Dr. Barbara A. Hardy-Gibson is recognized as a pioneer in the field of psychological services for children. After over 25 years of professional experience, she retired from the industry at the age of 51, having spent much of her career practicing psychology across the United States. Notably, while working with the Fairfax County School System in Virginia, she treated over 100 students with emotional disabilities. She also lent her expertise to the Louisiana School System and the Clark County School District in the Nevada School System as a high school psychologist.

Alongside her work in the educational system, Dr. Hardy-Gibson also treated a myriad of high-end clients, including numerous acclaimed athletes and celebrities. Likewise, she taught special education in the public school system and was an assistant professor at Louisiana State University. Earlier in her career, she also served as a sleep laboratory technician at her alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi. Over the course of her career in psychology, Dr. Hardy-Gibson found her work to be quite rewarding, having gained fulfillment and satisfaction in prioritizing her students’ welfare and working alongside parents to ensure their children received the utmost care. Moreover, she is distinguished as the only professional psychologist of all 135 practicing psychologists in the state of Nevada with a doctorate degree.

To prepare for her career, Dr. Hardy-Gibson received a Bachelor of Education in special education from Mississippi State University in 1975. She subsequently attended the University of Southern Mississippi, receiving a Master of Education in special education, with an emphasis on gifted, talented and mentally disabled children, in 1978 and a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology in 1981. Demonstrating versatility in her field, she has contributed articles to Psychology Review and a chapter to a professional psychology textbook. Likewise, Dr. Hardy-Gibson has presented her work at over 20 national and two international presentations in collaboration with institutions on the topic of mental health.

Dr. Hardy-Gibson remains civically involved through affiliation with the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, having volunteered with the organization since the sixth grade. She has actively supported such fundraising activities as the Saint Jude Radiothon and the Bike-A-Thon events. In the coming years, Dr. Hardy-Gibson intends to continue enjoying her well-deserved retirement.