Staff & Faculty
Dr. Fiona Sansone
Co-Chair, Department of Health Professions
Endowed Director for Population Health
Dr. Fiona Sansone
Associate Professor
B.S.N. Missouri Western State University
M.S.W. University of Missouri-Columbia
D.B.H. Arizona State University
Office: Murphy Hall 207
Office Phone: (816) 271-5622
Email: fsansone@missouriwestern.edu
Dr. Justin Kraft
Co-Chair, Professor
Exercise Science
Dr. Justin Kraft
Professor
Program Coordinator
Masters of Applied Science degree in Sport and Fitness management
B.S., Jamestown College
M.A., University of Northern Colorado
Ph.D., University of Alabama
Office: Looney Complex 214G
Office Phone: (816) 271-4493
Email: jkraft@missouriwestern.edu
Office Hours:
MTWTh 10-11
Fri 11-12
Chelsea Norton
Admissions and Advisement Director
Department of Health Professions
Chelsea Norton
Admissions and Advisement Director
Office: Murphy Hall 309
Office Phone: (816) 271-5845
Email: cnorton1@missouriwestern.edu
Misty Wolfe, RHIT
Clinical Compliance Coordinator
Department of Health Professions
Misty Wolfe, RHIT
Clinical Compliance Coordinator
Office: Murphy Hall 309
Office Phone: (816) 271-5912
Email: mwolfe2@missouriwestern.edu
Holly Keaveny
Administrative Assistant
Department of Health Professions
Holly Keaveny
Administrative Assistant
Email: hkeaveny@missouriwestern.edu
Office: Looney 214B
Phone: (816) 271-4491
Zowie West
Administrative Assistant
Department of Health Professions
Zowie West
Administrative Assistant
Email: zwest@missouriwestern.edu
Office: Murphy 207A
Phone: (816) 271-4402
Dr. Paul Choi
Professor
Recreation Sport Management
Dr. Paul Choi
Professor of Recreation Sport Management, Graduate Faculty
B.A., Yon Sei University
M.S., United States Sports Academy
Ph.D., Oklahoma State University
Office: Looney Complex 214E
Office Phone: (816) 271-4246
Email: hchoi@missouriwestern.edu
Office Hours:
M 12-1
Tues & Thurs 11-12:30
Dr. Stephanie Gerlach
Assistant Professor
Exercise Science
Dr. Stephanie Gerlach
Assistant Professor
B.A., Business and Economics
Goethe Universität
B.S., Exercise Science
Massey University
M.S., Exercise Physiology
Minnesota State University
Ph.D., Exercise Physiology
University of New Mexico
Certification: ACE-CPT
Office: Looney Complex 129C
Office Phone: (816) 271-4290
Email: sgerlach1@missouriwestern.edu
Dr. Daewon Yoon
Assistant Professor
Recreation Sport Management
Recreation Sports Management
B.S., Physical Education
Chosun University
M.A., Sports Administration
New Mexico Highlands University
Ph.D., Sports Administration
University of New Mexico
Dr. William Russell
Professor
Exercise Science
Dr. William Russell
Professor
B.A., Cleveland State University
M.S., Ball State University
Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia
Office: Looney Complex 129
Office Phone: (816) 271-4492
Email: wrussell@missouriwestern.edu
Office Hours:
MW 12-1
Tues & Thurs 2-3
Fri 9-11
Dr. Pam Clary
Professor
Social Work
Dr. Pam Clary
BSW Program Director
Professor of Social Work
A.A., Highland Community College
B.S.W./B.S., Kansas State University
M.S.W., University of Kansas
Ph.D., Kansas State University
Office: Murphy Hall 207E
Office Phone: (816) 271-4341
Email: pclary@missouriwestern.edu
Office Hours
Monday 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Thursday 9:00 to 12:00 p.m.
Dr. Pam Clary came to Missouri Western State University as the Acting Social Work Program Director, in August 2007. She remained in this position until August 2009, when she stepped into the Field Director’s position so she could return to school to complete her doctoral work. In August 2014, Dr. Clary resumed the leadership position of Program Director. Dr. Clary received her BSW (’87) from Kansas State University, MSW (’91) from the University of Kansas and her PhD (’14) from Kansas State University. She has over 17 years of direct clinical experience, over 15 years of teaching experience (BSW and MSW classes), along with several years of administrative experience. Dr. Clary’s social work experience includes working with children, youth and families with mental health issues, Parent/Child Sex Educator, licensed clinical social worker working with victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence and home health. She has provided numerous supervision placements for social work students and provided clinical supervision for social workers working on their licensure for the state of Missouri and/or Kansas. In addition, Dr. Clary has been and continues to be actively involved in the community. She sits on community boards, task forces, sub-committees and is involved in ongoing professional activities that promote diversity and social justice. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and is licensed in both Missouri and Kansas. While at Missouri Western State University, Dr. Clary has taught a variety of social work courses which include: Social Work Practice I, Human Behavior in the Social Environment I and II, Introduction to Social Work (face-to-face and online), Bridge to Practicum (a course she developed), Death and Dying and Practicum Seminar.
