Dr. Rene Hackney wears many hats, most notably as wife to husband Troy and mom to beautiful daughters Alicen and Claire. 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

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 serves as office manager for Parenting Play Groups. 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.

Stephanie Campbell is originally from Texas but has lived in Virginia for the last 20 years. Stephanie has a BS in Educational Counseling and worked for most of her career as a case manager for homeless children in transitional housing programs and runaway youth in the Norfolk area. She is also co-owner of a family photography business. So when when Stephanie is not hanging out with her daughter or teaching at the pre-school you can find her snapping photos of babies and happy families.

Miss Allyson has worked with Parenting Playgroups since 2009. Miss Allyson grew up in the northern Virginia area and is currently a student at George Mason University where she is studying environmental science. In her spare time, she volunteers at the National Zoo.