Meet Dr. Rene Hackney

Rene wears many hats, most notably as wife to husband Troy & mom to beautiful daughters Alicen 11 and Claire 8.

She is also Miss Rene to preschoolers and Dr. Rene, having earned her Ph.D. in developmental psychology. But around here, most know her simply as Rene, a parenting & child development specialist and the founder and creator of Parenting Playgroups - Where Parents Learn and Children Play, located in Northern Virginia.

AskDrRene.com is a national extension of Parenting Playgroups, offering her support to parents living all across the United States (and other countries). Using today's technology, including the Internet, Audio and Video, they can benefit from her parenting training techniques and helpful parenting support, just like someone right down the street from her.

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 and George Mason University where she completed her schooling.

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 Playgroups highly successful Workshops for parents and Programs for children ages 15 months to 10 years old. And in 2008, Rene created AskDrRene.com to extend her help nationwide.

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 AskDrRene.com and Parenting Playgroups programs.

Like so many parents, Rene is very involved in her daughters' 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 parents and children to experience all that AskDrRene.com offers them.

And if you live in the Northern Virginia area, be sure and check out Dr. Rene at Parenting Playgroups.