UF/IFAS Extension presents the 2021 EPAF Conference
RRiding the iding the WWaves of aves of CChangehange
WELCOME
Welcome to the 2021 meeting of the Extension Professional Associations of Florida! We were all ready for a face-to-face meeting in Panama City, but unfortunately the recent COVID delta variant surge has prompted our second virtual EPAF conference. Regardless of the delivery method, our message remains the same: the EPAF conference offers the best platform for Florida extension professionals to gather and share scholarship, exchange ideas, form collaborations, broaden knowledge, meet new faculty, and reunite with colleagues.
The theme of this year’s conference is Riding the Waves of Change. Like it or not, the pandemic of the last 18 months has
forced us all to change. We are surely riding the wave and it is not over yet. We’ve learned what we can and can’t do in a virtual world; found new ways to teach; improved our knowledge of how to use technology; discovered how much we miss face-to-face contact; found out how we handle stress even though it sometimes overwhelmed us; and reconfirmed that the UF/IFAS Extension family is a great support system.
The waves of change will involve new extension efforts in vaccination education, telemedicine, strengthening our food system, improving diversity and inclusion, advancing our virtual teaching, developing hybrid learning systems, and accepting new definitions of the workplace. With our new discoveries of what is possible, we are positioned better than ever to help the people of Florida emerge from the pandemic into a brighter future.
My Extension Administration colleagues and I appreciate the chance to connect with each of you during EPAF. We express our gratitude to all for working through an unprecedented event in our lifetimes. We are all stronger because of it. We thank you for your dedication to the extension profession that makes it all possible.
Dr. Tom Obreza, Interim UF/IFAS Dean for Extension and Director, Florida Cooperative Extension Service
Greetings and welcome to our 2021 EPAF virtual conference: Riding the Waves of Change! After a year of screen time and phone calls, we have truly learned the importance of flexibility and persistence as we navigate the ebbs and flows of these challenging times.
Many thanks to our capable EPAF board, committee chairs, and committee members for all their efforts in planning this multi-faceted professional development opportunity for Extension faculty.
Special thanks to Dr. Thomas Obreza for all his support along the way as we sought his guidance on how to proceed with this
conference. We are also grateful for all the technical support provided by UF/IFAS Teams members Dewayne Hyatt and Joe Gasper who have lead us through the transition to a virtual experience.
Over the next few days, I hope each of you will take time to learn from one another, be inspired, and gain deeper appreciation for who you are and the skills you provide to our impactful organization.
Geralyn Sachs, EPAF Conference Chair 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AGENDA 3
EPAF POSTERS 5
ORAL PRESENTATIONS 7
FAE4-HA 11
AWARDS & WINNERS 11Communication Awards 11Specialty Awards 11State Awards 13Specialty Awards 13Outstanding New Professional 13Friend of 4-H 14Outstanding Specialist 14Support Staff 15Service Awards 15Achievement in Service 15Distinguished Service 15Meritorious Service 1625 Years 16
FEAFCS AWARDS & WINNERS 17Communication Awards 17Program Awards 17Distinguished Service 19Continued Excellence 20Specialty Awards 20Para-professional 20Friend of FEAFCS 21Outstanding Specialist 21
FACAA AWARDS & WINNERS 22Communication Awards 22Specialty Awards 22Search for Excellence Awards 22Service Awards 23Achievement 23Distinguished Service 24Outstanding Agriculturalist 24Specialist of the Year 26Farm Credit Association of Florida FACAA Young Professional 26
FANREP AWARDS & WINNERS 27Educational Material Awards 27Achievement Awards 28Office Sustainability 28Innovative Program 28Outstanding Specialist 28Friend of FANREP 29Outstanding Team 29Outstanding 4-H Youth Development Program 29Early Career Leadership 29
ESP AWARDS & WINNERS 30Service Awards 30Early Career Service 30Mid-Career Service 30Distinguished Service 3025 Years 31Communicator Awards 31Distinguished Team 31Diversity/Multicultural – Individual 31State Awards 31Administrative Leadership 31National & Regional Winners 31
ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP 32FACAA Officers 2021 32FAE4-HA Officers 2021 32FANREP Officers 2021 32FEAFCS Officers 2021 33ESP Officers 2021 33EPAF Board of Directors 2021 33EPAF Committee Chairs 2021 33
Extension Professional’s CreedI Believe in people and their hopes, their aspirations, and their faith; in their right to make their own plans and arrive at their own decisions; in their ability and power to enlarge their lives and plan for the happiness of those they love.
I Believe that education, of which Extension is an essential part, is basic in stimulat-ing individual initiative, self-determination, and leadership; that these are the keys to democracy and that people, when given facts they understand, will act not only in their self-interest, but also in the interest of society.
