Speaker Series Luncheon

Featuring: Dr. Chaya Kulkarni, Director of Infant Mental Health Promotion at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto

Changing practices in the early years can lead to long lasting positive outcomes for children.

We know that positive relationships are the best medicine for preventing vulnerability and risk. We can effectively prevent mental health issues and support mental health wellness by focusing on mitigating adverse childhood experiences in the first year of life. Planting the seeds for early mental health leads to a generation of resilient people.

This discussion with Dr. Chaya Kulkarni will highlight emerging research findings and prevention practice for supporting mental health and wellness starting at the beginning of life.

An overview of work being done locally by the Prenatal to Six Committee will be provided, including results of a collaborative workshop held in consultation with Dr. Kulkarni to identify areas to further develop in our community.

Speaker: Dr. Chaya Kulkarni

Dr. Chaya Kulkarni is currently the Director of Infant Mental Health   Promotion (IMHP) at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Infant Mental Health Promotion is a community based coalition of individuals   and professional agencies dedicated to promoting optimal mental health outcomes for infants in the first three years of life. Dr. Kulkarni   provides leadership to research, professional education and public awareness activities at IMHP. In her role with IMHP, Chaya is currently leading advocacy and training initiatives in areas such as child welfare including family courts, and community based programs supporting families in their neighborhoods.  She leads IMHP in the development and implementation of curricula and materials to support professionals working with families of young children.

Dr. Kulkarni received her B.A.A. from Ryerson University and obtained her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education from the University of Toronto. 

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