Savannah A. Keller, Author at College of Education News

Two MSU students and one alumna recognized as Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow

May 31, 2023 by Savannah A. Keller

Two Missouri State University students and one alumna earned the 2023 Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow distinction by Missouri Milken Educators.

Victoria Dillon, Jessica Smith and Kira Vaughn were recognized because they are innovative educators who will positively impact the future of the profession.

They are among 10 inductees to receive the designation across the state.

All inductees will receive a year of coaching and mentorship and will have access to the Missouri Milken Educators network.

Victoria Dillon

Dillon graduated in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in special education. She is now a special education teacher at Lewis and Clark Elementary in Liberty, Missouri.

She has advanced critical thinking skills and excels at working with students of diverse backgrounds, abilities and disabilities.

“She’s an intelligent and highly motivated individual. She has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages, especially at the elementary school level,” said Marie McAdams, her university supervisor for student teaching.

“Her ability to connect with her SPED students and her talent for teaching simple concepts are superior.”

Jessica Smith

Smith will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She is currently student teaching at Weller Elementary and Central High School in Springfield.

She is meticulous in her preparation of content, pedagogical sequence and knowledge of students.

“Jessica plans and implements engaging lessons seemingly effortlessly,” said Vicky Scott, her university supervisor for student teaching. “She’s organized and self-motivated. Her sunny disposition draws students into her processes.”

Smith will teach at Bingham Elementary in Springfield in the fall.

Kira Vaughn

Vaughn will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She is currently student teaching at John Thomas School of Discovery in Nixa, Missouri, as part of MSU’s Internship Academy program.

She excels as an intern because of her high student engagement, growth mindset, strong relationships with students and more.

“She’s sought out by others in the building to spend time in their classrooms,” said Sara Tipton, director of the Internship Academy program. “She’s an exceptional student teacher.”

Vaughn plans to stay in Missouri to teach in the fall.

Explore education programs

Two counseling alumni help the Springfield community

April 18, 2023 by Savannah A. Keller

Missouri State University alumni Gen Nelson and Sandy Parisi have used their education to improve the mental health of others.

After completing master’s degrees in counseling at Missouri State, the duo secured careers as mental health professionals.

“It’s been a long time since they were students here, but I can tell you that they both stood out as great counselors and hard workers,” said Robin Farris, clinic director for MSU’s Center City Counseling Clinic (CCCC).

Nelson and Parisi presented at CCCC’s sold out spring clinic workshops on April 14.

About the graduates

Nelson is a former school counselor and is currently the program director of the Lost and Found Grief Center. She also served on the board of directors for the Missouri School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association.

The Springfield Business Journal selected her as one of their 40 under 40 for 2023. For her fundraising opportunity, she raised money for the Springfield Public Schools Foundation.

Parisi has over nine years of experience working as a mental health professional. She was a residential therapist, an outpatient therapist and worked in leadership roles.

She is currently an EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) psychotherapist at Beyond Healing Center and a licensure supervisor at Burrell Behavioral Health.

Q&A with Nelson and Parisi

When did you graduate from MSU?

Nelson: I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2010 and a Master of Science in Counseling in 2013.

Parisi: I graduated in 2008 with my Bachelor of Social Work and then in 2014 with my Master of Science in Counseling.

What is the most fulfilling part of your career?

Nelson: Two things stand out to me the most. First, pouring into others the way so many people have poured into me. I am the product of many giving hearts who nurtured me from childhood to who I am today. The “pay it forward” concept rings true for many of us in this career, so knowing my work matters is by far the most fulfilling aspect of it all.

Second, the professional relationships and friendships I have formed along the way. No one understands the work like someone else in the field. The counseling community as a whole is quick to support and empower each other. Many colleagues over the years have become dear friends.

Parisi: The most fulfilling part of my career is serving people. It is my greatest privilege to join humans on their healing journey.

How has MSU helped you find success in your career?

Nelson: My education and preparation for my counseling career was topnotch. There are always unexpected aspects of the job, but I felt immensely prepared as I entered the field.

For example, during my first year as a school counselor, one of my students died unexpectedly. My principal at the time looked at me and said, “I’ve never had this happen before. What do we do?” And because I had been extensively trained in the school counseling crisis response plan, I was able to use that training to confidently navigate a challenging time for our school.

Additionally, the professors I had continue to be incredible mentors and cheerleaders all these years later. I have reached out to many of them over my career for insight and guidance and have been met every time with wisdom, support and unending encouragement.

Parisi: MSU has raised me. My professors in my master’s program really helped me to excel in my career as a licensed professional counselor.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at MSU or in your career you’d like to share?

Parisi: I have two favorite memories. First, going to the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision conference in Denver, Colorado, and presenting with Drs. Leslie Anderson (professor of counseling), Paul Blisard (former associate professor of counseling) and Lyle Foster (assistant professor of sociology and anthropology).

Second, being a fly on the wall at Blissard’s retirement gathering at Andersons’ place. I got to hear lots of stories about the history of our counseling program at MSU, which was such an inspiration and privilege.

Explore counseling at MSU

Congratulations, Dr. Lewis

April 17, 2023 by Savannah A. Keller

The research of Dr. Kayla Lewis has been selected for the 2023 issue of Mind’s Eye, a Missouri State University research publication. Lewis is an associate professor of literacy.

