CL22 - II-C5, Intermediate-Level: The Cultural Implications Of Nature Sensory Play To Promote Diversity-Informed Infant Mental Health Practices

Dr. Harleen Hutchinson, IMH-E® is a psychologist and social worker, an endorsed Infant Mental Health Clinical Mentor, and Executive Director of the Journey institute, Inc. Her life's work is centered on ensuring young children have access to high quality early pediatric behavioral health programs and services that are developmentally and culturally appropriate. She is currently an Adjunct Professor in the School of Social Work at Barry University.

Dr. Hutchinson is the President of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health (FAIMH), and also chairs the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. She was the 2020 recipient of the FAIMH "Answering the Call" award. In her role as President of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health (FAIMH), she works collaboratively with organizations in enhancing workforce development of professionals to ensure a state-wide culture change. She is a FAIMH Training Academy Expert Trainer and Reflective Consultant statewide, nationally, and internationally. She provides early childhood equity trainings, reflective consultation, lectures, consults locally, statewide, nationally and internationally, on issues relating to diversity and inclusion, trauma and ACEs, maternal mental health, early childhood mental health, attachment, and pediatric bereavement.

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Janet A. Courtney, PhD, LCSW is Founder of FirstPlay® Therapy, an Infant Play Therapy model. Dr. Courtney is and Editor of, “Infant Play Therapy: Foundations, Models, Programs and Practice,” and Co-Editor of "Nature-based Play & Expressive Therapies: Interventions for Children, Teens and Families," and “Touch in Child Counseling and Play Therapy: An Ethical and Clinical Guide.” author of “Healing Child Trauma Through Expressive & Play Therapies: Art, Nature, Storytelling Body & Mindfulness.” She is an approved Florida State Supervisor, past president of the Florida Association for Play Therapy and was an Adjunct Professor at Barry University School of Social Work, Miami, FL since 1997.