Art, Play, & Healing: An Integrative East-West Conference on Whole Child Mental Health
Saturday, October 3, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM PT
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Tamkin Auditorium (B-130)
757 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Early Bird Registration: $35 (through August 31)
Regular Registration: $50 (beginning September 1)
Registration closes September 19, 2026. We encourage participants to register early to take advantage of the early bird rate and secure their spot!
As the pediatric mental health crisis continues to grow, this year's conference will highlight evidence-based, non-pharmacological approaches that support the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of children. Through keynote presentations and interactive workshops, participants will explore how integrative medicine and the creative arts can serve as practical tools for fostering resilience and healing.
Featured Speakers
Workshops
Concurrent Session I
Music Therapy & Art Therapy
Natalie Duque, M.A., M.Ed., MT-BC | Jessica Bianchi, EdD, ATR-BC, LMFT
Arts & Healing Initiative
Creative Writing for Healing: Letters of Kindness, Connection & Joy
Jon Glaser
The Aerin Project
When Parenting and Caregiving Is Hard: Practical Tools for Resilience, Balance and Connection
Samantha Levy, PhD
Creative Healing for Youth in Pain
Concurrent Session II
Pediatric Tuina & Acupressure Massage for Better Sleep
Sandi Chiu, PhD, LAc
UCLA Center for East-West Medicine
Ayurveda & Nutrition for Mental Health
Meena S. Makhijani, DO
UCLA Health
Dance & Movement as Medicine
Shiv Nadkarni, MD
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
This conference is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, professionals, and high school students interested in supporting children’s health and well-being. To ensure the best experience for all attendees, the sessions are intended for high school and adult participants only.
Parking and Directions
Valet Parking: Valet parking is available at the front entrance of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095.
Self-Parking: Self-parking is available at Campus Parking Structure P8, 555 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095. Park on the top level and purchase an hourly permit at the parking pay station.
*Effective July 1, 2026, parking rates have increased. Please visit the UCLA Transportation website for current rates and patient parking locations.
Getting to the Venue
Tamkin Auditorium (B130) is located inside Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (RRUMC). From the main entrance of RRUMC, take the stairs down to the B Level and follow signs to Tamkin Auditorium.