Sharon Thompson Hirschy has been an educator, social worker and advocate for families and children for 35 years. She is a college professor who teaches courses in child development and education, including Child Abuse and Neglect. Mrs. Hirschy is a former protective services caseworker, child care teacher, and administrator. She is a certified teacher and has taught in first grade and special education classrooms. Mrs. Hirschy is a Certified Family Life Educator who has authored many parenting and child care publications, including several parenting programs. She serves on the advisory board for several national, state and local boards related to children and families. She has been the… Assistant Director for the University of North Texas Center for Parent Education and a leader in the development of parent educator standards in Texas. Recognition has included the 2000 Parent Educator of the Year by Practical Parent Education and the Brous Leadership Award for advocacy for early childhood by the Fort Worth Association for the Education of Young Children.