Healthy Parenting Expo 2025

See the featured speakers at the inaugural Healthy Parenting Expo. Scroll down for the draft programme.

Speakers on Saturday, 17 May 2025

Nicole Alleyne, MSc, RN, SANE, is a Mental Health Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, and Healthcare Educator. She holds an MSc in Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing from UWI Mona and trained in forensic nursing at Duquesne University. Currently a Registered Nurse at the Psychiatric Hospital, she co-owns Hibiscus Health Caribbean Inc., focusing on medical education for healthcare providers.

With experience in nursing, rehabilitation therapy, pharmaceuticals, and leadership, Nicole has worked in mental health, elderly care, and domestic violence advocacy. She previously coordinated Continuing Medical Education (CME) events, served as a Rehabilitation Therapist in St. Kitts and Nevis, and worked in the hotel industry.

A motivational speaker, researcher, and certified Health Coach, she has studied in Canada, the USA, Jamaica, and Barbados, earning certifications in leadership and project management. She was awarded a Duke University scholarship in 2019 and has been actively involved in professional education and advocacy. As the past president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Barbados, she has championed leadership and public speaking. Her mission is to empower individuals to improve their health and unlock their full potential.

Anderson Langdon

As a CEO and Executive Director, I lead with a tenacious drive to transform health access across our communities. We are building a future where every individual can make empowered health choices with dignity and support. I am relentless in overcoming obstacles, cultivating resilience within our team, and forging strategic partnerships that expand our reach and deepen our impact. By setting ambitious goals and empowering our organization to achieve them, I ensure we deliver sustainable, life-changing outcomes for those we serve.

Fabian Sargeant is a Social Development Consultant with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Public Health, both obtained from the University of the West Indies. He has extensive experience in Barbados as a facilitator and trainer for parent groups, having been trained in the Solihull Approach to Parenting. Mr. Sargeant possesses a strong commitment to social justice and the empowerment of men, which has inspired him to establish the leading organization in Barbados focused on men’s empowerment, the Men Empowerment Network Support (MENS). Additionally, he serves as a Justice of the Peace.

Dr. Tiffany Jordan is a general medical care provider with a specialization in HIV medicine and sexual and reproductive health. She graduated in 2013 as part of the inaugural class of the medical program at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in Barbados, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences with distinction, as well as her Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery. Driven by a passion to provide medical care to those living with HIV, Dr. Jordan’s commitment to this cause was sparked during an elective in Durban, South Africa, during her final year of medical school. There, she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of advanced HIV-associated illnesses, particularly on young people. Upon returning to Barbados, she joined the Ministry of Health, where she worked as a Clinical Medical Officer in the HIV/STI program for 9 years. During this time, Dr.Jordan earned a Post Graduate Diploma in HIV Medicine and became a leading advocate for improving public knowledge about HIV to combat stigma, ensure universal access to HIV/STI testing and treatment, and improve specialized psychological care for adolescents living with HIV. She continues to work with the HIV/STI programme on initiatives to improve universal access to testing and treatment. Currently, Dr. Jordan serves as the Clinical Director of the BFPA, formerly known as the Barbados Family Planning Association. In her role, she oversees clinical operations and leads initiatives aimed at advancing sexual and reproductive health care across the country. Her dedication to public health extends beyond her clinical practice, as she actively engages in health education workshops and lectures to both the lay public and medical personnel and students; community health outreach collaborations, and engages in advocacy and volunteer work to ensure better healthcare access for all, particularly those affected by HIV and other marginalized groups in society. Dr. Jordan’s career reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals living with HIV and advancing the quality of sexual and reproductive healthcare in Barbados.

Terry Best-Thompson possesses a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s in
Counselling Psychology. She is a generalist practitioner who is dedicated to
empowering others. Terry, who is the Counselling Coordinator at Parent Education
for Development in Barbados (PAREDOS) has been tasked with reminding persons
of their worth and the importance of self-care, effective communication and empathy
while parenting and co-parenting. She adopts the role of educator, mediator,
negotiator and advocate in her practice, and she is patient, attentive, empathetic and
open-minded. Her goal is to continuously provide a safe and trusting environment
where clients feel free, comfortable and secure while enhancing their abilities to
function effectively in every aspect of their lives.

