Baby Massage Ireland Conference 2026

Welcome to the Baby Massage Ireland Conference 2026

We are delighted to invite you to a day filled with learning, connection and inspiration.

Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026

Venue: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Join us as we bring together CIMI's, practitioners, and experts for an engaging day of workshops, talks and networking opportunities.

SPEAKERS

DEBBIE SCALES

Debbie Scales has worked for almost 30 years in a variety of roles in Project Management, Social Care, Family Support, Youth Mental Health, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and services for those experiencing homelessness. She co-facilitates the Ballyfermot/Clondalkin Infant Mental Health Network and has led out on a range of initiatives withparents/carers and practitioners, including Circle of SecurityParenting and Togetherness (the Solihull Approach).Currently she works with the Tusla National Prevention, Partnership and Family Support (PPFS) programme as National Infant and Early Childhood Support Coordinator. This role involves supporting the development and implementation nationally of trauma informed, culturally responsive approaches to parents, caregivers and practitioners, with a focus on children from birth to six years, as well as leading on the development and implementation of an Infant and Early Childhood Parenting suite of supports, that focus on attachment, regulation and early relational health. She also is a member of the Executive Committee of the Irish Association for Infant Mental Health (IAIMH)

Debbie has co-authored the following documents and frameworks relating to infant and early childhood mental health:

Area Based Childhood Programme: A Framework for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (2022), commissioned by the Infant Mental Health Subgroup of the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme, written by Susan Brocklesbyand Debbie Scales

‘Frameworks for Foundation Level Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Professional Development’ 2024, commissioned by The National Infant Mental Health Network working group written by Susan Brocklesby and Debbie Scales

Tipperary Infant Mental Health Project: Strategic plan 2023-2025, Building an Infant Mental Health community across Tipperary, written by Debbie Scales and Susan Brocklesby

DAVE SAUNDERS 

BSc Counselling & Psychotherapy | Specialist in Perinatal Mental Health | Founder of From Lads to Dad

Dave Saunders is a counsellor, psychotherapist, and the founder of From Lads to Dads (FLTD), a charity dedicated to supporting new and expectant fathers through the life-changing journey into parenthood.

For more than 10 years, Dave has worked alongside fathers, helping them navigate the emotional highs and challenges of becoming a parent. His passion lies in ensuring that dads feel seen, heard, and supported—not only for their own well-being but for the benefit of their children, partners, and families.

With a specialist interest in perinatal mental health, Dave combines clinical experience with practical, down-to-earth support. Through From Lads to Dads, he has created a welcoming community where fathers can access peer support, education, parenting guidance, and therapeutic services, while helping to break down the stigma around men's mental health.

At the heart of Dave's work is a commitment to championing fathers and ensuring their voices are part of the conversation. Whether he is working with families, healthcare professionals, policymakers, or community organisations, he believes fathers deserve to be listened to, included, and represented. He is a passionate advocate for father-inclusive practice, working to ensure that the lived experiences, challenges, and needs of dads are recognised and reflected in the services designed to support families.

Dave works closely with Family Resource Centres, healthcare professionals, community organisations, and parent-support services to improve outcomes for parents and families across Ireland. He also contributes to steering committees and advisory groups, bringing the voice of fathers into the room to help shape more inclusive policies, services, and supports.

A regular speaker and trainer, Dave delivers workshops and talks for healthcare professionals, therapists, educators, and community organisations on paternal mental health, father-inclusive practice, and the transition to fatherhood.

At the heart of everything Dave does is a simple belief: when fathers are seen, heard, and supported, children, mothers, and families all benefit. His mission is to ensure that no dad has to navigate the journey into fatherhood alone—and that every father's voice matters

CARA CARTER

After a successful career in banking, Cara Carter felt called to pursue work with greater purpose and meaning. This led her to train as a certified Infant Massage Instructor and a Baby, Toddler and Pregnancy Yoga Teacher, supporting families through some of life’s most precious transitions.

The wisdom gained through these experiences, together with her own personal journey, sparked a deep passion for metaphysical and holistic healing. She became fascinated by the connection between mind, body and spirit, and by the unseen energies and inner wisdom that shape our lives in ways we cannot always explain.

Cara believes that true wellbeing comes from nurturing every aspect of the self. Through Reiki and energy healing, meditation and sound bowl sessions, intuitive guidance and holistic soul coaching, she offers a safe and supportive space where clients can reconnect with their inner wisdom, restore balance, and gain greater clarity, purpose and peace. Her approach empowers people to discover that many of the answers they seek already exist within them, while offering gentle guidance and insights into the path that lies ahead.

CARLA ROBERTS

Carla Roberts is an IAIM Certified Baby Massage Instructor, Psychology graduate, and movement educator with a passion for helping families connect through touch, play, and movement. When she's not supporting parents and babies, you'll find her leading high-energy POUND fitness (drumming) and Coppers The Workout classes...bringing so much FUN, laughter, and feel-good energy wherever she goes!