Brian Lopez
Announcing the Keynotes for the 2026 Nashville Conference
Announcing the keynote presentations and presenters for the 2026 Twentieth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma in Nashville:
Silly the Clown: Mothers Give Voice to the Voiceless 30 Years Later
Matthew Torbenson, JD, Deputy District Attorney for Milwaukee County (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Christine Reuter (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Brenda Kowalczyk (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Michole Chaffee (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Amy Schwalbach (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Incidence of Paediatric Abusive Head Trauma: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression of Studies from 16 Countries
Laura Cowley, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, Senior Research Officer, Data Scientist for Swansea University Medical School (Wales, UK)
After the Ruling: The Ripple Effects of the New Jersey Supreme Court’s AHT Decision
Sandeep Narang, MD, JD, FAAP, Professor of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin Chief, Section of Child Advocacy and Protection, Child Advocacy and Protection Services, Children’s Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Matthew Torbenson, JD, Deputy District Attorney for Milwaukee County (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Melissa Kelly, JD, Assistant State Attorney in Charge, Broward State Attorney's Office, (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA)
Motes and Beams: A Way Forward
Chris Greeley, MD, MS, FAAP, Chief, Division of Public Health Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Vice Chair for Community Health, Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX, USA)
Bad Press: Media vs Reality in Abusive Head Trauma Cases
Andrea Dunlop, Author and Podcaster, Nobody Should Believe Me (Seattle, WA, USA)
Register for the conference today and save $75 with Early Bird pricing. http://dontshake.org/register
2026 Resources for Families
The NCSBS recognizes that families and caregivers of victims of SBS may need additional support and services during their stay in Nashville. The Loews Vanderbilt Hotel offers multiple accessible rooms and can accommodate additional requests to help make your stay as stress free as possible. Click this link for more information about the hotel's accessibility options. For a guide to navigating accessibility in Nashville, please visit this link.
Financial Support
Limited funding is available this year to provide scholarships to families of victims of SBS/AHT. Families who have not attended an SBS/AHT Conference in the past or who have not received a scholarship from the NCSBS will be given priority. These funds shall be used exclusively towards hotel and travel costs. This assistance will be awarded in amounts up to $750. Funds will be reimbursed at the beginning of the conference with the submission of all applicable receipts. To apply for the scholarship, please fill out the application found below. A committee will review all applications award based on financial need and desired outcomes of conference attendance.
Scholarships are available thanks to the generous support of:
Applying for scholarships does not guarantee you will receive assistance.
Download the Scholarship Application and fill in the requested fields. Please email with any questions.
Keynote Presentations
Keynote Presentations
Silly the Clown: Mothers Give Voice to the Voiceless 30 Years Later
Matthew Torbenson, JD, Deputy District Attorney for Milwaukee County (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Christine Reuter (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Brenda Kowalczyk (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Michole Chaffee (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Amy Schwalbach (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Incidence of Paediatric Abusive Head Trauma: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression of Studies from 16 Countries
Laura Cowley, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, Senior Research Officer, Data Scientist for Swansea University Medical School (Wales, UK)
After the Ruling: The Ripple Effects of the New Jersey Supreme Court’s AHT Decision
Sandeep Narang, MD, JD, FAAP, Professor of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin Chief, Section of Child Advocacy and Protection, Child Advocacy and Protection Services, Children’s Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Matthew Torbenson, JD, Deputy District Attorney for Milwaukee County (Milwaukee, WI, USA)
Melissa Kelly, JD, Assistant State Attorney in Charge, Broward State Attorney's Office, (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA)
Motes and Beams: A Way Forward
Chris Greeley, MD, MS, FAAP, Chief, Division of Public Health Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Vice Chair for Community Health, Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX, USA)
Bad Press: Media vs Reality in Abusive Head Trauma Cases
Andrea Dunlop, Author and Podcaster, Nobody Should Believe Me (Seattle, WA, USA)
Stacy Nielsen
Giving Times Archives
Spring/Summer 2025
Click to View the Spring/Summer 2025 Newsletter in a Web Browser
Letter from Executive Director
from Executive Director, Danielle Vázquez
Following the heartfelt introduction from our new Development Director, I want to extend my own warm welcome to Cathy on behalf of our entire team. We are thrilled to have such passion and experience joining our mission to prevent shaken baby syndrome and improve the wellbeing of infants and families. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our impact and deepen our connection with supporters like you.
