Organizing Committees
The success of the WAIMH 2026 World Congress is made possible through the guidance, expertise, and dedication of our committees. Together, they ensure that the Congress delivers a rich, inclusive, and inspiring program that reflects the diversity and depth of the infant mental health community worldwide.
Program Committee
The Program Committee (PC) oversees the scientific and educational direction of the Congress. Guided by WAIMH’s mission, the committee is responsible for shaping the program and ensuring a balance of global perspectives and disciplines throughout the Congress sessions.
Holly E. Brophy-Herb (Chair)
Professor, Michigan State University
Sheri Madigan
SSHRC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair
Warren Kapashesit
Program Manager, Child and Youth Milopemahtesewin Services
Reija Latva
Associate Executive Director, WAIMH
Elisabeth Hoehn
Medical Director, Queensland Centre for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health
Julia Torquati
Professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Local Organizing Committee
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) provides local insight and guidance to support the planning and delivery of the Congress in Toronto. Working in close collaboration with WAIMH and IEMHP, the committee helps shape the cultural and social dimensions of the event. The LOC is responsible for planning the Pre-Congress Institute, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and social events such as the Congress Gala - ensuring a welcoming atmosphere and a meaningful experience for all delegates.
Chaya Kulkarni (Chair)
Director, IEMHP
Angelique Jenney
Associate Professor, University of Calgary
Melanie Grylls
CEO, Kindred
Chelsea Ohlmann
AAIECMH
Emily Wang
Senior Director of Clinical Advancement, Hull Services
Amy Ris
Consultant, BC Council for Families
Renée Williams
Executive Director, Daybreak Child and Family Centre
Normand Carrey
Associate Professor, Dalhousie University
Mary Rella
Registered Psychotherapist, Private Practice
Diane Philipp
Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Robert Meeder
Medical Doctor, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
Nicholas Watters
Executive Director, The Knowledge Institute
Congress Planning Group
The Logistics Planning Group oversees the overall planning, coordination, and delivery of the Congress. Working closely with WAIMH and IEMHP, the group ensures that all logistical elements come together seamlessly to support an exceptional experience for all participants.
Neea Aalto
Administrator, WAIMH
Annie Gelibolyan
Program Coordinator, IEMHP
Stefanie Watmough
Business Manager, IEMHP
Anthony Santelices
Lead Strategist, SmartLink Productions Inc.
Kaija Puura
Executive Director, WAIMH
Chaya Kulkarni
Director, IEMHP
Astrid Berg
President, WAIMH
Reija Latva
Associate Executive Director, WAIMH
Rishi Bhatnagar
Event Technologist, SmartLink Productions Inc.