URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-long learning first-hand, staff gathered on Nov. 19 and 20 in Urbana at the Extension Annual Conference to learn from each other and make a wider impact through the power of collaboration.
The conference was an opportunity to acknowledge challenges, including the loss of the SNAP nutrition education program, celebrate successes, recognize the 50th anniversary of the Master Gardener program, and look to the future with the ongoing construction of the Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center. The welcome address by Extension’s new Associate Dean and Director Matthew Vann touched on opportunities for expanding connections with the university and in communities statewide.
“Our united vision is to help others in Illinois recognize that Extension is a trusted source of information, both through our connection with the university, and because of our longstanding role as a community partner statewide,” Vann said. “Alongside our colleagues in the College of ACES, we are doing this as one college, better together.”
College of ACES Dean Germán Bollero applauded the value of Extension's work connecting the university with communities across the state through more than a century of building trust.
“The land grant mission is not a program or an office, but a promise that knowledge should be in reach for everyone,” Bollero said. “Building, reinvigorating, and strengthening relationships are now more important than ever. We need to listen even more closely and partner even more creatively in the coming years.”
Throughout the conference, participants attended learning sessions, shared ideas with colleagues, and left reinvigorated to face challenges and lead change. Discover more about Illinois Extension’s impact through innovative work, regional partnerships, and contributions to community resilience.
Staff Excellence Awards
Extension also acknowledged the efforts of individuals and teams across the state in developing programs that improve their communities through the following Excellence awards. Photos of the staff members are available below.
Excellence in Innovation: Campus-based Program Staff
Ramona Girtman, Volunteer Management System Associate, and Jason Frye, Web Applications Development Manager, received this award for their work developing the statewide Gateway Volunteer System, a modern centralized digital platform that efficiently documents volunteer activity.
Excellence in Innovation: Field-based Program Staff
The Virtual Native Landscape Design Workshop equips Cook County residents with the skills to create sustainable, native plant gardens. The following staff members were involved the program: Nancy Kreith, Horticulture Educator; Gemini Bhalsod, Horticulture Educator; Abigail Garofalo, Extension Specialist Illinois Master Naturalist Program; Margaret Burns-Westmeyer, Horticulture Program Coordinator; Meg Marsan, Horticulture Program Coordinator; Amanda Anderson, Horticulture Program Coordinator; Sam Jacobs, Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment Program Coordinator; Adena Messinger Wilson, Online Instructional Services Manager; and Stephanie Kaufmann, Online Educational Coordinator.
Inclusive Excellence: Campus-based Program Staff
Mental Health Specialist Andrea Fanta was recognized for leading the “Bienvenido” program, a nine-week emotional health curriculum, which addresses mental health stigma and access barriers among Latino immigrants. Supported by a Farm and Ranch Stress Grant, the program reached participants from diverse rural and urban communities and was delivered entirely in Spanish.
Inclusive Excellence: Field-based Program Staff, Team
The Illinois 4-H Better Together Committee drives inclusion and equity by implementing the statewide 2022–23 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Strategic Plan. Illinois 4-H Better Together Committee members: Maria Gutiérrez, 4-H Youth Development and Metro Educator; Julian Innis, 4-H SPIN Program Coordinator; Sky Holland, Family & Consumer Science Program Coordinator; Mynda Tracy, 4-H Youth Development Educator; Elizabeth Levey, 4-H Youth Development Metro Educator; Grace Margherio, 4-H Youth Development Educator, JJK FAN Innovation Center; Kristi Stout, 4-H Youth Development Educator; Ofelia Delgado, Marketing and Communications Program Coordinator; Emilia Elabed, 4-H Youth Development Educator; and Whitney Baldwin, Commercial Agriculture Educator.
Inclusive Excellence: Field-based Program Staff, Individual
Brittney Muschetto-DePatis, 4-H Youth Development Educator, received this award for her work in developing and implementing the Individual Accommodation Plan, which gives caretakers a way to identify inclusive support options for their 4-H member, such as extended project judging time, to reduce barriers and improve access.
Promotional Excellence
Stacie Skelton, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator; Melissa Bland, Office Associate; and Carissa Davis, 4-H Youth Development Educator, were recognized for their work promoting the full scope of 4-H projects with a year-round youth-led exhibit that expanded Menard County 4-H visibility and local partnerships.
Interdisciplinary Unit Team Excellence
Nick Frillman, Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator, and Brittnay Haag, Horticulture Educator, received this award for their work on the Giving Gardens program, which empowers residents in the Bloomington-Normal area to grow and donate fresh vegetables and flowers to neighbors and local organizations in need.
Interdisciplinary State Team Excellence
To combat food waste and promote healthy eating, Illinois Extension’s Nutrition and Wellness and SNAP-Ed teams launched the educational project, “Picking, Preparing, and Storing Fruits and Vegetables”, to help families better select, store, and prepare fresh produce. The team includes Kristin Bogdonas, Nutrition and Wellness Educator; Bianca Bautista, SNAP-Ed Educator; Kris Juelfs, Nutrition and Wellness Educator; Tayler Louscher, SNAP-Ed Educator; and Diane Reinhold, Nutrition and Wellness Educator.
