Four adults seated in comfortable chairs, in a board meeting

Leadership of the ILAIMH

ILAIMH-Underline-Purple

Executive Committee

  • President: Leslie Katch, M.S.W, Ph.D
  • Past-President: Theresa Atchley, MEd., I/ECMH-C
  • Secretary: Amanda Klemas, J.D.
  • Treasurer: Tracey Mikasa, MEd.

Committee Chairs

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: Vacant
  • Policy & Advocacy Committee: Allison Lowe-Fotos, MSW, LCSW
  • Education & Professional Development Committee: Vacant
  • Student Committee: Vacant
  • Research Committee: Leslie Katch Ph.D.
  • Membership Committee: Vacant
  • Communications Committee: Amanda Klemas, J.D.
  • Credential Committee: Linda Horwitz, M.Ed, I/ECMH-C
  • Harris Funding/Racial Affinity Groups: Mary Lehman, LCSW, DT

Board of Directors

  • Theresa Atchley, M.Ed., I/ECMH-C
  • Carlissa Crawford, MHRM, SPHR
  • Lili Gray, MSSA, LCSW
  • Zenia Haynes
  • Linda Horwitz, M.Ed, I/ECMH-C
  • Jake Jacob, LCPC, I/ECMH-C
  • Leslie Katch, Ph.D.
  • Amanda Klemas, J.D.
  • Te’Aira Malone, LCPC, CDVP
  • Tracey Mikasa, M.Ed
  • Michelle Lee-Murrah, MEd, LCPC, I/ECMH-C
  • Mary Lehman, LCSW, DT
  • Allison Lowe-Fotos, MSW, LCSW, I-ECMH-C
  • Sarah Martinez, LCPC, I/ECMH-C
  • Magdalena Rivota, M.Ed
  • Delreen Schmidt-Lenz, LCSW, I/ECMH-C
  • Jeremy Smith, MSW
  • David Walker, LCSW

Contracted Support

  • Colleen Wilson – Administrative Coordinator
  • Chris Simons – Finance
  • Monica Tan – Brochures/Marketing
  • Expansion Consultant Team

Volunteer Support

  • Ann Graham, Bookkeeper
  • Nancy Segall, Listserv Moderator

Committees

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

The DEI Committee empowers ILAIMH members to engage in meaningful DEI work with openness and vulnerability. Through ongoing and thoughtful reflection, we strive to address inequities in our practices, institutions, and society by providing guidance, resources, and support for lasting change.

Committee Chair: Carlissa Crawford

Policy and Advocacy Committee

The committee educates and engages ILAIMH members in early childhood mental health policy and advocacy. It promotes the inclusion of the Association’s infant mental health expertise in state-level committees, coalitions, and advocacy groups shaping early childhood policies. The committee also informs members about efforts to improve public policies affecting young children and their families in Illinois.

Committee Chair: Alli Lowe-Fotos 

Education and Professional Development Committee

This committee organizes ILAIMH’s annual conference, seminar series, and other professional development opportunities. The annual conference features a nationally recognized expert in Infant Mental Health and attracts professionals from various disciplines working with infants, young children, and their families. Committee members can contribute to the conference, seminar series, or both.

Committee Chair: Tajuana Rice 

Student Committee

The Student Committee engages graduate and undergraduate students in early childhood and clinical programs with ILAIMH’s work. It provides opportunities to learn about Infant Mental Health, its implications for future practice, and the importance of policy and advocacy in infancy and early childhood.

Committee Chair: Vacant

Research Committee

The Research Committee fosters collaboration and professional reflection among researchers working with young children and their families. It supports research in Infant Mental Health and oversees the annual Dolores Norton Research Award, given to a doctoral or post-doctoral student conducting research in the field.

Committee Chair: Leslie Katch, PhD 

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee strengthens ILAIMH’s membership base by engaging professionals serving infants and young children. It manages the Association’s social media presence to share relevant information and connect with the community. The committee also supports ILAIMH’s five Chapters—Chicago, West Suburban, Central, Southern, and Little Egypt. Learn more about the Chapters and how to join.

Committee Chair: Vacant

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee manages ILAIMH’s listserv, supports website operations, and oversees the production and distribution of the member newsletter.

Credential Committee

The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Credential, an ILAIMH initiative, recognizes professionals with expertise in infant and early childhood mental health. The credential is supported by committee workgroups: the Competency Workgroup, which reviews credential competencies; the Implementation Workgroup, which manages the credentialing process; and the Higher Education Workgroup, which collaborates with educators preparing future Infant Mental Health professionals.

Committee Chair: Linda Horwitz