NPA May 2025 Member Spotlight

This month is the first of a special two-part Member Spotlight featuring the father/daughter psychologist team of Lee Kimzey, PhD and Sarah Kimzey Schaffer, PhD practicing in North Platte. May highlights Dr. Lee Kimzey, and  June will feature Dr. Sarah Schaffer.

Tell us about your path to becoming a psychologist.

I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Denver and a doctorate from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego. I was an intern at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and prior to leaving the Omaha area I was on the staff at Richard Young Hospital and Saint Joseph’s Center for Mental Health.

What do you love most about your current position?

It has been an honor and pleasure to offer assistance to individuals and families in rural Nebraska for several years. One of the benefits of a general practice in an underserved rural community is the opportunity to provide a psychological perspective within numerous contexts including but not limited to healthcare, the court systems, the school systems, and the business communities.

What has been your biggest professional achievement?

My daughter’s decision to also become a psychologist and to help create a joint venture in private practice has been the best reward anyone could hope for.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

Balancing professional and recreational activities remains a priority which in our case is multiplied by similar interests in agriculture including farming and ranching and the inherent fun in raising and caring for livestock.

Interest and Fun Facts:

As the father of a psychologist, the father-in-law of a rancher, and the grandfather of two grandchildren the opportunity to have regular knowledge of and involvement in their lives cannot be surpassed.

A little fact that may be interesting is that I rodeoed through high school and part of college before competing at the professional level.

Download Member Spotlight PDF: Lee Kimzey