The Missouri Nursing Students’ Association (MONSA) is a statewide organization for student nurses in Missouri and is a constituent of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA). MONSA is independently organized and governed by Missouri nursing students. In 2019, there were over 2000 members whose membership came from nursing programs throughout the state.
Founded in 1952, MONSA is an organization for students enrolled in associate, baccalaureate and diploma nursing programs. It is dedicated to fostering the leadership and professional development of nursing students.
MONSA's Board of Directors is made up of 10 nursing students who are elected at the organization's annual convention and one non-voting consultant who was appointed by the Missouri Nurses Association to provide guidance to the association.
Over 300 nursing students participate in MONSA's Annual Convention, which gives Missouri nursing students the opportunity to hear well-known speakers, discuss trends and issues relevant to nursing today, learn about leadership, nurse specialties and career development activities. In addition, there is a mini NCLEX review and opportunities to network with other students from across Missouri and the region. Panels, exhibits, education sessions and fun events round out a conference designed to help students prepare for their careers as professional nurses.
Our Mission
Enhance professional nursing students education and practice in all environments to assure quality, affordable, and accessible health care for the people of Missouri.
Our Purpose
1. Assume responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality health care.
2. Provide programs representative of fundamental and current professional interest and concerns.
3. Aid in the development of the whole person, his/her professional role, and his/her responsibility for the health care of people in all walks of life.
Our Function
1. To have direct input into standards of nursing education and influence on the education process.
2. To influence health care, nursing education and practice through legislative activities as appropriate.
3. To promote and encourage participation in community affairs and activities toward improved health care and the resolution of related social issues.
4. To represent nursing students to the consumer, to institutions, and to other organizations.
5. To promote and encourage student participation in interdisciplinary activities.
6. To promote and encourage recruitment efforts, participation in student activities, and education opportunities regardless of a person’s race, color, creed, sex, lifestyle, national origin, age, or economic status.
7. To promote and encourage collaborative relationships with the Missouri Nurses’ Association (MONA) and the Missouri League for Nursing (MLN), as well as other state nursing and related health organizations.
8. To promote nursing education by rewarding scholarships based on academic excellence and financial need, as funds are available.
Board of Directors
2024-2025
Leadership is…
…an integral part of the nursing profession. At the Missouri Nursing Students’ Association, leadership is a collaborative effort where the members work with the Board of Directors to chart the best course for the future of nursing.
MONSA’s elected volunteer leaders are committed nursing students who work strategically with the student nursing association school chapters, the National Student Nurses’ Association and other professional nursing organizations in Missouri. By working together, these organizations are able to combine leadership talent and insight to develop a clear picture of what nursing needs today - and tomorrow.
President
Latrice Moore
St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley - St. Louis, Missouri
Hello, my name is Latrice Moore, and I am overjoyed to be the MONSA President. I have recently completed an ADN from St. Louis Community College and have passed the NCLEX – RN as of 1/2/2025. I plan to attend Capella University in March while working at the St Louis Children’s Hospital NICU.
When hardship comes into your life, it breaks you for a little while. But when it’s done with you, you evolve into a new person. – Marsala Sharma
This quote perfectly reflects my journey and the inspiration behind my decision to pursue nursing. Despite coming from a long line of nurses, I never believed I had the ability to successfully care for someone in an emergency—until my son was born with life threatening medical challenges. Caring for him required knowledge, skills, and advocacy that I never knew I possessed. Those hardships helped me evolve into someone capable of and passionate about providing the same care and hope for others.
I don’t believe anyone runs for office solely for themselves. I ran for President of MONSA to represent every student nurse who has a story driving their passion for this profession. My goal is to inspire and support other “future nurses” on their journey to becoming a beacon of hope.
Vice President / Convention Director
Asa Palmeri
North Central Missouri College - Trenton, Missouri
000167609@pirates.ncmissouri.edu
I am incredibly honored to serve as the Vice President of the Missouri Nursing Student Association (MONSA). This role is a remarkable opportunity to use my voice and platform to be a positive and strong light in the field of nursing. I am committed to representing Missouri nursing students with pride while also serving as an ambassador for North Central Missouri College (NCMC). This is an amazing opportunity, and I am determined to make the most of my time serving. As Vice President, I will work alongside the MONSA Board of Directors and the State Consultant. Together, we’ll shape initiatives that impact nursing education, support the organization’s annual conventions, and represent Missouri nursing students at both state and national levels.