I Believe that education is a lifelong process and the greatest university is the home; that my success as a teacher is proportional to those qualities of mind and spirit that give me welcome entrance to the homes of the families I serve.
I Believe in intellectual freedom to search for and present the truth without bias and with courteous tolerance toward the views of others.
I Believe that Extension is a link between the people and the ever-changing discoveries in the laboratories.
I Believe in the public institutions of which I am a part.
I Believe in my own work and in the opportunity I have to make my life useful to humanity.
Because I Believe these things, I am an Extension professional.
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 3
AGENDA
Monday, September 13, 2021*All times in Eastern Standard TimeTime Event Location
10:00 a.m. EPAF Board Meeting EPAF Board Teams Channel
Tuesday, September 14, 2021*All times in Eastern Standard TimeTime Event Location
8:00 a.m. Virtual Posters (open for viewing)
9:00-10:15 a.m. Association Board Meetings - each to be held in their specific Teams Channel
FANREP Board Meeting
FACAA Board Meeting
FEAFCS Board Meeting
FAE4-HA Board Meeting
ESP Board Meeting
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Association Membership Meetings and Award Recognition (except ESP)
1:45-2 :00p.m. Memorial Service - presented by ESP
ESP Teams Channel
2:00-5:00 p.m. ESP Membership Meeting and Award Recognition
ESP Teams Channel
Wednesday, September 15, 2021*All times in Eastern Standard TimeTime Event Location
8:00 a.m. Virtual Posters (open for viewing)
9:45-9:55 a.m. New Faculty Slideshow in each Association channel
10:00 a.m.-12 p.m. Oral Presentations - a new one begins every 15 minutes see program for schedule
12:00-12:30 p.m. LUNCH
12:30-2:15 p.m. Educational Technology, Leadership, & Innovation
ESP Teams Channel
Agriculture and Horticulture FACAA Teams Channel
Natural Resources and Outreach FANREP Teams Channel
Youth Programming FAE4-HA Teams Channel
Health, Families, & Communities FAEFCS Teams Channel
Thursday, September 16, 2021*All times in Eastern Standard TimeTime Event Location
8:00 a.m. Virtual Posters (open for viewing)
10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Administrative Update and Extension Awards
Conference Teams Channel
Installation of Officers: Dr. Thomas Obreza & Dr. Cindy Sanders
1:00 p.m. EPAF Board Wrap-up Meeting EPAF Board Teams Channel
Take 3 – SAVE THE DATE: August 29 - September 1, 2022 EPAF Conference: Panama City Beach
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 5
EPAF POSTERS
Presenter Title
Anderson, Jana Milk Run 5K: Promoting Physical Activity in a Virtual World
Bailey, Mark Supplying Local Growers Directly Leads to Food Production Success
Byron, Lee Capturing and Using Data Through Eventbrite Qualtrics and Other Tools
Cannon, Emma The Victory 2020 Garden Community Project
Cannon, Emma 4-H Wreath Making Workshop: Crafting with Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM
Capasso, Jay On-Farm BMP Demonstrations: Facilitating the Adoption of BMPs and Agricultural Cost Share in North Florida
Carnahan, Elizabeth UF Introduces Technologies, Methods, Networks to Improve Resilience of Affordable Housing
Carter, Ethan Panhandle AgExtension Team Offers the 2021 Panhandle Row Crops Update Series: A Virtual Education Opportunity
Carter, Ethan UF/IFAS Industrial Hemp Pilot Project: Extension Experiences for North Florida
Davis, James Distance Education to Florida Residents about Medically Important Pests
Dillard, Julie Exploring Resources for Florida 4-H Volunteers
Estevez, Brian Virtual Volunteer Leadership Academy: On-Demand Access to Support 4-H Volunteers
Freeman, Terra Expanding Community Partnerships and Clientele Outreach Through Virtual Progamming
Frey, Craig Multiplying Research and Extension Efforts Through Stakeholder Participation
Gonzalez, Daniel Stengthening Positive Youth Development
Guay, Noelle CampEquity
Guay, Noelle Tri-County Cooperation to Improve 4-H District Youth Council Inclusiveness
Haddock, Susan Virtual Education Prompts Innovative Methods to Improve Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance (LCLM) Program Experience and Results
Haddock, Susan Teamwork Makes Dream Work
Hickey, Lisa Community Benefits from Local Agriculture Behavior Changes as a Result of the Pandemic
Justesen, Brittany Building Partnerships with Mounted Patrol Units in North America
Kelly, Julia Youth Learn to Appreciate Nature in Their County Through Video Series
Kent, Heather Building Youth Capacity for Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM
Kent, Heather Building Capacity for Environmental Stewardship
Leonard, Daniel Gardening in the Panhandle: LIVE!
