lunch
12:30 PM -1:00 PM – Lunch and Learn: Things May Change, And that’s Okay—Why We’ll Get thru This Together
Allison Coburn, PHD
High-quality services are essential for babies, children, caregivers, and families, and should be delivered by professionals who adhere to principles of infant and early childhood mental health with a focus on relationship-building. However, recent policy changes at both state and federal levels have a significant impact on infants, toddlers, their families, and the providers who serve them. INfancy Onward works closely with stakeholder leaders throughout the state to advocate for policies that improve access to developmentally appropriate mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment services. This session aims to equip Indiana’s Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) providers with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to feel informed, engaged, and prepared to meet the complex relational needs of infants, young children, caregivers, and families during these changing times.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM – RSC Session 3 and 4:Providing Reflective Supervision/Consultation: What It Is and Why It Matters?
Veronica Rosa-Sandoval, LMSW, IMH-E®
This training explores the relational components of Reflective Supervision/Consultation (RSC), highlighting how the supervisor-supervisee relationship is foundational to effective practice. Participants will learn how RSC fosters a collaborative environment for self-reflection, emotional processing, and professional growth. Through an understanding of the parallel process and its impact on the work with families, this session emphasizes the importance of building trust, supporting vulnerabilities, and engaging in meaningful dialogue to enhance both personal and professional development.
*please note – this is a two-part session, and we strongly encourage participants to attend both sessions to gain the full benefit of the material presented.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Session 3: Shaping Behavior: Insights from Learning Theory
Stephen Groce, MS, LMHC, CSAYC12
Behavior is learned, and inappropriate behavior often results from previous learning experiences or a lack of learning opportunities. A well-designed motivation system that incorporates core behavioral principles can naturally support learning and behavior change. By understanding these principles, you’ll be better equipped to implement effective motivational strategies and become a more skilled shaper of behavior.
Analyzing the occurrence and frequency of behavior through the ABCs of behavior—Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence—provides insight into why behaviors happen. The consequences that follow a behavior determine whether it is likely to increase or decrease in the future. A positive motivation system allows for the immediate reinforcement of desirable behaviors, accounting for individual differences and effectively applying the principles of contingency and reinforcement magnitude. We will explore these behavioral principles to learn how to reduce negative behaviors and generalize positive behaviors across various environments.
2:45 PM – 4:15 PM – Session 4: The Power of Play: Improving Caregiver-Child Interactions
Katie Watkins, LCSW
Play is more than just a way to have fun; it is essential to child health and development. This interactive session explores using play to facilitate Child-Directed Interaction (CDI). Participants will learn how implementing basic Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) concepts can build attachment, foster social-emotional learning, and bolster caregiver confidence and competence. During the session, we will put these concepts into practice through play with one another. Participants will walk away with practical skills to apply in their interactions with the children and families in their own lives.
4:15 PM – 4:30 PM – Wrap up
5:00- 6:30 Make a Circle Documentary Viewing and Discussion
A love letter to early educators and a rallying cry for a child care system in crisis.
From an award-winning filmmaking team, MAKE A CIRCLE follows a group of child care providers who are determined to change how society values the education of its youngest citizens. With a mix of humor, outrage, and passion, MAKE A CIRCLE captures the unfolding stories of Patricia, a leader of the California child care workers union, as she fights on behalf of a largely immigrant workforce; Charlotte, another union member who tirelessly lifts up the low-income families in her care; and Anne, the director of a large preschool, who finds novel ways to value and support her teachers when jobs at McDonalds are offering higher pay.
Within their stories are interludes that offer a cinematic glimpse into the unique, imaginative world of the young children in their care. The film culminates as thousands of child care union members march on their state capitol demanding better working conditions just as their contract is set to expire. Weaving together the magic they create in the classroom, the struggles they endure at home, and their tireless activism for their profession, MAKE A CIRCLE is a moving portrait of life as an early childhood educator and a promising blueprint for fixing our broken child care system.
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Networking
Speaker BIOS:
LaDonna M. Wattley
LaDonna is a dynamic speaker, licensed clinical social worker, and trusted mental health expert. With over 25 years of experience in child welfare, adoption, clinical therapy, and social work education, LaDonna brings both warmth and wisdom to every room she enters. She is the founder of Wattley Consulting LLC and a sought-after trainer on topics including trauma-informed care, workplace psychological safety, grief, and chronic illness.
Known for her ability to translate research into relationship-based practice, LaDonna has inspired audiences across the country with her powerful storytelling and practical tools. As a former faculty member and seasoned clinician, she understands the real-life challenges of working with young children and families—and empowers professionals to meet those challenges with compassion, connection, and confidence. Known for her ability to translate research into relationship-based practice, LaDonna has inspired audiences across the country with her powerful storytelling and practical tools.
Jamie Like
Jamie Like has worked with children and families for over 30years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana and a graduate certificate through the University of Kentucky in Diversity and Inclusion.Jamie has worked with children and families, in some capacity, for the span of her career. She retired from a 20-yearcareer with Henderson County Schools in KY in 2021. She currently works for Building Blocks in Evansville, IN which is anon-profit whose mission includes the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to develop into a healthy,contributing citizen. She has presented at numerous conferences.
Allison Coburn, PHD
Allison Coburn grew up in Shelbyville, Indiana, where community values significantly shaped her upbringing. Supported by family and friends, she learned the importance of hard work and integrity. After graduating from Shelbyville High School, Allison attended Purdue University, where she met her husband, Eric. Together, they have built a life filled with love and purpose.
