March Newsletter
Updates From Us
We're thrilled to share some exciting updates on all the great things happening at Oregon Infant Mental Health Association (ORIMHA) this month.
Issue Brief.
Please check out ORIMHA’s second Issue Brief, Supporting and Educating Expectant Families. Family Connects Nurse Tania Bailey shares the importance of promoting family well-being during pregnancy and postpartum, particularly for non-English-speaking families in underserved rural areas.
Click here to read additional Issue Briefs.
Recognizing Paige Light.
As ORIMHA celebrates 10 years as a non-profit organization, we reflect on how grateful we are for the dedicated individuals who have led and shaped our organization over the years. This recognition extends to our founders, who spearheaded the creation of ORIMHA, and to our past and current leaders and members who have tirelessly contributed to our mission.
We would like to use this space to recognize a founding or impactful board member each month. This month we would like to honor Paige Light.
Paige Light is a Licensed Professional Counselor and infant/early childhood consultant in private practice in Southwest Portland. She provides reflective supervision and consultation to infant and early childhood practitioners, supervisors, administrators and providers of RSC, in several different service sectors. Endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Mentor- Clinical®, she was the Endorsement Director for the Oregon Infant Mental Health Association and facilitated the launch of IMH-Endorsement® in Oregon, and later served as the Leadership Cohort Coordinator for the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health. Paige holds a Graduate Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark College and completed the first cohort of Portland State University’s Graduate Certificate Program in Infant/Toddler Mental Health in 2006. She has served as adjunct faculty to PSU and UMN in Reflective Supervision and IMH. She is passionate about supporting the workforce through Reflective Supervision, training, and mentoring.
Thank you, Paige, for all of your efforts.
Paige Light at ORIMHA’s most recent gathering in Portand.
Every Child Belongs.
In its role as Central Entity to Every Child Belongs (formerly Early Childhood Suspension Expulsion Prevention Program or ECSEPP), ORIMHA provides supports to the organizations that are hiring Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultants. A big part of this program’s goals is to hire a diverse Consultant workforce whose identities reflect those in the communities they serve. Some of the recommendations offered to help recruit and hire a diverse workforce:
Job postings
Consider adding language that makes clear there is interest in a diverse workforce such as:
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of the requirements listed below. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.
This position will require a strong commitment to equity, anti-bias, and anti-racist practices. Culturally specific and culturally responsive services are important to the success of the program. Consultants who’s race, ethnicity, culture, and/or language are representative of the community served are strongly encouraged to apply.
We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce that is reflective of our community will help us achieve our program's goals.
Interviewing
At either 24 or 48 hours before the interview, send program background information AND the interview questions to the applicant. (Time frame must be the same for every applicant). This levels the playing field for those with diverse adult learning styles. And it gives every applicant the opportunity to prepare and come to the interview feeling more comfortable. It also leads to more time-efficient interviews.
Be sure to use same questions (in the same order) and rubric for every candidate
For more, visit National Council of Nonprofits for guidance on more equitable and inclusive hiring practices
Job Openings.
NeighborImpact is hiring an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Advisor. Click here to learn more and apply!
MountainStar is looking to hire a new part time (20-hour) position to work throughout the Warm Springs Reservation. Click here to find out more about the Outreach Coordinator position. Contact hr@mtstar.org with questions or interest.
MountainStar Family Relief Nursery is recruiting an Early Childcare Specialist to join their team in Bend, Oregon. Click here for more information about the Early Childcare Specialist position. Contact hr@mtstar.org with questions or interest.
Scholarship Opportunities.
Did you know you may be eligible for scholarships to help pay for professional development opportunities? Check out the Portland State University scholarship page for more information.
Congratulations are in order!
Congratulations to our new endorsees:
Aminn Mercado Obermayer
Angela Blankenship
Bobbi Grace
Morgan Teicheira
Rachel Turner
Be a voice for babies, families, and the community.
Make a donation today.
Are you in need of reflective supervision?
ORIMHA has a Reflective Supervision Registry where you can find a list of Infant Mental Health Mentors and Infant Mental Health Specialists. Click below to access the registry. AND ORIMHA is offering low-cost group sessions. If you are interested, please email andrea@or-imha.org for more information.
Do you have questions about Endorsement?
Did you know ORIMHA offers virtual support office hours in both English and Spanish? Click the link below for more information. Office hours are located in the announcements section. You do not need to log in to view.
