Engaging in Intentional Professional Growth

Title: Engaging in Intentional Professional Growth

Date: January 31st, 2024

Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm CST/12:00pm - 1:00pm EST

Description:

With the start of a new year, so many of us find we are looking for ways to shape ourselves into better versions. We exercise, we organize, we budget. In our practice, it is critical that we are intentional to shape our professional growth as well to ensure that we have the skills to build better opportunities for our future and the future children/families we serve. This presentation will look at how we visualize and vocalize our why and discuss ways to practice intentional professional growth that can be individualized for each person. Start the new year with a resounding acclamation of worth: that you are worth the effort, time, and energy needed to develop yourself!

Biography:

Amy Jenkins, M. Ed, IMH-E®

I'm Amy Jenkins, and I joined the AIMHiTN team in January 2023 as the Director of Learning and Development. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Education from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. With almost 30 years of experience working with children and their families, I've spent the past 20 years in the field of early intervention. My work spans from providing direct services to developing programs and leading at the state level.

I've been part of numerous state and local committees focused on impact initiatives that aim to improve services for those with differing abilities. My passion lies in ensuring that all children have the resources they need to reach their full potential.

Before joining AIMHiTN, I served as an Early Childhood Specialist for the Tennessee Early Intervention System. There, I was supporting and training early intervention programs for Part C, IDEA across Tennessee. My other professional experiences include directing a home visiting program, managing an early childhood program, and providing therapy for at-risk youth and their families.

I collaborate with Part C programs in other states, offering consultation and training on conducting and implementing the Routines Based Interview. This evidence-based family assessment method and my consultations on best practices for in-home service delivery programming are key components of my work.

Currently, I serve on the Family Advisory Council for my local Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and volunteer as a Parent Mentor.

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband of over 28 years, our three children, and two grandchildren. We love hiking, traveling, and playing with our dogs.

About AIMHiTN:

The Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee (AIMHiTN) exists to support infants and young children and the adults who impact their early relational health. Our focus is on prenatal care up to a child's sixth birthday because we know it's those earliest years that matter most. AIMHiTN delivers education, training, and resources to assist caregivers, educators, healthcare providers, and other professionals in their everyday interactions with infants, young children, and their families. Our work helps ensure healthy communities and a productive workforce for generations to come, creating a brighter future for all. Simply put, we support the workforce that supports our future workforce.