Infant mental health clinician recognized for excellence with annual award

Ellyn Schreiber of Greater Seacoast Community Health, center, gets the Award of Excellence from the New Hampshire Association for Infant Mental Health. She is pictured with NHAIMH treasurer Tessa McDonnell, left, and president Lisa Anderson (Courtesy)

Greater Seacoast Community Health announced on Monday that Ellyn Schreiber was awarded the 2026 Award of Excellence from the New Hampshire Association for Infant Mental Health.

The award is given annually to a person whose academic or clinical work has advanced the mission of NHAIMH and has had a positive impact on the field of infant mental health in New Hampshire.

Schreiber was honored for her contributions over more than 25 years as leader in the development of early childhood mental health services in New Hampshire.

"Through my experiences in early intervention, I learned how important relationships are in buffering stress for children and giving parents the strength they need to overcome their own challenges," Schreiber said in reflecting on her 40-year career as she accepted the award.

Schreiber's current job as Child Development and Infant Mental Health Specialist at Greater Seacoast Community Health reflects her dual passions for improving systems and providing direct support to families. She was brought on to launch Healthy Steps, a program for improving developmental screening and social/emotional well-being for young children and their families. At the same time, she and her colleagues provide direct services to families who receive prenatal or pediatric care at Greater Seacoast's health centers in Portsmouth and Somersworth, including mental health assessment and intervention, parent-child relationship support, developmental observation, parent consultation and support, and referral assistance.

"The goal is to be able to intervene earlier where young children and their families are in need so we can improve their health and well-being," Schreiber said. "We know that having a good early start and supportive and nurturing caregiver/child relationships makes for a healthier, happier future for children."

"Ellyn is so deserving of this award and we are extremely proud of her passion and commitment to working with our young children and their families facing challenges," said Jocelyn Caple, CEO, Greater Seacoast Community Health. "Her work has a deep and significant impact on the communities we serve, and we know her work is pivotal in the lives of children and their families."