Marty-Jimenez, Brenda Developing a Targeted, Collaborative Military Educational FCS Series Via Video Education
Mussoline, Wendy Eggplant Coproducts: An Alternative Feedstock for Beef Cattle
Nikolai, Andrea Growing and Cooking Webinars to Meet Needs and Improve Health
Continued on next page
6 – 2021 EPAF Conference
Presenter Title
Osgood, Laurie Home Maintenance Education
Parkell, Natalie It’s Tomato Time
Pelham, Jennifer Changing the Norm during COVID-19 to Better Serve Clients Long-Term
Rotindo, Kate Your Yard In The Sunshine State
Sanderson, Lisa Facebook Live In the Garden Creates Garden Change 2021
Silvasy, Tiare Using Virtual Tours to Reach Extension Audiences
Souers, Melinda Creating Belonging in a Virtual 4-H Program
Sprain, Jessica Meeting Community Needs Through a 4-H Family Sewing Project
VanWeelden, Matthew Range Expansion of the Invasive Mexican Rice Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Central Florida
Vison, Alyssa Evaluating Skills Learned in a Virtual Learning Environment Through Direct Observation
Vreeland, Mimi Increase Impact of FFL
Waters, Kalyn EVENTS ExtensionSoftware
Wells, Bonnie Improving Wildlife Habitats on Golf Course Out-of-Play Areas for Enhanced System Sustainability
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 7
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Time
Agriculture and Horticulture Sponsored by
FACAA
Natural Resources
and Outreach Sponsored by
FANREP
Youth Programming Sponsored by
FAE4-HA
Health, Families, and Communities Sponsored by
FEAFCS
Educational Technology, Leadership,
and Innovation Sponsored by
ESP
10:00 a.m. Demonstrating IPM as an Effective Alternative to Calendar-Based Pest Management
*T. Clem, *T. Sanchez
Covering the Bases: Development of Basic Training for New Initiative One Extension Agents
*M. Wallau, *M. Benge
Science Programming
*N. Simmons
Demystifying Florida Food Regulations for Food Entrepreneurs
*J. Hagen, *N. Parks
2020 Virtual Summer Adventures Day Camp: Beautiful Invaders and Native Beauties
*L. Cash, *M. Ward
10:15 a.m. Statewide Evidence-Based Zoysiagrass Management Workshops Produce Economic and Environmental Impacts
*E. Harlow
Water Resources and Human Society: Educating Floridians About the Value of Water Resources
*T. Borisova
New Club Leader Training Series
*S. Ghosh
We are All in This Together: Cross-County Collaboration to Increase Physical Activity
*L. Johnson, *J. Anderson, *V. Zabala, *W. Lynch, *M.A. Keene, *L. Duncan
Beginning Better Impact: Lessons Learned...New Master Gardener Volunteer Management Software
*W. Hobbs
10:30 a.m. Beginner Beekeeper’s Short Course: Hybridizing a Staple In- Person Program
*C. Dossin
Mushroom Series Begins: A Fungus Among Us in the Southwest District
*D. Outerbridge, *A. Vinson, *A. Ubeda
Wildlife Outdoor Leadership Focus (W.O.L.F.) Day Camp
*R. Cowan, *J. Breslawski, *S. Dunning
Building Health Literacy and Physical Activity Through StoryWalk
*A. Sheldon
Using Technology to Enhance 4-H Educational Field Trips
*T. Binafif
10:45 a.m. Food Systems: Introducing Alternative Crops to Local Markets
*P. Fletcher
Florida Shuffles from Resilient Gulf Conference to Webinar Series
*L. Carnahan, *A. Ubeda, *R. Collini
Encouraging Mindfulness in Youth: A Florida 4-H Summer Adventures Program
*K. Sarver, *N. Crawson, *J. Emerson, *D. Gonzalez, *H. Janney, *W. Lynch, *B. Yancy, *A. Leo
Building Community Through Innovative Partnership and County Wide Programming: Health First Mayor’s Fitness Challenge
*A. Keene
Epsilon Sigma Phi Global Relations: Fostering Connections Between Land Grant Institutions and International Initiatives
*J. Bhadha
Continued on next page*Denotes scheduled presenters. See full conference proceedings for
abstracts, including names of all program team members.
