About Barb
Barb (She/Her), MSSA, LISW-S, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. She embodies a perspective of a third generation lifelong athlete, advocate, parent, coach, licensed professional, and co-founder of Play Gap, a pioneering non-profit, she champions safe and inclusive sports opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Her expertise in sports and athlete well being, commitment to athlete welfare and sport program effectiveness is evident through her professional education and roles. Her contributions to sports and social work have been recognized as one of five recipients of the 2024 NCAA Legends and Legacy Community Award, with acknowledgment at the 2024 Women’s Final Four in Cleveland, Ohio, and the NASW Ohio Service to Profession of Social Work Award in 2022.
Member of the U.S. Center for SafeSport Athlete Advisory Team (2025-2027)
Listed provider in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Mental Health Directory (2025-2027)
Diploma of Mental Health in Elite Sport through the International Olympic Committee (2024)
Member of NASW (2000) and the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport (2019)
Former NCAA walk on athlete and 2002 Academic All-American in Water Polo
Varsity Athlete and Captain in Basketball and Track and Field
Active masters athlete and member of Western Reserve Rowing Association
Pan Am Master's Gold Medalist in Women's Rec 8+
Prior experience in School Social Work, Community Mental Health, Maternal/Child Health & Advocacy, Recreational Program leadership and Youth Coaching, Executive Leadership.
With her extensive background in athletics and mental health, Barb is dedicated to supporting individuals whose well-being is impacted by systemic challenges, focusing on safety, health, and mental wellness. The fundamentals of any game are important as you build skill and improve. Fundamentals are a big part of Barb’s game and some of hers are shown here so you can get to know a bit about where she is coming from. There’s always more to every bio, so reach out with questions or interest.
Fundamentals.
Athletes deserve safe and nourishing environments.
Healthcare, including, mental health care, is a right and not a privilege.
Talking to someone who you feel ‘gets it’ is important and can be helpful to progress.
Anyone, regardless of age, gender, sex, skill, or ability can be an athlete.
Sport experiences impact lives.
Coaches, families, and teams are primary impact players on athlete well being.
You don’t have to have it all figured out before you reach out for help.
There is a place for everyone in sports.
