Infant Massage USA Annual Conference Speakers

Dr. Lise Johnson

Lise Johnson is the Director of the Brazelton Institute at Boston Children's Hospital and co-author of the Newborn Behavioral Observations (NBO) system. She received her undergraduate degree in Healthy and Society at Brown University and her medical degree at Harvard Medical School. She devoted the first decade of her career to pediatric primary care. For the past 24 years, Lise has worked as a newborn hospitalist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, where she was a medical director of Well Newborn Care from 2001 through 2018. She also chairs the board of directors for Healthy Learners, a non-governmental organization partnered with the Zambian government to implement a unique model of school-based healthcare.

Dr. Sue Carter

Dr. Sue Carter is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia and also a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University, Bloomington.  She is the former Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute and a Rudy Professor Emerita of Biology. She has held professorships at the University of Maryland (Distinguished University Professor) as well as at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. She has authored more than 400 publications and edited 5 books including “Attachment and Bonding: A New Synthesis,.” MIT Press. Dr. Carter is the scientist, who first discovered the relationship between oxytocin and social monogamy and the formation of adult social bonds. She has a longstanding interest in birth and lactation and the evolution of human sociality and love

Dr. Gina Fowler

Dr. Fowler started her Mobile Medical Rv practice 2 year ago to answer a need for children who are in remote areas that need qualified health personnel. She has formerly worked for large children's healthcare systems, was the medical director for several pediatric urgent care centers, and had her own large stationary practice for 12 years. Dr. Fowler gives natural and holistic advice as well as conventional instructions for the use of supplements, whole food, and herbs in treating her patients. 

Tammie Jones

Tammie Sheila Jones is a compassionate leader dedicated to promoting wellness and healing for individuals and communities. With over 27 years of experience in public health, non-profit management, and behavioral health, she serves as the Senior Director of Programs and Behavioral Health at Birthing Beautiful Communities. A Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist and Mental Health First Aid provider, Tammie specializes in fostering resilience and addressing mental health challenges.

Recognized for her innovative approaches, Tammie has received numerous accolades, including the Award of Excellence and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recognition for her leadership in the “Take Charge, Take the Test” campaign. She is a trusted advisor, collaborator with state and local health boards, and a sought-after speaker for her insights into mental health, grief recovery, and community health initiatives..

Dr. Vonda Jump

Dr. Vonda Jump Norman is an Associate Professor in Social Work at the Brigham City campus of Utah State University. She has a strong interest in promoting positive parent-child relationships and the optimal development of children impacted by adversity. She developed an intervention, Better Together, which positively impacted families and children who have experienced trauma. She is a trainer for Infant Massage USA and the International Association of Infant Massage. She is also an Executive committee member of the Utah Coalition for Protecting Childhood, worked as a consultant with ZERO TO THREE’s Military Projects on trauma, grief, and loss issues, and is a ZERO TO THREE Fellow. She is married with one daughter and 2 young grandsons. She loves trail running, skiing, hiking, biking, trying to garden, and spending two days a week caring for her grandsons.

Michele Holland

Michele Holland, BCTMB, LMT, CD&CPD(DONA), CLC, CIMI is the co-author of Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy – A comprehensive guide to prenatal, labor and postpartum practice 3rd edition (2021). Michele is the founder of Sanctuary Healing Arts LLC and teaches online and in-person while enjoying a home studio practice in Colorado. Michele’s passion is improving maternity and newborn care - one pregnancy, one birth and one new family at a time. She believes we can improve health care through listening deeply, trusting in collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork with massage therapists, doulas, health care leaders, physicians, midwives, nurses, and other skilled professionals for the best outcomes for mothers, babies and families.

Ashley Hartiwck-Smith

Ashley Hartwick-Smith has dedicated her career to helping children and families. As the Texas Family First Supervisor for SJRC Texas, Ashley oversees the organization's Texas Family First Pilot Program implementation throughout the 17 counties the pilot program models are being offered in. With over 13 years of experience as an in-home service provider before taking on this role Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

Ashley holds a Master of Science in Family and Child Studies with an emphasis on Infant Mental Health. She is a Certified Parent Educator Supervisor as well as an Educator with the Parents as Teachers Model. Her leadership and experience have helped spearhead the Texas Family First Pilot program and has helped lead to its many successes during its implementation. Ashley is also a certified infant massage instructor and utilizes infant massage to enhance home visiting services for families.