Dr. Rene Hackney wears many hats, most notably as wife to husband Troy and mom to beautiful daughters Alicen (11) and Claire (8). She is also "Miss Rene" to preschoolers and "Dr. Rene" to parents, having earned her MA in school psychology and Ph.D. in developmental psychology. But around here, most know her simply as Rene, a parenting and child development specialist and the founder and creator of Parenting Playgroups – Where Parents Learn and Children Play.

A native Virginian, Rene grew up in Williamsburg and from a very early age knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her love of children and interest in psychology led her to James Madison University for her undergraduate degree and George Mason University for graduate school. As she pursued her education, Rene gained valuable real-life and clinical experience as a preschool teacher at the Country Day School in McLean, VA, as an intern in the Developmental Clinic at the esteemed Children’s National Medical Center, and working for Child Find in the public schools.

In 2004, Rene created Parenting Playgroup's highly successful Workshops for parents and Programs for children ages 1 to 10 years old. Rene’s practical and balanced approach helps moms and dads learn about options and best practices that lead to happy, healthy children.

Rene is also a much called upon expert who teaches and trains educators and social service providers in the areas of child development. A trusted friend, confidante and colleague, Rene shows her commitment each and every day to the many families enrolled in Parenting Playgroups programs.

Like so many parents, Rene is very involved in her daughter’s activities, from piano and swimming to play dates, life is full in the Hackney home. One of Rene’s great loves is reading and she enjoys sharing this passion with her children. A favorite book from her childhood is Harriet the Spy!

Rene welcomes all parents and children to experience Parenting Playgroups Classes and Workshops...Where Parents Learn and Children Play.

DrRene@parentingplaygroups.com

Barbara Evans is currently a school psychologist in the Fairfax County Public Schools. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and holds a Masters degree in school psychology from George Mason University. She has led social skills groups with elementary and middle school children from various backgrounds and nationalities. A large part of her current job entails helping children be successful in the classroom and working with parents to help them understand the needs of their children. Prior to working as a psychologist, Barbara was a full-time preschool teacher.

"Miss Maddi"

Madhuri Ralph is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who worked for the Manassas City Public Schools. She holds a Masters degree in school psychology from George Mason University. While with Manassas City she provided full evaluations, consultations, behavior management plans, group and individual counseling. She also provided in-services on ADHD, suicide prevention and parenting workshops. Prior to this she was a program coordinator for a Supported Independence Program and worked as a preschool teacher.

Rachel Kappeler has been associated with Parenting Playgroups, Inc., since it opened in 2004.  She is a Northern VA native currently living in Lorton with her husband, son, two step-children and a dog. Rachel has a degree in Early Childhood Education with over 17 years experience teaching preschool.  Rachel currently works in the Alexandria office as both a preschool teacher and the office manager. Away from work, she spend her time keeping up with her family's busy schedule!

Rachel@parentingplaygroups.com

Claire Branson is a Northern Virginia native, currently living in Alexandria with her husband and two daughters.  Her youngest, Emi, is a fixture at Parenting Playgroups, as was daughter Vivi before starting kindergarten!  Claire started working at Parenting Playgroups in 2005, after graduating from their Play & Workshop series with flying colors!  She has a BS in Sociology from North Carolina State and has been working with young children for almost twenty years, including working as a lifeguard and water safety instructor, as well as a "tot instructor" for Fairfax County Parks & Rec.  When not working, Claire enjoys being outdoors and visiting nature centers with her children.

Melissa Hendrix is a military spouse of 11 years. After travel all over the US and overseas, she is hoping to become a permanent Northern Virginian and settle in DC. She has two wonderful children ages 10 & 5. Melissa's 5 year old son has autism and so she has taken on the roll of advocating for special needs children. She volunteers at her son's school working with young children with autism, and works for the Autism Relief Foundation as their Outreach Coordinator. Her weekends are consumed watching her very athletic daughter in her various sports.

Tracey Friday is a Northern Virginia native, currently living in Fairfax with her family, including three daughters ages 9, 11 and 12.  She enjoys exercise and outdoors, and loves being a "sports mom" to her girls.  Tracey has a BS in Biology from George Mason University, and has been working at Parenting Playgroups since 2005.  When not at Parenting Playgroups or her girls' sporting events, Miss Tracey can be found helping out in the family restaurant business. 

Dawn Herron has been working with children for more than 20 years in many different capacities. She has taught violin, ceramics, art, geography and soccer to children ages 3-adult. For her undergraduate degree, she volunteered at an “at risk” after school program for children 3-18 years of age. She also worked as a job coach and life skills teacher for developmentally disabled youth at California State University Long Beach. Additionally, Dawn has worked as an entertainer singing songs and telling stories to children and families. In her spare time, she hikes, builds with blocks, plays “store,” “puppy” and “tag” with her two young sons, and loves to travel. 

Susannah Clifford was born and raised in the Northern Virginia area. She began working with young children in high school when she worked at Reston Children's Center in the Infant-Toddler Center. She went on to James Madison University where she earned a B.S. in Psychology, and then to George Mason University where she got a Masters Degree in Applied Developmental Psychology. During her last semester at GMU, Susannah was an intern for Dr. Rene in their Alexandria location, and loved it so much she came back to be a preschool teacher. Outside of Parenting Playgroups, Susannah spoils her cat and spends time with her nephew and other members of her family!