LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit is pleased to announce Kaytlin Lehman as the new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education program coordinator. She brings a wealth of experience in the SNAP-Education program and serving the community.
Kaytlin is a native of Lewistown and is an active community member. “As a Lewistown High grad and now mom of three active boys in the school district I feel well connected in the community,” Kaytlin mentioned. “My previous jobs have also given me a wide range of networks within Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties.”
Following her career as a licensed massage therapist at Washington Chiropractic, Kaytlin was hired as a SNAP-Ed instructor focused on audiences in Tazewell County. At the same time, she received her Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies: Leadership and Organization from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which led her to a career change. She served the community as a Domestic Violence Case Manager for Fulton-Mason Crisis Service and Fulton County Children’s Advocacy Center before returning to Illinois Extension in her new role.
“We are thrilled to have Kaytlin back on our SNAP-Education team,” commented Rebecca Crumrine, SNAP-Ed educator. “Her experience as an instructor and working with other service-oriented organizations are tremendous assets as she takes on the additional responsibilities of program coordinator. She is going to be able to help expand our work in Fulton and Mason counties, while providing support to already existing efforts in Peoria and Tazewell, for what we call PSE work.”
“As a SNAP-Education instructor, I was able to reach individuals and households through nutrition education programs,” Kaytlin explained. “Now as an Extension program coordinator, I look forward to helping make sure our communities have the policies, systems, and environments in place to support a healthy lifestyle.
“I’m thrilled to be back with Extension and to further my career,” Kaytlin continued. “I have plans to continue with my education and receive my master’s degree in public health soon. I care deeply about my community (born and raised in Lewistown Illinois) and am looking forward to helping with its betterment.
Outside of her job, Kaytlin can be found co-leading the Cloverbud Cuties 4-H club in Fulton County and spending time with her husband and their three boys. They especially enjoy going on SXS (side-by-side) rides together and watching the boys’ sports activities. If anyone can catch her in a moment of free time, ask her about the latest true crime documentary she watched.
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Kaytlin Lehman is excited to return to University of Illinois Extension’s SNAP-Education team. She began her Extension career in 2021 as a SNAP-Ed instructor and now returns in the program coordinator position serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties.
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.