The Power of Presence: Building a Supportive Environment-
2025 Early Childhood Mental Health Conference
-We Can't Wait
The Power of Presence: Building a Supportive Environment
We are excited to welcome you to the 16th Annual Early Childhood Mental Health Conference, hosted by the ECMH Conference Committee, taking place at the Crowne Plaza in Mission Valley.
This year’s conference, centered on The Power of Presence: Building a Supportive Environment, will bring together a dynamic blend of nationally and locally recognized experts. These leaders in mental health, education, and social services will explore critical strategies for engaging young children and their families—both in direct clinical work and through broader systemic efforts.
Our event is designed for professionals dedicated to nurturing the well-being of children and families. Whether you work in healthcare, education, mental health, or community advocacy, this conference offers valuable insights and connections. We invite a wide range of practitioners: from psychologists, social workers, therapists, educators, and nurses to child welfare staff, developmental specialists, and early childhood educators.
Join us as we create a space to reflect, learn, and strengthen the networks that support children and families—because presence, compassion, and collaboration are the foundations of lasting change.
Learning Objectives:
-Identify two common challenges mental health professionals face in practicing presence and emotional attunement as parents.
-Describe how the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) framework can improve well-being.
-Apply HOPE’s three antiracist action principles to evaluate a policy or practice in an early childhood setting.
-Name 3 strategies parents can employ to reduce technology use and promote independence among children.
-List three evidence-based mental health strategies that support the social-emotional development of children ages 0–5 in the context of a supportive environment.
-Identify two common challenges mental health professionals face in practicing presence and emotional attunement as parents.
-Formulate one specific plan for integrating the concept of "presence" into their clinical practice or caregiving routines with young children.
Special Thanks to our Collaborators:
-County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Services
-San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
2025 Course Directors and Chairs
Pradeep Gidwani, MD, MPH, FAAP. Medical Director – Healthy Development Services, American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 3.
Natalie Elms, MA. Manager, KidSTART Center. Rady Children's Hospital San Diego
2025 Conference Coordination
Tami Magaro, ECMH Conference Coordinator
Vanessa Pulido, LMFT, ECMH Conference Coordinator, San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Renee Sievert, RN, LMFT, PCC. Training and Leadership Consultant. Executive Coach, Equus Master Facilitator
2025 Committee Members
Stacey Annand, PhD, LMFT. Vista Hill
Ana Briones-Espinoza, MBA. Optum Public Sector, San Diego
Mark Chenven, MD Psychiatrist. Vista Hil
Linda D. Espinoza, LMFT. Optum
Ali Freedman, PsyD, MBA, IFECMH. HorsePlay Collective
Emily Gaines, LMFT. County of San Diego
Kristin Gist, MS, Consultant, ECMH. First 5 Riverside County and Zero To Three
Mary Ho, RN, PHN, CLC. County of San Diego (Health & Human Services Agency)
Shannon Jackson, LPCC. Behavioral Health Services, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency
Marta V. Leyva, MA, Education Professional, Voz de Victoria, Educational Consulting & Advocacy
Charmi Patel Rao MD, DFAACAP, Co-Medical Director, Vista Hill Foundation
Jeffrey Rowe, MD, DFAACAP.
Featured Speakers
Professor, SDSU, Department of Psychology
Medical Director, American Academy of Pediatrics, CA Chapter 3