Photo of contributor

Dr. Dana Shai

Associate Professor
Academia
Israel

About Dana

Dana Shai, Ph.D., Associate Professor, a psychologist, Head of the Relational Lab, and faculty member at the Academic College Tel-Aviv – Yaffo. Dr. Shai studies the early relational matrix, with particular focus on parents’ verbal and embodied mentalizing and how these predict children’s developmental trajectory. In addition to her work on PEM, Dr. Shai’s research explores early interpersonal development, parenting, the transition to parenthood, co-parental relationships, and the social and emotional development of young children within the family context. Guided by a commitment to translational research, her empirical studies have shaped the development of teaching, training, and intervention programs aimed at supporting families and enhancing relational wellbeing.

Connect with Dana

Stories by Dana

  • Parenthood & Caregiving

It’s not so easy to be a “good enough parent”

Helping parents build healthy connections with their kids – and themselves

Connect with our global community

Discover new voices and connect with contributors from around the world.

Explore our directory
Photo of contributor Isolde Woudstra
Photographer
Arts
Netherlands
Photo of contributor Jessica Hankey
Artist
Arts
USA
Photo of contributor Elissa Strauss
Editor of the 2025 edition of "Early Childhood Matters," author of the book "When You Care" and the Substack "When You Care"
Media
USA
Photo of contributor Nathaniel Foote
President, TruePoint Center
Business & Education
USA
Photo of contributor Michael Rizzo
Assistant Professor, University of Illinois
Academia
Question? Ask ECM