Health and Human Services News

Faculty spotlight: Yvonne Callahan and Dr. Caitlin Masterson

March 24, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty members are Yvonne Callahan, clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing, and Dr. Caitlin Masterson, assistant professor in the School of Health Care Professions.

Both bring a wealth of experience and a passion for education, shaping the next generation of health care professionals. Let’s get to know them better.

Where are you originally from?

Callahan: I grew up in a small town south of Santa Fe and east of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Masterson: I was born in Mississippi but grew up right here in Springfield, Missouri.

What brought you to Missouri State University and how long have you been here?

Callahan: After relocating to Missouri in 2013, I set a goal to earn a master’s in nursing and become a nurse educator. I joined MSU as an adjunct clinical instructor in spring 2021, transitioned to a full-time role in fall 2023 and became a course instructor in fall 2024.

Masterson: My husband and I both have family here and wanted to be close by. I also was drawn to the unique opportunities for collaboration and teaching at MSU. I’ve been here since 2021.

Where did you work prior to Missouri State?

Callahan: I began my nursing career at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, working on a Medical-Surgical floor before moving to the Intensive Care Unit. Oncology became my primary focus, particularly in the Specialty Infusion Unit, where I administered immune therapies and targeted biologics.

Masterson: After earning my PhD, I worked at Radford University in Virginia before moving to the University of Central Arkansas. When I moved back to Springfield, I became a biostatistician for a medical research company, a role I continue to hold while also working at MSU.

Can you share your academic journey?

Callahan: I earned my undergraduate degree in English Literature and taught English as a Second Language in Bucharest, Romania. However, eventually I felt passionate about nursing education. Then, I completed my Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from Denver College of Nursing and Southwest Baptist University. I’m currently working on my Doctor of Nursing Practice at Missouri State.

Masterson: I pursued my athletic dreams on a track scholarship at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. My junior year, I switched from pre-med to psychology in the halfway considering better work life balance. I earned my Master of Science in Experimental Psychology from Missouri State then my PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience with a specialization in quantitative studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

What inspired you to pursue a career in health care and higher education?

Callahan: I’ve always loved science and learning about the human body. My aunt and great-aunt are both nurses and hearing their inspiring stories sparked my passion for health care and teaching.

Masterson: I started pre-med but found my passion in neuroscience, research and statistics. Working in higher education is the cherry on top as I get to share that passion and show students that statistics isn’t so scary after all!

Are there any trends or advancements in nursing or health care that you find particularly exciting?

Callahan I’m excited about the growing field of cardio-oncology, which addresses the cardiac effects of cancer treatments. As a member of the International Cardio-Oncology Society’s nursing advocacy group, I work to advance education and implement updated guidelines to improve nursing practices in this area.

Masterson: I’m excited about AI’s growing impact on health care, revolutionizing research and data analysis. It uncovers patterns traditional methods might miss, which helps to make decision-making more precise and efficient. The intersection of real-time data, advanced statistics and technology holds incredible potential to improve population health.

What do you enjoy most about your job and working at Missouri State?

Callahan: I’m an educator at heart. I love sharing about the nursing profession and all the different ways a nurse can make a difference in the community.

Masterson: I love the variety my job offers, from teaching research and statistics to collaborating with faculty and students through RStats consults. Exploring research beyond my field keeps my courses dynamic and I genuinely enjoy designing studies and analyzing data. Having grown up here, working at MSU feels like coming home.

What’s your teaching philosophy and how do you engage students in the classroom?

Callahan: My teaching philosophy is rooted in leading by example, hands-on learning and creativity to build practical nursing skills. As president of our local Oncology Nurses Society chapter, I encourage students to join professional groups, attend advocacy events and engage in nursing conferences.

Masterson: My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a collaborative, engaging learning environment. I emphasize real-world applications, clear and structured content and practical examples that make complex concepts accessible. My goal is to spark curiosity and build student confidence beyond the classroom.

What are your favorite activities to enjoy during the spring season?

Callahan: I enjoy hiking in local trails and exploring festivals like Artsfest and the Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival. I also love pizza nights at Millsap Farms, especially their New Mexico-style horno ovens.