Alison, a Paediatrician with over 20 years of experience, trained in the UK before returning to Barbados in 2011. She runs a private practice providing care for children from birth to 16 years and passionately supports breastfeeding mothers. A Member of the Royal College of Paediatrics, Alison earned a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Liverpool. In 2015 she co-founded the Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation (BCNF) to enhance child nutrition and reduce non-communicable diseases. The impetus for starting the charity was born out of the challenges of breastfeeding her own children, as well as discovering low rates of breastfeeding on her return to Barbados in 2011.

Alison also contributes to national breastfeeding policies, workplace wellness initiatives, and publishes articles on health topics for the NCD Commission and other platforms.

Dr. Rhea is a pediatric physical therapist with 17 years of experience and a passion for early childhood development, movement, and maternal wellness. With ChampionMom, Dr. Rhea provides early stimulation sessions, physical therapy and baby and toddler classes designed to support gross motor development, sensory play and overall well being. Dr. Rhea is dedicated to empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to foster their child’s development through purposeful movement and play.

‘The importance of Early stimulation’

 Research shows that early stimulation in the first few years of life is important to shape a child’s future. Early stimulation refers to engaging a baby or young child in purposeful activities that promote brain development, motor and social skills.

This session for expecting parents and parents of young children will provide information on why early stimulation is important and how to provide early stimulation for your child through play, sensory experiences and movement. By understanding the power of early stimulation, parents can be a champion for their child’s growth, learning and well being from the start.

Dr. Garth McIntyre is an obstetrician and parent. An honours graduate of the University of the West Indies, he went on to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, getting his MRCOG and subsequently his FRCOG. He was a lecturer in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of the West Indies for 24 years but last year he chose to continue his working life solely in private practice, allowing him more time for parenting. His passion for teaching and parenting makes him an excellent choice to talk to you today.

Proudly grew up in the tight  knit community of Crab Hill St. Lucy. 

Raised by the beautiful soul of a grandmother, and her village of aunties, uncles, cousins and two strong and inspirational parents. My parents I pressed upon me the value of trusting God, integrity and hard work. I am also trying daily to lead by example those attributes for my 7-year-old son to follow. I studied Law at the UWI Cave Hill campus obtaining my Bachelor of Law. I continued on to the Hugh Wooding Law School graduating with my Legal Education Certificate in 2016. I have been in private practice for 9 years in the areas of civil law , conveyancing, family law ,criminal law and estate law. I hope to contribute positively to the legal landscape   and to help balance the scales of justice for people of all walks of life. I am a strong believer in Christ, and I give God all the Glory for his blessings, mercy and grace provided to me daily. 

Dr. Jillian Clarke is a highly experienced ENT Consultant with over 25 years of expertise in otolaryngology. She trained in both the United Kingdom and Barbados and holds the distinction of being the first female ENT surgeon in Barbados. With a special interest in pediatric ENT, she has been instrumental in advancing the ear, nose, and throat care for children on the island. Dr. Clarke played a key role in implementing the neonatal hearing screening programme in Barbados, ensuring early detection and intervention for newborns with hearing impairments. She currently serves as the Head of the ENT Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she continues to lead advancements in patient care and medical training.

In today’s presentation on the importance of early hearing testing, Dr. Clarke will highlight the critical impact of early diagnosis and intervention on a child’s speech, language, and cognitive development. She will emphasize the critical need for newborn hearing screening which will allow for timely management of hearing loss, significantly improving a child’s ability to communicate and integrate into society.

Speakers on Sunday, 18 May 2025

Dr Clyde Cave

I graduated with an MBBS degree from the University of the West Indies (UWI) in 1980 and completed my internship at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) long before most of today’s audience was born. I went on to specialize in pediatrics at the renowned Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, where I also pursued subspecialty fellowships in Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology at both SickKids and Women’s College Hospital. In 1990, I returned to Barbados and have since been dedicated to pediatric private practice. Over the years, I have served in various capacities at QEH, including Consultant Paediatrician, Neonatologist, Head of Department, and Director of Medical Services, holding these roles from 1990 to 2023. In 1985, while testing children for dyslexia, I discovered that I myself was dyslexic—a revelation that came at nearly 30 years of age and provided clarity about much in my life.