As we celebrate 25 years of advocacy, education, and prevention, we are deeply reminded that we simply could not have come this far without your support. Every milestone we’ve reached has been made possible by donors like you - your commitment fuels our work and gives hope to the families we serve.
If you’re able, please consider making a gift today to help us continue this life-saving work for the next 25 years and beyond.
With gratitude,
Danielle Vázquez
Executive Director
National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
Letter from Catherine Green, Director of Development
A Personal "Hello"from Catherine Green
NCSBS New Director of Development
What struck me most when I arrived was the warmth of the staff. Seeing holiday cards from survivors and families of SBS/AHT still displayed in the breakroom months later, demonstrated to me early on how this organization clearly leads with heart. And our healthcare partners? They’re on the front lines, delivering critical education to parents and caregivers before they even leave the hospital. Through our Period of PURPLE Crying® program, I now help families navigate those challenging moments with evidence-based tools and support that truly make a difference, even for my own family.
Being here has also brought back vivid memories of my early days as a new mom, those moments of asking, “Why won’t my baby stop crying?” And this year, I even became a first-time grandma! That full-circle moment has made my work here even more meaningful.
I look forward to getting to know more of you—our friends, partners, and supporters—whether it’s over the phone, a cup of tea, or lunch. Thank you for walking this path with us.
Warmly,
Catherine Green
Director of Development | National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
Anniversary Gala Success
25th Anniversary Gala Brings an Outpouring of Love and Support for NCSBS
In the words of NCSBS Executive Director, Danielle Vazquez, “Our 25th Anniversary Gala was a resounding success!” The celebration took place at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah, where we welcomed 150 supporters, board members, staff, and volunteers—all champions of the NCSBS mission. “We raised a significant sum to support our programs, and the evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, inspiring presentations, and joyful connections. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and generosity of our community, and we look forward to celebrating 25 more years of shaken baby/abusive head trauma prevention impact together,” said Vazquez.
Planning for the gala was an all-hands-on-deck effort from our team. We chose to have the event in April in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. With the date set, preparation began and involved coordinating the details for the venue, selecting live musicians, creating the center piece decorations, and spreading the word on social media.
One of our standout steps was to create a timeline of the NCSBS’ history and accomplishments to be presented at the event. Executive Director Vazquez connected with our founder and former Executive Director, Marilyn Barr, and began diving into archives to recount stories, milestones, and key events that have shaped the organization over the past quarter-century. After 25 years of service, the NCSBS has stood the test of time, and was established before some of our staff were even born! At the 25th Anniversary Gala, we reflected with pride on the mission-driven progress we have made.
The gala evening began with a welcome address by Board Chair Bryce Froerer, JD, who thanked the NCSBS staff: “Your dedication drives everything we do.” He recognized both current and former board members for their leadership and paid tribute to the families of victims and survivors saying, “You are at the heart of our work.” He also acknowledged our many supporters who couldn’t attend due to distance and expressed gratitude to the generous sponsors who helped make the event possible.
Executive Director, Danielle Vazquez, who has led the NCSBS since 2022 with a tenure spanning 18 years, then took the stage for a toast: “Here’s to the children and families we’ve served, to the survivors and the stories that inspire us, to the tireless dedication of our staff, board, and supporters, and to a future where every baby is safe and every caregiver is supported. To 25 years, and to the next 25.”
Next, we had the opportunity to share the timeline of the NCSBS’ history and accomplishments through a presentation produced by the NCSBS marketing team, “A Look Back at 25 Years of impact.” It was a powerful retrospective of our work, highlighting national and international reach over the past twenty-five years through infographics, data, and milestones. The presentation emphasized lifesaving educational and prevention programs and featured collaborations with hospitals, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the presentation came from the families of victims, survivors, and healthcare professionals who advocate for SBS/AHT prevention. In a video put together by the NCSBS marketing team, our longtime friends and partners in prevention answered the question: “What does the NCSBS’s 25th anniversary mean to you?”
