Mary Gordon (child advocate)

Mary Gordon (born 13 October 1947) is a Canadian social entrepreneur, educator, author, child advocate and parenting expert, known for creating the Roots of Empathy program for elementary schools and the Seeds of Empathy program for early childhood settings. These programs focus on fostering empathy, emotional literacy, and social connection in children based on the parent–infant relationship.

She founded the Canadian charity Roots of Empathy to break intergenerational cycles of violence, which has since expanded to multiple countries and languages. The Roots of Empathy program has been the subject of independent research demonstrating reductions in aggression and bullying, and increases empathy and in pro-social behaviours such as caring including and kindness.

Gordon serves as the president and CEO of Roots of Empathy. She is also credited with coining the phrase "Love grows brains™", referencing the impact of the attachment relationship on early brain development.