8 – 2021 EPAF Conference
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Time
Agriculture and Horticulture Sponsored by
FACAA
Natural Resources
and Outreach Sponsored by
FANREP
Youth Programming Sponsored by
FAE4-HA
Health, Families, and Communities Sponsored by
FEAFCS
Educational Technology, Leadership,
and Innovation Sponsored by
ESP
11:00 a.m. Creating Innovative Environmental Experiences: Clay County 4-H Nature Retreat
*C. Dossin, *A. Wallau
CISMA Invasive Grass ID Workshop for Professionals in a Virtual Setting
*T. McIntyre, *M. Pinkerton
Bug Clubs and Bug Hotels: First Grade Students Learn the Value of Pollinators
*M. Jackson
Living Well Wednesday: Maintaining and Growing a Virtual Audience During COVID-19
*J. Breslawski, *K. Zamojski, *M. Arick, *J. McMillian
Spreading Care Through Social Media with Superb Teamwork
*H. Janney, *N. Crawson, *P. Davis, *D. Gonzalez, *M. Jackson, *R. Pienta, *K. Sarver
11:15 a.m. Building 4-H Youth Engagement Through a Unique STEAM Summer Camp
*L. Harlow
Assessing the Status of Diamondback Terrapins in the Florida Panhandle Utilizing Citizen Scientists
*R. Bodrey
Becoming Butterflies: A 4-H Metamorphosis Project
*G. Carter, *K. Haupt
Achieving Healthier Lifestyle Habits through Virtual Education
*S. Bresin
County Extension Director Calendar
*J. Altum Cooper, *C. Sanders
11:30 a.m. Connecting Producers Virtually to Researchers Through the 2021 Panhandle Row Crops Update Series
*J. Bearden, *L. Johnson, *E. Carter, *D. Sprague
Edible Ornamental Landscaping: A Multi-Method Teaching Approach of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles
*A. Marek, *M. Bailey
2020 Virtual Summer Adventures Day Camp: Having Sew Much Fun
*L. Cash, *P. Daniel, *H. Janney
Financial Education for Limited Resource Youth in Rural Communities
*K. Griffin, *B. Kerr
Building Program Capacity for Under-Served Youth
*M. Souers
11:45 a.m. Farm Tour Facilitates Change in Consumer Purchasing Behaviors
*K. Taylor, *L. Hamilton, *K. Stauderman, *L. Cash
Back to Nature: Virtual Class Encourages Residents to Visit Local Parks
*K. Stump
4-H Mailbox Program
*J. Cooper, *C. Sanders
Embracing Technology and Creating a Successful Virtual Cooking School
*M. Arick, *K. Zamojski, *J. Breslawski, *A. Hinkle, *M. Taylor, *V. Zabala, *J. McMillian
Don’t Burn Your Bridges!
*H. Janney, *P. Tomlinson
Continued on next page*Denotes scheduled presenters. See full conference proceedings
for abstracts, including names of all program team members.
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 9
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Time
Agriculture and Horticulture Sponsored by
FACAA
Natural Resources
and Outreach Sponsored by
FANREP
Youth Programming Sponsored by
FAE4-HA
Health, Families, and Communities Sponsored by
FEAFCS
Educational Technology, Leadership,
and Innovation Sponsored by
ESP
12:30 p.m. Implementing a Statewide Peanut Diagnostic Survey for Florida
*D. Broughton, *T. Pittman
Growing Sustainably in 2020 and Beyond: Policy Makers Learn about Conservation Strategies
*C. Snodgrass, *C. Kirby
Beating Breakfast Barriers to Guide Youth to Healthy Living
*N. Guay, *K. Sarver
Culinary Medicine: A Prescription for Prevention
*A. Mullins
Live Landscape University Virtual CEU Series
*H. Wooten, *M. Pinkerton, *B. Moffis
12:45 p.m. Corn Video Series by UF/IFAS Extension Agents Replaces Field Day in the Wake of COVID-19
*K. Korus, *K. Wynn
Sustainability in Urban Food Production in Broward County
*L. Bravo
Formal and Informal Learning to Support Northwest District 4-H Volunteers
*J.P. Dillard, *H.C. Kent, *B. Estevez
Preschoolers and Their Families Getting Healthy and Active with the Homestyles Program
*L. Wiggins
Open Space Technology Sparks Ideas, Collaboration, and Growth
*S. Ellison, *D. Sale, *S. Hensley
1:00 p.m. Bahiagrass Establishment: With or Without Browntop Millet
*K. Taylor, *J. Strickland
The Life Aquatic with UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program, a New Marine Habitat Restoration Course
*S. Krueger, *S. Johnson
Angler Club Adds Variety to Rural Area Sports
*M. Jackson
Let’s Walk Florida! Western Panhandle Cohort: A Comparison of Programming During an Emerging and an Established Pandemic
*J. Breslawski, *A. Hinkle, *G. Hinton, *D. Lee
Are You LinkedIn? Agent Meets Extension Audience on Popular Professional App
*L. Carnahan
1:15 p.m. Using Soil Moisture Sensors in Cover Crops to Determine the Efficacy of Using Winter Cover in Northwestern Florida
*L. Johnson
Uncharted Waters: A Multi-State Partnership to Assess Mangrove Expansion in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
*R. Bodrey
4-H Take-out: Project-based Learning in the Home Environment
*B. Kerr
Growing and Cooking Webinars: Connecting Programs and People to Meet Needs and Improve Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
*A. Nikolai
Broadcasting Webinars/In-Person Events Live to Social Media Platforms to Increase Reach
*K. Waters
Continued on next page*Denotes scheduled presenters. See full conference proceedings
for abstracts, including names of all program team members.
