Dr. Barnaschone joined KAUST in June 2021 as Manager of Student Counseling Services (SCS). She has 14 years of experience as a psychologist and holds a Ph.D. centered in Sport Psychology, specifically focused on need-supportive leadership, motivation, and psychological wellbeing.

Her fields of interest and specialization lie within the enhancement of individuals by fostering their wellbeing, competencies, and resilience through a solution-focused approach. She also specializes in assisting groups in building successful relationships and driving positive change to achieve excellence within their environments.

Additionally, Dr. Barnaschone chairs the Community Mental Health Committee (CMHC), which brings together mental health professionals from across University departments and serves as a primary member of the Campus Assessment, Resource, Education (CARE) Team and the Clinical Crisis Team (CCT). 

Before joining KAUST, she was the director of a student counseling and development center at a South African university where, in addition to counseling students, she trained and supervised intern and junior psychologists and counselors.

Dr. Barnaschone received her MA and Ph.D. Degrees in Psychology from the University of the Free State, South Africa. She obtained her license as a psychologist in 2007.

In her free time, she loves traveling, exploring, music, and arts.