Meaningful Moments - Connecting IMH to EI

Lisa Terry

Early interventionists (EIs) play a critical role nurturing the relationship between the caregiver and child to enhance all children’s social and emotional development to promote successful future outcomes. This podcast focuses on infant mental health topics that support the emotional well-being of all families. Join us to listen and reflect to promote meaningful moments for all families in early intervention. Visit www.veipd.org for more information. You can watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCQjRma-0n1ZsNicCeyIweSLJEMGptA_6 This podcast is a collaborative effort from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (through a contract with the Partnership for People with Disabilities/VCU).

  1. Caring with Intention: Navigating Compassion Fatigue through Emotional Intelligence

    JAN 13 · VIDEO

    Caring with Intention: Navigating Compassion Fatigue through Emotional Intelligence

    Special Guests Corey H. Cassidy, PhD, CCC-SLP & Patricia Eitemiller, M.Ed., QMRP Compassion fatigue affects how we show up at work, at home, and in our relationships. In this episode, we explore what compassion fatigue is, how it differs from burnout, and how strengthening our emotional intelligence helps us care with intention. Through reflection and practical strategies, we discuss boundaries, capacity, and agency, empowering us to protect our empathy, make intentional choices, and stay connected without losing ourselves in the process. Find strategies that work for you. Consider the following: Practice self-awareness and reflection (e.g., journaling to express gratitude and acknowledge accomplishments). Build healthy coping strategies (e.g., physical activity, creative outlets, deep-breathing exercises, or spending time outdoors). Cultivate a support network—friends, family, peers, and colleagues—and connect with intention. Reframe negative thoughts and celebrate small wins, sharing  progress and successes with others.Resources: Brené Brown book – Atlas of the Heart Feelings Wheel - https://www.gottman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/The-Gottman-Institute_The-Feeling-Wheel.pdf Everyday Leadership: Redefining Leadership in Lollipop Moments Blog - https://www.veipd.org/earlyintervention/2019/01/08/everyday-leadership-redefining-leadership-in-lollipop-moments/ Meredith, G.R., Rakow, D.A., Eldermire, E.R.B., Madsen, C.G., Shelley, S.P., & Sachs, N.A. (2020). Minimum Time Dose in Nature to Positively Impact the Mental Health of College-Aged Students, and How to Measure It: A Scoping Review. Front. Psychol. 10:2942. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02942

    45 min
  2. From Tiers to Outcomes: Putting the Pyramid Model Framework into Practice in Early Intervention

    11/13/2025 · VIDEO

    From Tiers to Outcomes: Putting the Pyramid Model Framework into Practice in Early Intervention

    In this episode, we explore how the Pyramid Model framework supports social-emotional development in early intervention. Our guests, Naomi Grinney and Cori Hill, share practical ways to apply the tiers of the Pyramid Model with infants and toddlers, examples of writing meaningful social-emotional outcomes, and tips for partnering with families to promote positive relationships and emotional growth from the start. Resources: Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development Center: https://veipd.vcu.edu/ Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia: https://itcva.online/pyramid-model-framework/ National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations: https://challengingbehavior.org/resources/ Outcome Examples: Outcome that focus on relationships: “Jin will call for his mom when he wakes up at night using her name consistently each time every night for one week.” Outcome around emotional regulation: “Bertie will use calming strategies modeled by her foster mom when she is waiting for food to be placed on her tray (e.g. blowing bubbles) twice per day for one week.” Outcome supporting social interactions: “Aiden will give his dad a high five when he comes home from work 5x a week over 2 weeks.” Family outcome: "Asako will identify 5+ strategies that she can use to redirect Jin when he is climbing to give him an opportunity to expend his energy inside and outside the house 10+ times a week for two weeks."

    55 min
  3. Caring Across Colors: Bridges to Understanding with Kirsten Sippel-Klug and Kena Chambers

    01/30/2024 · VIDEO

    Caring Across Colors: Bridges to Understanding with Kirsten Sippel-Klug and Kena Chambers

    In this insightful episode, our special guests, Kirsten Sippel-Klug and Kena Chambers, shed light on the process of building a stronger therapeutic relationship despite cultural differences. They discuss how they fostered a positive working relationship by navigating the nuances of their backgrounds. The conversation delves into instances of mismatch and repair, highlighting the challenges faced and the strategies employed to overcome them. Additionally, the guests share a pivotal moment in their collaboration that significantly contributed to the development of their relationship. For therapists and parents interested in creating their own positive therapeutic relationships, valuable advice is offered based on the guests' experiences. Tune in to gain valuable insights into cultivating meaningful connections in therapeutic settings. Resources: John, M. S. S., Thomas, K., & Noroña, C. R. (2013). Diversity-informed infant mental health tenets: Together in the struggle for social justice. Retrieved from https://perspectives.waimh.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2017/05/ZERO-TO-THREE-Corner.-Diversity-Informed-Infant-Mental-Health-Tenets-Together-in-the-Struggle-for-Social-Justice-.pdf Vikitsreth, N. (2022). Queering “Ways of being:” Replacing politeness with honesty to create belonging. Zero to Three, 42(4). Nat Vikitsreth, LCSW, DT, CEIM, Founder of Come Back to Care, Inc. Listen to the Come Back to Care Podcast: https://www.comebacktocare.com/podcastJoin the Care Collective Newsletter and receive hope-filled and helpful info about Decolonized, Embodied, & Intergenerational parenting every Sunday: https://www.comebacktocare.com/newsletterOr connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comebacktocare/

    40 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Early interventionists (EIs) play a critical role nurturing the relationship between the caregiver and child to enhance all children’s social and emotional development to promote successful future outcomes. This podcast focuses on infant mental health topics that support the emotional well-being of all families. Join us to listen and reflect to promote meaningful moments for all families in early intervention. Visit www.veipd.org for more information. You can watch the video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCQjRma-0n1ZsNicCeyIweSLJEMGptA_6 This podcast is a collaborative effort from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (through a contract with the Partnership for People with Disabilities/VCU).