Endorsements



Iowa's Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health (IMH-E®)

What is Endorsement®?

Endorsement® is a process that supports and recognizes the development of professionals who work with or on behalf of infants, toddlers, and their families.  This process uses a nationally recognized set of competencies that helps define best practice and guides professional growth. Endorsement does not replace licensure or certification, but is intended to recognize and document an individual’s knowledge and skills in infant mental health.


Who can apply?

All professionals who have experience working with or on behalf of infants, toddlers, parents, and/or other caregivers and meet the educational, work, training, and reflective consultation requirements as specified for each category are encouraged to apply.


Why apply for the Endorsement (IMH-E®)?

  • To grow and develop as a professional in the rapidly expanding infant and family field
  • To be recognized by employers and peers for having attained a level of competency in culturally sensitive, relationship-focused practice that promotes infant mental health
  • To better support the infants, toddlers, families, students, agencies, and institutions in the promotion of infant mental health

What are the categories for Endorsement (IMH-E®)?

  • Category 1 – Infant Family Associate
  • Category 2 – Infant Family Specialist
  • Category 3 – Infant Mental Health Specialist
  • Category 4 – Infant Mental Health Mentor (Clinical, Policy or Research/Faculty)

Competency Guidelines



Application and Submission Fees


Begin the application process by paying registration fees. 

Pay Registration Fees


After completing your application, pay your submission fees.


Pay Submission Fees

Additional Endorsement Information




Competency Guidelines

Infant Mental Health Mentor (IMHM)


Competency Guidelines

Infant Family Specialist (IFS)


Competency Guidelines

Infant Mental Health Specialist (IMHS)


Competency Guidelines

Infant Family Associate (IFA)


Congratulations to these endorsed members!



Rhonda Rairden-Nelson
IFA, Des Moines

Amber Foley
IFS, Akeny

Stephanie McFarland
IFS, Des Moines

Gladys Alvarez
IMHM-C, Des Moines

Billie Jo Clausen
IMHS, Lake View

Cyanna Claiser
IMHS, Des Moines

JaCarie Owens
IFS, Des Moines

Kellie Patterson-Liebeseller
IFS, West Des Moines

Angela Mussman
IFS, Waterloo

Kere Hughes-Belding
IFA, Story City

Nikolyn Kredit
IMH-E®, Sioux Center

Megan Hasley
IMH-E®