About Me
Dr. Evandra Catherine, Ph.D., IMH-E
I’m Dr. Evandra Catherine—a research professor, consultant, and early childhood specialist with a focus on reflective, culturally responsive professional development. I help leaders and providers engage in family-centered, equity-driven work that sustains relationships and supports systemic change.
Who I Am
I lead EVANDRA CATHERINE PHD LLC, a consulting business that supports early childhood professionals working in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH), home visiting, child welfare, early intervention, and other relational roles.
With an IMH-E® endorsement in Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice, I bring more than a decade of experience at the community, state, and federal levels—helping professionals reflect deeply, serve equitably, and remain rooted in connection.
Leadership & Partnerships
I serve on the Executive Board for the Arizona Association for Infant Mental Health. I’ve partnered nationally with organizations like Zero to Three, Georgetown University, and multiple state AIMH groups to promote aligned, relationship-centered systems change.
Scope
Communities of Practice (CoPs)
Reflective Community
Structured spaces where professionals come together regularly to reflect, share insights, and deepen their relational practice through facilitated dialogue and peer learning.
ECHO®-Style Learning Collaboratives
Collaborative Learning
Virtual learning networks that combine expert-led presentations with case-based discussions, allowing participants to collaboratively problem-solve real-world challenges in early childhood systems.
Interactive Webinars
Engaged Dialogue
Engaging, topic-focused sessions that introduce critical issues in infant and early childhood mental health. Each session offers opportunities for reflection, fostering dialogue and foundational awareness among professionals across diverse disciplines in the birth-to-five field.
Three-Hour Trainings
Focused Learning
Intensive, standalone sessions that explore a specific theme in depth—ideal for professionals who are ready to engage deeply with challenging topics and strengthen their reflective practice
Multi-Session PD Series with Embedded Reflection
Deep Development
A progressive learning experience that blends content delivery with guided reflection, helping participants move from theory to practice while building sustainable, relationship-centered skills.
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My Approach
1
Relationship-Centered Practice
At the heart of my work is the understanding that relationships drive growth, healing, and learning. I prioritize connection, between professionals, families, and systems , as the foundation for supporting infant and early childhood mental health.
2
Reflective Practice
I create intentional spaces for professionals to slow down, reflect, and make meaning of their work. Through guided reflection, practitioners deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their emotional capacity, and enhance their capacity to be fully present with the families they serve.
3
Systems Building for Sustainability
Lasting change happens when systems support the people within them. I partner with organizations to develop reflective structures, policies, and practices that sustain emotionally responsive, relationship-based care across the birth-to-five workforce
4
Commitment to Outcomes
I am committed to improving outcomes for every child and family by helping systems recognize and address the conditions that contribute to disparities. By building reflective capacity across the workforce, we can ensure that every family receives responsive and meaningful support.
Services
I offer training series on topics related to supporting the emotional and mental wellbeing of children and families of color, particularly Black children and families. These series are designed to provide time to establish the safety needed for reflection and growth. In addition, I support systems building by connecting birth-to-five programs and partners around the shared principles of infant and early childhood mental health. I also provide policy updates relevant to children, families, and the workforce, and am available for keynote presentations and speaking engagements on these topics.
Professional Development topics include:
Structural and Systemic Challenges in Early Childhood Education
History and theory of Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health
Transdisciplinary Approach in EI/ECSE
Research on Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Outcomes
Intersections of Race, Gender, and Emotional Development
Intersection of Developmental Delays and Mental Health
Decolonizing Infant Mental and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Professional Development