What makes a home visitor not just effective—but exceptional? It's not just what you know, but how you connect. This workshop dives into the core relational competencies that help home visitors build trust, foster strong partnerships, and adapt to the evolving needs of families. Using the Relational Competency Framework, participants will explore two key areas of professional growth: foundational personal attributes and applied relational skills. Through interactive reflection activities, short quizzes, and small-group discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to identify their personal strengths—like cognitive empathy—and explore areas for professional growth. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how your self-awareness and openness shape the relationships you build with families. Participants will also be introduced to Knock, a free mobile-friendly platform designed to support their relational learning journey. Knock offers interactive tools and guided pathways to help you apply these competencies in real-life settings and advance your career in home visiting.  Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned family support professional, this session is your opportunity to reflect, connect, and grow in the relational skills that keep families opening the door when you knock. 

CONFERENCE MATERIALS: Presentation

Ciera Edmonds is a nationally-certified Family Support Professional with over eight years of experience in home visiting and early intervention. She brings a trauma-informed and equity-focused approach to her work, drawing on her background as an Infant Mental Health Specialist, Certified Lactation Consultant, and Doula. Ciera holds a Master of Social Work and is deeply committed to responsive, relationship-based care. At Early Impact Virginia and the Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals, she leads professional development and workforce engagement efforts. Her work centers on uplifting the voices of home visitors and families, advancing competency-based learning, and expanding access to tools like Knock and the National Family Support Certification. Ciera is passionate about supporting the field and helping families and professionals thrive. 

We'll delve into practical strategies for involving fathers in home visits, support groups, and their children's lives. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises, participants will gain insights into the importance of father involvement and learn techniques to overcome challenges. We'll focus on building cultural competency to effectively engage fathers from diverse backgrounds and empower them to play an active role in their children's upbringing. By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical skills and resources to enhance father involvement and strengthen family dynamics. We will also look into ways the local departments of social services made by the Office of Children’s Ombudsman for engaging fathers. 

Nick Corsi is a nationally-recognized leader in fatherhood programming with more than 20 years of experience supporting and empowering fathers. Ordained as a Baptist Minister in 2003, Nick brings a personal and professional passion for family engagement. He has developed and led fatherhood initiatives in schools, early childhood programs, home visiting, and human services settings. Nick regularly participates in home visits, trains staff, and creates father-friendly outreach materials. As Executive Director of Tri-Rivers Family Development Center, he leads efforts to strengthen family systems and build community connections. Nick is a certified Parents as Teachers Parent Educator, National Family Service Professional, Circle of Parents Trainer, and Darkness to Light Facilitator. He has also represented Virginia on the Region III Fatherhood Board for the Administration for Children and Families. 

Frank L. Green II is an Investigation Analyst for the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman in the Office of the Governor. He brings over 16 years of experience in the child welfare field, with expertise in therapeutic treatment, behavioral assessment, and grant management. Previously, he served as a Management Analyst with the City of Richmond’s Department of Social Services, where he oversaw federal and state grant compliance and helped shape policies to support family reunification and stability. Frank holds a BA in Political Science from Virginia State University and an MBA with a concentration in Public Administration from Strayer University. He is certified in Trauma-Informed Advocacy and is a trained Fatherhood Group Facilitator. 

The Up Center is proud to advance its commitment to innovation with a new blended service model that integrates Parents as Teachers (PAT) with Doula support. We are excited to announce the award of a new MIECHV PAT/Doula grant, making us the first agency in the region to launch a one-year pilot program in collaboration with our PAT State Office. This expanded model will allow us to serve more families than ever before, strengthening our mission to broaden our community impact. It will enable us to better support prenatal families, expand services to bilingual families, and highlight the vital role of Doulas, particularly within Black and Brown communities. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to culturally responsive care and to strengthening early childhood support for all families across our community.

CONFERENCE MATERIALS: Presentation

Presented by Deborah Carlos, Tameka Davis and Andrea Long, along with Parent Educators Sabrina Jenkins and Brandie Thompson

Deborah Carlos is a wife and mother to two beautiful daughters. She is a Virginia State Certified Doula, Childbirth Educator, sits on the board of You Need To Know Ministries, Peer Advocate for Project Nana and holds her degree in Nursing. She has been doing groundbreaking work in the Maternal Health field working along CINCH on the Black Maternal Health Conference. She has been at The Up Center since 2019 initiating their doula program, helped mold it into what it is today. 

