CL22 - LS-B1, Introductory-Level: Relational Home Visiting Strategies To Support DEI Discussions Among Newcomer Refugee/Immigrant Families

Dr. Aimee Hilado is a ZERO TO THREE Fellow, academic, researcher, and clinician specializing in refugee and immigrant populations. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. At the University of Chicago, Dr. Hilado’s research centers the impact of immigration trauma, early childhood/adult mental health, and culturally-sensitive clinical practice. This work is informed by years of clinical practice with specific expertise in refugee mental health, infant mental health, and forensic psychological evaluations for asylum seekers. Dr. Hilado’s research focuses on trauma and the mental health needs of immigrant and refugee communities, including the implementation and evaluation of interventions that have demonstrated promise in supporting developmental, health, and mental health outcomes among children and caregivers. From interventions delivered in the home and in community-based organizations to public health responses that are citywide, her research examines strategies to promote mental health and wellbeing within this population. The overarching goal of her work is to increase immigration trauma research, translate scientific rigor into real world community mental health practice, and use IECMH research to influence immigration and health policy on a local and national level.

Cindy Bardeleben has been involved in almost every aspect of Baby TALK since joining the organization 30 years ago in 1986. Cindy holds Illinois teaching certificates in both Elementary and Early Childhood education. She began at Baby TALK, supporting pregnant mothers at local prenatal clinics and conducting Newborn Encounters on obstetric units at local hospitals. Over the years she has led outreach programs in prenatal clinics and hospital obstetric units as well as family literacy programs, home visiting, and Baby TALK’s pre-kindergarten. She previously served as Baby TALK’s Director of Local Programming and now is Baby TALK’s Executive Director. Cindy is the site coordinator and faculty member for Decatur Touchpoints and has also served as a trainer for Baby TALK trainings. She has presented at state and national conferences and has been a key contributor in various Baby TALK Research Studies: The Home Visiting Randomized Control Trial and the Newborn Encounter Randomized Control Trial. She is also certified reliable in Brazelton’s Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. Cindy brings special strengths in the areas of community collaboration, training, and reflective practice.

Manar Matti has Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English as a foreign language and English Literature. She is fluent in English, Arabic and Chaldean (Mother Tongue). She is a professional Arabic/English Translator /Interpreter /Instructor and Tutor. 

Manar has many years of work with refugees, she supported Refugee Iraqi children ,Youth and their families in Damascus/Syria with mentoring, tutoring, social emotional and academic learning, food and supply distribution through an after-school refugee program. In the United States, Manar’s continued passion to support Immigrant and Refugee population led her to work in school districts as an ELL Instructor supporting the Newcomers. 

Manar’s current job with the Wellness Program at Refugee One, as a Home Visitor, she supports Refugee families of young children Birth-3, facilitating a Parent-Child interaction using Baby TALK model and curriculum. 

Manar has an international Community development work experience, she worked with USAID funded NGO’s in Iraq supporting local NGO’s through civil society programs coordination.