Mary Ruth Hackett holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, with an emphasis in parenting and identity development. Her passion for helping others make informed and intentional choices in daily Catholic life led to the development of her podcast Parenting Smarts and an unexpected career in writing and speaking about the practical applications of developmental psychology. A regular contributor to Spiritualdirection.com, Blessed is She, and The Catholic Sun, Mary Ruth writes and teaches at the important intersection of faith and science, blending them both in the original harmony God intended. Born and raised in Arizona, Mary Ruth resides in the Phoenix area with her husband and four children – all of whom provide plenty of practical experience to complement the theory and research that informs her work. When she’s not writing, speaking, or watching youth sports, you might find her enjoying a cup of coffee and a good book, or mapping out her next travel adventure. Discover more resources and reflections at MaryRuthHackett.com.