Health and Human Services News

Exploring the art and science of dementia care

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Over the recent spring break, a group of Missouri State University students and faculty traveled to the Netherlands to explore a person-centered approach to aging and dementia care. 

From hands-on lectures to cultural tours, the program blended art, science and human connection – all inspired by the groundbreaking The Hogeweyk® Dementia Village near Amsterdam. 

An eye-opening experience 

The week-long interdisciplinary study abroad program took place from March 15-21. 

Jennifer Pratt, clinical professor of communication sciences and disorders (CSD), and Dr. Traci Garrison, clinical associate professor of occupational therapy (OT), led this program. 

Twelve undergraduate and graduate students from CSD, gerontology, health sciences, nursing and pre-OT participated in the program. They prepared through weekly pre-departure sessions, guided readings and guest lectures. 

The program itinerary blended academic lectures with cultural exploration. Pratt and Garrison expressed sincere gratitude to Missouri State’s office of education abroad and McQueary College of Health and Human Service for supporting and funding this program. 

“We designed this program to show students what’s possible,” said Pratt. “We wanted them to look at dementia not just through a medical lens, but through the lens of quality of life.” 

Students got the chance to visit the internationally recognized The Hogeweyk®. Unlike traditional institutional models, The Hogeweyk® empowers individuals with severe dementia to live as normally as possible in a secure community setting. Residents live in shared homes based on lifestyle interests, with access to grocery stores, cafés and open green spaces. Their focus is on living well, right until the end.

The Dutch model emphasizes that dignity, autonomy and well-being are just as essential as medical treatment – a philosophy that deeply resonated with students.  

“Learning through travel is just something the classroom cannot replicate,” said Pratt. 

A new perspective on care

MSU students explore historic Amsterdam during their education abroad experience.
MSU students explore historic Amsterdam during their education abroad experience.

According to Garrison, this study abroad program emphasized more than treatment.

“It encouraged students to consider how care environments can empower people to live fully, no matter their diagnosis.”

Students also learned from leading experts at the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Aging and Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience about the science behind dementia. At the institute, the group toured a brain bank and explored the latest dementia research, making classroom theories come alive. 

“We studied something we see every day, but in a completely new way. It challenged us to rethink traditional care approaches,” said Natalie Hampsten, a senior CSD major. “It opened my eyes to what care really looks like when you center it around people.” 

Abby Rudd, a senior gerontology major, was struck by The Hogeweyk’s® philosophy.  

“They taught us to focus on possibilities, not disabilities. That mindset changes everything,” she said. 

Besides the learning opportunities, the program offered cultural immersion. Students explored Amsterdam’s history through walking tours and visits to the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. These experiences contributed historical and emotional depth to their academic exploration, encouraging empathy and reflection. 

“This was my first time studying abroad and visiting the Netherlands and it was amazing!” said Hannah Todd, a speech-language pathology graduate student. “What I enjoyed most was how the program blended Dutch culture with dementia care in such a meaningful way.” 

A focus on compassion and empathy 

For Karly Soden, a Doctor of Nursing Practice student, traveling to a new country, learning with new people and seeing dementia care through a global lens was an unforgettable experience.  

“It shifted my perspective of human connection and its importance in health care,” she said. 

In class or on the streets of Amsterdam, students learned that true care means honoring lives, not just managing symptoms. Their experiences brought theory to life and reshaped their understanding of compassion in practice. 

“Students didn’t just learn about dementia,” said Garrison. “They learned to think differently, lead with empathy and carry those values into their future careers.” 

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Faculty research on display

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Research took the spotlight at Missouri State University on April 11. 

The Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning hosted its first-ever Spring Scholarship Summit in Meyer Library. Faculty members from various disciplines showcased their latest research and scholarly projects through interactive poster presentations.  

Over 20 presenters participated with 14 posters displayed. Attendees got to meet the presenters, explore new research ideas and engage in meaningful conversations.  

Ten faculty members from McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) took part in the Spring Scholarship Summit. Five led poster presentations while the rest contributed as interdisciplinary co-authors. 

The summit underscored Missouri State’s continued commitment to teaching excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Promoting trauma-informed care 

From the School of Nursing, Dr. Diane Smith, assistant professor, collaborated with Dr. Cindi Aurentz, assistant professor, and Dr. Melissa Penkalski, associate professor and graduate program director.

From left to right: Drs. Cindi Aurentz, Melissa Penkalski and Diane Smith.
From left to right: Drs. Cindi Aurentz, Melissa Penkalski and Diane Smith.

Together, they presented “Trauma-Informed Education for Nursing Faculty: Caring for the Next Generation of Nurses.”    

The team began the project in 2021, aiming to help faculty use trauma-informed care training to better support students both in classrooms and clinical settings.

“We welcome every opportunity to share the principles of trauma-informed care, as this is a topic we all care deeply about,” Smith said. “We hope these practices are integrated.” 

