Assistant Professor
School of Education
E-mail: barnhill@lynchburg.edu
Office: Courts 340B #3
Phone: 434/544-8771
Experience and Background
I taught the Introduction to Autism course at Lynchburg College as an invited guest lecturer for the summers of 2004, 2005, and 2006 before joining the Lynchburg College faculty full time in August of 2006. Prior to coming to Lynchburg College, I taught as an adjunct professor at Avila University in Kansas City, the University of Kansas in Overland Park, Kansas, and at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. I was the autism coordinator for the North Kansas City School District in Kansas City, Missouri, and also held the position of school psychologist before becoming the school district's autism coordinator. I have worked as a school counselor in New Jersey. Other previous experiences include working as a pediatric Registered Nurse in Ohio and New Jersey.
Degrees
B.S. in Nursing, Hunter College - Bellevue School of Nursing, NYC, NY
M.A. in Counseling Services, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ
M.A. in School Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Ed.S. in School Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Ph.D. in Special Education,University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Certifications
Pupil Personnel Services License in Virginia as a School Psychologist
Missouri State Board of Education School Psychologist Certification
Kansas State Board of Education School Psychologist Certification
Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)
Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA)
Professional Interests/Research
My professional interests are related to assessment and outcomes of individuals on the autism spectrum. Most of my research has focused on Asperger Syndrome. I wrote the book "Right Address… Wrong Planet: Children with Asperger Syndrome Becoming Adults" and have published more than 25 peer-reviewed journal articles in the areas of autism spectrum disorders and behavioral disorders. I have presented at more than 85 conferences, including the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Autism Society of America's (ASA) annual conventions.
Courses Taught at Lynchburg College
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Instructional and Behavioral Assessment and Programming for Students with ASD, Medical and Sensory Aspects of ASD: Collaboration among Parents, Educators and Related Service Providers, Field Experience with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Foundations and Methods in Special Education, Survey of Special Education, Positive Behavior Interventions, and Developmental Psychology
Personal Information/Interests
I am married and have two adult children. Our son has Asperger Syndrome and has given us an invaluable "in-the-trenches" perspective of living with and raising a family member with special needs. Our daughter is married and lives in the Chicago area with her two young daughters and her husband. In my spare time, I love to visit family (especially my granddaughters), travel with my husband (especially taking cruises), refinish furniture, and read.