Jennifer Hays-Grudo, PhD is a developmental psychologist, researcher, and regents professor dedicated to helping people heal from adversity and build lasting resilience. As a Wholehearted Thought Leader, Dr. Hays-Grudo shares her life’s work through programs that translate decades of scientific research into accessible, compassionate guidance for parents, caregivers, and professionals.

Her work is grounded in a powerful truth: that healing doesn’t just happen in clinics or labs, it happens in living rooms, classrooms, and communities. Drawing from her deep expertise in childhood adversity, trauma, and resilience, Dr. Hays-Grudo co-created the PACEs Framework (Protective and Compensatory Experiences) to help people understand how nurturing experiences can offset early life trauma.

At Wholehearted.org, she leads evidence-based, heart-forward programs such as Reparenting the Inner Child and Balanced Parenting, offering practical tools grounded in science and shaped by compassion. Her work empowers people to reclaim their stories, strengthen their relationships, and foster resilience in the next generation.

Whether she’s teaching students, guiding families, or building bridges between science and healing, Dr. Hays-Grudo is committed to one essential goal: helping people grow whole.