Health and Human Services News

What are five lifestyle tweaks to make for better well-being?

by

Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions and setting new standards.

Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness.

Dr. Ashlea Cardin, a pediatric occupational therapist and associate professor of occupational therapy at Missouri State University, shares with Authority Magazine the five lifestyle tweaks that will help support people’s journey toward better well-being.

Preparing occupational therapists for the Ozarks region

by

Occupational therapy (OT) is a growing career field with a need for trained professionals. Missouri State University currently has two OT programs: a master’s degree and a post-professional doctorate. The latter welcomed its first cohort in fall 2023.

The entry-level OT doctorate will welcome its first cohort in fall 2024. All three programs are the only ones offered in the region. 

Dr. Ashlea Cardin is an associate professor in the department of occupational therapy at Missouri State. She also works in the neo-natal intensive care unit as a certified neonatal therapist. Cardin discusses these different OT program offerings and the importance of the programs to rural health and to the Ozarks region. 

OT programs bring opportunity to the Ozarks

Read the full transcript

Learn more about OT at Missouri State

New PsyD program halfway through its first semester 

by

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program was born out of a partnership between Missouri State University and Burrell Behavioral Health, which was announced in early 2022. 

Dr. Dana Paliliunas, associate professor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences and PsyD program director, could not be more thrilled to finally have the first cohort on campus. 

“We’ve been planning for years now, so having students on campus is so exciting; we get to see it all come to fruition rather than just planning what it’s going to be,” Paliliunas said. 

About the PsyD faculty and staff 

Leading the way is Dr. Paul Deal, school director and the psychology department head.  

Paliliunas and several other core faculty members in the department of psychology have been building the program and brainstorming for about three years. 

Other members of leadership include:  

  • Dr. Ann Rost, director of clinical training. 
  • Dr. Brad Powers, director of clinical training. 

Current updates and goals 

All energy is going toward creating a great experience for current students, building a strong sense of community and purpose within the cohort and checking in with students as they begin the journey to their five-year degree. 

“Every year what we’ll do is figure out what we did this year that we can do better the next,” Paliliunas said. 

The first PsyD graduate student committee is officially formed. This committee comprises student-elected representatives to work with program leadership and ensure students’ voices are heard. 

“We’re doing everything with this cohort for the first time. There’s a lot of planning, preparing and organizing, but now also putting things into action,” said Paliliunas. 

The current goal is to seek accreditation within the next few years. 

Accreditation is a long process involving a lot of paperwork, transferring everything being done in the program to a package that is shared with the American Psychological Association — the accrediting body. The entire process will likely take at least a full year to complete. 

Information for students 

New cohorts for the program will be added in rotation every fall, with application deadlines for the next year due Dec. 15, 2023. The review and interview process will take place in the spring. 

Learn more about the psychology program 

Fun times at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo 2023 

by

The Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) is the largest conference focused on the latest research in the nutrition and dietetics field. 

Missouri State University nutrition and dietetics faculty members Dr. Sarah Murray, senior instructor and program director, and Jaime Gnau, clinical assistant professor, got to present at this year’s conference. 

Held in Denver, Colorado, from Oct. 7-10, the conference offered a variety of innovative technology and evidence-based research in the field of nutrition. Three MSU faculty and five undergraduate students attended the event. 

“Attending the annual FNCE is always invigorating! The conference is packed with cutting-edge information about what’s new in nutrition and dietetics,” Murray said. “It’s a great learning experience for all dietitians – no matter how long you have been in the profession.”  

About the event 

This annual event is hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, h which is the largest professional organization of nutrition and dietetic professionals in the country.   

“Attending FNCE provided me with invaluable networking opportunities and access to latest trends in nutrition,” said Ashlyn Ooi, senior dietetics student.  

“FNCE offers a unique chance to connect with industry experts, gain insights into cutting-edge research and foster deeper understanding of the field, ultimately advancing my professional development in the world of nutrition and dietetics.” 

The expo showcases innovative food products that support health, good nutrition and offer a variety of alternatives for special dietary needs. 

Yun Ji Kim, senior dietetics student, enjoyed learning about plant-based alternatives at one of the many informative sessions.  

“This knowledge will help me recommend the proper plant-based milk alternatives to future clients and patients based on their individual needs,” Kim said. 

Presentations on relevant topics 

This year, nutrition and dietetics faculty presented their research during the poster presentation session of the conference: 

  • Murray presented her research in student leadership development. 
    • “Exploring How Nutrition and Dietetic Students Make Meaning of Their Educational Experiences and the Impact It Has on Their Leadership Development.” 
  • Gnau and Stephanie Urich, graduate student, presented research on perceived nutrition risks among low-income patient populations.  
    • “Exploring Connections Between Perceived and Actual Nutrition Risk Among Low-income, Uninsured Patients and Their Healthcare Providers.” 

Enjoying the conference 

At the conference, MSU students and alumni had the chance to meet up, taking the opportunity to snap a group picture in front of Denver’s famous “Blue Bear.” 

Students were amazed at how much more there is to learn about the profession outside of the classroom. Topics ranged from leadership, career development, public policy and innovations in clinical dietetics. 

“Attending FNCE was a great experience,” said Cassidy Fontinel, senior dietetics student. “It was a great opportunity for learning, networking and paving the path to my future as a dietitian.” 

Explore the nutrition and dietetics program