10 – 2021 EPAF Conference
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Time
Agriculture and Horticulture Sponsored by
FACAA
Natural Resources
and Outreach Sponsored by
FANREP
Youth Programming Sponsored by
FAE4-HA
Health, Families, and Communities Sponsored by
FEAFCS
Educational Technology, Leadership,
and Innovation Sponsored by
ESP
1:30 p.m. Successful Collaborations Between Agents and Specialists to Hold Virtual Bee College
*J. Yarborough, *S. Willis, *A. Vu
Local Partners as Essential Components of a Successful Mangrove Trimmer Education Program
*A. Vinson, *A.J. Ubeda, *D. Outerbridge
The Rejuve-nation of the UF/IFAS 4-H Horticulture and Judging Contest
*W. Wilber, * E. Eubanks
Housing in Florida, A Team Approach
*L. Osgood, *L. Hamilton
Florida Extension Agents Perceived Level of Trust with Their County Extension Director
*E. Cash, *M. Benge
1:45 p.m. Using Traditional Production Meetings to Promote Pesticide Safety in North Florida
*K. Wynn, *J. Capasso, *K. Korus
Introducing the Florida Youth Naturalist Program
*S. Johnson
Nature Bike Explorers
*S. Hayes, *L. Sapp
Building a Multi- Generational Poultry Project in a Pandemic
*P. Tomlinson, *H. Janney
EmpowerU: Advocacy Training Program Teaches Communication and Leadership Skills
*S. Johnson, *L. Carnahan, *A. Ubeda
2:00 p.m. Farmer to Farmer Networks: Needs and Opportunities
*H. Wooten, *L. Felter
Growing for Florida Forks
*M. Ward, *B.J. Jarvis
Youth Leadership Nassau
*T. Karsch, *S. Woods
Commercial Kitchen Food Incubator: A Model for Business Success
*W. Elmore
Empowering the Resilient Professional
*A. Hinkle, *D. DeVries, *P. Bradford
*Denotes scheduled presenters. See full conference proceedings for abstracts, including names of all program team members.
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 11
FAE4-HAAWARDS & WINNERS
Communication Awards
Educational Package – IndividualJessica Sprain
Educational Package – TeamAlyssa Bowers, Tanya Binafif, and Melinda Souers
Educational Piece – IndividualShreemoyee Ghosh (Regional winner)
Educational Piece – TeamEmma Cannon, Heather Janney, and Erin Harlow (Regional winner)
ExhibitHeather Janney, Halie Corbitt, Erin Harlow, Paulette Tomlinson, Jay Capasso, Jennifer Chasteen, and UF/IFAS Extension Columbia County Master Gardeners (Regional and National winner)
Feature StoryLaura R. Cash (Regional winner)
News StoryNancy A. Moores
Personal ColumnDr. Chris DeCubellis
Media PresentationMelinda Souers, Karen Henry, Jessica Sprain, and Ben Knowles
Periodical Publication – IndividualKristie Popa
Periodical Publication – TeamDr. Marnie Ward and Crysta Reaves
Promotional Package – IndividualKelsey Haupt
Promotional Package – TeamShreemoyee Ghosh and Matthew Olson
Promotional Piece – IndividualDallas Meringolo
Promotional Piece – TeamJessica Sprain, Melinda Souers, Karen Henry, and Dallas Meringolo
Published PhotoTycee Prevatt
Video ProgramMatthew Olson
Specialty Awards
Beyond Youth LeadershipDr. Paula Davis, Nicole Crawson, Evan Anderson, Julie McConnell, and Bay County Teens (Regional and National winner)
Citizenship in 4-H Youth DevelopmentTed Karsch
Denise Miller National 4-H InnovatorNicole Crawson
Diversity & Inclusion: Expanding the 4-H AudienceBeth Kerr and Kim Griffin (Regional winner)
12 – 2021 EPAF Conference
Educational TechnologyJulie Dillard
