Deborah MacNamara

Deborah MacNamara is a clinical counselor, developmentalist, and educator with over 25 years of experience. She is on faculty at the Neufeld Institute and is the Director of Kid's Best Bet, a counseling center for families. MacNamara translates developmental science into practical applications for parents, educators, and professionals, focusing on understanding children's behavior and emotional needs. She is the author of several books, including the bestselling "Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one)" and "Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love)." She also authored the children's picture book "The Sorry Plane." MacNamara travels internationally, speaking on child and adolescent development to various groups, including the United Nations and the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education. Her work is rooted in the relational-developmental approach of Dr. Gordon Neufeld.