Tameka Davis is currently the Program Director of Prevention Services at ECHV. Serving in the role over the past 18 months. Since coming on board, I’ve guided ECHV division to being awarded current MIECHV PAT/Doula Piolet Program, increasing our footprint in paternal/prenatal care in the community including expanding our Hispanic population, successful guiding us through our grant audit, hiring our 1st Data Manager, PTE Doula, FTE Prenatal Parent Educator, data migration efforts, and successful increasing our number of individuals served as we continue to strive to become the premier Maternal Health Care Hub in Hampton Roads. 

Andrea Long is an LPC who enjoys her role as the Up Center's Chief Program and Strategy Officer. Connected with the organization for 20 years, she’s experienced countless opportunities to incubate ideas of best practice to meet the community's changing needs. The PAT-Douala integrated model is one of those opportunities that embodies her passion for promoting the healthy development of children and families.

Sabrina Jenkins serves as Parent Educator Supervisor for Parents as Teachers (PAT) home visiting and Dad Engagement Services at The Up Center. Sabrina is a graduate of Old Dominion University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services. She is a dedicated and passionate family advocate with over a decade of experience partnering with families, colleagues and community members promoting overall wellbeing of children and families. As a wife, mother of four and former PAT program participant, Sabrina leads with lived and professional experience to impact those she is fortunate to serve. In her spare time, Sabrina enjoys attending outdoor concerts and family gatherings.

Brandie Thompson has been a dedicated home visitor since 2009, beginning her career with the Resource Mothers Program, where she supported teen parents. In 2018, she transitioned to the Parents as Teachers program as a Parent Educator. Brandie brings extensive experience working with young mothers in foster care, as well as families facing a variety of challenges—including disabilities, homelessness, mental health concerns, and substance use issues. She is deeply committed to strengthening families by providing education, compassionate support, and vital resource connections. Her goal is to help families move from crisis toward stability and confidence.

In 2025, we are seeing unprecedented changes to the immigration landscape that have created fear and uncertainty among immigrants across Virginia. Understanding the basics of US immigration is a critical foundation for all conversations about immigration with your clients. Staying current on the latest federal and Virginia immigration changes is essential to making sure your clients are informed and confident. This session will provide a basic understanding of US immigration, will review the changes to immigration that we’ve seen during 2025 that could affect your clients, and will recommend some best practices to communicate effectively and efficiently with your clients about these important matters.

CONFERENCE MATERIALS: Presentation, Handout

Alyson H. Ball is an educator and advocate who has spent the past eight years studying U.S. immigration history, policy, and statistics. She has shared her knowledge with thousands across the country to help build a clearer understanding of how the system works. A resident of Charlottesville, Alyson has served on a community advisory committee for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), supporting refugee resettlement in Central Virginia. In the winter, she volunteers with humanitarian organizations assisting asylum seekers at the southern border. Alyson is retired from a career in corporate marketing and international business and holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from Cornell University. 

Hands-on activities to do with your teams to build resiliency, discussion, and reflection. A balance of activities and movement, discussion and reflection.  

• Identify benefits to building resiliency 

• Learn how to use icebreakers and activities effectively 

• Practice tools and skills for building discussion and reflection 

This workshop is for Program Managers and Supervisors.

CONFERENCE MATERIALS: Presentation

Brooke Garcia is the Program Coordinator for Healthy Families of the Blue Ridge and a longtime advocate for families in Virginia. A graduate of James Madison University with a Bachelor of Social Work, Brooke has experience as a clinical social worker and case manager in medical settings. She has held multiple roles within Healthy Families and has served as a lead supervisor and reflective supervision facilitator with Early Impact Virginia. Brooke is passionate about supporting staff through reflective practice and ensuring families—especially immigrant and refugee families—have what they need for their children to thrive. She lives in Harrisonburg with her husband, four children, and grandson, and enjoys biking, thrifting, traveling, and participating in her church community. She speaks both English and Spanish. 

In an age where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face connections, finding authentic and meaningful relationships can seem daunting. "Seize Your Connections" focuses on the art of building and nurturing relationships that enrich our personal and professional lives. Jasmine shares the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and empathy in establishing connections that are both rewarding and transformative. Through practical advice and interactive exercises, participants will learn how to break down barriers, engage in meaningful conversations, and create a supportive network that fosters growth and success. 