My journey into nursing has been shaped by a deep commitment to excellence, leadership, and advocacy. I’ve lived in Jefferson City, Missouri, for most of my life, where I was homeschooled and attended Lighthouse Preparatory Academy for high school. In 2016, I earned my LPN license from State Technical College, which allowed me to gain experience in hospice, mental health, primary care, pulmonary care, and nursing informatics. For the past four years, I have specialized in building and maintaining electronic medical record systems for large hospitals, blending my passion for technology and healthcare. In my current role as the Nursing Student Representative for the Online Student Nurse Association at NCMC, I have had the privilege of supporting my peers and honing my leadership skills. I am currently enrolled in NCMC’s Online ADN Program, which allows me to continue working while advancing my education. After graduating in May, I plan to pursue a BSN and eventually an MSN in Nursing Informatics, furthering my dedication to lifelong learning.
Secretary / Treasurer
Kiley Smetzer
Stephens College - Columbia, Missouri
Hello, my name is Kiley Smetzer, and I currently attend Stephens College. I am enrolled in their accelerated BSN program. I chose a career in nursing to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day. Caring for individuals during their most vulnerable moments is not just a responsibility, it is my passion and my calling.
I decided to run for a leadership position in MONSA to serve as a voice for my peers and to promote positive, productive change. As an advocate for nursing students, my mission is to ensure that every student is provided with opportunities to collaborate, express themselves, and share their unique experiences.
Northern Regional Director
Nathan Neil
Central Methodist University – Fayette Missouri
Hello, my name is Nathan Neil, and I am a student at Central Methodist University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I will graduate in May 2026. I have always envisioned myself in a career dedicated to caring for people during their most challenging and vulnerable moments. My passion for nursing was inspired by my family and solidified as I discovered it to be my true calling. I chose to run for a leadership position with the Missouri Nursing Student Association because I am passionate about being part of organizations that make a meaningful impact on people's lives. MONSA offers a platform to provide invaluable opportunities for future nurses, fostering their personal and professional growth.
Serving as the Northern Regional Director of MONSA is an incredible opportunity to develop my own leadership skills while contributing to the success of fellow nursing students. Through this role, I am committed to creating initiatives that empower nursing students, support their education, and prepare them to excel in their careers as compassionate and skilled nurses.
Southern Regional Director
Sarah Nowack
Moberly Area Community College
Hello, my name is Sarah Nowack, and I am currently attending the Moberly Area Community College ADN program and will graduate in May 2026. I chose nursing with a fundamental goal: to make a difference. As nurses, we often meet people on the worst days of their lives, and I aspire to be the kind of nurse who can ease their burden with care and compassion. I ran for a MONSA leadership position because I value the importance of networking and advocacy in shaping the future of nursing. As a student, I understand the unique challenges we face, and I am committed to representing others in my position. My goal is to ensure that every nursing student has access to opportunities that help them learn, grow, and prepare for a successful future in our profession.
Through this role, I strive to create a supportive and empowering environment for nursing students across Missouri, helping to foster growth, connection, and a shared commitment to excellence in patient care. I am dedicated to helping support and encourage other Missouri nursing students on their path to becoming successful nurses.
St. Louis Regional Director
Vacant
State Consultant
Desma R. Reno, Ph.D(c), MSN, APRN, GCNS-BC
Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau, Missouri
desrn5651@gmail.com, dreno@semo.edu
Desma Reno graduated from Three Rivers Community College in 1974.While in Poplar Bluff she worked at the Poplar Bluff Hospital as staff nurse, charge nurse and as evening shift supervisor. She moved to the Cape Girardeau area in the late 70’s where she continued her career at St. Francis Medical Center. She worked in a variety of nursing roles, which include staff nurse in medical, surgical, cardiac and orthopedics. She also worked in nursing management as a house supervisor, area coordinator and as nurse manager for the Skilled Nursing Facility. Her most recent position was as Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gerontology. Ms. Reno completed her BSN from Southeast Missouri in 1976. She continued her education at the University of Central Arkansas graduating in 1986 with a MSN with an emphasis in Medical/Surgical nursing and teaching. She currently is a student at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale as a PhD student in Workforce Education.
Ms. Reno is also certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gerontology and as a Nursing Home Administrator in the state of Missouri. In 1981 Ms. Reno joined the faculty at Southeast Missouri State University where she is an Assistant Professor in Nursing. In the faculty role she teaches in both the baccalaureate and graduate program. In addition, she serves as the Director of the Institute of Gerontology. She also serves as a Nurse Consultant in Gerontology in acute and long-term care facilities. Ms. Reno is a member of a variety of professional nursing organizations. She has served two terms as President of the Missouri Nurses’ Association (1997-2001). She has served as a delegate to the American Nurses Association since 1988. In addition, she has served on a variety of committees, task forces and coalitions at both the state and national level. Ms. Reno is very active in a variety of other organizations and community base initiatives. She has received numerous awards and honors for her tireless work for the nursing department, university, community and for the nursing profession. I am available to faculty and students regarding questions you may have about SNA Chapter development and how to get involved at the local, state and national level. I encourage you to get involved and make a difference.
