Health and Human Services News

Building bridges with Burrell

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Have you heard about the new PsyD program? 

Dr. Adam Andreassen, Chief Operating Officer of Burrell Behavioral Health, and Dr. Paul Deal, psychology department head at Missouri State University, lift the curtain to discuss what the partnership with Burrell entails. 

“We want to develop a workforce that is going to meet a demand that is extremely prevalent at this time. All of us at Burrell are thrilled about this partnership and the creation of this Doctor of Psychology program,” Andreassen said. “It’s going to change the community; it’s going to change the state and it’s going to save lives.”  

Listen to the episode 

Faculty fan-favorites

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Dr. Maureen Templeman, assistant professor in the department of psychology, and Dee Telting, clinical associate professor in the department of communication sciences and disorders, are two members of our incredible MCHHS faculty.

We are so thankful to have them!

What’s been the funniest or craziest thing to happen in your classroom? 

Templeman: Last year was my first year here and I taught all my courses online. While I haven’t had anything out of the ordinary happen in one of my in-person classes yet, I’ve been happy to get to interact with students face-to-face and to learn about their goals and aspirations. 

Telting: I decided to reward my graduate student class with candy. Each time they answered a question correctly, I would throw a piece of candy to them. It was all fun and games until I hit one of them in the head with a mini Snickers bar!!! 

Where are you from?  

Templeman: Tampa, Florida 

Telting: I’m originally from Oklahoma but have lived in Springfield for 32 years. I’m an Army brat, so we moved a lot when I was young, but I still consider myself an Okie. 

What brought you to Missouri State? 

Templeman: I worked here at the English Language Institute from 2006 to 2011. When I was job searching while finishing up my PhD, the position opened in the gerontology program and I jumped on the opportunity to return. 

Telting: I originally came to Missouri State in the 90s when it was Southwest Missouri State University, and I was hired as a professor in speech language pathology. I left the university to go into clinical practice and remained there until my recent return to MSU. I returned to Missouri State two years ago to teach students speech language pathology. 

Dig into the department of communication sciences and disorders

What’s your favorite part about working here? 

Templeman: I love how student-centered our university is!! It’s fun that faculty can get involved in so many aspects of campus life. 

Telting: The students, definitely! Seeing them grow and learn is the best part. I also love teaching my undergraduate class, Neural Bases in Speech and Hearing and my graduate class, Voice Disorders. 

Learn more about the department of psychology

Transforming houses into homes

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Larra Alford believes people deserve to be proud of where they call home.  

“Four white walls with nothing to help you feel dignified is a shelter, not a home,” Alford said. 

Alford is the CEO and founder of the Passion House Project (PHP), a nonprofit that provides household essentials to those in need.  

But they provide more than the bare minimum. PHP helps people turn their houses into homes. 

An uphill battle 

Alford’s journey through life inspired her to create PHP. 

After an unconventional experience with her primary education caused her to stop schooling at age 13, Alford obtained her GED at 28 years old.  

“I spent several years at Ozark Technical College because I had to learn the information everyone else was taught from sixth to 12th grade,” Alford said. 

Alford moved on to Missouri State University to pursue her bachelor’s in psychology with a personalized minor.  

While she was in school full time, she was a mom of three and worked 60+ hours a week. 

“Missouri State saved my life. Coming back to college played a massive role in my journey,” Alford said. 

The beginning of something new 

During her time at Missouri State, Alford worked as a volunteer and mentor for the Drew Lewis Foundation (DLF). She is now employed as a personal development coach, serving on the advisory board for the Northwest Project/RISE.  

“Upon joining [DLF], I was deeply moved to see the work they were doing to support our underserved community. It sparked my passion for working with people.” 

“I graduated from Missouri State in 2019 and now here I am in 2022 opening my own nonprofit,” Alford said. “Goals — big or small — are attainable.” 

PHP’s warehouse and most current inventory have been donated by the Springfield community.  

“Everything has just fallen into place,” Alford remarked. “We have the kindest community.” 

Vandalism that occurred during the break-in of the Passion House Project
Vandalism that occurred at the time of the break-in.

Unfortunately, a devastating break-in and robbery forced PHP to postpone their grand opening from July 2022 to 2023. 

“We won’t give up,” Alford said. “We can’t wait to help people transform their houses into homes.” 

How can you help? 

If you want to help the Passion House Project, you may donate items, time or funds. 

Donations should be new or gently used. In addition to furniture, PHP accepts:  

  • Kitchen supplies. 
  • Cleaning supplies. 
  • Bedding materials. 

PHP is always searching for partners and volunteers. 

Connect with the Passion House Project 

Growing onward and upward 

The current PHP team consists of Alford and wife, Tess Alford, along with their three children. 

“I’m a big dreamer and I want us to grow as quickly as possible,” Alford said.  

Alford wants to set up as many PHP locations throughout southwest Missouri as their resources allow. 

For those who are itching to start their own nonprofit, Alford offers sage advice: 

“Keep dreaming. Keep chasing. Follow your dream. One day soon, your goals will become reality.” 

Explore the psychology department 

Feeling the love… or the lack thereof

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Love isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. 

What happens to you when you fall in love? What about being dumped? How does self-love compare? 

Being in love usually means that we adopt rose-colored glasses and a sunny disposition—while heartbreak can cause us to feel depressed and adopt a negative outlook.  

Are we crazy or is there any substance to these drastic feelings and personality changes? 

Dr. Amber Abernathy, associate professor of psychology, details the effects that love and heartbreak have on someone’s brain and overall personality in the newest episode of the “Health Queries” podcast.   

“Romantic love is what we typically think of when we think about love, which translates to infatuation. With infatuation being much more short-term, there is still a lot that’s happening in the brain during this time,” Abernathy remarks. “There’s a lot of ups and downs happening with a variety of chemicals in your brain.” 

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