Jasmine Brett Stringer is a keynote speaker, award-winning author of Seize Your Life: How to Carpe Diem Every Day, on-air TV personality, and host of the podcast and lifestyle blog Carpe Diem with Jasmine. 

Jasmine is on a mission to help people live empowered and authentic lives. Through her Seize Your Life keynotes, workshops and customized coaching sessions, Jasmine guides clients and audiences through a simple process to identify their goals and achieve their personal definition of success; So they can shift their focus from what is wrong to what is possible. 

Maternal mental health challenges can significantly impact children’s health: e.g., bonding/ attachment challenges, developmental delays, etc. Understand the critical role of maternal well-being in fostering a nurturing environment for infants during this crucial time. Come learn dynamic foundational strategies to promote a strong foundation of mental health and wellness in the 4th trimester. 

Kara Trahant, MS CCC-SLP, IBCLC, CEIM, is a Speech Language Pathologist and lactation consultant with over 30 years of experience in maternal and infant health. Based in Williamsburg, Kara co-founded the Responsive Motherhood program at Child Development Resources in 2016, offering support for breastfeeding, postpartum mental health, newborn care, and infant massage. Her professional journey is deeply informed by her personal experience as a mother, and she is committed to helping families thrive during the prenatal and postpartum periods. Kara is certified by Postpartum Support International and serves as the Motherhood Program Manager, where she helps build a supportive village for new parents in her community. 

Kelley MacArthur, RN, IBCLC, CEIM, is a maternal child health nurse with 27 years of experience supporting families through postpartum care and early parenting. Based in Poquoson, Kelley has served families at Child Development Resources for over two decades and co-founded the Responsive Motherhood program in 2016. She currently serves as Clinical Coordinator for the program, offering care to prenatal and postpartum families. Trained through Postpartum Support International, Kelley is deeply committed to helping families access the tools and guidance they need to navigate early parenthood with confidence and support. 

This workshop defines eight dimensions of wellness as defined by Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  The workshop guides participants to set goals and create positive affirmations from past/bad experiences.  A logic model is introduced to be developed to assist participants to reach their goals.  Participants will leave the session with affirmation and goals. 

CONFERENCE MATERIALS: Presentation

Jeanette Marie Grimes is a Jersey girl with Virginia flavor who honors the investment of her long-standing relationships with leaders, coaches, and people from all walks of life to attain totality in Wellness. She is the CEO of LEZEAL Enterprises, which was established in 2017 in the lovely state of Virginia and built by this entire nation. Today, she is a Wellness workshop warrior who believes in the Totality of Wellness. She is a seven-time Amazon best-selling author committed to leading by example with respect, altruism, justice, and fairness for all members of humanity. On the same day, four best-sellers were historically accomplished during Women’s History Month: March 28, 2025. She earned her Master of Human Services from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, in 2010. She has five biological children and many grandchildren and has the privilege of being the “other mother” to four young men.

Her Mission: Helpful Information Sharing, While Inspiring Lifelong Learning: Motivating, Educating, Training (HIS WILL MET).

Home visitors play an important role with supporting families who are navigating the complex landscape of raising young children with special needs. We will explore the nuances of social-emotional (SE) development, encompassing typical, delayed, and atypical patterns, and delve into the complexities of connecting families with Early Intervention (EI) services, including eligibility criteria. This session will move beyond theory to offer concrete strategies practitioners can implement to nurture caregiver-child relationships and foster positive social-emotional development. Participants will:  

• Reflect on their current practices in nurturing caregiver-child relationships, identifying areas for growth.  

• Identify nine practical strategies designed to support the social and emotional development of young children with special needs.  

• Practice implementing these strategies through engaging case studies, fostering practical application and problem-solving skills.  

• Learn about the eligibility criteria for Social Emotional (SE) services and how to effectively connect families with EI.  

• Identify two valuable resources to support families who are raising young children with special needs, empowering practitioners with tangible tools for ongoing support. 

Morgan Colleton, M.Ed. is an Early Childhood Project Coordinator at the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University. With over a decade of experience in education and early childhood systems, Morgan brings expertise in workforce development, inclusive practices, and professional development for providers serving infants and toddlers. Her work spans state and local initiatives, including event coordination, curriculum design, and technical assistance to strengthen caregiver-child interactions and improve outcomes for young children and their families.