Fostering interprofessional collaboration 

From left to right- Natalie Allen, Bonnie Slavych, Wendy Jackson, and Traci Garrison.
From left to right: Natalie Allen, Dr. Bonnie Slavych, Wendy Jackson and Dr. Traci Garrison.

Registered dietitian Natalie Allen is a clinical associate professor of nutrition and dietetics. She presented “Emphasizing Interprofessional Education Through a Virtual Case Study Connecting Healthcare Students” alongside her colleagues as part of ongoing interprofessional collaboration. 

Allen and three other faculty members from multiple disciplines worked together on this project. They included: Dr. Traci Garrison, clinical associate professor in the School of Health Care Professions; Wendy Jackson, clinical assistant professor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences; and Dr. Bonnie Slavych, assistant professor in communication sciences and disorders.

Their poster explored how virtual case studies can strengthen interprofessional collaboration in health care education.  

The study brought together students from different majors to build teamwork, communication and decision-making skills in an online setting. It also helped them understand each other’s roles and practice collaborative contribution to patient-centered care in real-world environments. 

“The summit was a great opportunity to promote interprofessional collaboration and show the value of connecting different disciplines,” Allen said. “This project helped all of our students gain the skills and confidence they need before stepping into real-world practice.” 

Focusing on resilience 

Dr. Debbie Horine, assistant professor in the School of Nursing, presented “Introducing Resilience to Pre-Licensure Nursing Students to Recognize and Address Lateral Violence.”

From left to right- Cindi Aurentz, Kristen Thompson, Sara Wilson, and Diane Smith.
From left to right: Drs. Cindi Aurentz, Kristen Thompson, Sara Wilson and Diane Smith.

Her project focused on preparing nursing students to recognize workplace challenges and strengthen emotional resilience early in their careers. 

“While we can’t eliminate lateral violence, we can prepare students to recognize it, build resilience and manage stress,” Horine said. 

Dr. Sara Wilson and Dr. Kristen Thompson, both assistant professors in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, co-presented two posters: 

  • “The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Higher Education” 
  • “Combating Loneliness Through Intergenerational Living Communities” 

The first study examined how early trauma affects college students’ academic performance and mental health. The second study focused more broadly on community well-being, exploring how intergenerational housing can reduce isolation and foster connection. 

Together, the research underscores the importance of trauma-informed practices and community-based solutions that strengthen resilience and belonging. 

“I’m driven to explore how we can support positive outcomes right here on our campus and in our communities,” Wilson said. 

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Bringing hearing care closer to home in rural Iowa

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Growing up in Elkader, a small town in northeast Iowa, Missouri State University alumna Dr. Brandi Neuzil’s journey toward audiology began unexpectedly. 

When Neuzil was young, she babysat a high school boy who was diagnosed with hearing loss at age 1.  

“I became curious about what audiologists do,” she said. “That curiosity led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, helping me discover my path.” 

Dr. Brandi Neuzil
Dr. Brandi Neuzil

Learning about audiology at MSU 

Neuzil completed her bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in 2004. 

In her last year at UNI, Neuzil visited MSU and met students and professors, which left a strong impression on her.

“The program and campus size really attracted me,” she said. This experience reinforced her decision to pursue the Doctor of Audiology at MSU, which she completed in May 2008. 

During her time on campus, Neuzil enjoyed the tight-knit academic community.  

“The close relationships with my professors were instrumental to gaining clinical skills and confidence,” Neuzil said. “Their support in my academic journey made a huge difference in my career.” 

As part of her graduate program, she completed an externship at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse and Onalaska, Wisconsin, which strengthened her skills and passion for the field. 

Realizing a lifelong dream 

After graduation, Neuzil spent 15 years as an educational audiologist for Keystone Area Education Agency. She worked with children and families across 18 out of 21 school districts in northeast Iowa. 

“Seeing parents truly understand their children’s hearing needs was incredibly rewarding,” she said.  

This experience led her to see the need in her own community, where there was no full-time audiology clinic.  

Though Neuzil loved working at Keystone, she felt a calling to create something more personal. She wanted to open her own private practice. 

“When a friend and fellow audiologist passed away, it pushed me to make my dream into reality,” Neuzil said. “It made me reflect on what I wanted my career to be.”  

Where compassion meets community  

In October 2024, Neuzil opened Driftless Audiology to make quality hearing care accessible in Waukon. It is the only audiology clinic in Waukon and Allamakee County. 

“I realized that opening my own clinic allowed me to serve my community as I envisioned,” she said.  

Driftless Audiology offers hearing assessments and personalized hearing aid fittings based on individual patient needs. 

The clinic follows an “unbundled model,” where patients pay for devices and services as they go instead of one price for everything. This approach keeps care affordable and accessible for the community.  

“Driftless Audiology is more than just a clinic for me; it’s a place where patients feel heard and valued,” Neuzil said.  

“Hearing care can be intimidating, so I approach every patient with empathy and make sure they feel comfortable and supported. As the clinic owner, I handle everything — from patient care and testing to billing and cleaning — with support from my husband and brother. It’s a one-person operation for now.” 

