Samantha Byrns
MSEd, LIMHP, LPC, NCC, IMH-E®
Assistant Project Director
Early Childhood Mental Health
Mental Health Begins in Early Childhood
The First Five Years
The first five years of a child's life have a significant impact on their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development.
The development of a young child can be adversely affected by factors such as disruptions in attachment that can be caused by parental substance abuse, parental mental health issues, and traumatic loss, which can result in toxic or chronic stress.
ECMH services can mitigate or prevent the negative impacts of adverse factors.
Support Early Childhood Mental Health
ECMH Services in Nebraska Guide
Guide to choosing the appropriate early childhood mental health services available in Nebraska for families. Links to ECMH providers directories.
ECMH Trainings & Courses
Discover training and courses available to therapists and other professionals in Nebraska who work with at-risk infants and young children.
ECMH Resources
Find early childhood mental health resources to support your work.
ECMH Community of Practice
Connect with other therapists across Nebraska to build community through ongoing events and workshops.
Meet Our ECMH Team
Lindsey Ondrak
LIMHP, LPC
Outreach and Training Specialist
Melissa Villarreal
Senior Training Associate
Haifaa Al-saadi
Training Associate