Houser decided to move south and attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned her bachelor's degree in Social Work in 1972.
[1] Houser became involved with Oklahoma federal social work when she was hired to help with the implementation of food stamps, a brand new program at the time.
She eventually noted to the supervisor of the Social Services Division in Oklahoma County DHS office that the state was lacking a program that dealt specifically with elders.
In 1977 after completing her degree, Houser moved back to Oklahoma to live and work closer to her friends.
She has been credited with promoting public and legislative support for passage of the Oklahoma Nursing Home Act of 1980 and the Health Care Initiative of 2001.