Teaching Faculty

Martha E. Edwards, PhD

Martha E Edwards, PhD, is the Director of the Institute’s Center for the Developing Child and Family. Her interests include: child development in the context of the family, school, and culture; the determinants, outcomes, and processes of parenting; and the integration of family therapy and research, neurobiology, classical Adlerian psychoanalytic theory, and developmental psychology. Dr. Edwards has developed a longitudinal prevention program for infants, toddlers and their families called The Bright Beginnings Parent-Child Program, which integrates the ideas of Adler, Bowlby, and Vygotsky, and is designed to promote school readiness and the ongoing relational development of children and parents. Bright Beginnings has been implemented in New York City public schools, in community-based organizations, and as part of federal programs for at-risk families. Dr. Edwards is active in professional organizations, currently serving as the Vice President (and formerly as Board member, Research Committee Chair, and Program Chair) for the American Family Therapy Academy, and Board member of the Zero to Three New York Network, and advisory editor for Family Process. She presents nationally and internationally and maintains a private practice in New York City.

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