Dr. Danie Rice, PhD, LMSW, MSA, IMH-E®

Co-Executive Director, Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health

Dr. Danie Rice is a visionary leader, scholar, and advocate whose career bridges research, practice, and policy to strengthen systems that support Michigan’s youngest children and their families. As Co-Executive Director of the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health (MI-AIMH)—the statewide professional association advancing infant and early childhood mental health through training, credentialing, and policy leadership—Dr. Rice has spearheaded transformative initiatives that elevate workforce quality, expand access to infant and early childhood mental health supports, and embed equity and reflective practice across the field.

A Zero to Three Fellow and nationally recognized expert in early childhood systems change, Dr. Rice has delivered keynote addresses and leadership trainings in more than 35 states and two countries. Her presentations at forums such as the NASLEE Roundtable, South Carolina Association for Infant Mental Health Annual Conference, and MI-AIMH’s Reflective Supervision & Practice Symposium have inspired thousands of professionals to lead with courage, authenticity, and inclusion. Her scholarly work—featured in the Infant Mental Health Journal and other national platforms—advances data-driven strategies that foster trust, belonging, and cultural responsiveness within early childhood systems.

What sets Dr. Rice apart is her unwavering commitment to mentorship, equity, and community care. She has created identity-based healing and belonging spaces for Black and Brown professionals, elevating their voices and expanding leadership pathways that were once closed. A dedicated mentor to students and early-career professionals—particularly African American women in mental health, social work, and education—she models integrity, compassion, and strategic brilliance. Her mentorship blends leadership development with practical problem-solving, helping professionals clarify priorities, manage change, and build strong partnerships that strengthen family-serving programs.

Dr. Rice’s leadership has been pivotal in implementing Michigan’s infant mental health informed credentialing model for early childhood professionals, ensuring that those who work with babies and families have the highest standards, the best training, and supportive professional environments. She has coached and trained hundreds of nonprofit and governmental leaders to deliver measurable results and build sustainable programs that serve families with care and equity.

Deeply rooted in Detroit’s community, Dr. Rice exemplifies the best of Michigan’s next generation of African American leadership—visionary, grounded, and community-driven. Her service extends through statewide and national coalitions advancing perinatal, infant, and early childhood well-being, where she partners with grassroots organizations to amplify family and provider voices in shaping equitable policy. Through MI-AIMH and beyond, she continues to expand reflective supervision, infant mental health consultation, and workforce training throughout Detroit and across Michigan, ensuring that every family—regardless of zip code—has access to knowledgeable, compassionate care.

Dr. Rice’s leadership embodies the belief that when we nurture those who care for babies, we transform communities and create a more just, thriving future for all.