“Without your sensitivity, compassion, and guidance early on, we would not have survived.”
“You helped me share my story and supported my undergraduate research as a survivor of SBS.”
“I’ve made priceless connections and found the courage to share my experience in hopes of preventing this abuse from happening to another child.”
“NCSBS changed the trajectory for children who’ve been shaken—and became a source of strength for me.”
“You gave me a way to turn pain into purpose.”
The responses struck a chord with attendees, many of whom were visibly moved by the stories and the work accomplished over the past 25 years. It served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, reinforcing just how far-reaching and necessary the mission of NCSBS remains. (Watch the video in the YouTube player)
“Looking ahead to the next chapter, we acknowledge the work still to be done,” said Vazquez. “We dream of a world where no child is harmed this way again, and where every caregiver isequipped with the resources, education, and compassion they need to thrive.”
THANK YOU to the following businesses and individuals whose generosity made this event possible
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Register for the Nashville SBS Conference
Registration is OPEN!
2026 Registration Prices (Early Bird Discount of $75 if Registered by May 1, 2026)
| Physicians | $675 |
| General | $575 |
| Students* | $375 |
| Families of Victims | $250*** |
| Survivors | Free |
| Groups of 5-9** | $525 per attendee |
| Groups of 10+** | $475 per attendee |
| Baby Bootcamp for Trauma Investigators Only |
$150 per attendee |
| Baby Bootcamp for Trauma Investigators Add-On |
$125 per attendee |
*Requires a field of study/year and affiliations for registration
**Email for information on registering as a group
**Requires that groups register together and pay in full as one transaction
***Price appears as $325 in registration form but will charge $250
Registration rates include access to all keynote, breakout sessions and opening reception. The NCSBS will provide two breaks per day which includes coffee and snack items. Lunch is on your own.
Take advantage of our Early Bird pricing and register by May 1, 2026 to save $75.00.
Register for the conference by clicking this button: REGISTER NOW
Babies and Toddlers (BaT) Baby Bootcamp for Trauma Investigators
The NCSBS in partnership with Babies and Toddlers, Inc will be hosting an investigators' bootcamp directly before the SBS/AHT conference on Monday, September 21, 2026. The bootcamp offers specific, practical investigative and courtroom training for any law enforcement or legal professional involved in these complex cases. You can register for the Bootcamp as an add-on to the International Conference on SBS/AHT or you can register to attend the Bootcamp only. An agenda and more details will be available soon.
Conference Loyalty Program
Don't forget that if you attended our 2022 International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) in Philadelphia and/or the 2024 conference in Salt Lake City you save up to 15% on your individual registration price. This discount cannot be combined with anyone receiving the group discount. Our Conference Attendee Loyalty Program introduced at the Philadelphia conference rewards our frequent attendees and places attendees in three tiers*:
- Ally: Earn 10% off registration fees after attending one conference
- Use Coupon Code "AllyNash2026" in the registration form**
- Supporter: Earn 15% off after two conferences attended
- Use Coupon Code "Supporter2026" in the registration form**
- Champion: Earn 20% off after three conferences attended
* Attendance credit began with the 2022 Philadelphia conference.
** The NCSBS will confirm eligibility for this coupon code. Anyone ineligible who uses this code will be required to pay the difference prior to attending the conference.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations 30 days or sooner before the conference will not be accepted. Cancellations more than 30 days prior to the conference are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
Email Catherine at or call 801-447-9360 ext.112 if you have any questions about the conference.
Rooted Monthly Giving
Why Become a Rooted Monthly Giver?
When you join, you’re doing more than making a donation; you are helping to equip parents and caregivers nationwide with the skills and confidence to respond safely when babies won’t stop crying. Your support makes it possible for us to deliver expert-led education in hospitals, schools, clinics, and community centers. It also ensures that families affected by SBS/AHT receive the compassionate, trauma-informed guidance and resources they need to heal.