Excellence in Urban 4-H ProgrammingKelsey Haupt, Deyona Burton, and Leslie White
Excellence in TeamworkHeather Kent, Julie Dillard, Brian Estevez, Marie Arick, Ronnie Cowan, Prudence Caskey, Dr. Paula Davis, Dr. Rachel Pienta, Allison Leo, and Aly Schortinghouse
Jim Kahler Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and MathematicsHeather Janney, Emma Cannon, Mark Bailey, Maxine Hunter, Halie Corbitt, LuAnn Duncan, Amanda Mareck, Tiare Silvasy, Erin Harlow, and Geralyn Sachs
Excellence in 4-H Club SupportAbbey Tharpe, Beth Moore, Michael Shawn Jackson, and Beth Kerr (Regional winner)
Excellence in VolunteerismShreemoyee Ghosh (Regional winner)
Excellence in After School ProgrammingJessica Sprain (Regional winner)
Excellence in Ag Literacy ProgrammingMichael Shawn Jackson (Regional winner)
Excellence in Animal Sciences ProgrammingKelsey Irvine, Aly Schortinghouse, Amanda Pittman, Grace Carter, Dr. Saundra TenBroeck, and Dr. Carissa Wickens
Excellence in Natural Resources/Environmental EducationHeather Janney, Paulette Tomlinson, Jennifer Chasteen, Lindsey Covington, Katelyn Potter, and Theresa Pinto (Regional and National winner)
Excellence in CampingRonnie Cowan, Brian Estevez, Aly Schortinghouse, Beth Moore, Abbey Tharpe, Arielle Pierce, Dr. Paula Davis, Jennifer Bearden, Laura Tiu, and Sheila Dunning
Excellence in Communication and Expressive ArtsLaura R. Cash, Allison Leo, Whitney Cherry, Heidi Copeland, Paula Daniel, and Heather Janney
Excellence in Global Citizenship ProgrammingBrian Estevez, Jereme Johnson, Aly Schortinghouse, Nick Simmons, Dorothy Lee, and Angela Hinkle
Excellence in Healthy Living ProgrammingBrandi Yancy, Kimber Sarver, Heather Janney, Nicole Crawson, Wendy Lynch, Jessica Emerson, Daniel Gonzalez, Sandy Hernandez, and Allison Leo
Excellence in Peer Professional DevelopmentHeather Kent (Regional and National winner)
Excellence in Workforce Development ProgrammingRonnie Cowan, Brian Estevez, Aly Schortinghouse, Beth Moore, Abbey Tharpe, Arielle Pierce, Jennifer Bearden, Laura Tiu, and Sheila Dunning
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 13
Greg Yost Memorial Youth in LeadershipDr. Stacey Ellison, Derby Sale, Grace Carter, Kelsey Haupt, Sarah Hensley, Courtney Quirie, Michael Shawn Jackson, Prudence Caskey, Laura Valencia, and Charlie Poliseno (Regional winner)
Search for Excellence in Teen ProgrammingBeth Kerr and Kim Griffin (Regional and National winner)
Susan Barkman Award for Research and EvaluationDr. Stacey Ellison
State Awards
Programs of ExcellenceHeather Janney, Mark Bailey, Amanda Marek, Emma Cannon, Maxine Hunter, Tiare Silvasy, Chandler Mulvaney, Halie Corbitt, Wendy Wilber, Geralyn Sachs, LuAnn Duncan, and Erin Harlow
Kelsey Irvine, Amanda Pittman, Grace Carter, Dr. Carissa Wickens, Dr. Saundra TenBroeck, and Aly Schortinghouse
Melinda Souers, Alyssa Bowers, Tanya Binafif, and Sandy Hernandez
Jessica Sprain
Natalie Parkell, Karen Rice-David, Daniel Gonzalez, and Paula Daniel
LiteratureHeather Janney, Jennifer Chasteen, Lindsey Covington, Paulette Tomlinson, Theresa Pinto, and Katelyn Potter
Heather Janney, Emma Cannon, and Erin Harlow
Karen Henry, Shane Michael, and Chelsea Woodard
Jessica Sprain
Kelsey Haupt
Specialty Awards
Outstanding New Professional
Kelsey Irvine has developed and imple-mented many impactful programs in her short tenure.