Her research delves into how children’s books can help combat misinformation and educate the youth about Native American heritage.

The following is an excerpt from the story:

The lack of proper education about native heritage contributes to racism and reinforces stereotypes.

“Children’s books can help combat these issues by providing an outlet for teachers to honor, support and teach native heritage,” Lewis said.

“They can also help preserve endangered indigenous languages.”

She partnered with her former professor and longtime friend, Dr. Sarah Nixon, another MSU literacy professor. Together, they curated a collection of books for teachers to use in their curriculum.

The duo evaluated 95 children’s books from their personal and local libraries. The books were fiction or non-fiction written by or about Native Americans.

Read the full article online

MSU alumna awarded Outstanding Beginning Teacher Award

March 21, 2023 by Savannah A. Keller

Aimee Hendricks’ ability to help her students feel seen and cared for is one of many reasons she was recognized for her outstanding teaching.

Hendricks received one of two Outstanding Beginning Teacher Awards awarded to MSU alumni during the March 1-2 Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education conference.

“I feel truly honored to receive this award,” she said. “Educators everywhere are going above and beyond, and I have learned a lot within my first couple years of teaching.”

Hendricks graduated from Missouri State University in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Now, she is in her second year of teaching fourth grade at Daniel Young Elementary School in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Being the teacher students need

During her undergraduate studies, Hendricks learned about the value of teachers in students’ lives.

“MSU showed me that teaching is not just about academics,” she said. “As teachers, we are also cheerleaders, mentors, advocates and more. Some days, you have to put academics aside and focus on showing students they are loved.”

Hendricks’ favorite part of teaching is seeing the impact teachers can have on students.

“My former students will come by my classroom still and talk about things they remember us doing, from read alouds to hands-on projects,” she said. “It’s amazing to create memories with students they will always remember.”

Hendricks shows support for her students by attending their athletic events, music recitals and more.

“It’s such a unique experience to see kids outside of school using one of their many talents, and it also shows that you care about them,” she said.

Using her experience to help future educators

For the past two years, Hendricks has virtually visited future educators in Dr. Rhonda Bishop’s course, Introduction to Elementary Education.

“Aimee prepared and shared details about getting ready for the first day of school, setting up a classroom, parent communication and so much more,” said Bishop, assistant professor of childhood education and family studies at MSU.

She also helps future teachers understand the difficulties and challenges of teaching but assures them that being an educator is worth it.

“It has been an honor to watch Aimee grow from a student to a full-time educator. I appreciate her continued efforts to support future teachers by sharing her journey as a teacher,” Bishop said.

Hendricks is grateful for her experience with Bishop and others at Missouri State.

“I’m incredibly thankful to have gone to such an amazing university and have amazing mentors, professors and colleagues,” Hendricks said.

“Behind every impactful educator is a team building them up. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the best.”

Become a teacher at Missouri State

Cheery Charlie and child life

February 7, 2023 by Savannah A. Keller

Avi Adler was lying unconscious underneath a truck when his family found him in June 2020.

A delivery truck driver had reversed without looking, striking Avi on the 20th mile of his bike ride. After the accident, the 18-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where he awoke with broken bones and a concussion.

A child life specialist helped Avi while he was hospitalized, making him and his family feel calmer and at ease.

Missouri State University student Tamar Adler was inspired by how much the specialist helped her brother through his traumatic injury.

“The accident changed Avi, and it also changed me,” Tamar said. “It made me realize I wanted a career that benefits other people.”

Since the accident, Avi has fully recovered. Tamar changed her career trajectory from fashion to child life.

Bringing joy with Cheery Charlie

Tamar had to think outside the box to find ways to volunteer in this field since it was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I started making craft bags and donated them to the child life departments at local St. Louis hospitals as a way to volunteer from home,” Tamar said. “The bags help kids be creative and experience normalcy while in the hospital.”

She named her volunteer project Cheery Charlie and turned it into an official Missouri nonprofit corporation.

“I chose the name because I had just gotten a puppy named Charlie, and Charlie makes me cheery,” she said.

Since the inception of Cheery Charlie in January 2021, Tamar has donated over 6,000 craft bags to children in St. Louis hospitals.

Tamar won the St. Louis Jewish Light 2022 Unsung Hero Award for her time, service and commitment to the St. Louis Jewish community through Cheery Charlie.

Learn more about Cheery Charlie

Furthering her passion through education

Tamar enrolled in Missouri State’s online child life graduate program two years after her brother’s accident.

She plans to graduate in May 2027. As a future child life specialist, Tamar will help children and their families deal with the challenges of trauma, loss, long-term illness or injury and more.

She said the knowledge she has gained about child life through her program has been invaluable for her future and nonprofit.

“Being able to study child life at MSU while working on Cheery Charlie has been so powerful to me,” Tamar said.

“My time at MSU has only allowed me to love child life even more.”

Despite the program being online, Tamar feels a great connection to her fellow child life students and her advisor, Dr. Lindsey Murphy.

“Tamar is a natural,” said Murphy, assistant professor of childhood education and family studies at Missouri State.

“She exudes joy and many characteristics and skills needed to be a great child life specialist. I have no doubt she will continue to touch many patients, families and staff throughout her career.”

Explore child life studies