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.
“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
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
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’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.
