Dr. Mary Kay Keller, chair of Applied Family Science, is known as “the baby whisperer,” a reflection of her deep and abiding connection to infants and their wellbeing.
As president of the Infant Massage USA organization, she is an advocate for educating parents in bonding with their babies through nurturing touch and communication and researched the benefits of fathers learning infant massage for her doctoral dissertation. Through her role with the national group, Dr. Keller has connected students in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences with practicum experiences.
Dr. Keller created “Life Is A Learning Curve!,” a podcast on childhood and family development, saying “it’s through connection that all human beings thrive and develop.” Each podcast focuses on a topic that supports bonding and connection in family and individual relationships. Her book, “Hassle Free Bedtime,” outlines a three-step process that helps babies, children and parents achieve the restorative sleep they need to function their best.