A small group of select individuals gathered Tuesday, Nov. 6 at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach to hear Dr. Anne Hogan and Julie Swindler speak about the importance of infant mental health at a “friend-raiser.”
Hogan is a developmental psychologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Miami. She is a director at Florida State University, Harris Institute for Infant Mental Health Training; Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy. Hogan was in town for a seminar and gave a rare presentation in an intimate setting. Hogan spoke about the importance of relationships for children, families and providers insuring healthy development.
Swindler is CEO of Families First and an expert in infant mental health. She informed the group that 90 percent of a child’s brain develops in the first five years of his or her life. Child abuse, lack of attachment, neglect or any other traumatic event can create lifelong behavioral problems.
“Unfortunately, there are children in Palm Beach County that are being abused in ways we can’t imagine, and ultimately end up living a life of uncertainty with irreversible psychological damage,” Swindler said.
Families First of Palm Beach County provides support to these families.
The event was possible do to the generosity of Hermé de Wyman Miro. “Dr. Hogan’s work is extremely special,” Miro said. “And I am amazed of what Mrs. Swindler and Families First has been able to do for the county.”
The “friend-raiser” is one of many Families First of Palm Beach County is hosting around the county to get residents familiar with its work. To find out more, contact Samantha Whiteman at swhiteman@familiesfirstpbc.org or at (561) 318-4219.
For more information, visit www.familiesfirstpbc.org.
Above: Julie Swindler and Dr. Anne Hogan at the “friend-raiser.”