Dr. Grey Endres
Associate Professor
Social Work
Dr. Grey Endres
Associate Professor of Social Work
B.S.E. University of Kansas
M.S.W. University of Kansas
D.S.W. University of Southern California
Office: Murphy Hall 207D
Office Phone: (816) 271-5965
Email: rendres@missouriwestern.edu
To schedule an appointment with Grey Endres use the following link: https://greyendres.youcanbook.me
Jana Frye
Associate Professor
Social Work
Jana Frye
BSW Field Education Director
Assistant Professor of Social Work
M.S.W., University of Kansas
B.S, Criminal Justice, Truman State University
Office: Murphy Hall 206
Office Phone: (816) 271-4350
Email: jfrye3@missouriwestern.edu
To schedule an appointment with Jana Frye use the following link: https://janafrye.youcanbook.me
Office Hours
Monday 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 – 11 a.m.
Dr. LeAnn Wittman
Assistant Professor
Social Work
LeAnn Wittman
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Office: Murphy Hall 207
Email: lwittman@missouriwestern.edu
Whitlea Castillo
Assistant Professor Social Work
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Witlea Castillo, LMSW
Assistant Professor
A.A., Highland Community College
B.S.W., Missouri Western State University
M.S.W., University of Kansas
Office: Murphy Hall 207C
Office Phone:
Email: wcastillo@missouriwestern.edu
Office Hours:
Whitlea Castillo is a Missouri Western Alumni and an LMSW in the state of Kansas. She obtained an Associate of Arts from Highland Community College (2013), a BSW from Missouri Western (2015), and a Master’s in Social Work from KU (2018). Whitlea will begin pursuing her DSW from the University of Kentucky beginning in January 2025. The majority of Whitlea’s career has been spent working in rural communities with youth and families in child welfare and the public school setting. Whitlea also has experience working in home health & hospice.
Brandon Johnson
Assistant Professor Social Work
Brandon Johnson
Assistant Professor
B.S.W. Missouri Western State University
B.S. Missouri Western State University
M.S.W. Washington University
M.B.A. Missouri Western State University
Office: Murphy Hall 206B
Office Phone: 816-271-4455
Email: bjohnson23@missouriwestern.edu
Office Hours:
Brandon Johnson is a Missouri Western State University alumni and an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in the state of Missouri and LCSW-C in the state of Maryland. Brandon has obtained a Bachelor of Science in Sociology (2012), Bachelor of Social Work (2012) and Master of Business Administration (2019) from Missouri Western State University. Brandon completed his Master of Social Work with emphasis on Social and Economic Development at Washington University in Saint Louis (2013).
Brandon’s past work includes serving as a Compliance Auditor with the Missouri Department of Mental Health; Institutional Chief of Mental Health in the Missouri Department of Corrections; and City of Saint Louis Missouri’s Commission on Children, Youth, and Families: Youth Violence Task Force. Brandon’s academic interests include transdisciplinary approaches to social innovation; policy analysis; social impact strategy; music-based approaches to improving mental health outcomes, public health outcomes, and building social cohesion; mental health assessment and diagnosis; and program development, implementation and evaluation.
David Northrop
Program Director & Assistant Professor
Respiratory Therapy
David Northrop
Program Director & Assistant Professor
B.S., University of Kansas
M.B.A., Baker University
Office: Murphy 207G
Phone: (913) 271-0621 or (816) 271-4309
Email: dnorthrop@missouriwestern.edu
Sarah McDaris
Director of Clinical Education & Assistant Professor
Sarah McDaris
Director of Clinical Education & Assistant Professor
B.S., University of Kansas
M.B.A., Missouri Western State University
Office: Murphy Hall 207
Phone: (816) 271-4402
Email: smcdaris@missouriwestern.edu
Dr. Maureen Holtz, PT, DPT
PTA Director
Assistant Professor
Dr. Maureen Holtz
PTA Director | Assistant Professor
B.S., Health Science, University of Missouri
D.P.T., University of Missouri
Office: Murphy Hall 207J
Office Phone: (816) 271-5996
Email: mholtz@missouriwestern.edu
Amy Hallquist, PT, ACCE
PTA Instructor
Amy Hallquist
PTA Instructor
Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Instructor
B.S. Biology, Missouri Western State University
M.S. Gerontology, Kansas State University
Office: Murphy Hall 207H
Office Phone: (816) 271-4251
Email: ahallquist@missouriwestern.edu
Adjunct Faculty
Brad Durham
Health, Sport, and Exercise Science
Instructor
Jessica Divine
Social Work
Jessica Divine
Part-Time Instructor of Social Work
A.A., North Central Missouri College
B.S.W., Missouri Western State University
M.S.W., University of Missouri-Kansas City
Office:
Office Phone:
Email:
Jennifer Kline
Social Work
Jennifer Kline
Part-Time Instructor of Social Work
B.S.W. Missouri Western State University
M.S.W. University of Missouri
Office: Murphy Hall 207
Office Phone: (816) 271-4415
Email: jatkinson1@missouriwestern.edu
Courses:
SWK 250
Jennifer Kline is a Missouri Western Alumni and received her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri. She began her career in the Juvenile Court system, working in juvenile delinquency, restorative justice programming, and with foster youth. Jennifer transitioned to employment in the adult Mental Health system after receiving her graduate degree and worked with forensic mental health patients while pursuing clinical licensure. She received her LCSW credential in 2010 and has since worked in acute inpatient psychiatric care, in an administrative capacity, and as a therapist, providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults. She is currently employed as a therapist at the Mosaic Outpatient Behavioral Health practice. Jennifer enjoys working in the mental health field, advocating for underserved populations, and mentoring social work students. She served as an Adjunct Professor at Missouri Western from 2010 to 2017 and resumed teaching part-time in 2022. She has supervised both BSW and MSW field practicum placements.