Monthly giving provides reliable funding, which helps the NCSBS plan ahead and expand our programs where they are needed most. Even a modest monthly contribution of $5 adds up to a powerful, long-term impact. And once your gift is set up, it runs automatically, allowing you to make a difference every day without lifting a finger.
Any Additional Benefits to Rooted Monthly Giving?
Absolutely. Here are a few of additional perks for our monthly givers:
- Special monthly social media posts across our channels thanking and listing the names of our monthly givers
- Rooted Monthly givers will be featured in our Giving Times Newsletter distributed to thousands of our donors and supporters
- Feature story for any Rooted Monthly giver who wishes to be share their story of why they became a monthly giver
- First access to special events and giveaways conducted by the NCSBS
- Complimentary Blu-ray of the documentary "like, share, comment & subscribe" featuring the story of Josh Sorrels, victim of shaken baby syndrome
- Complimentary book "Claire's Voice" written by Michelle Fishpaw, mother of Claire, victim of shaken baby syndrome, about their family's experience raising a survivor of SBS/AHT
To become a Rooted Monthly giver, simply put the amount you wish to donate on a monthly basis on our donation form and check the box "Make this donation Monthly" on the form and schedule the donation for at least one year (12 times).
2026 Nashville Abstract
Abstract Submission
Interested in presenting at the Twentieth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma? Join other world-renowned experts and share your latest research, policies, investigative techniques, legal expertise and prevention efforts focused on shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma.
The NCSBS is now accepting abstracts for workshop and poster presentations. The program planning committee is looking for abstracts to present from the following areas of expertise:
- Latest medical diagnostic and treatment of SBS/AHT cases
- Investigative and legal procedures and techniques
- Evidence-based and creative SBS/AHT prevention initiatives and programs
- Support for families and rehabilitation for victims of SBS/AHT
All contact information must be included as well as a thorough biography. The abstract will need to be submitted as a separate document with a word minimum of 200 words and a maximum of 1000. The abstract file must be uploaded as a Microsoft Word or PDF document. Please note: presentations with commercial interest will not be accepted.
Accepted abstract presenters will be responsible for own travel and registration costs. Co-authors presenting must also register for the conference.
Please Read the Abstract Submission Requirements Document Before Submitting an Abstract
Abstract Submission Requirements
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Abstracts Due February 27, 2026
Any questions can be directed to the NCSBS Conference Team at (801) 447-9360 or .
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NCSBS Finalist for Community Impact Award
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) Finalist for Community Impact Award
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) is honored to be a finalist for the Community Impact Award by the Davis Chamber of Commerce Utah. This year, we celebrate our 25th anniversary of serving our community through educating families about Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention. The NCSBS has educated more than 330,000 Utah families through our Period of PURPLE Crying program and trained thousands of childcare providers through our online and live Childcare Providers Intro to SBS/AHT course.
The award winner will be announced at the Annual Davis Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Banquet on September 25 at the Davis Conference Center. More info about the banquet at https://bit.ly/davischamberawards
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
NCSBS Celebratory Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Farmington, UT — On the morning of April 15, 2025, the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) proudly marked its 25th Anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its headquarters in Farmington. The event was not only a milestone but also a renewed commitment to preventing infant abuse through education, awareness, and community partnership.
Honoring the Past, Looking to the Future
It was a picture-perfect spring day as friends, partners, and staff gathered in front of the NCSBS office. The entrance was lined with colorful banners and a striking large metallic gold numeral “25” balloon to mark the occasion. Guests mingled over a festive spread of fresh fruit, a charcuterie board, and cupcakes topped with lit candles.
The ceremony began with a heartfelt speech from Farmington Mayor Brett Anderson, who emphasized the critical role prevention organizations play in protecting families. He spoke about the need for continued education and support to ensure that caregivers have the tools to cope during difficult moments—before harm can occur.
