About Me

I became an educator to impact lives and change outcomes for the families and communities I serve. I am an Oklahoma 4-H alumni and a second generation OSU Extension educator. My nine year 4-H career deeply influenced my decision to attend Oklahoma State University with the career goal of serving with OSU Extension. My education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics education and community service and a Master of Science degree in housing interior design and consumer studies, home economics, both from Oklahoma State University.

 

I served 13 years as the FCS Extension educator in Grady County. One of the programs in which I believe created value for the Extension Service in Grady County and impacted Grady County residents was the financial management class for bogus check writers. The program, developed out of the need observed by the Bogus Check Coordinator in the District Attorney's office, was piloted in 2007 Caddo, Grady, Jefferson and Stephens counties. Now called the Checks and Balance program, it has been introduced to all district attorneys across Oklahoma and FCS educators statewide have been trained to teach the class.In 2019, the program was awarded three regional and national awards from the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

 

What I learned teaching that program has served me well in my current role as a Community Nutrition Education Program (CNEP) coordinator. Finances affect the ability to pay for basic needs, which include food, shelter and clothing. Teaching Oklahomans how to manage their finances impacts families and individuals, as well as Oklahoma communities. I train five paraprofessionals who teach nutrition education and how to stretch food dollars to limited resource families and individuals. Being able to train the trainer and expand the reach of Extension programs furthers the impact of OSU Extension.

 

Programs

• Community Nutrition Education Program (CNEP)
• Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
• SNAP-Ed
• Fresh Start
• Teen Cuisine
• Kids in the Kitchen
  
  

Articles

• Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Impacts: Financial Readiness Workshop
• Extension poverty simulation 2018