Join us for the 3rd Annual Babies & Bubbles Brunch — an inspiring, mission-driven experience dedicated to raising awareness and support for infant mental health and early relational health.

Hosted by The Journey Institute, in collaboration with FAIMH – Broward Chapter, this year's brunch brings together mental health professionals, healthcare providers, early childhood educators, and community advocates to spotlight how we can build protective bonds and interrupt harmful cycles early in life.

Through expert presentations, powerful storytelling, professional networking, and a beautifully curated waterfront brunch experience, we'll gather to elevate the conversation around what every child needs to thrive.

🔹 What to Expect

🍽️ Elegant Waterfront Brunch — Enjoy stunning views and a thoughtfully curated menu

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Lourdes Quintana Forster
Medical Director, Reach Out and Read Florida | Associate Professor, UM Miller School of Medicine
“Positive Childhood Experiences: Building Resilience from the Start”

🎙️ Featured Speaker: Eric Yutzy
Local 10 News Anchor
“From Adoption to Advocacy: A Voice for Every Baby’s Beginning”

📖 Real Stories, Real Impact — Hear transformational stories from families and professionals

🤝 Meaningful Connections — Meet fellow professionals, advocates, and change-makers

🎁 Silent Auction — Bid on exclusive items to support vital programming

📜 Earn CEU Documentation — 2 continuing education hours for qualifying professionals

🔹 Celebrating Our Community Champions

This year, we are proud to honor four extraordinary leaders whose work continues to build bonds and break cycles in our community:

🏆 Maria Ella De Juan, MSN, RN, CEN, CPN, CPEN, PED-BC, CPST, CAHP
Nurse Manager, Pediatric Services, Memorial Hospital Miramar
Led Florida’s first Certified Autism Center in a pediatric ER, championing autism-informed care.

🏆 Florida State Representative Robin Bartleman
Advocated for legislation expanding Mobile Response Teams so children in crisis receive mental health support first.

🏆 Monica Figueroa King
CEO, Broward Healthy Start Coalition
25+ years building prevention-first systems to support mothers, babies, and families before crisis hits.

🏆 Dr. Lori Canning
Executive Director, Family and Community Engagement, Broward County Public Schools
Three decades of leadership expanding literacy access and early learning equity.

Last year the event sold out — early registration is highly encouraged

Your support helps raise awareness for evidence-based programming that strengthens families, supports mental health professionals, and gives babies the best possible start in life.

💙 Can't Attend?

You can still support our mission by making a donation or sponsoring a seat for a parent or early childhood professional.

Become a sponsor here.

Place an ad in the program booklet here.

3rd Annual Babies & Bubbles Brunch

Building Bonds. Breaking Cycles.