From creating her Youth Emergency
Team (YET), to training volunteers to enhance her Embryology Program, and the achievements she has made with her Hippology team, it is apparent that she is the cream of the crop in Florida’s Extension System. Ms. Irvine is one of the most innovative, science-minded, tenacious, 4-H agents I have had the pleasure of working with. In her short-time as a 4-H agent, Ms. Irvine had started original programs, produced more than 298 creative works, and procured almost a quarter million dollars’ worth of funding capacity to support her growing 4-H program. Nominated by Shaina Spann
14 – 2021 EPAF Conference
Friend of 4-H
Citrus County 4-H Foundation members are 4-H alumni, com-munity leaders, and supporters of positive youth development. Established in 1986, they support the core values of 4-H and serve as strong role models for the youth in our community. In 1995, with a mission to Make the Best Better, the Foundation planned and produced the first Citrus Stampede Rodeo to benefit the Citrus County 4-H program, now in its 25th year. Raising money for the local 4-H program is a worthy endeavor, but the true impact of those dollars are the opportunities they open for young people. The Foundation’s financial support and advocacy for youth has supported in-school programs such as embryology, robotics, Ag. Literacy, and plant; residential camping; volunteer training; and over $100,000.00 in 4-H scholarships. Nominated by Dr. Marnie Ward
Outstanding Specialist
Geralyn Sachs is the UF/IFAS Central District Regional Specialized Agent for 4-H. She defines her role as strengthening positive management
youth development competencies in 4-H professionals, leadership, and conflict and resolution. Ms. Sachs has many awards and honors, has presented at numerous conferences and symposiums, and has written a wealth of professional publications. She is unique and op-timistic and is able to objectively size up a situation and handle it professionally. She is always available to the agents she serves, just as she was for the youth and volunteers in her 4-H program. She provides mentoring and training to 4-H agents and CEDs to support the outcome and impact efforts in the Central District, with a portion of her effort toward statewide programming. Nominated by Laura R. Cash
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 15
Support Staff
Maivette Hernandez Lorenzo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to 4-H since 2012 and has been an integral part of the Palm Beach County
4-H expansion. After taking over the embryology project, she grew it from 14 schools to 26 in a few short years. Maivette is committed to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. She mentors high school students; leads a bilin-gual club focused on food science, mindfulness, and belonging; works with Latinx middle school students; and provides family support for academic success. She is creative, organized, reliable, and genuinely cares about our youth. Nominated by Noelle Guay
Service Awards
Achievement in Service
Sarah Davis specializes in environmental education, environmental science, and cultural and natural resource interpretation. She engages
youth ages 5-18 in 4-H positive youth development and mentors volunteers. Through Environmental Education she shares the curiosities
and mysteries of nature, instructs about the ecosystems, and encour-ages critical thinking about science.
Matthew Olson has served Clay County Florida since 2018. Prior to moving to Florida, Matt began his Extension career in South Dakota. Mat-
thew focuses on STEM, Leadership, and Volunteer Development. In his off time, Matt enjoys motorcycles, scuba diving, and exploring the outdoors.
Dr. Marnie Ward is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she studied Zoology, Environmental Science, and Toxicology. Her passion for
learning and educating others led her to teach at the College of Cen-tral Florida and eventually become 4-H faculty in Citrus County.
Distinguished Service
Jessica Altum Cooper is the County Extension Director and 4-H Agent in Gilchrist County where she focuses on building community
16 – 2021 EPAF Conference
understanding and engagement with Extension. She positively impacts local families and the community through thoughtful, diverse programming and educa-tional outreach to extend the land grant mission in her area.
Prudence Caskey shares her passion and experience of raising poultry, marine aquariums, and financial freedom with youth through-out Florida.
She has raised $2.1 million in grant funds, monetary donations, and in-kind contributions for her program. She is a native Floridian and 4-H alumna from Hernando County and has been married 24 years.
Nicole Crawson has been the Holmes County 4-H Agent for eleven years. Her program-ming involves healthy lifestyles, So-cial-Emotional
Learning, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. She serves on numerous district, state, and national committees, including the NAE4-HYDP: Creating a Healthier You Working Group. This team was actively engaged during COVID-19 offering professional development for its membership.
Meritorious Service
Heather Kent is the regional specialized 4-H agent for the northwest Extension district. Her district pro-gram includes mentoring new 4-H agents
and supporting volunteers. She also provides statewide leadership for the 4-H science initiative. To support her Extension programs, Heather has been principal investigator on over one million dollars in grants and is pursuing her doctorate in Instructional Systems and Learning Technology. She recently earned a certification in human performance technology and volunteer administration.
25 Years
Marcus Boston has served as an Extension Agent in Leon County for 27 years (and County Extension Director since 2017). He has developed
a strong program with emphasis on Environmental Education and Leadership Development. Marcus has created and maintained a diverse 4-H Program that provides life changing experiences for youth.
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 17
FEAFCS AWARDS & WINNERS
*NEAFCS has prohibited the release of regional and national winners in advance of their national meeting. Below are state winners and we wish them all luck at the next level.