Masterson: I love getting coffee and going on walks with my husband at Sequiota Park while our 3-year-old rides his bike. I also spend a lot of time at Springfield Rugby matches!

What’s something about you that might surprise people?

Callahan: I never expected my passion for cardio-oncology to lead me to a national stage. This April, I’ll speak at the Oncology Nurses Society 50th Congress — not in a breakout session, but as a main session speaker!

Masterson: I learned to kneeboard and waterski before I could ride a bike, thanks to my family’s love for water sports! That passion led me to teach waterski, wakeboard, kneeboard, barefoot and surf lessons in Branson for five years.

Explore degree options in MCHHS

Promoting balanced nutrition

March 12, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

For many people, grocery shopping is usually just a routine — create a list, fill the cart and go.

But for dietitians like Madison Clemens, Noelle Mennen and Audrey Williams who graduated from Missouri State University, it is an opportunity to make informed, health-conscious choices that support overall well-being.

All three work as corporate registered dietitians at Hy-Vee, Inc. They play a key role in promoting health and wellness for customers and employees.

Finding their path in nutrition

Clemens, who grew up in Springfield, Missouri, knew she wanted a career in health care but did not see herself in nursing or other fields.

“Then, I found dietetics and never looked back,” she said.

Mennen hails from the small mountain town of Westcliffe, Colorado. She moved to Springfield in fall 2022 to pursue her master’s degree. She became passionate about nutrition after realizing how small dietary changes can have a big impact.

“Food isn’t just fuel — it’s a powerful tool for health,” she said.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Williams used to help her mom in the kitchen as a child.

“That’s where my love for food started,” she said. “I realized food had power and I wanted to help others feel better through what they eat.”

To pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics, each of them found their way to Missouri State. They explored this field of study in depth through courses like Population Health Nutrition, Advanced Nutrition Counseling and Health Promotion Planning. They also engaged in a real-world work environment through several practicums.

“The practicums gave me hands-on experience in community nutrition and patient care, building my confidence in counseling and public speaking,” said Clemens.

The trio credited Dr. Sarah Murray, assistant professor and nutrition and dietetics program director, for her guidance and mentorship in shaping their careers.

“Dr. Murray’s guidance helped me grow in research and critical thinking, skills that I now use daily,” Mennen said.

Williams added, “She truly cares about her students and pushes them to be the best dietitians they can be.”

Clemens and Mennen earned their Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2024, while Williams graduated from the same program in 2023. They also completed their dietetic internship in 2023 and 2022. In addition, both Clemens and Williams hold Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Missouri State.

Turning knowledge into impact

As corporate registered dietitians, Clemens, Mennen and Williams provide nutrition counseling, help with meal planning and support communities in many other ways.

“Nutrition isn’t just a subject; it’s a calling,” said Mennen, who is based in Kansas City, Missouri. “Our bodies are designed to work well when properly nourished.”

She enjoys seeing the “aha” moments that result from one-on-one counseling.

“When clients realize food isn’t about restriction but balance, that’s when real change happens,” she said.

According to Clemens, who works at the Hy-vee on East Sunshine in Springfield, she starts her day with emails and charting.

“Then, I work with businesses, leading grocery store tours or preparing for media segments.”

Based at the Hy-vee on West Battlefield in Springfield, Williams balances patient counseling with corporate wellness programs.

“One day, I’m in the store. The next, I’m leading a nutrition seminar,” she said.

Helping clients find answers

One area where Clemens and Williams have made a big impact is raising awareness and providing support for Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS). This is a rare allergy caused by a tick bite.

People with AGS must avoid foods and products containing alpha-gal, a sugar molecule found in red meat and some ingredients from animals. Many struggle to find safe foods to eat and need help making the right choices.

Clemens recalls hosting an alpha-gal food demonstration last fall, where people traveled hours to learn how to make AGS friendly meals.

“They left crying and hugging me because they finally had answers,” she said.

Williams, who created an online AGS class with a Missouri State intern, was amazed by the response.

“People joined from California to Virginia,” she said. “It was incredible to see how many lives we could touch.”

