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, psychiatrists, 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.
-Formulate one specific plan for integrating the concept of “presence” into clinical practice or caregiving routines with young children.
The agenda is still being finalized, but you’re encouraged to go ahead and register now. Once the agenda is complete, we’ll reach out to you with details so you can select your breakout sessions
Special Thanks to our Funding Support Partners:
-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. San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Important FAQS
Conference sessions are under review for CE and CME accreditation
For Virtual Attendees:
All 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 equipped for streaming.
For Both Virtual and In-Person Attendees:
All 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.
Venue and Schedule
The conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel San Diego- Mission Valley 2270 Hotel Circle N. San Diego, CA 92108.
Registration opens at 7:00 am. Opening Remarks will promplty begin at 8:00 am. Please allow yourself enough time to park, register and enjoy continental breakfast while you network and visit our exhibitors.
Sessions will end at 5:00 pm.
Accommodations
If you wish to stay overnight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, please see the options below. We have secured special rates and discounts exclusively for ECMH attendees.
-BOOKING LINK: Click HERE
-PHONE NUMBER: Please ask for the “(ECM)” rate when calling. Call in hours are from 7am to 11pm, EST. 1-866-257-7930
-CUTOFF: The last day to make reservations will be August 18, 2025. All individual reservations have a 48-Hour cancellation policy.
-PARKING: Discounted overnight parking is available at $20.00 per car, per day.