Team Excellence
This team of Extension staff in southwestern Illinois exemplified innovation, collaboration, and measurable community impact by partnering with more than 125 partners to improve nutrition and food security with more than 1,000 educational sessions reaching 5,400 individuals and implementing 119 policy, systems, and environmental changes to make healthy choices easier and more accessible. The team includes Toni Kay Wright, 4-H Youth Development Educator; Jennifer Newbury, SNAP-Ed Program Coordinator, Misty Bernhard, Office Support Assistant; Nick Brown, SNAP-Ed Community Outreach Worker; Abigel Alvarado, SNAP-Ed Community Outreach Worker; and Meagan Modrusic, SNAP-Ed Community Outreach Worker.
Individual Extension Excellence: Campus-Based Academic Professional
Water Quality and Stormwater Specialist Eliana Brown was recognized for her leadership and innovation, which have expanded Extension’s statewide stormwater and water quality education and community engagement. She spearheaded the Red Oak Rain Garden renovation and, through projects such as Illinois Groundwork, Rain Garden Rumble, and a new green infrastructure curriculum, she has reached tens of thousands and obtained nearly $300,000 in new grants.
Individual Extension Excellence: Campus-Based Civil Service
Media Communications Manager Emily Steele exemplifies excellence in communication by ensuring that Illinois Extension expertise remains front and center in moments that matter most. Since joining the state marketing and communications team in 2020, Emily has leveraged her journalistic background to craft timely, research-based content responding to public needs and transforming complex science into accessible, engaging resources.
Individual Extension Excellence: Field-based Community Outreach Worker
SNAP-Ed Community Outreach Worker Jenny Foster was acknowledged for her passionate work in Christian County, where she expanded community partnerships and reached hundreds of youth and adults through innovative, relationship-driven nutrition education programming. She serves on the unit’s DEIA committee, embraces professional development to strengthen her skills, and is known for her teamwork, mentorship, and commitment.
Individual Extension Excellence: Field-based Extension Program Coordinator
4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator Katie Turkal embodies the spirit of 4-H through her creativity, energy, commitment to youth development, and work with partners. Turkal’s thoughtful planning, enthusiasm, and partnerships with fellow staff, volunteers, and local experts made her Jasper County 4-H summer day camp both efficient and impactful.
Individual Extension Excellence: Field-based Extension Coordinator
Marketing and Communications Program Coordinator Cassie O’Connell consistently goes above and beyond in supporting her colleagues and promoting Extension programs and supporting her colleagues in central Illinois. Since joining in 2018, she has expanded their online presence, coordinated a community newsletter, increased program participation, and served as a mentor to new staff.
Individual Extension Excellence: Field-based Academic Professional
Nutrition and Wellness Educator Susan Glassman’s commitment to improving community health and access to education is evident in every facet of her work. She serves diverse audiences, contributes to statewide initiatives, develops new curricula, and brings valuable health and wellness education to north central Illinois. Through collaboration with colleagues and community partners, Susan helped secure and implement grants, expand bilingual outreach, and create resources, embodying the spirit of teamwork and innovation.
Individual Extension Excellence: Field-based Academic Professional
Local Foods Small Farms Educator Katie Bell exemplifies excellence in service, leadership, and community impact through her dedication to advancing local agriculture and strengthening Extension programs. In her six years with Extension, she has built strong partnerships, revitalized educational spaces, and expanded programming across southeastern Illinois. Known for her teamwork, adaptability, and positivity, Katie’s contributions continue to elevate Extension’s visibility, impact, and community trust.
Individual Extension Excellence: Field-based Office Support Staff
Boone County Office Support Associate Kelli Morrow has served for over 31 years, providing indispensable support across 4-H youth development, SNAP-Ed, and Master Gardener and Naturalist programs. She ensures seamless program delivery, mentors colleagues, and fosters strong community partnerships. Morrow’s dedication enhances program quality and extends Extension’s impact. Her teamwork, institutional knowledge, and proactive problem-solving bridge gaps, sustain continuity, and inspire colleagues.
Individual Extension Excellence: Office Support/Administrative Staff
Office Support Specialist Tammy Bené exemplifies professionalism, customer service, and dedication, consistently going above and beyond her role since starting in 2016. She steps in during staff vacancies, coordinating county fair work, supports Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs, and strengthens community outreach through communications work. Her collaboration, mentorship, and problem-solving foster strong teamwork and high office morale.
Patricia J. Buchanan Extension Award for Professional Development
4-H Youth Development Educator Jaylynn Schober’s commitment to continuous learning exemplifies the goals of this award and reinforces her role as a dynamic, forward-thinking educator. Attending the 2025 NAE4-HYDP Annual Conference in Atlanta provided a valuable opportunity for professional development, allowing Schober to explore innovative approaches, strengthen existing programs, and bring back resources to benefit colleagues and the youth she serves in eastern Illinois.
Staff Excellence Awards
Awards were presented by Extension Associate Dean and Director Matthew Vann. Photos listed in the above order.
Not pictured: Water Quality and Stormwater Specialist Eliana Brown.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.