Prevention power

“I was kind of an odd student,” Honderick laughs. “Most of my peers were drawn to high-intensity settings like the ICU or ER, but I found my passion during my community health rotation. It just clicked for me — seeing how addressing the prevention side of care could create a ripple effect on health outcomes.” 

During her time at the health department, Honderick worked closely with programs like Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program (WIC) and well-child services. She saw firsthand how ensuring new mothers and their babies had the resources they needed – from nutrition support to developmental checkups and vaccinations – could shape healthier futures. 

“If you help a baby thrive, you’re setting up that toddler to be ready for kindergarten, and eventually, you’re contributing to a healthier, more productive society,” she reflects. “That connection between early intervention and long-term community well-being really resonated with me.” 

One of the most memorable experiences of Honderick’s early career occurred in Reno County, Kansas, where she provided home visits to new mothers. She recalls one client, an older mom with a challenging history, who became a pivotal patient in her professional journey. 

“She was tough,” Honderick recalls. “The team at the health department doubted I’d even get through the door, but I kept showing up, building trust one visit at a time.” Despite the mom’s frequent moves and initial reluctance, Honderick’s persistence paid off. Over time, the mom began contacting her directly — something she hadn’t done with other staff — and brought her baby in for checkups more consistently. 

“It wasn’t just about the baby getting care. It was about understanding the barriers this mom faced, whether it was transportation, work conflicts or childcare,” she says. “That experience taught me how critical it is to address the broader social determinants of health.” 

Honderick’s passion for education and systemic change led her to a 15-year tenure as director of the Master of Public Health program at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. There, she worked closely with graduate and medical students to integrate population health principles into their education. 

Now, as the newly appointed director of the Joplin Campus Center for Population Health and Equity (CPHE), Honderick sees an opportunity to make an even greater impact. 

“This role feels like a perfect fit,” she says. “I’m excited to collaborate with the community, build relationships and help address the factors that prevent so many from accessing the care they need. The Joplin region has unique challenges, but also incredible potential to lead the way in advancing health equity.” 

Honderick credits her longtime colleague and CPHE Executive Director Catherine Satterwhite, PhD, MSPH, MPH, for helping her see the opportunity at KCU. 

“Catherine has such passion and vision for this Center, and when she described the work and the potential of the CPHE, I knew this was the kind of role where I could contribute in meaningful ways,” Honderick says. 

Since arriving on campus, Honderick has largely focused on listening, learning and building connections. “I want to hear from the people who know this community best – its leaders, its health care workers and its residents. My role is to take those insights and collaborate to create programs and policies that help meet the region’s needs.” 

Her arrival comes at an exciting time for the CPHE, which is expanding with significant investments in both infrastructure and programs. Construction has already began on a new dedicated facility on the Joplin campus.  

“I’m inspired by the level of commitment KCU has made to this work,” Honderick says. “It’s an incredible opportunity to make a real difference — not just in Joplin, but across the region.”