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Sept. 17, 2026 | Online
2026 Maternal and Child Health Conference:
Healthy Starts, Thriving Futures: Innovations in Family Nutrition and Wellness
Schedule
| Time | Session | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30-8:40 a.m. (10 mins) | Introductory remarks | |
| Welcome message | MCHTRT Co-Director: Conference Co-Chairs: | |
| 8:40 - 9:25 a.m. (45 mins includes Q&A) | Speaker session 1: | |
| Adventuring with Food: Developing a Family-Centered Nutrition Education Curriculum for Parents and Kids | Nevenka Christiansen, BS, MS Candidate Founder, Nutri Mini Kids Nutrition Health Educator, Valleywise Health Family Resource Centers [email protected] | |
| 9:25 am – 10:35 am (70 mins includes Q&A) | Speaker Session 2: | |
| Shifting Perspectives in Family Nutrition: Weight-Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Approach to Health | Ashley Carrillo, MPH, RDN, CDCES Assistant Professor of Practice Weight Inclusive Programs University of Arizona [email protected] | |
| 10:35am- 11:45am (70 mins includes Q&A) | Speaker session 3: | |
| Rooted in Support: Breastfeeding, Trust, and Continuity of Care | Erica Glaze, MPH, MCHES, IBCLC Founder & Principal Consultant www.livewellthyllc.com [email protected] | |
| 11:45-11:55am (10 mins) | Break | |
| 11:55 – 12:55 pm (60 mins includes Q&A) | Flash Talk/ Abstract Breakout Room Sessions: 5 presenters, 3 rounds for attendees to choose from (15 mins each) | |
| Round 1: Abstract Option 1 Moderated Heritability of Body Mass Growth by Physical Activity and Dietary Intake: Evidence from a Community Sample of Twin Youth Eva Bartsch Ph.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology Arizona State University [email protected] | Round 1: Abstract Option 2 Black Perinatal Health Environmental Scan Karma Liburd, BS Arizona State University [email protected] | |
| Round 2: Abstract (Please be aware that there will be no additional room due to a last minute abstract presenter withdrawal) Hormone Overview: Hormonal Changes Impact Our Health Julie Murphy, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, MSCP Family Medicine Dept Gallup Indian Medical Center Indian Health Service Department of Health and Human Services [email protected] | ||
Round 3: Abstract Option 1 Doneisha "Nesha" Higgins, Mia Anderson, | Round 3: Abstract Option 2 Alejandro Hernandez, | |
| 12:55 pm – 1:05pm (10 mins) | Break | |
| 1:05 pm – 2:00 pm (55 mins includes Q&A) | Speaker session 4: | |
| Child Nutrition Programs: Overview and Updates | Jennifer Blankenship, MPA Health and Nutrition Specialist Health and Nutrition Services Arizona Department of Education [email protected] | |
| 2:00 pm – 2:55 pm (55 mins includes Q&A) | Speaker session 5: | |
| You are what you eat: How feeding practices impact the microbiome and growth trajectories of infants | Corrie Whisner, PhD Associate Professor College of Health Solutions Arizona State University [email protected] | |
| 2:55 pm – 4:00 pm (65 mins includes Q&A) | Translating into Actions: Workshop | |