Laura Barker
Areas of Expertise
- School Psychology
Biography
Laura Barker (xe/xir she/her) is a doctoral candidate at the University of New Mexico, where xe is completing xir dissertation "Developing and Implementing a Financial Wellness Intervention for Counselors: A Mixed Methods Study". Laura has been a counselor since graduating with xir Master's in 2017 from the University of Arkansas. As a counselor, Laura has worked with clients from age 5-83, and in both outpatient and intensive outpatient settings. Most of Laura's career as a counselor has been in collegiate health where xe provided individual, crisis, and group counseling as well as supervision to group interns. Laura is an active member of the Association of Humanistic Counseling Association, being an Emerging Leader in the 2025-2026 academic year, and awarded the 2026 Make a Difference Grant for xir dissertation. Laura is always excited for opportunities to collaborate on research for presentations, paper, book chapters, etc. If you would like Laura to guest lecture for your class or club on mental health please reach out. Laura's research interests are broadly in empowering counselors and communities. Laura has sub-interests in disability justice, LGBTQAI2S+ issues, wellness, financial wellness, counselor education and supervision, and fatalism.
Education
In progress, 2022 - present
PhD Counselor Education - CACREP accredited
University of New Mexico
2014-2017
MS. Clinical Mental Health Counseling - CACREP accredited
University of Arkansas
2012-2014
BA. Psychology
University of Arkansas
2010-2012
AS. General Sciences
Richland College - now Dallas College Richland Campus
Courses Taught
Counseling Theories
Appraisal and Evaluation of Individuals and Systems
Practicum - Graduate Level
Introduction to Human Services - Undergraduate level UNM
Guest Lectures
Counseling Theories - Existentialism, Integrative Counseling, Group Counseling - Groups as Social Justice, Counseling Techniques - Broaching, Wellness and Compassion Fatigue, Basic Intervention Skills
Community Interest and Involvement:
Laura is new to UNK and the Kearney area but is looking forward to building community and getting engaged. Historically, Laura has been involved in efforts addressing food insecurity, mental health outreach programs, advocacy for healthcare access, and international student welcome programs.
