Feb. 24, 2026
Story by Natalie Kientzy, chscommunications@missouri.edu
When Lena Lalka’s daughter was hospitalized with asthma, she spent many long hours watching respiratory therapists ensure her child was receiving the care she needed. What Lalka didn’t realize was that she was watching her own future unfold.
Lalka, who was always interested in health care, was searching for a path away from her desk job. She met with an advisor at Mizzou, spoke about her interests and her daughter’s health journey, and before long was introduced to Jennifer Keely, director of the Respiratory Therapy program in the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences.
As a mother of two children, returning to college wasn’t an easy decision. Lalka had spent years balancing work, family and the unpredictability of life, but she also knew she was ready to pursue something meaningful. Once she found respiratory therapy, everything fell into place.
“It was pretty clear from the get-go that I was in the right spot,” Lalka said. “People are always saying, ‘What’s my purpose? What am I supposed to do in life?’ and I truly feel like that’s what respiratory therapy is for me.”
Lalka, who is now working through her senior year, has thrived in the program. She recently received a $1,000 award from the American Respiratory Care Foundation for her research paper, entitled “Early Mobilization of Mechanically Ventilated Patients.”
“I was really surprised at the lack of research surrounding the mobilization of intubated patients,” Lalka said. “From my clinical experience, I know it’s not very common to get them up and moving — most patients are sedated and even on restraints.”
Thanks to interprofessional education opportunities at Mizzou, Lalka was able to work with occupational and physical therapy students to learn what it takes to get patients up and moving. Through her research, Lalka discovered that mobilization for ventilated patients, while intimidating, is safe and might even improve recovery outcomes.
“More research needs to be done,” Lalka said. “Because it does take a lot of resources, but it could lead to real benefits for patients in the long run.”
Lalka credits her success in part to the professors and mentors who have encouraged her along the way.
“I’ve worked with a lot of different professors throughout my academic career,” Lalka said. “The professors here — Jennifer Keely, Linda Lair and Sara Parker — are the best anyone could ask for. They are so fantastic and supportive.”
After completing her degree, Lalka hopes to work as a pediatric respiratory therapist. While she acknowledges the weight of helping children through difficult times, she said her own experiences as a mother fostered a passion for caring for children. Thanks to the hands-on training she received as part of her coursework at Mizzou, she has the skills and confidence to take on those challenges.
“By offering specific pediatric and neonatal classes and clinical rotations, we’re able to dip our toes in the water and see if pediatric respiratory therapy is not only something we’re interested in but also something we can handle,” Lalka said.
Juggling motherhood and a full academic schedule hasn’t been easy, but Lalka says those experiences have made her stronger and more focused.
“It has presented a great challenge, but I’m the kind of person who thrives in fast-paced, high-stress environments,” she said. “I’ve had to manage my time, decide where to put my energy, and rise to meet every obstacle. Not only am I succeeding, I’m excelling — and being a good mom at the same time.”
She also hopes her story will inspire others, especially those who think it might be too late to pursue their dreams.
“Don’t be afraid,” she said. “No matter your background, you can succeed in this program. The professors and your classmates want you to thrive. It’s such a supportive environment. If I can do it, you can too.”