NCSBS Board Chair Bryce Froerer shared a brief reflection on the organization’s history, expressing appreciation for the board of directors and their dedication to the mission over the years. He then introduced board member Emily Bodily, who courageously shared her personal story of losing her infant son to SBS/AHT at the hands of her ex-husband. She spoke about the compassionate support she received from NCSBS and how it helped her find purpose and healing through advocacy.
To close the ceremony, Executive Director Danielle Vazquez and representatives from the Davis Chamber of Commerce, stepped forward with the ceremonial scissors. As Vazquez made the final cut, cheers rang out from the crowd, celebrating both the past 25 years of impact and the bright future ahead.
Watch the KSL News story by clicking the play button on the video.
Medical Consensus
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General Consensus
In May 2018, The Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR), American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology (ASPNR), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR), American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), Swedish Paediatric Society, Norwegian Pediatric Association and Japanese Pediatric Society published a joint consensus statement on abusive head trauma/shaken baby syndrome. This is the most comprehensive and complete consensus statement published to date. The statement is published in Pediatric Radiology.
American Academy of Pediatrics
The AAP's Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Children: Technical Report provides a thorough review of the evidence-based literature around AHT. Additionally, the AAP's Technical Report describes the incidence of AHT, risk factors for AHT, and details the thorough clinical evaluation of a victim who presents with suspected AHT.The American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Shaken Baby Syndrome (also known as Shaken Impact Syndrome) is a serious form of abuse inflicted upon a child. It usually occurs when a parent or other caregiver shakes a baby out of anger or frustration, often because the baby will not stop crying.Canadian Joint Statement on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma
Shaken Baby Syndrome is a collection of findings, all of which may not be present in any individual child with the condition. Injuries that characterize Shaken Baby Syndrome are intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in and around the brain); retinal hemorrhage (bleeding in the retina of the eye); and fractures of the ribs and at the ends of the long bones.The American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology participated in the production of the AAP's Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Children: Technical Report and have staff recognized as authors and liaisons on the final report.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Abusive head trauma (AHT), which includes shaken baby syndrome, is a preventable and severe form of physical child abuse that results in an injury to the brain of an infant or child. AHT is most common in children under age five, with children under one year of age at most risk. It is caused by violent shaking or blunt impact.The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
A child suspected of abusive head injury is referred by paediatricians to an ophthalmologist for evaluation. The incidence of abusive head injury in children is highest in infancy and less frequently seen in children over 3 years of age. Retinal haemorrhages have a high positive predictive rate for abusive head injury.French Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
SBS is a type of inflicted, non-accidental or abusive head injury caused by shaking (either alone or combined with an impact). It mainly occurs in babies under the age of one. It is thought that 180 to 200 children per year are victims of this type of abuse in France, although this value is certainly an underestimate. Failure to diagnose SBS increases the likelihood of recurrence.American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS), also known as non-accidental trauma (NAT) , is a diagnosis that may include a combination of findings including broken long bones such as arms or legs, skull fractures, brain bleeding and retinal hemorrhages. SBS occurs when a baby is shaken repeatedly, often by a frustrated caretaker in an effort to quiet an inconsolable baby. The eyes are examined in suspected cases of SBS as part of an overall examination of a child when abuse is suspected. Permanent damage to vision can also occur as a result of direct injury to the eye or the brain. Damage to the brain is the main reason for poor vision.
Research
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Articles Everyone Should Know
These are some of the most relevant research articles about Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma that will aid a lay person wanting to learn more about this form of child abuse.
Recent Research
The list below contains the most recent research relevant to SBS/AHT published during the past few years. The list cites the article’s title, author(s), title of the periodical or book, publication date and a link to the abstract or full article (if available).
State Specific Legislation
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Please click on a state to see the legislation related to shaken baby syndrome specific to that state.
FAQ
Attention on Prevention Podcast
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Attention on Prevention podcast brings in guests to talk about the prevention of child and infant maltreatment as well as delve into other parenting issues. We'll bring in families of victims of abuse and victims themselves to discuss their stories, world experts in various medical fields to discuss current research and past experiences as well as other guests with legal and prevention backgrounds. Brought to you by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. You can find each month's episode here on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.
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