Michele Aavang serves Lake and McHenry Counties providing leadership as 4-H Youth Development Educator. Aavang focuses on 4-H group support, in-school and after-school programs, and the youth education initiatives identified as state and local priorities in Lake and McHenry Counties. In partnership with local 4-H program coordinators and volunteers, she plans, conducts, and evaluates programs that are consistent with the needs of local youth. Aavang provides programming related to college and career readiness, leadership, social and emotional learning, embryology, and more in addition to her work with 4-H clubs, volunteers, and Extension stakeholders.

With a background in teaching in elementary and middle school, Michele strives to inspire all youth to thrive and reach their full potential through positive youth development. Prior to her role as educator, Aavang served as 4-H Extension Program Coordinator in McHenry County from October 2015 – June 2023.

Aavang earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from National-Louis University and a Master of Science in Agriculture Leadership, Communications, and Education from the University of Illinois. She resides on a farm in northern Illinois outside of Huntley with her husband and one of their three daughters, all of whom are very active in the Illinois 4-H program. 

She is a member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals and the Illinois Extension Professionals for Youth Education