As a mother of two, Vivian and Austin, her family inspires her every day. Balancing motherhood with her career has been fulfilling, and she strives to instill the same values in her children. They enjoy attending sporting events and cheering for the Boilermakers together. They love to travel and have seta goal to visit every state by the time Austin graduates from high school.
In addition to Allison’s professional pursuits, she is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She actively engages in local initiatives and volunteer opportunities aimed at positively impacting the lives of those around her. She volunteers as a youth sports coach and with the Parent Teacher Organization at her children’s school. She is also involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, focusing on food and housing insecurity for women with young children.
Allison has dedicated her career to enhancing educational opportunities for all ages. As the Founder and Executive Director of Early Learning Shelby County, she has concentrated on early childhood education. Her experiences as an Assistant Professor and Program Chair in Early Childhood Education support her vision for improving educational outcomes in Indiana.
Veronica Rosa-Sandoval, LMSW, IMH-E®
Veronica Rosa-Sandoval, LMSW, IMH-E® is the inaugural Bilingual/Bicultural Workforce Development Specialist at the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health, bringing over 15 years of experience in the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) field. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University. Veronica is deeply committed to promoting the emotional well-being of young children and their families. She emphasizes the importance of early, healthy relationships in preventing emotional harm and mitigating risk factors. Through her work, she advocates for relationship-based, dyadic services that empower caregivers to support their children’s development effectively. Her expertise spans both infant and early childhood development as well as intellectual and developmental delays. Currently, Veronica provides Reflective Supervision/ Consultation to professionals working with young children and families in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. She is a strong believer in the transformative power of relationships and is committed to fostering collaboration and continued professional growth in the field of IECMH.
Stephen Groce, MS, LMHC, CSAYC
Stephen Groce is a licensed mental health counselor who has an impressive and diverse background in mental health and child welfare. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has held various roles, including his current position as Director of Outpatient Services at Firefly and his previous role as Clinical Program Manager of Lutherwood Residential Treatment Center at Community Health Network. As the CEO of Five Star Counseling and Consulting, he provides mental telehealth services, case supervision and consultations, and public speaking engagements.
Stephen is also actively involved in the community, serving as a board member of NAMI Indiana and chairing the Public Policy Committee. His extensive training in the Dismantling the Strongholds of Racism curriculum has enabled him to train hundreds of individuals across multiple organizations in the area of racial equity and social justice.
His educational background includes a B.A. in Psychology from Earlham College and an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Throughout his career,Stephen has worked in various settings, including youth residential treatment facilities, inpatient hospitals, and community-based counseling. He has experience with a wide range of populations, from geriatrics to children and adolescents, and has been involved in both crisis and discharge planning.
On a personal note, Stephen is a dedicated husband and father, and a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. His commitment to his family and community is evident in his professional and personal endeavors.
Katie Watkins
Katie has worked with children and families for over 15 years. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Indiana University-Bloomington. As a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Guyana, Katie served families and provided maternal and child health education and outreach. She earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she worked for the UMSL School of Social Work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Katie has worked for Damar Services for the past 10 years, both in Behavior Management and Community-Based Services. Katie currently serves as a Clinical Supervisor for Damar CBS, where she also practices Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
Jill Tucker, IMH-E®
Jill Tucker is a Mental Health and Wellness Coach with Indiana SPARK Learning Lab, dedicated to supporting early childhood professionals both inside and outside the classroom.
With certifications in Life Coaching and Stress Management, and currently pursuing Board Certification in Health and Wellness Coaching, Jill brings a compassionate, experienced approach to wellness and professional growth. Her passion lies in helping educators feel balanced, confident, and supported, because when caregivers thrive, so do the children in their care.
Representative Ed Clere
State Representative Ed Clere is serving his fourth term in the Indiana House of Representatives. He represents most of Floyd County, including the city of New Albany and Georgetown. Representative Clere serves on the House Ways and Means, Education and Public Policy committees. In addition, he is a legislative appointee to the board of Indiana’s CHOICE program, a state-funded program that helps seniors and people with disabilities stay in their home and avoid institutional care. He is also a legislative appointee to the boards of the Indiana School for the Deaf and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites Corporation, and to the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission. A 2010 graduate of the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development, a program for newer legislators offered by the Midwestern office of the Council of State Governments, Representative Clere is now co-chair of the program’s steering committee. He also serves on Counsel of State Governments’ (CSG) Health Public Policy Committee; the Health and Human Services Committee of CSG’s Midwestern Legislative Conference; and the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Health Committee.
Representative Clere coaches youth soccer and serves on the board of the New Albany-Floyd County Habitat for Humanity affiliate and the Cardinal Ritter Birthplace Foundation. He also serves on the LifeSpan Resources Advisory Council and the Floyd County Community Corrections Advisory Board. He is a former member of the board of Develop New Albany, the city’s Main Street organization. An advocate of historic preservation, he serves on a revolving loan committee for Indiana Landmarks, a statewide nonprofit organization. He is a graduate and member of Leadership Southern Indiana.
Representative Clere has been recognized for a number of awards, including Indiana Optometry’s Outstanding Service in the Public Interest Award (2013); Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging Legislative Champion (2012); Rotary Club of New Albany Vocational Service Award (2012);National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Citation for Distinguished Service(2012); Habitat for Humanity of Indiana Volunteer of the Year (2011); and Indiana Chamber of Commerce Small Business Champion (2010).
Representative Clere earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology at Indiana University Southeast. He has worked as a Realtor since 2001. As a Realtor, he has earned the ABR, CRS and GRI designations and has served on the board of the Southern Indiana Realtors Association. Representative Clere and his wife, Amy, a teacher, live in New Albany. They have five children.
Created with funding from the Child Care and Development Block Grant awarded to the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, a division of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
