School of Health Care Professions Archives - Page 4 of 4

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.

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Faculty spotlight: Crystal Powell and Stacy Johnson

February 14, 2025 by Ella Reuter

Our featured McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) faculty members are Crystal Powell, assistant professor in the School of Health Care Professions, and Stacy Johnson, clinical instructor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences.

Let’s find out more about them.

Where are you originally from?

Powell: Savannah, Missouri.

Johnson: I’m originally from Mountain Home, Arkansas, a charming town about a two-hour drive from Springfield.

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

Powell: I graduated from Missouri State’s physician assistant (PA) program in 2005 and practiced clinically in the Springfield area for many years. During that time, I served as a clinical preceptor for PA students, which sparked my interest in teaching. That spark eventually led me back to Missouri State, where I now have the privilege of teaching in the same program that shaped my career. Since joining the physician assistant studies (PAS) faculty in 2023, I’ve truly enjoyed my time here — it feels like coming home!

Johnson: This is my second year as a faculty member at Missouri State. Joining Missouri State has been a dream of mine because I love mentoring students and helping them understand the transformative impact social workers can have in the field.

What’s your favorite part about working at Missouri State so far?

Powell: My favorite part has been the students. Their energy and passion for learning is truly inspiring — and contagious! They make every day unique and fulfilling and I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such a remarkable group of individuals.

Johnson: What I enjoy most about working at Missouri State is the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from diverse disciplines. The university fosters a supportive culture that emphasizes a healthy work-life balance, which I truly value.

What’s your educational background?

Powell: I received my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Missouri State in 2005 and my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University in 2002. in 2002.

Johnson: I’m proud to be an alum of Missouri State, where I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work.

Why did you choose your career path?

Powell: I became a PA because of my love of science, my love of people and my desire to help others. A PA career allowed me to combine all these interests, and I truly enjoyed my time in clinical practice. Now that I’m here at Missouri State, I have the privilege of guiding PA students as they grow into compassionate and skilled professionals — an experience that’s just as rewarding.

Johnson: I chose social work because I saw first-hand the gaps individuals faced in receiving health services and support. My grandmother’s experiences particularly shaped my perspective, as I witnessed the challenges she faced in accessing the care she needed. Seeing her struggle, and the impact it had on our family, reinforced my belief in the need for better advocacy, support systems and access to services. I’ve always been intrinsically motivated to help people, but I also recognize that by helping others, I find a sense of purpose in myself. Social work allows me to bridge those gaps while fulfilling my own drive to make a meaningful difference.

Where did you work prior to Missouri State?

Powell: Before joining Missouri State, I spent about one and a half years working with Drury University’s PA program. Prior to Drury, I practiced clinically in pediatrics and family medicine for about 17 years.

Johnson: I bring an eclectic professional background to my role, having worked in the medical field, as a therapist specializing in school-aged children and most recently, as a school social worker.

What do you do in your role at the university?

Powell: I’m an instructor in a variety of PAS courses including clinical assessment, clinical medicine, clinical problem solving and procedures. I also serve as the director of assessment for our program.

Johnson: I serve as an instructor for both the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work programs. I also work as an advisor and am the faculty advisor for the BSW Social Work Club.

What’s your favorite thing about the winter season?

Powell: I’m not a huge fan of winter, so to me, the best part of this season is knowing that spring is just around the corner.

Johnson: While I typically prefer spring and summer, I treasure the magic of the winter season, especially with my young children. Watching their excitement makes the season truly special. I also enjoy baking, and winter always feels like the perfect time to whip up something delicious.

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Bringing hearing care closer to home in rural Iowa

November 18, 2024 by Sewly Khatun

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.”

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.”

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

October 24, 2024 by Sewly Khatun

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

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’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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