Lorelei E. Pisha, Ed.D. - VEIPD Center Professional Development Consultant Partnership for People with Disabilities/VCU. Lorelei facilitates the development and delivery of professional development activities for Virginia EI practitioners. Lorelei is the co-facilitator for the DEC’s Early Intervention Community of Practice. She began working in the field of infant and early childhood intervention in 2001 as an inclusion specialist. Since 2008, Lorelei has prepared early intervention and early childhood interdisciplinary personnel providing evidence-based professional development.

Lisa Terry is a seasoned early intervention professional with over 15 years of experience as an educator, service coordinator, and clinical supervisor. She supports the development and delivery of professional learning opportunities for early interventionists and serves as a certified trainer in The Growing Brain curriculum from ZERO TO THREE. Lisa is the host of the podcast Meaningful Moments and holds endorsement as an Infant Mental Health Mentor—Research/Faculty. She also co-facilitates the DEC Infant Mental Health Community of Practice and serves as an aRPy Ambassador, promoting evidence-based practices in early childhood. 

This workshop explores how disruptions in early attachment—particularly within the first five years of life—can be experienced as trauma by young children. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how trauma and attachment are interconnected, and how early relational disruptions can affect a child’s emotional, social, and developmental well-being. The session will also examine the types of trauma that most commonly impact attachment, including loss, neglect, and family violence. Emphasis will be placed on strategies for supporting and strengthening the caregiver-child bond, with a focus on practical tools and approaches that professionals can use in their work with families.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Define the relationship between early attachment and trauma in children ages 0–5.

• Identify common types of trauma that disrupt attachment between young children and their caregivers.

• Identify ways to support families in building resilience and promoting secure attachment in the context of trauma.

CONFERENCE MATERIALS: Presentation

Lucy Block Rimington is a Licensed Professional Counselor (Virginia) with 18 years of experience in the mental health field- in both private and nonprofit settings. Her experience includes work as a clinician in community based mental health, private practice, prevention services, parent education, and trauma-informed supervision in the non-profit sector. She currently serves as the Director of Community Programs at Greater Richmond SCAN in Richmond, VA, providing supervision and oversight to prevention services, training, and parent education programs.

‘Marijuana is great for nausea, right?’   A cloud of mystery surrounds marijuana, a popular drug that is becoming more available in the United States.  In 2017, greater than 12% of pregnant women reported using marijuana in the past month during the first trimester, and over 5% of first trimester pregnant woman report daily or near daily use (Volkow, 2019).   Does it have a place in pregnancy and breastfeeding?  Does it pass through to the fetus or nursing infant?  What effects does cannabis have on the developing brain? Come and have all your burning questions answered!

Learning Objectives:

• Participants in this session will understand the current statistics of cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  

• Participants will learn how chronic cannabis exposure affects the molecular functioning of cells, in a way that relates to the function of the whole individual.

• Participants will understand what the latest medical research can tell us about the effects of perinatal cannabis exposure on developing brains.  We will be separating fact from fiction on this controversial drug!

CONFERENCE MATERIALS: Presentation

Dr. Tricia Hardt Smith is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department of the Virginia Commonwealth University and loves drugs!  She is the creator and instructor of the ‘Biology of Drugs’ course which has received rave student reviews since its inception in 2014.   In addition, she is the director of the Molecular Capstone Laboratory course and teaches Cellular and Molecular Biology.  Dr. Smith’s previous research focused primarily on drugs of abuse and has included the electrophysiological effects of morphine on enteric neurons and the effects of protein interactions on the cannabinoid (CB1) receptor.

Even though pregnancy loss is very common, individuals and families who experience pregnancy loss often feel alone and unsupported. In this presentation, the Virginia Department of Health will provide an overview of this important issue and ways to offer support.  Learning objectives include: 

• Describe the prevalence and impacts of pregnancy loss. 

• Understand ways to appropriately respond to someone who has experienced a loss. 

• Identify pregnancy loss support resources in Virginia. 

CONFERENCE MATERIALS: Presentation

Emily Yeatts is the Reproductive Health Unit Supervisor at the Virginia Department of Health, where she oversees a wide range of programs, including family planning, adolescent health, doula certification, pregnancy loss, and services for pregnant and parenting teens. She began her public health career as a bilingual HIV tester, counselor, and outreach worker with the Minority Health Consortium. Prior to her role at VDH, Emily served as Education Director at the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood, leading efforts to implement and evaluate sex education programs across central and eastern Virginia. She holds dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health from Virginia Commonwealth University. Outside of work, she is a Certified Volunteer Master Naturalist and a devoted library enthusiast.