Sydney Spears, Ph.D., LCSW, has served as a faculty member for the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare for 18 years. Her academic teaching and research specialty has been focused on cross-cultural clinical practice, anti-oppression, and racial identity issues.  Currently, she is serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and a certified Mindful-Self Compassion teacher, for the Center of Mindful Self-Compassion. Sydney has provided psychotherapy for 20 years through her private practice and working within mental health agencies. Her specialty is working with adults, couples, and families, especially those clients who have experienced chronic stress, trauma, and cultural identity issues. Sydney is also a very passionate advocate for marginalized communities which is expressed through her organizational equity work.