Harold McClellan
Social Work
Harold McClellan
Part-Time Instructor of Social Work
B.S.W. Missouri Western State University
M.S.W. University of Missouri-Kansas City
Office: Murphy Hall 207
Office Phone: (816) 271-4415
Email: hmcclellan@missouriwestern.edu
Courses:
SWK 345
Harold McClellan is a Missouri Western Alumni and a graduate of the University of Missouri at Kansas City Master of Social Work program. Harold has various substance use credentials from the Missouri Credentialing Board, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri and a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) in Kansas. Harold has returned to MWSU to give back. Harold teaches the Substance Use and Disorders class. Harold says, “We all have perceptions, beliefs, and ideas about substance use that have been shaped and or influenced by our life experiences. I have met individuals from all walks of life, from all over the world through my work and life experiences. Most of the people that I have encountered (and their families) have been affected by substance use in one way or another. I enjoy using my knowledge and personal experience to help people understand substance use disorders and the people who have them.”
Ann McClintick
Social Work
Ann McClintick
Part-Time Instructor of Social Work
B.S.W. Missouri Western State University
M.S.W. University of Missouri-Kansas City
Office: Murphy Hall 207
Office Phone: (816) 271-4415
Email: ajensen2@missouriwestern.edu
Office Hours:
By Appointment Only
Courses:
SWK 260
Ann graduated from Missouri Western in 2001 with a Bachelor of Social Work. She received her Master of Social Work from UMKC in 2004. She has been a school social worker for the St. Joseph School District since 2016. Prior to working as a school social worker, Ann worked full-time as a medical social worker doing hospice care and grief support. Ann began teaching adjunct for MWSU in 2008. She has taught various classes including, Death and Dying, Introduction to Aging, Policy, Child and Family Welfare, and Practice I lab. Ann enjoys working with all ages, but is enjoying working with adolescents. She hopes to continue to work as a school social worker for the remainder of her career.
Danielle Nielson
Social Work
Danielle Nielson
Part-Time Instructor of Social Work
Office: Murphy Hall 207
Office Phone: (816) 271-4415
Email: dnielson@missouriwestern.edu
Course: SWK-240 Social Work and Mental Health
Danielle Nielson joined Missouri Western State University as an adjunct professor in Spring of 2021. She completed her BSW at Missouri Western in May of 2013 and MSW at Park University in May of 2015. She also completed her LCSW in fall of 2020. She has professional experience working in foster care, domestic violence, school social work, and community/ outpatient mental health. Currently she works at Northwest Behavioral Health as an integrated therapist at the Mound City and Savannah Clinics. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her two children, attending sporting events, and exploring new sites.
Kari Schuster
PTA Adjunct Instructor
Bonnie Aspiazu
Bonnie Aspiazu, JD, RHIA, FACHE
Part-Time Instructor
Office: Murphy Hall 309
Office Phone: (816) 271-5913
Email: baspiazu@missouriwestern.edu
Karalea Fisher
Karalea Fisher, MSIT, RHIT, CNA
Instructor, Adjunct Faculty
Office Phone: (406) 616-3886
Email: kfisher8@missouriwestern.edu
Mechel McKinney
MBA, RHIA
Adjunct Professor
Mechel McKinney, MBA, RHIA
PPE Coordinator
Health Information Mgmt Assistant Professor
A.S. University of New Mexico
B.S. University of Phoenix
MBA, American Public University System
Office:
Office Phone:
Email: mmckinney5@missouriwestern.edu
Teaches: HIF 200, HIF 300, HIF 330, HIF 371, HIF 410, HIF 440, HIF 460, HIF 465
Lauren Patton
Population Health Management
Adjunct Professor
Dr. L. Corey Sloan
Population Health Management
Adjunct Professor