Valerie Nicolini is the Extension Program Coordinator for the Champaign County Master Gardeners. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Illinois University in Anthropology with a minor in Art History.

Valerie grew up in the suburbs of Chicago before moving with her husband and children to Central Illinois in 2015. Since moving, she has focused her love of horticulture and education on working in a garden center, helping with local gardening and landscaping services, and graduating from the Master Gardener program in 2021. Thanks to these experiences, she combines her knowledge of the gardening industry and practical gardening skills to educate others.