The Missouri Association for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health invites professionals from across Missouri to SAVE THE DATE for our 2026 Fall Conference, Held In Mind: The Power of Being Seen
This two-day conference explores the relational foundations of infant and early childhood mental health and highlights the importance of reflective practice in supporting the professionals who walk alongside infants, young children, and families every day.
Across hospital systems, home visiting programs, early childhood settings, community agencies, and mental health services, professionals are asked to hold the emotional experiences of families in mind. This work requires spaces where the workforce itself can also be seen, supported, and held in mind.
Through keynote conversations, breakout sessions, and opportunities for reflection and connection, this conference will explore how we strengthen Missouri’s workforce to support the relational health of mothers, babies, young children, and those who care for them.
Across Missouri, professionals support families during some of the most vulnerable and transformative moments of life. This work requires presence, empathy, and the ability to hold complex experiences in mind.
But who holds the workforce in mind?
The Held In Mind Conference invites professionals from across Missouri to explore the relational foundations of infant and early childhood mental health, the connection between maternal well-being and infant development, and the power of reflective systems to sustain those who care for families every day.
Together, we will explore how systems can ensure that mothers, babies, and the workforce are truly seen.
Learn More about Held In Mind…
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Thursday and Friday, October 1-2, 2026
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The conference will be held at the beautiful:
Located in the heart of Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks region, the venue offers scenic views and welcoming spaces designed for learning, reflection, and connection.
Stay tuned for hotel block info!
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This conference is designed for professionals working with infants, young children, and families, including:
Home visitors
Early childhood educators and administrators
Infant and early childhood mental health clinicians
Reflective supervisors
Program leaders and administrators
Maternal and perinatal health professionals
Pediatric and healthcare providers
Social workers and counselors
Policy and systems leaders
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Professionals working with infants and families carry some of the most important work in our communities. Yet too often, the emotional realities of this work go unseen.
This conference is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the relational foundations that brought many of us to this field.
When the workforce is held in mind, they are better able to support families.
When families feel seen and supported, children thrive.
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To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Denise McDrummond, Executive Director denisem@moaimh-ec.org www.moaimh-ec.org
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Reflective supervision training
Keynote conversations on maternal and infant mental health
Breakout sessions for professionals across disciplines
Opportunities for networking and collaboration
Agenda and session titles coming soon!
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Held In Mind: The Power of Being Seen
Being held in mind is foundational to healthy relationships and emotional development.
For babies, it means having caregivers who notice their cues and respond with sensitivity.
For parents, it means feeling supported and understood during times of vulnerability and transition.
For professionals, it means working within systems that recognize the emotional labor of caring work.
This year’s conference invites participants to explore what it means to create systems that see and support mothers, babies, and the workforce.
Together, we will consider how reflective practice, cross-sector collaboration, and relational leadership help build a continuum of support from pregnancy through early childhood.