[3] Her father, Hank Wilmer was active in Charlotte, NC, serving as Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Republican party.
[8] Barker began her career in education by teaching science and math from 1982 to 1987 in Atlanta, GA, Charleston, SC, and Charlotte, NC.
The program's experiential curriculum emphasizes the development of competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, and contribution through lessons that incorporate running and other physical activities.
The life skills curriculum is delivered by caring and competent volunteer coaches who are trained to teach lessons as intended.
[13] After serving on The Commission for Political Reform in Washington, DC, from 2013–14, Barker founded The Red Boot Coalition,[14] a program using a conversation-based methodology designed to humanize individuals in opposing groups and create compassionate communities built upon self-awareness and communication.
From 2018, Barker served as a Leaders' Quest Associate facilitator, helping people embrace their strengths and realize their potential.