Dr. Leilani A. Jennings
Dr. Leilani A. Jennings, a clinical psychologist, speaks from experience at her workshops, seminars and individual and group sessions when she counsels and advises stepfamily members.She is a mother of four biological children with more than 15 years of experience as a stepmother of two. Like many other people, she also has suffered the pain that accompanies a failed remarriage. Building on her own experiences and the expertise in her field, Dr. Jennings has dedicated herself to understanding why subsequent marriages that involve children face such high odds -- three in five -- of coming apart. She blends an insider's know-how with a professional's knowledge to explain what works and what doesn't in blended families. She has shared her wisdom and guidance with hundreds of adults and children seeking to achieve successful new families.
Dr. Jennings holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and a master's degree
in social psychology. Through her psychotherapy and coaching practice in
Roseville, California, Dr. Jennings counsels and coaches extensively on
adjustments to divorce, single parenting, and remarriage.
Rebecca LaVally
Rebecca LaVally is working on a dissertation to complete her doctorate in Communication Studies at the University of Texas in Austin. Her free-lance articles have appeared in numerous California publications, including the Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Magazine, Stanford Magazine and California Journal. A former public-policy editor and researcher for the California Senate, Ms. LaVally has authored legislative reports on a range of state issues. She is a former Sacramento bureau chief for United Press International and Gannett News Service, and was a reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and San Jose Mercury News. She is listed in the Marquis’ Who's Who of American Women and Who’s Who in America.Ms. LaVally, who has a biological daughter, three stepchildren, and two stepgrandchildren, teamed up with Dr. Jennings to write a column on stepfamily issues after deciding combined families are far more complicated than most of us ever suspected.