Marie Adams (Ed D) earned a Doctorate of Education in Applied Psychology at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education, University of Toronto in 1996. She began her post secondary academic endeavors at the University of Saskatchewan in 1963 where she earned a four year Bachelor of Education Degree. In 1982, she continued her studies at York University where she achieved a Bachelor of Arts Degreee with a major in psychology.

Marie has been a professor at Centennial College since 1982 where she has enjoyed teaching psychology, sociology, and biology. She has been a co-ordinator and Chair of the General Arts and Science Program. For one year, she was seconded by the office of the Vice President Academic and served as a researcher when Centennial College developed its Academic Framework. She has presented at conferences and served on many of the college committees.

Marie and her husband had 4 children, 2 biological and 2 adopted. They experienced a very difficult time with their adopted son and this brought them to the Family Court Clinic and

Dr. Harvey Armstrong. They became members of a parents support group that was initiated by Dr. Armstrong as a pilot project in the early 80s

This experience led to the focus of Marie’s doctoral thesis: the heart breaking experience of parenting conduct disordered children and subsequent adoption disruption. She researched five couples who had adopted older children of native descent. These children had all left their adoptive homes before reaching the age of 16. This thesis has been transformed into Marie’s forthcoming book; Our Son, a Stranger.

In 1994, after training with Dr. Harvey Armstrong and Corinne Wilkes, Marie received a Certificate in Group Psychotherapy. In 1995, she and a partner began Parents for Youth support groups in Newmarket. In her capacity as group leader, she has presented at workshops and seminars has trained new group leaders.

Marie and her husband, Rod, have traveled in Europe, Asia, Central and South America. They play tennis, ski and enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.