2023 Featured Speaker

Clinical Psychologist
Associate Director & Multicultural Specialist, Counseling and Educational Support Services, University of Kansas Medical Center 

Dr. Lynette Sparkman-Barnes is proud to serve as a Clinical Psychologist, the Associate Director, and the Multicultural Specialist at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Counseling and Educational Support Services.  She earned a BA in Psychology from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL, completing her Post-Doctoral training in the rural communities of West Virginia. Dr. Sparkman-Barnes has devoted her career to a personal and professional commitment of working with underrepresented and underserved populations.  She’s served in a variety of settings, including Universities, Community Mental Health Centers, School-based Mental Health Organizations, Churches, Non-Profits, and Private Practice, impacting systems as a clinician, professor, program developer, manager and in various administrative leadership roles.  She is an often-sought presenter in the areas of Mental Health, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Social Justice, and the interface of Psychology and Theology.  Her research and publications have been in the area of mental health within educational settings, particularly related to empowering and ensuring the success of BIPOC learners. 
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Dr. Sparkman-Barnes also is an ordained Minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Co-Pastors, alongside her husband, a beautiful congregation in Kansas City, KS.  Their ministry creates a synergistic effect as they encourage others to:  1) Develop a relationship with the God within, 2) Connect with the God in others, and 3) Move forward in purpose, prayer, praise and power.  Their ministry has born the fruit of two books:  The Ministry of Romance and The Ministry of Marriage.