UCO Staff and Students Receive Nationally Recognized Childhood Mental Health Credential
Dec. 16, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma Child Study Center staff and students recently received credential endorsements from the Oklahoma Association for Infant Mental Health (OK-AIMH).
Angela Holmes-Krober, curriculum coordinator for UCO’s Child Study Center, has received the OK-AIMH Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health as an Early Childhood Family Associate. The credential recognizes professionals who demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting the social and emotional well-being of infants, toddlers and their families through culturally responsive and relationship-based practices.
The OK-AIMH Endorsement is a nationally recognized credential that signifies excellence in promoting healthy early relationships, which form the foundation of lifelong mental health. By earning this endorsement, Holmes-Krober joins a select group of professionals advancing best practices in early childhood development and family support.
"Angela’s dedication to supporting young children and their families is truly exceptional," said LaDonna Atkins, Ed.D., assistant chair of the Department of Human Environmental Sciences.
"Earning the OK-AIMH Endorsement reflects her deep commitment to relationship-based practice. We are incredibly proud to have her represent UCO in this important field."
Earning the endorsement involves a rigorous, standardized process that assesses specialized knowledge, reflective supervision and hands-on experience in the infant and early childhood field. It affirms each recipient’s expertise in supporting caregivers, strengthening early relationships and fostering environments in which young children can thrive.
In addition to Holmes-Krober, three students in the Master of Science in Family and Child Studies – Infant/Child Specialist program also earned the OK-AIMH endorsement: Danielle Menge of Oklahoma City; Brittnee Allen of Oklahoma City; and Afua Atta-boakye of Svalbard, Norway.
The UCO Child Study Center is a preschool offering full- and part-time programs for children ages 3 to 5 while supporting the education, training and research of UCO students. For more information about the Child Study Center or to apply, visit go.uco.edu/ChildStudyCenter.
For more information about the Department of Human Environmental Sciences or its academic programs, visit go.uco.edu/hes.
Cutline: Angela Holmes-Krober, curriculum coordinator for UCO’s Child Study Center, along with three students in Central's Master of Science in Family and Child Studies – Infant/Child Specialist program, recently earned the OK-AIMH Endorsement. Pictured, the four recipients at the 2025 National Association for the Education of Young Children annual conference. From left to right, Danielle Menge, Brittnee Allen, Angela Holmes-Krober and Afua Atta-boakye.
