Alison Birnbaum, Licensed Social Worker and Parenting Expert

Alison Birnbaum, LCSW, has practiced psychotherapy in New York City and Connecticut for 25 years. In her clinical work, she helps adults, adolescents, children, and their families with issues ranging from mental illness and substance abuse to divorce and emotional intelligence. Ms. Birnbaum has a special interest in helping schools and parents work together to raise resilient children, and she has spoken widely in school and community settings.

Ms. Birnbaum serves as a parenting expert for the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign created by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and Partnership for a Drug-Free America. In this capacity, she has helped with materials for parents and teens, including content for the Campaign's parent and teen Web sites: www.theantidrug.com and www.freevibe.com, respectively.

In the corporate sector, Ms. Birnbaum has extensive experience applying psychological techniques to help businesses better understand consumer behavior and brand equity. Her clients have included Kimberly-Clark, Motts, Ponds, and HSBC.

Ms. Birnbaum holds a bachelors degree from the Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree in Social Work from New York University. Ms. Birnbaum is married and the mother of a high school senior and a college senior.