Hope Dennis has worked for Illinois Extension since 1997. She loves her job in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) because she knows she is making a difference in her participants' lives. She contributes ideas and solutions for healthy bodies and healthy living to preschool and school-age students and eligible adults. Her engaging programs make a difference in the health of Illinois families and communities.

Dennis obtained her associate degree from Lincoln Trail College and her bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University. She has been a Red Cross responder for disaster services since 2013 and holds an Illinois food sanitation license.

In 2003, Dennis received the Paraprofessional Extension Award for Outstanding and Innovating Program, and in 2013 the Individual Excellence in Creativity and Resourcefulness Award.