Heather Tedesco is a licensed Applied Psychologist with a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. She has a private practice in McLean, Virginia, where she works exclusively with parents to make parenting less stressful, more effective, and more enjoyable and frequently gives talks to groups of parents, educators, and/or students. Her specialty is helping parents navigate the challenges of raising kids who thrive.

Dr. Tedesco received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from James Madison University ('94) where she was an Honors Scholar. She received her Ph.D. in Social Psychology ('99) from the University of Maryland at College Park. She has served on the Honors Advisory Council since its founding in 2009 and is a Past Chair. Dr. Tedesco also serves on the STEM Advisory Council of the Children’s Science Center in Northern Virginia and is on the Mental Health Committee of the Safe Community Coalition in McLean, VA. 

Dr. Tedesco lives with her husband Joe (also a JMU alumnus) and their three children in McLean, Virginia.