Dr. Catherine Barnes is President and CEO of Sudden Impact Solutions, LLC. She is an internationally published author who conducts professional and personal development workshops and seminars that have been presented throughout the United States and abroad. Workshop topics include: Save our Youth & Teen Image, Women’s Issues, Diversity-Beyond Race, Women as Leaders, Self-Esteem Strategies, Leadership Development and Conflict Navigation, Silos to Systems-Building Great Teams, The Superwomen Syndrome, Emotional Wellness for Women, The Power of a Positive Attitude, and Wellness and Stress Management, Help and Healing, Relationship Success and Release Strategies and more. 

Dr. Barnes is a member of the Professional Woman Network (PWN), E3 Business Group’s Center for Entrepreneurial Development and has been certified by PWN as a Professional Coach, Trainer, and Consultant.

Dr. Barnes’ knowledge of business, education, professionalism, women and teen issues, relationships, and leadership is supported by over 23 years of experience. While working in the public school system, with post-secondary institutions, as well as in the corporate and faith-based sectors she gained invaluable real-world insight that has allowed her to empower and inspire change as a coach, trainer, speaker, and consultant in individuals, schools, businesses, churches, non-profits, and various other civic, social, and service organizations.

Her experiences as a mentor, teacher, principal, business owner, and community engagement specialist have allowed her to supervise many employees and impact change in employee groups, students, and communities alike.

Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Barnes has recently been appointed to the Professional Woman Network’s Board of Directors and has received the honor of Schultz Center Fellow awarded by the Schultz Center for Professional Development, Teaching and Learning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Advertising and Marketing, Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership with a Specialization in Human Resource Development and Conflict Resolution.

As a fulfillment realization strategist she also serves as a leadership and capacity building consultant and a supervising mentor who supports aspiring leaders. She is  a school accreditation specialist and certified Lead Evaluator serving AdvancED/SACS for many years. 

Dr. Barnes provides professional development throughout the country on various topics related to student achievement strategies, cultural competency, organizational efficiency and culture, gender based practices, student and parent engagement, urban school leadership, and data collection, interpretation, and usage to positively impact instructional and organizational outcomes. While working in the public school system, with post-secondary institutions, as well as in the corporate and faith-based sectors she has gained invaluable real-world insight that has allowed her to empower and inspire change as a consultant in schools, businesses, churches, non-profits, and various other civic, social, and service organizations.

As CEO she ensures Sudden Impact Solutions’ certified staff consists of professional coaches, consultants, speakers, authors, and trainers who have a myriad of experiences making customizing programs to meet the specific needs of our diverse clientele the norm.

Our experienced team of trained professionals have a myriad of expertise and come from various backgrounds which makes Sudden Impact the premiere one-stop shop company to focus on the multidimensional needs of our vast clientele.  Committed to quality and better than expected service, Sudden Impact’s staff works collaboratively to design programs which provide our customers with the unique advantage of multiple approaches and years of experience. 

Dr. Barnes' philosophy is to "leverage our resources and highlight our employees' strengths so that we may maximize our client’s experiences as we bridge the gap between their today and their destiny.” Sudden Impact Solutions is one of few companies that offer confidentially agreements to all clients regardless of financial or social status.  

This is our way of demonstrating our dedication to you, our client, and ensuring the highest quality of respect and professionalism is maintained as we strive to exceed your expectations.

Recent Books and Publications

• Teenage Girls: The Guide for Health, Wellness & Self-Esteem
• Sister, Why You Hate Me? Ending the Cycle of Sister to Sister Hate
• Beyond Theory: Practical Strategies for Making A Difference in Schools
• Woman Power: Strategies for Female Leaders

Certifications and Professional Affiliations

• Schultz Center Fellow
• Florida Department of Education-Certification
• PWN Certified Consultant, Coach, and Trainer
• Educational Leadership Certification
• Level II School Principal Certification
• Leadership Development Mentor and Project Facilitator
• National Association of Secondary School Principals
• National Alliance of Black School Educators
• E3 Business Group Leadership, Business, and Entrepreneurial Development Certified
• PWN Certified Speaker and Author Bureau
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated