Dec. 4, 2025
College of Health Sciences alumni, students, faculty and staff are on a mission to improve the lives of others. Join us in celebrating health care professionals who embody those values and inspire others to do the same.
To nominate someone who inspires you, email flynnpetersk@health.missouri.edu.
Anna Werr
Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound
Class of 2024
- Grew up in Shelbyville, Missouri: a town of 500 people which inspired her to take her education back to a rural area and help people.
- She now works as a sonographer at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, Missouri.
- She is thankful towards Mizzou for preparing her for her line of work through the amount of skills graduates are able to pick up on.
Freddie Avant
Social Work
Class of 1982
- Associate dean and director of the School of Social Work at Stephen F. Austin State University.
- Inspired by working with disadvantaged kids as an undergraduate student.
- “It’s not possible to fix all social problems, but I show students how they can change lives in so many ways.”
Ethan Greenblatt
Health Science
Class of 2019
- Health Education Supervisor, St. Louis County Department of Public Health.
- 2023 College of Health Sciences Outstanding Young Alumni Award winner.
- Led St. Louis County COVID-19 response team. Now leads community health education outreach team.
- Completing Master of Public Health degree at Mizzou
Melanie Tkach
Occupational Therapy
Assistant professor
- Occupational Therapist with 10 years of clinical service.
- Focused on supporting children with autism by including them in conversations.
- “What we found was that by giving the child a voice in their own therapy, we gave them the opportunity to share their insights and help contribute to the strategies that they might use to help them accomplish their goals.”
Sarah Miller
Physical Therapy
Class of 2019
- She was inspired to go into physical therapy after facing a basketball injury while in high school.
- Working at the forefront of pelvic health, she has learned to embrace those awkward conversations.
- “I was able to be that filter and that soundboard for things that [patients] haven’t even discussed with their other providers.”
Dave Gardner II
Health Administration
Class of 2023
- Bone Marrow Transplant Manager, Children’s Mercy Kansas City.
- Active member of his community through board service.
- “Guiding groups that don’t formally report to me requires a deeper level of trust, collaboration, and influence, which has strengthened my ability to communicate effectively, lead with empathy, and foster strong relationships.”
Carly Hays
Health Sciences
Class of 2023
- Juggles attending PA school at UMKC with being a cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs.
- “Now, I try to give back by being a mentor for all of the College of Health Sciences students who come after me.”