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Who Are We

Diversifying Black Excellence in School Psychology Inc. is a non-profit organization that aims to diversify the field of school psychology by expanding exposure initiatives and opportunities to undergraduate students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Our Objective

D.B.E.S.P. aims to provide a blueprint of comprehensive support and services to students attending HBCUs so they can enter the field of school psychology fully prepared.

Our Vision

D.B.E.S.P. is committed to improving the recruitment and retention efforts of Black students, specifically from HBCUs, into the field of school psychology by providing students with opportunities and resources to facilitate success.

Our Founding Story

D.B.E.S.P. was founded by six (6) young Black women graduate students and professionals in the field of school psychology finding community amongst one another. Through candid discussion about the struggles we faced within our programs, a desire to support incoming Black graduate students sparked.

Kandysee' Leonard

Ayanna Troutman

Erin Kimble

Dashana Lane

Marwa Abdelrahman

Tiyana Herring

Our Board of Directors

Co-founder

Board President

Executive Director

Treasurer

Kandysee' Leonard, M.Ed.

Kandysee’ Leonard is a proud alumna of Howard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology with a minor in Human Development. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the School Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Florida. As a proud native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Kandysee’ has a rich repertoire of experiences where Black students and Black people have safe spaces to thrive. Thus, she strives to create and extend safe spaces and opportunities for Black students in educational environments. Her research interests include cultivating and exploring experiences of belonging alongside Blackgirls in alternative school settings. Furthermore, Kandysee' seeks to explore barriers related to the recruitment and retention of Black students in school psychology programs. Through research, service, and advocacy, Kandysee’ intends to offer holistic and authentic guidance to Black students in their educational journey and inspire them to live unapologetically.

Co-founder

Board Vice President

Assistant Executive Director

Public Relations

Erin Kimble, M.S., NCSP

Erin is from Los Angeles, CA. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College. Erin graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Counseling, School Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles. Erin is an early career School Psychologist who aims to advocate for all students to ensure they receive the necessary supports that are specific to their needs. Erin is a part of D.B.E.S.P. to continue exposing undergraduate students to the field of school psychology, specifically aiming to diversify the field by focusing recruitment at HBCUs.

Co-founder

Board Secretary

Assistant Executive Director

Public Relations Lead

Marwa Abdelrahman, M.Ed.

Marwa grew up in Salisbury, MD and graduated from Towson University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Services. She is originally from Sudan and is fluent in Arabic. Marwa is an Ed.S. student in the School Psychology program at Temple University. Marwa is a Registered Behavioral Technician and loves her work in Applied Behavior Analysis outside of class. She is currently completing her practicum at Wissahickon School District in Ambler, PA. Marwa's research interests include: bilingual and immigrant students and recruiting HBCU students into school psychology. Marwa aspires to earn her Ed.S. in school psychology and practice in elementary schools. Marwa is a part of D.B.E.S.P. because she grew up around HBCU culture with her mother being a professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She recognizes the need for students at these institutions to be recruited into the field.

Operations Development Advisor

Charles A. Barret, Ph.D., NCSP

Charles A. Barrett is a district-level administrator in Virginia and practiced as a school psychologist for 13 years at the elementary and secondary levels. He serves as an adjunct lecturer at several universities, where he is actively involved in the training and development of future school psychologists. Dr. Barrett was named School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists and received the Rookie of the Year Award from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). His past leadership positions within NASP include co-chair of the Social Justice Task Force and African American Subcommittee, chair of the Multicultural Affairs and Social Justice Committees, and Virginia Delegate to the NASP Leadership Assembly. Dr. Barrett serves on the editorial boards of School Psychology Review and School Psychology. He is a frequent speaker and workshop presenter for educators, families, and community organizations.

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