Bio: Neva (knee-va) Barno currently works as a cognitive enhancement specialist with Thrive Proactive Health, O2X Human Performance, and Blue / Green Training. Barno’s specialties include injury rehabilitation and working with tactical athletes. When Barno is not working, she is hiking, spending time with her husband and dog, and living her foodie dreams.
Tell us about what you have been up to since graduation? What are you doing now?
Since graduation, I’ve been juggling three roles in my field, studying for and obtaining the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®) credential from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and catching up on some much-needed self-care!
Where does your passion for clinical mental health counseling and sport and performance psychology stem from?
My passion for clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) and sport and performance psychology (SPP) started when I had an injury in high school. It left a significant impact on my physical performance and my mental health. When I began my studies at UWS, I met my husband in the military and I discovered an additional passion for performance psychology and mental health.
What is your favorite memory from your time as a UWS student?
My favorite memory at UWS was during my sport and performance mentorship. I worked alongside two of my classmates with a cross-country team and it was an unforgettable experience.
How did your time at UWS prepare you for your career and life?
You can never go wrong with education and building your career, but in all honesty, the faculty and educators made the most significant impact on my life. I knew that if I ever struggled in school or my personal life, I could talk about it with someone, which meant the world to me.
What was your favorite part about the online format of the program?
The online format made juggling work and other activities a lot easier. I didn’t have to give up traveling just because of school, which made it a lot less stressful, because I was still able to do the things I love.
What is a piece of advice you’d offer to current UWS clinical mental health counseling and sport and performance psychology students?
My biggest piece of advice to students in the CMHC or SPP programs is to run wild with your interests. Looking back now, I wish I didn’t play it as safe as I did and took more risks! One of the reasons I enjoyed UWS was because I could explore any interests I had and could apply them to most of the coursework that I had to complete.
What made you choose UWS over other schools?
The online format was a huge factor for me, because I knew I would be joining my husband at some point during his military training, and I had no idea where we would go! However, the final deciding factor was when I spoke with the faculty during my interview, and I knew that was where I wanted to be.
What is your favorite way to relieve stress?
If I’m stressed, you’ll find me exercising outside in nature!