Conference – Illinois Association for Infant Mental Health

Planning to attend both events? Register for the conference first to receive your $25 discount code for the Celebration Evening.

ILAIMH 45th Annual Conference

Thursday, November 5, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
College of DuPage, Turner Auditorium – Student Resource Center
451 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL
Keynote speaker: Dana Suskind, MD

Join us for a special conference around the theme of "Supporting the Early Years in a Changing World: Keeping Human Connection at the Center." Our keynote speaker, Dana Suskind, MD, will share her latest book, Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI.

ILAIMH 45th Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday, November 4, 6:30 PM
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center Chicago-Downers Grove
2111 Butterfield Rd, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Join us for an evening honoring 45 years of incredible work throughout Illinois. We will celebrate our milestone and recognize professionals from across the workforce who exemplify infant and early childhood mental health principles and practices through our annual awards.

2026 Conference Details

Keynote Speaker

Dana Suskind, MD

We are proud to welcome Dr. Dana Suskind, New York Times bestselling author of Parent Nation and Thirty Million Words, as our keynote speaker. Dr. Suskind will share groundbreaking research from her newest book: Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI.

Dr. Suskind is the Founder and Co-Director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, Founding Director of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program, and Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Chicago. Her work has been instrumental in deepening professionals', parents', and caregivers' understanding of how early interactions and language shape brain development and relationships for infants and young children.

Every conference attendee will receive a complimentary copy of Dr. Suskind's new book, Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI.

Plenary Conference Speakers

Click on the presenter name for more information about each session.

Morning Session

Sara Bryk, TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health

SPEAK: Caregiver Knowledge as a Foundation for Early Relational Health

Presented by: Sara Bryk, TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health

The Survey of Parent/Provider Expectations And Knowledge (SPEAK®) is a computer-adaptive survey that measures an adult’s knowledge and beliefs about early childhood development. It was created by the TMW Center and has been used by researchers around the world. Ms Bryk will overview how SPEAK has demonstrated reliability as a measure of adult knowledge of early childhood cognitive and language development, enriching early relational outcomes of infants and young children

Afternoon Sessions

Angela Searcy, EdD, MJ, MS, DT, IECMH-C

What Would Amy G. Dala Do? Using Curiosity to Keep Human Connection at the Center

Presented by: Angela Searcy, EdD, MJ, MS, DT, IECMH-C

In this interactive session, Dr. Searcy will introduce participants to Amy G. Dala, a relatable brain-based character representing the amygdala and its role in emotional responses, stress and self-regulation. Through storytelling, reflection and practical application, participants will explore how relationships, environments and experiences and adult responses shape behavior and emotional well-being.

Sabrina Robertson, Ed.S.

The Connection Effect: Why Relationships are the Most Powerful Intervention

Presented by: Sabrina Robertson, Ed.S.

This engaging session explores why relationships are the most powerful intervention available to infant and early childhood professionals, caregivers and families. Attendees will examine the science behind connection, including attachments, co-regulation, brain development and relational safety. Ms Robertson will offer practical strategies, reflective activities and real-world examples and highlight the impact of these research-based positive outcomes on young children.

Registration Information

Member Registration - $175

Non-member Registration - $215

Student - $60

Planning to attend both events? Register for the conference first to receive your $25 discount code for the Celebration Evening.

Hotel Accommodations

Book before October 15 to access a special room rate of $129.00 for ILAIMH event attendees at the DoubleTree Hilton – Downers Grove on Wednesday, November 4.