ECMH We Can't Wait Conference
Early Childhood Mental Health Conference
-We Can't Wait!
presents
Rooted in Relationships:
Strengthening Our Village When It Matters Most
A Hybrid Conference
We know that children thrive when the people and places around them are strong. Our 17th Annual Early Childhood Mental Health Conference – Rooted in Relationships: Strengthening Our Village When It Matters Most brings us together to explore what it truly takes to support young children ages 0-5 and their families — through our clinical work, and across the systems we are a part of.
This year, we are honored to welcome keynote speakers Mayra E. Alvarez, President of The Children's Partnership, and Dr. Renée Boynton-Jarrett, founding director of Vital Village Networks and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine. Both bring a deep commitment to community, equity, and the belief that when we invest in relationships and build up our villages, children and families are better for it.
This conference is for everyone who shows up every day for young children and the families who love them — psychologists, therapists, social workers, educators, nurses, child welfare professionals, early childhood specialists, and so many others who care deeply about this work.
We hope you'll leave with new ideas, renewed energy, and a few more people in your corner. Because when we invest in each other, we are better able to invest in the children and families who need us most.
Special Thanks to our Support Partners
San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
University of San Diego, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science.
A New Home for This Year's Conference
We are thrilled to announce that the University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science has become a proud supporter of this year's conference and has graciously agreed to host us on their beautiful campus at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice theater. In a year marked by significant changes across many sectors, we are especially grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to continue bringing this important conference to our community. Thanks to the support of USD Hahn School of Nursing we are able to offer a meaningful day of learning, connection, and professional growth in one of San Diego's most inspiring venues.
New One-Day Conference Format
This year's conference will be offered in a streamlined one-day format, allowing attendees to access high-quality educational content, engage with colleagues, and gain practical tools they can immediately apply in their work.
Register Early – Space is Limited
The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice theater offers an exceptional conference experience, but it accommodates fewer attendees than some of our previous venues. Similar conferences often sell out quickly, and we anticipate strong interest this year. We encourage you to secure your in-person registration as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and take advantage of the unique opportunity to experience this remarkable campus and venue.
What's Included
- Your in-person registration includes:
- Conference admission
- Parking on campus
- Lunch and Snacks during breaks
- Access to keynote and breakout sessions
- Conference materials and resources
- Access to recordings of the hybrid sessions
Continuing Education (CE) and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are available through our CE/CME registration option. Attendees seeking professional credits should select the ticket that includes CE/CME eligibility during registration.
Easy Arrival & Parking
We are committed to making your conference experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Attendees will receive detailed parking and arrival instructions before the event, and our team will provide support every step of the way.
- On the day of the conference, attendees will have access to:
- Dedicated on-site conference staff
- A private shuttle service
- Clear way finding and parking assistance
- Pre-event communications with detailed arrival information
- We look forward to welcoming you to the University of San Diego for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
2026 Chairs
Pradeep Gidwani, MD, MPH, FAAP. Medical Director – Healthy Development Services, American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 3.
Natalie Elms, MA.
2026 Conference Coordination
Tami Magaro, ECMH Conference Manger, San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Vanessa Pulido, LMFT, ECMH Conference Manager, San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
2026 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. Home-Visiting Nurse, 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
Lisa Linder, PhD, Director, Healthy Early Years Clinic Department of Child and Family Development, San Diego State University
Daniela Solano Murphy, MPA, Project Manager, FAKCE
Charmi Patel Rao MD, Medical Director, Vista Hill Foundation
Jeffrey Rowe, MD, DFAACAP. San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
For Virtual Attendees:
Keynote sessions will be available in a hybrid format. A select number of breakout sessions will also be live-streamed; however, the specific sessions have not been finalized. These decisions will depend on registration numbers and the suitability of breakout rooms.
For Both Virtual and In-Person Attendees:
Some sessions will be recorded and made available on your dashboard for on-demand viewing for up to three months after the event. Please note that recordings will not be downloadable. Continuing Education (CE) or Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits can only be earned by attending sessions live; credits are not available for viewing recorded sessions.
Important FAQS
Conference sessions are under review for CE and CME accreditation
