Meet Barry

Barry is a Springfield native who left in 1993 for a 24 year career in the U.S. Navy as Cryptologic Technician and Korean language translator. While on active duty, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s program in Human Services with a focus on resilience in military populations. Over the course of his military career he served in multiple leadership roles providing career counseling, mentoring, workforce development, and diversity and inclusion efforts, in addition to advising senior decision makers on strategic policy and personnel management. 

After leaving the service, Barry returned home to Springfield with his wife and two children, and began a career in higher education serving international students. Working at OTC, Drury University, and MSU as Coordinator for Student Development, Director of International Student Services, and as a Korean language instructor was deeply enriching and led him to serve on multiple boards, committees, and professional organizations. 

The pattern that emerged through his lived experience was an inner calling to meet people where they are, help them overcome their obstacles, heal when needed, then aspire and grow. His person-centered approach to counseling is influenced by both existentialism and mindfulness; and he holds a steadfast commitment to embracing evidence-based strategies that help.