Battling myths with science

With nutritional misinformation everywhere, these dietitians work hard to debunk myths and promote evidence-based advice.

“A big myth is that healthy eating is expensive,” Clemens said. “In reality, smart planning makes nutritious meals budget friendly.”

Williams stays informed by tracking food trends in grocery aisles.

“What customers ask about is usually what’s trending,” she said. “Hearing their questions helps me understand what nutrition topics need more clarity.”

Mennen follows research, webinars and industry updates.

“The more I learn, the better I can help people,” she said.

By continuously learning and challenging myths, Clemens, Mennen and Williams help people make healthier, more confident choices about their food every day.

Explore the nutrition and dietetics program

Staff spotlight: Ann Heidendal

March 10, 2025 by Ella Reuter

Ann Heidendal is an executive assistant in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).

Let’s learn more about her.

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in Audubon, Iowa. I attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, and then stayed in Maryville for the next 15 years until moving to Springfield.

What brought you to Missouri State University and how long have you been here?

My husband is Egon Heidendal, associate provost of institutional effectiveness. We moved to Springfield when he started at Missouri State in April 2024, and I started at the university in October.

What’s your educational background?

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a music minor and a Master of Business Administration, both from Northwest Missouri State.

What do you do in your role at the university?

I’m the MCHHS dean’s executive assistant. I wear lots of hats – everything from coordinating meetings and events to some finance duties.

Why did you choose your area of work?

I enjoy the challenge of no day being the same as the previous. There’s always something new going on here in the McQueary College.

Where did you work prior to Missouri State?

I’ve worked in higher education for the past seven years for Northwest Missouri State doing graduate admissions work and I also worked in financial aid. Before that, I worked as an administrative assistant doing human resources and payroll for a nonprofit.

What do you enjoy most about working at Missouri State?

I’m enjoying getting to know new people and a new university. I enjoy working in the dean’s office and feel like we have a good team that is always working to make the college and the university as a whole a better place for our students.

What do you do for fun or leisure?

I have lots of hobbies! When the weather is nice, my husband and I enjoy hiking and are really looking forward to exploring the Springfield area more. I also enjoy baking, especially homemade bread, and gardening.

What’s your favorite spring activity/activities?

We moved into a new house last fall, so this spring I’m really looking forward to working outside on my landscaping and planting a garden. I have ordered a couple raised bed planters and will plant raspberries and strawberries this year.

Explore MCHHS

Join the movement on Missouri State Giving Day 2025

February 25, 2025 by Sewly Khatun

Giving Day 2025 is an opportunity for McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as community partners, friends and family, to come together for one purpose — to support Missouri State University and its students.

Every contribution makes an impact, shaping the future of health care education and innovation.

A united effort to support student success

MCHHS has been a leading contender in the past Giving Day campaigns in challenges, donors and dollars donated to the university.

Donors can choose where their gift makes the most impact — supporting schools, programs, student organizations and teams. They can also sponsor or participate in special challenges throughout the Giving Day celebration, increasing their contribution to the university.

Last year, two out of the top 10 ambassadors on the leader board came from MCHHS and the number of donors increased by 219 compared to the previous year.

Donations to MCHHS have supported renovations of Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall, allowing for more collaborative student spaces and improved classroom technology for faculty and students, as well as student scholarships.

Together we make a difference

All Bears and friends can get involved with Missouri State’s Giving Day in many ways! Consider how you want to participate:

Simply donate – You can make your gift now, although the majority of gifts and challenges will take place from 10 a.m. March 25 to 10 p.m. March 26.
Sponsor a match or challenge – Matches and challenges bring a competitive spirit to Giving Day, which results in an increase in the number of donations by 110%, the average size of a donation by 41% and revenue by 120%. Individuals or groups can sponsor challenges throughout the Giving Day celebration.
Become a Giving Day Ambassador – Anyone can be an ambassador. Sign up to get started.
Share your story and experiences, along with the Giving Day link with your contacts through social media, email and texts. Check out the Giving Day social media toolkit to get started.

Thank you to our donors for your generosity. Thank you to the faculty and staff for advocating for our college. Finally, thank you to students for choosing MCHHS – we could not do what we do without any of you!

Make a gift

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