Shannon McNamara, Associate Director
With over 20 years of experience as a clinical social worker, Shannon McNamara has dedicated her career to empowering families and strengthening the parent-child connection. She holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from Simmons University with a background in school, hospital, and community mental health settings.
Shannon was introduced to Connective Parenting 12 years ago as a student in Bonnie Harris’ When Your Kids Push Your Buttons program. Shannon experienced a transformative impact on her relationship with her three children through her understanding of the parents’ internal reactions, rather than a focus on fixing or changing the child.
Shannon combines her professional expertise with a personal commitment to trauma-informed care, self-reflective parenting, and nurturing a generation of empathic, confident parents and children. She works closely with Bonnie Harris, Connective Parenting’s founder, to increase community outreach through classes, speaking engagements, and online communities. She is dedicated to bringing this approach to a diverse audience, including educators, mental health professionals, and families across the U.S. and internationally. As Associate Director, she oversees Connective Parenting’s Train-the-Trainer Professional Institute, Parenting Programs, and developmental curriculum while expanding community partnerships to reach more families. As well, she contributes to the Connective Parenting newsletter and Connective Parenting’s social media sites.