The first five years of life are the most critical for a child’s development, and by age seven the brain is nearly fully developed. Infant mental health—defined as a child’s capacity to experience, regulate, and express emotions, form secure relationships, and explore their world—shapes not only early learning but also long-term health and well-being (Zeanah & Zeanah, 2018; Wright, 2021).

 Yet, up to 14% of children under age five experience mental health disorders (Zero to Three, 2022). In Columbia County alone, this translates to hundreds of children—within a community where resources are limited, and trained providers are scarce. Research shows that early intervention not only changes lives but also saves money, with returns of $7 to $9 for every $1 invested (Zero to Three, 2022).

At the heart of ITMH is the relationship between infants and their caregivers. Children thrive when surrounded by nurturing, authentic, and supportive connections. I believe deeply in the value of relationships—not just between parents and children, but also among community partners working together. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Being authentic and creating a counseling space that reflects who I am allows me to consistently practice that authenticity—something I believe is vital when working with families. The work I do requires a strong relational foundation, where parents feel safe enough to show up as their full selves. When they can be authentic in sessions, it opens the door for deeper trust, which ultimately supports the healing and growth of the child." 

 In my work, I’ve seen how authenticity builds trust. Families often tell me they’ve “heard great things,” and when adolescents I once worked with return years later seeking support for their own children, it reminds me that therapists plant seeds whose impact stretches across generations.

Columbia County is rural, which makes access to specialized infant-toddler mental health services even more challenging. Limited funding, fewer training opportunities, and a shortage of providers leave families without the help they need during the most crucial years of a child’s development. This gap fuels my passion to continue learning and to serve as a local resource for families and providers alike.

 As neuroscience shows, early experiences leave lasting marks—positive or negative—on a child’s brain and future. Our role is to ensure those marks lead to resilience, success, and well-being.