Awards
The James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award
James R. Ryan
The James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award is given by the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH) to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the social-emotional development of infants, young children and their families within a Wisconsin community, thus demonstrating a commitment to the mission and vision of WI-AIMH:
Vision: We aim for all Wisconsin infants and young children to reach their fullest potential through nurturing and consistent relationships within the context of family, community, and culture.
Mission: WI-AIMH strives to promote infant mental health through building awareness, promoting professional capacity, fostering partnerships and supporting policies in the best interest of infants, young children and their families.
This award honors the legacy of Jim Ryan, Co-founder and Godfather of WI-AIMH. Jim was tireless in his efforts to improve the lives of individuals and groups in his local community and state. His passion to make life better for all children was evident in his lifetime efforts to collaborate with others in political, service, and advocacy arenas. The James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award honors his contribution to the establishment of the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health.
Donna Harris Spirit of WI-AIMH Award
Donna L. Harris
The Donna Harris Spirit of WI-AIMH Award is given by the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH) in Memory of Donna Harris, a person who dedicated her life to improving the lives, of infants, young children, families, and the professionals that serve them.
The award is presented to a professional in any area of Infant Mental Health who goes above and beyond to provide high quality services to families with young children. This award was created to recognize service providers who work directly with young children and families and who provide exemplary, culturally sensitive, relationship-focused services. Providers in fields such as early care and education, home visiting, education, nursing, child welfare, clinical mental health services, pregnancy and birth support, and community and social services, medical care, and early intervention would be excellent candidates for nomination.