Sandra Lyness (’58), M.Ed. (’62), Ph.D. (’67), a dedicated advocate for psychology and education, has created a lasting impact throughout her career at Wayne State University. Driven by the belief that happiness stems from personal success and accomplishment, she has devoted herself to helping individuals of all ages overcome psychological and emotional obstacles, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Throughout her doctoral program in Clinical and Community Psychology at Wayne State University, Dr. Lyness had the privilege of working with inspiring faculty members. She said John Sullivan, Ph.D., professor and former chair of the Department of Educational Psychology, served as an exemplary educator and mentor who showcased both kindness and success. Charles Whitten, M.D., associate dean emeritus of the Wayne State University School of Medicine and founder of its Post-Baccalaureate Program, and former chief of Pediatrics at Detroit Receiving Hospital, was also a member of doctoral committee. To Dr. Lyness, he represented an example of the physician every person would want. Additionally, Dr. Lyness was particularly influenced by Walter Ambinder, Ph.D., J.D., professor of Education and her program advisor. He kindled her passion for assisting children and adolescents in the metropolitan Detroit area through the Learning Abilities Laboratory at Wayne State University.
The Learning Abilities Laboratory provided psychoeducational evaluation, tutoring and counseling to individuals with learning difficulties. The program achieved remarkable successes, catering to individuals of all levels of need. No case was viewed as too difficult. Dr. Lyness became the director of the laboratory for more than 34 years and witnessed the transformative impact of education and support on people's lives. She credited Dr. Ambinder as a mentor and an inspiration for her work.
Throughout her career, Dr. Lyness embraced diverse roles, including speech therapy for more than seven years in the public school system to pay her way through college, as a full-time faculty member of Wayne State, as a clinical psychologist in private practice and a partner in a Bloomfield Hills-based psychological clinic alongside Dr. Ambinder and his wife, social worker Ruth Ambinder. She also participated in forensic evaluations, delivered expert testimonies and made appearances on television talk shows and news broadcasts as a psychologist commentator. Now retired from Wayne State, Dr. Lyness continues her private practice.
Recognizing the importance of giving back to the community, Dr. Lyness established a scholarship fund for students at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, the Walter J. Ambinder, Ph.D., and Sandra L. Lyness, Ph.D., Scholarship. She described the scholarship as encouragement for future medical leaders to transcend socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, fostering their pursuit of excellence in health care. She hopes to instill the same motivation and drive that she received from her mentors into future generations of medical professionals. Dr. Lyness firmly believes that individuals possess untapped potential, and by listening to their needs and providing resources, those abilities can be realized.
Preston Hale, a medical student in the Class of 2023, is a two-time recipient of the scholarship. Recently, he secured a residency at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He recognizes that his journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Dr. Lyness.
“Coming from a financially disadvantaged background, with no personal savings to rely on, a substantial portion of my tuition and educational expenses are covered by accumulating loans. Your scholarship alleviates a significant burden, and I am genuinely grateful for your philanthropy,” Hale wrote to Dr. Lyness in a 2022 thank-you letter.
Hale’s previous experience as a fitness trainer led him to explore the intricacies of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, inspired by clients with disabilities and injuries. “I aspired to become an expert in enhancing the function and performance of individuals with debilitations, which led me to pursue a career in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,” Hale said. “I aim to utilize my knowledge and skills to truly transform and, perhaps, even save lives. Wayne has provided me with numerous transformative experiences that are turning this dream into reality.”
Dr. Lyness greatly appreciated his heartwarming response, considering it to be evidence that her scholarship is valuable and accomplishes exactly the purpose that she had envisioned.
In addition to her scholarship fund, she contributes to the School of Medicine’s Medical Alumni Annual Fund, enriching the educational experiences of medical students by providing direct resources to student organizations and other projects.
Dr. Lyness’s dedication extends beyond financial contributions. She honors Dr. Ambinder’s legacy through her Bloomfield Township psychology practice, Amlyn Psychological Services, and her involvement in the Ambinder-Lyness Learning Abilities Program, or LAP. The LAP, affiliated with the Jewish Community Center’s Opening the Doors Special Educators Network, offers therapeutic services to children and adolescents with academic and emotional differences in the metropolitan Detroit region. The program reflects the shared vision of Dr. Ambinder and Dr. Lyness, fostering an inclusive and compassionate approach to care.
Dr. Lyness said there are several stories she could tell that showcase how encouragement can change lives, but one stands. A woman in her mid-twenties brought her 7-year-old child to the Learning Abilities Laboratory. Dr. Lyness, then a doctoral student, noticed that the mother held a book upside down, realizing that she wanted to appear important to others while concealing her own illiteracy. Both Dr. Ambinder and Dr. Lyness recognized the mother’s determination for her child’s success and decided to help her learn to read. They also provided guidance on parenting, enabling the mother to maintain her dignity while supporting her child’s educational journey. Witnessing the empathy and energy within the department and faculty, Dr. Lyness found herself continuously inspired throughout her life and career.
Dr. Lyness’s scholarship and contributions reflect her dedication to fostering compassionate care and supporting individuals in need. She considers it an investment that transcends mere financial aid, as it involves hands-on services and the nurturing of human potential. Her ultimate goal is to help individuals overcome obstacles and recognize their own worth, even if financial constraints limit their access to education.
To learn more about how to support the School of Medicine through a scholarship or through the Medical Alumni Annual Fund, contact Lori Robitaille in the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs at lrobitai@med.wayne.edu.