Neuzil with some friends.
Neuzil with some friends.

Lasting bonds and memories 

Although it has been nearly two decades since she graduated from MSU, Neuzil said she still cherishes the memories from her time at the university and with her classmates.  

She recalls attending audiology conferences in cities like Chicago and St. Louis, where sharing rooms with fellow students was fun. It was a great way for her to get to know her classmates and build lasting friendships.  

Though her friends now live in different cities, they stay connected through social media. Visiting MSU is on her bucket list for next year. 

Discover a rewarding career 

Neuzil encourages students who are interested in a health care career to consider audiology because it opens doors to versatile and impactful careers.  

“Audiology is a broad field with so many paths to explore; you can truly find the place that fits you,” Neuzil said.  

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From speech pathologist to state representative

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For more than a decade, Missouri State University alumna Melanie Stinnett has been making a difference in health care, not only in the Ozarks, but also in Missouri. 

After completing her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders in 2008 and master’s degree in speech-language pathology in 2010 at MSU, Stinnett began her career as a speech pathologist. In 2014, she opened her private practice, TheraCare, a speech, occupational and music therapy clinic.  

Stinnett with Boomer.
Stinnett with Boomer.

“The best part of my job as a speech pathologist and health care executive is seeing daily lives change,” she said. “Witnessing children who once had no speech now communicate effectively is incredibly rewarding.” 

In 2022, Stinnett sold TheraCare to the Arc of the Ozarks, a Springfield-based nonprofit organization that provides disability services. She works there as vice president of therapy services. 

Her job involves managing speech, occupational, physical and music therapy services while overseeing the center’s overall operations. She also collaborates with therapists to create personalized plans for children with speech delays and assists them in improving their movement. 

“I find it rewarding to watch children make progress, like when a child who couldn’t speak starts forming sentences. These moments show the real impact we’ve made in their lives,” Stinnett said. 

Her journey from Texas to Missouri  

Before moving to Missouri, Stinnett spent much of her youth in the Houston, Texas, area. 

“While studying in Houston, I had the chance to visit MSU and I was impressed by the speech-pathology program and its strong curriculum, which included hands-on experience that perfectly suited my needs,” she said. 

Stinnett credits her time at Missouri State for effectively preparing her for a career in health care. The academic curriculum combined theory with practical application, enabling students to apply

Stinnett with her family.
Stinnett with her family.

classroom knowledge through externships in both schools and health care settings. 

She also appreciated the opportunity for mentorship and collaboration with experienced supervisors. It helped her to build confidence and develop essential skills in areas like speech assessment, personalized treatment planning and communication enhancement for children. 

“I cherished my time in the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, where I helped children find their voices and improve communication,” she said. “These transformative experiences reinforced my passion for being a speech pathologist.” 

In 2020, Stinnett received her third degree from MSU – a master’s in health administration. 

Giving back to her alma mater 

Stinnett and her two sons cheer on the Bears at a football game.
Stinnett and her two sons cheer on the Bears at a football game.

She joined the McQueary College of Health and Human Services Advisory Board in 2021. Her role involves serving as a bridge between the college and the community. 

“As a board member, I enjoy collaborating with diverse groups of individuals, which broadens my understanding of different perspectives,” she said. “I aspire to ensure community needs are effectively communicated to the university while helping students prepare for future challenges.” 

Stinnett gives back to Missouri State because it prepared her for her career and helped her build valuable community connections. She wants to support the next generation, just as many professors and alumni supported her during her educational journey. 

She stresses the importance of getting involved for students.  

“Engage with your state and national organizations to advocate for change and make your voices heard,” she said. “Focus on building meaningful relationships with your peers and mentors and take the time to understand the needs of your community. This will help you make a real impact in your field.” 

Representing Missourians 

Stinnett in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Stinnett in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Stinnett’s advisory board experience has expanded her perspective beyond her profession. Her advocacy work for children’s therapy access led to a bill being passed in 2019. This inspired her to run for state office in 2022.  

She was elected to her first term in the state legislature, representing District 133 in the Missouri House of Representatives. 

Her notable accomplishments include helping to: 

  • Pass the Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program. It assists adults with disabilities to find jobs while preserving their health care benefits.
  • Secure funding for private duty nurses in daycare centers to support children with medical needs. 
  • File and pass a bill that extends postpartum health care coverage from 60 days to 12 months, ensuring low-income women receive essential care after giving birth. 

Navigating challenges 

Stinnett recognizes that health care is a complex issue.  

“I know not everyone understands the importance of addressing critical health care needs. The lack of knowledge about the system and its complexities makes it difficult to drive necessary changes in health care policy,” she said. 

She worries about the slow progress of legislation as it creates challenges and requires significant time and effort to address issues. However, she believes this thorough process ensures health-related laws and policies are well-reviewed and minimizes unintended consequences. 

Despite the hurdles, she continues to advocate for change. In the upcoming November election, she hopes to earn a second term representing the southwest Springfield district. 

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