Dr David Callender, Opthamologist

The only pediatric ophthalmologist in the Caribbean, stalwart, and mentor. During his tenure as Head of Department of Ophthalmology at the QEH he recruited the 5 subspecialists – cornea, oculoplastics, retina, neuro-ophthalmology and of course glaucoma!!!! He is one of the longest serving subspecialists at the QEH. Dr. Callender is also lead ophthalmologist at Regional Eye Clinic where he does double duty seeing both pediatric and adult patients.

Dr. Gillian Griffith, ENT

Eden Augustus, Nutritionist

Draft Programme

AGENDA DAY 1

TIME	LARGE GROUP	FACILITATOR/PRESENTER	TIME	SMALL GROUP	FACILITATOR/PRESENTER
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.                                   Registration                                                           Hibiscus Health
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.          Opening Remarks
9:20 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.	The Effects of Parenting with Untreated Trauma – ACEs	Nicole Alleyne, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Hospital
9:50 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.	Fatherhood: Gender-Equal Caring In the Modern Era	Anderson Langdon, CEO, BFPA	10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	DEMONSTRATION CPR on Infants and Children	Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados
10:20 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.	COFFEE BREAK PROVIDED BY DEVELOPMENT PARTNER UNICEF (on site)
10:50 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.	Successful Co-parenting	Terry Best-Thompson, Counselling Coordinator, PAREDOS
11:25 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.	Contraception Options for Planned Parenthood	Dr. Tiffany Jordan, Clinical Director, BFPA
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.     Family Financial Health 101: Raising Financially Fit Kids Start With You           BPWCCUL
12:35 p.m. – 1:05 p.m.	Eating Healthy for Two on a Budget	Eden Augustus, PAHO Consultant, Nutritionist
1:05 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.            LUNCH           PROVIDED BY DEVELOPMENT PARTNER UNICEF (on site)
2:05 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.	Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition preventing NCDs	Dr. Alison Bernard, director BCNF	2:05 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.	GUYS ONLY: Emotionally Intelligent Parenting	Fabian Sargeant, MENS
2:40 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.	The Importance of Early Stimulation	Dr. Rhea Clarke, paediatric physical therapist, AC Graham Development Centre
3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.	After the Fact – The Truth About Pre-eclampsia and Gestational Diabetes	Dr. Garth McIntyre, consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	DEMONSTRATION CPR on Infants and Children	Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados
3:50 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.	Ensuring Fairness: Understanding Access and Maintenance in Family Law	Faith Greaves, attorney-at-law
4:20 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.	The Impact of Vaccines	Dr. Carlene Radix, assistant Dean Global and Community Health, Ross University

AGENDA DAY 2

TIME	LARGE GROUP	FACILITATOR/PRESENTER	TIME	SMALL GROUPS	FACILITATOR/PRESENTER
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.	Registration	Hibiscus Health
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.	Preparing for Labour & Delivery	Krystal Holder, Registered Nurse,Midwife, QEH
9:35 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.	The Green Book: Uncovering the Hidden Chapters in Early Childhood	Dr. Clyde Cave, consultant paediatrician/nenonatologist
10:10 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.	Learning About Food Labels	Eden Augustus, PAHO Consultant, Nutritionist
10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.	COFFEE BREAK PROVIDED BY DEVELOPMENT PARTNER UNICEF (on site)
11:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.	The Importance of Exercise in Pregnancy and Beyond	Dr. Sonita Alexander, specialist family physician		GUYS ONLY: Emotionally Intelligent Parenting	Fabian Sargeant, MENS
11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.	Thriving Parents, Happy Families: Building Resilience	Ambria Holligan, counselling psychologist
12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.	From Conflict to Care: Legal Avenues for Protecting Families	Inspector Christine Husbands, TBPS Family Conflict Intervention Unit
12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.      LUNCH                   PROVIDED BY DEVELOPMENT PARTNER UNICEF (on site)
1:50 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.	Positive Discipline: Shaping Behaviour with Empathy and Boundaries	Terry Best-Thompson, Counselling Coordinator, PAREDOS
2:35 p.m. – 3:05 p.m.	Vaccine Preventable Diseases	Dr. Solange Kobi Jackson, paediatrician, PAHO
3:10 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.	Vision Matter: Spotting Visual Problems Before They Escalate	Dr. David Callender, paediatric ophthalmologist
3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.	Catch the Whisper: The Significance of Early Hearing Screening	Dr. Jillian Clarke, consultant ENT surgeon
4:20 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.	Financial Management      BPWCCUL
	CLOSING REMARKS