FREEPORT, Ill – The University of Illinois Extension has welcomed a new 4-H Youth Development Educator to the staff serving Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. Kelly Lafferty will create programming, train volunteers, and lead youth trainings in topics such as leadership, STEM, and natural resources. As part of the 4-H and Youth Development staff, Lafferty will help empower youth to become leaders who have confidence, know how to work well with others, can endure challenges and more.
Lafferty will partner with youth serving agencies and local schools to assist with trainings, events and other activities. She will also work with the 4-H Leadership groups in each county, which consist of teen 4-H members who organize and perform community service projects, plan county-wide events, and support Extension staff and volunteers.
“We’re looking forward to using Lafferty’s expertise in youth development to enhance our already excellent outreach program and our community clubs,” comments County Director Margaret Larson. “With Lafferty’s background and broad experience, I look forward to her involvement in all aspects of youth programming in our unit.”
Lafferty was born and raised in Alexis, Illinois, just south of Davenport, Iowa. Her education background started with a degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management and eventually she added master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in Outdoor Teacher Education and Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration specializing in Therapeutic Recreation. Lafferty worked as a 4-H and Youth Development Educator in LaSalle, Dekalb and Henry/Stark Counties from 2001 through 2010. For the past nine years, Lafferty has been an Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth in Winnsboro, Louisiana. She was actively involved at the regional level with challenge camps, cooking contests and ag-related events for youth as well as coordinating district shows and working with local school districts.
In her spare time, Lafferty enjoys reading, writing, yoga, mindfulness activities as well as going to the movies, hiking and exploring.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with youth and Extension staff to provide opportunities for youth to grow and promote their own personal growth,” says Lafferty.