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KAIMH Connections
Resources for Early Childhood Mental Health Advocates
Updates | June 2025
Highlights in this newsletter include an introduction to our newest staff member, upcoming professional development, resources on mindfulness practice, breastfeeding support and more!
Welcome, Eva!
We are so happy to Introduce our newest staff member, Eva Nolasco, Association Coordinator! Eva is a Family Centered Therapist at Saint Francis Ministries, where she walks alongside families during some of their most challenging times. Using the Family Centered Treatment model, she helps create space for healing, connection, and lasting change. She also runs her private practice, Feeling & Healing Therapy, where she supports individuals ages five and up.
Eva earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Wichita State University in 2017 and her Master of Social Work from Newman University in 2020. Her professional experience is grounded in community mental health and in school settings, where she worked closely with K–12 students navigating significant emotional and behavioral challenges.
Currently, she is finalizing her certification in play therapy and is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), equipping her to offer innovative and trauma-informed interventions. Passionate about helping individuals and families build resilience, Eva is committed to creating safe, supportive spaces for healing and growth.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her family and her beloved pets—two dogs(Layla and Shea) and cat(Peppa).
Eva will be working part-time with KAIMH to support endorsement applicants and provide interpretation needs for applicants whose primary language is Spanish. Welcome Eva!
The Growing Brain Professional Development Event
There are a few spots left in the The Growing Brain: Understanding Behavior course in Lawrence, KS on Wednesday, June 11th from 6:00 - 9:15 pm
Content covers:
Brain anatomy and connection to behavior
Root causes of challenging behavior
Effective strategies for responding to challenging behavior
To register, click on the image below.
Mindful Moments: Community and Connection
The Division for Early Childhood has partnered with TNP Wellness to offer Mindful Moments: Community and Connection — a four-part virtual series designed to support the mental health of DEC members and partners. (You do not need to be a current DEC member to attend.) Each session provides practical tools for resilience and space to process the emotions that come with doing this essential work. Sessions are recorded so you can access them when it is convenient in your schedule.
Did you know that breastfeeding can be a supportive measure for both infant mental health as well as maternal mental health? While the nutritional and physical health benefits of breastfeeding are well established, accumulating research demonstrates the far-reaching psychological effects of breastfeeding on children and their mothers. Breastfeeding impacts children’s brain, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. In mothers, research indicates that breastfeeding influences mood, affect, stress, and maternal care. Balancing work and family responsibilities, especially when breastfeeding, can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. Lack of social and family support can add to the stress of breastfeeding and returning to work. Some mothers worry about their milk supply being inadequate, especially after returning to work, which can lead to increased stress and the decision to formula feed sooner than planned. The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition offers free training and support to help early learning programs become a Breastfeeding Friendly designated site. Click below to:
Make your program supportive for breastfeeding parents
Selective mutism in preschool children is a condition where a child experiences an inability to speak in certain social situations, despite being able to communicate normally in other environments, such as home. It's typically diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 4, often becoming noticeable when children start preschool. Selective mutism is a form of anxiety that can affect a child's ability to interact and participate in social situations, potentially impacting their learning and development.
Below is a video with tips on how parents and professionals can support a child with selective mutism:
You can also download this helpful handout from the Child Mind Institute with tips on how to support children as well as guidance on treatment programs.
Free Pyramid Model Courses
KAIMH has scholarships available for the following Pyramid Model Courses:
Infant Toddler Package Module 1: Social Emotional Development within the Context of Relationships Module 2: Responsive Routines, Environments, and Targeted Strategies Module 3: Individualized Intervention: Determining the Meaning of Behavior and Developing Appropriate Responses
Birth to Five Package Module 1: Building Relationships and Creating Supportive Environments Module 2: Social Emotional Teaching Strategies Module 3: Individualized Intervention: Determining the Meaning of Behavior and Developing Appropriate Responses
Check out these upcoming professional development opportunities that support your Infant Mental Health Endorsement® from the Early Childhood Investigations Webinars, Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities, Kansas LEND, Kansas Children's Service League, and Child Care Aware network.
