Staff

What We Believe

Our mission is to align research to needs and translate that research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. This blend of long-range focus and local accountability is a powerful strategy that ensures we stay true to our mission while we serve communities across the state.

Family and Consumer Sciences

Our team members represent the diverse field of family and consumer sciences that includes areas across human health and wellness. Extension programming focuses on human development, aging, personal and family finance, food science, nutrition, and community health.
Explore Our Impact
Chelsey Byers

Chelsey Byers

Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist
Keywords
Administration
Aging
Brain Health
Caregiving
Chronic Diseases
Communication
Dementia Alzheimer’s
Elder Care
Family Life
Health
Health Care
Leadership Development
Managing Stress
Marketing
Mental Health
Mindfulness
Physical Activity
Professional Development CEU CPDU
Real Colors
Relationships
Resilience
Social-Emotional Health
Team Building
Trauma-Informed Adverse Childhood Experiences
Wellness
Workforce Development
Workplace Wellness
clbyers@illinois.edu
217-300-3930

Family Life

Tessa Hobbs-Curley

Tessa Hobbs-Curley

Family Life Educator
Serving Henderson, Knox, McDonough and Warren Counties
Keywords
Family Life
Aging
Brain Health
Bullying
Caregiving
Dementia Alzheimer’s
Diabetes
Diversity Equity Inclusion Access
Early Childhood
Elder Care
Inclusion
Life Skills
Managing Stress
Mental Health
Mindfulness
Navigating Difference
Parenting
Real Colors
Real Colors
Relationships
Social-Emotional Health
Team Building
Teenagers
Time Management
Wellness
tessa@illinois.edu
(309) 837-3939

Nutrition and Wellness

Integrated Health Disparities

Our team provides leadership and resources in the crusade to address health inequities. Our resources and public engagement focus on priority issues of health promotion and education, healthcare access, behavioral health, and community well-being.
Contact Us Explore Our Programs

Integrated Health Disparities Staff

Camaya Wallace Bechard

Camaya Wallace Bechard

Interim Assistant Dean for Integrated Health Disparities | Assistant Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access
Keywords
Diversity Equity Inclusion Access
Leadership
Accessibility
Inclusion
Leadership Development
Navigating Difference
Workplace Wellness
cawb17@illinois.edu
(217) 300-8065

Allied Health Professions