Danielle Gapinski is the 4-H Youth Development Educator for Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties.  She graduated from Bradley University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and a minor in Business Management and Administration.  Upon completing her degree, she worked at the Peoria Civic Center and NewsTribune before joining the University of Illinois Extension 4-H program in 2017 as the 4-H Extension Program Coordinator in Bureau County.  Danielle was also director of the Just for Kix dance program in Princeton, for five years, giving her invaluable experience in coordinating, marketing, and executing youth programming. Danielle finished her Master’s in Agriculture Education from University of Illinois, Champaign, in May 2023 and took on the 4-H Youth Development Educator role in the Caroll-Lee-Whiteside unit. 

In Danielle’s role as 4-H Youth Development Educator, she is responsible for supporting the promotion and expansion of 4-H programs in schools and communities. Through her involvement in the South Princeton 4-H community club during her youth, Danielle recognizes the value of the 4-H program and is passionate about spreading the opportunities offered by 4-H.