Rachel Mannen is passionate about bringing research-based education about nutrition and wellness to our communities. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a bachelor's and master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Eastern Illinois University, Rachel comes to Illinois Extension from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, where she worked as a WIC nutritionist. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Eastern Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Rachel is eager to educate the public on child nutrition, chronic diseases, community health, food safety, healthy cooking, and nutrition education. She hopes to provide the community with cooking demos to demonstrate easy ways to stay healthy, among many other fun and informative lessons. She can't wait to collaborate with the Illinois Extension team and our community partners to develop and implement programs that empower individuals and families to make informed choices to enhance their well-being.