and guiding recommendations that shaped their care, careers, and futures. Her leadership and dedication earned her the Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal, one of the highest civilian awards in the Army. “It was a real surprise when I was given the award because it was for recognition of work ethic and exemplary service, yet so many of my colleagues were deserving,” said Spitler. “The Army’s Medical Evaluation Board is comprised of a hard-working team, and I’m proud to have been a part of that team for as long as I was.” After 13 years in the role, Spitler reached a natural transition point in her career and chose to step away from government service. She moved into private practice, where she now provides therapy and assessment to individuals and couples on Indianapolis’s southside at Evolve Therapy, allowing her to focus more on direct patient care. “I’m now able to put more focus toward direct patient care,” said Spitler. “It’s incredibly satisfying to see the growth that can happen for individuals and couples in my own community as they move toward their goals in therapy.” Shortly after leaving her government position, Spitler expanded a long-standing passion into a business, launching her own sports photography company, Perfect Game Photography—work that now represents a significant portion of her professional life. “Photography has been a lifelong passion of mine, and with three sons in a variety of sports, I discovered how impactful it can be to capture the thrill of the game; to represent the efforts, emotions, and achievements of athletes; and to share a visual record of those hard-fought journeys with athletes and their families.” From hospital settings to military service and now private practice, Spitler’s career has remained guided by the same purpose that first drew her to psychology: helping others move forward during some of life’s most challenging moments. Today, she continues that impact as both a dedicated clinician and an engaged member of the UIndy community. “I would encourage others to stay connected to UIndy and explore ways in which they can support various departments and students,” she said. “You never know what small action could make a meaningful difference.”
“I wanted to be the best clinician possible.” When Dr. Misty Spitler ’08 (PsyD) chose to become a psychologist, she wasn’t seeking acclaim or celebrity. She was driven by a passion for understanding others and a desire to make a positive impact on those navigating mental health challenges. That goal drew her to the University of Indianapolis for her doctoral studies. At her interview day, she quickly recognized that UIndy’s clinical psychology doctorate program (PsyD) would not only expand her knowledge of the field but also offer her meaningful clinical experiences and personalized mentorship. “My interview experience for the PsyD program at UIndy was unlike any other interview I attended, and I still think back on that day fondly,” said Spitler. “I left with admiration for the program’s commitment to community, the breadth of practicum training opportunities available in the Indianapolis area, and the personalized approach of the university.” Through the PsyD program, she spent a year training at the Indiana Neuroscience Institute at St. Vincent’s Hospital. She assessed individuals with significant memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, a full-circle moment that connected back to her work as a certified nursing assistant while she completed her undergraduate work. “During my time as a nursing assistant, I saw how vital empathy and compassion were to create personal connections with patients and families that ultimately improved their quality of life,” said Spitler. “Because of the relationships that UIndy had built with St. Vincent, I was able to work at the training site, and it all came full circle for me there.” That practical experience, along with mentorship from expert faculty like Dr. Tyronn Bell, helped prepare her for one of the most meaningful chapters of her career. When the U.S. Army Medical Command established a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) at Camp Atterbury, Spitler saw an opportunity to serve those who served the country—a connection made personal by her father’s and grandfather’s military service. As a MEB psychologist, Spitler conducted forensic- style mental health assessments for service members with complex medical conditions, helping determine whether they could safely continue military service
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MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2026
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