 She developed the concept of the anatomically correct doll for children to use during interviews concerning abuse and played a significant role in the McMartin trial with criticism made of her interview methods.She received a bachelor's degree in fine arts at Denison University in Ohio and later received her master's degree in social work.After graduation, MacFarlane became a lobbyist for the National Organization for Women and grant evaluator for the National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect, later becoming the Director of Children's Institute International (CII).