“Krista Houk serves as the 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator for Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby Counties. Raised in Piatt County, Krista now resides in Moultrie. In her role, she brings a passion for developing and delivering impactful youth programming that benefits youth in her community and the surrounding areas.

Krista firmly believes in the power of community and connection. Her goal is to create an inclusive environment where youth and volunteers can thrive, pursue their passions, and cultivate a sense of belonging. She is committed to assessing local needs and collaborating with community organizations to enhance the quality and reach of 4-H programs.

Krista earned her associate’s degree from Richland Community College before transferring to Eastern Illinois University, where she received her bachelor’s degree and teaching certification in 2017. Her passion for education led her to return to EIU in 2019 to pursue a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. 

With five years of experience as an English Language Arts teacher, Krista has developed skills for creating and implementing curriculum. She has also worked with Summer Day Camp Programs, creating engaging learning experiences for youth.

In her transition to nonprofit work, Krista supported volunteers, implemented training programs, and gained valuable insights into the impact of youth programming. She enjoys researching best practices for volunteer retention and exploring the long-term benefits of youth engagement.

In her free time, Krista enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and fostering cats. She is excited to leverage her teaching and nonprofit experience to make a positive impact across Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.”