Communication Awards
Educational Publications – TeamSamantha Kennedy and Heidi Copeland
Internet Education Technology – TeamKendra Zamojski, Marie Arick, Jill Breslawski, Samantha Kennedy, Angela Hinkle, Ginny Hinton, Dorothy Lee, Judy Corbus, Laurie Osgood, Julie McMillian, Heidi Copeland, Amy Mullins, Terri Keith, and Melanie Taylor
Newsletters – IndividualKim Griffin
Written Media – IndividualAndrea Nikolai
Annie Wallau
Television/Video Program – TeamKendra Zamojski, Marie Arick, Jill Breslawski, Heidi Copeland, Laurie Osgood, Amy Mullins, Samantha Kennedy, Judy Corbus, Melanie Taylor, Ginny Hinton, Angela Hinkle, Dorothy Lee, Julie McMillian, and Terri Keith
Program Awards
Community Partnership – TeamLisa Hamilton, Katherine Allen, Halie Corbitt, Sarah Ellis, Judy Corbus, LuAnn Duncan, Johanna Gomez-Gonzalez, Terri Keith, Cyndi Longley, Katherine Marin, Laurie Osgood, Natasha Parks, Jenny Rodriguez, and D’Alicia Straughter
Danielle DeVries-Navarro, Rachel Biderman, and Maura Plante
Environmental Education – TeamAnnie Wallau, Cassidy Dossin, Stephanie Conner, Matthew Olson, Justin Pierce, and Liza McCain
LuAnn Duncan, Faith Oi, and Jim Davis
Extension Disaster Education – TeamKendra Zamojski, Laurie Osgood, Marie Arick, Amy Mullins, Samantha Kennedy, Jill Breslawski, Angela Hinkle, Dorothy Lee, Heidi Copeland, Judy Corbus, Ginny Hinton, Melanie Taylor, Julie McMillian, and Terri Keith
Extension Housing Outreach – TeamNelly Nelson, Johanna Gomez-Gonzalez, Jenny Aviles Rodriguez, Jennifer Hagan, and Randall Cantrell
Excellence in Multistate Collaboration – TeamWendy Lynch, Wendy J. Dahl, Julie England, Kendra Zamojski, Julie Garden-Robinson, and Carlin Rafie
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Excellence in Teamwork – TeamHeather Janney, Halie Corbitt, LuAnn Duncan, Chandler Mulvaney, Geralyn Sachs, Erin Harlow, Maxine Hunter, Tiare Silvasy, Amanda Marek, Wendy Wilber, and Mark Bailey
Wendy Lynch, Kimber Sarver, Heather Janney, Brandi Yancy, Jessica Emerson, Daniel Gonzalez, Sandy Hernandez, Allison Leo, and Nicole Crawson
Family Health and Wellness – TeamHalie Corbitt, Heather Janney, LuAnn Duncan, Erin Harlow, Emma Cannon, Chandler Mulvaney, Geralyn Sachs, Maxine Hunter, Tiare Silvasy, Amanda Marek, Wendy Wilber, and Mark Bailey
Kendra Zamojski, Jill Breslawski, Ginny Hinton, Angela Hinkle, Dorothy Lee, Heidi Copeland, Samantha Kennedy, Judy Corbus, Melanie Taylor, Laurie Osgood, Amy Mullins, Marie Arick, Julie McMillian, and Terri Keith
Florence Hall – TeamGinny Hinton, Victor Harris, Cyndi Longley, Nelly Nelson, and Stephanie Toelle
Halie Corbitt, Katherine Allen, Shari Bresin, Judy Corbus, LuAnn Duncan, Sarah Ellis, Johanna Gomez-Gonzalez, Lisa Hamilton, Terri Keith, Cyndi Longley, Katherine Marin, Laurie Osgood, Natasha Parks, Jenny Rodriguez, and D’Alicia Straughter
Food Safety – TeamMarie Arick, Laurie Osgood, Samantha Kennedy, Lori Wiggins, Ronnie Cowan, Rachel Pienta, Ashley Gill, Jena Gilmore, Heather Kent, and Julie Dillard
Marketing Package – TeamJenny Rodriguez, Johanna Gomez-Gonzalez, Lisa Hamilton, Cyndi Longley, Katherine Allen, LuAnn Duncan, Shari Bresin, Halie Corbitt, Laurie Osgood, Judy Corbus, D’Alicia Straughter, Natasha Parks, Sarah Ellis, Katherine Marin, and Terri Keith
Innovation in Programming – TeamKim Griffin and Beth Kerr
Angela Hinkle, Rachel Biderman, Pamela Bradford, and Danielle DeVries-Navarro
Program Excellence Through Research – TeamGinny Hinton, Victor Harris, Nelly Nelson, Stephanie Toelle, and Cyndi Longley
SNAP-Ed/EFNEP Educational Program – TeamDanielle DeVries-Navarro, Rachel Biderman, and Maura Plante
Innovative Youth Development Programming – TeamKim Griffin and Beth Kerr
Natasha Parks, D’Alicia Straughter, Grace Carter, and Kelsey Haupt
Human Development/Family Relationships – TeamNelly Nelson, Ginny Hinton, Stephanie Toelle, Cyndi Longley, and Victor Harris
Greenwood Frysinger – IndividualAndrea Nikolai
Dean Don Felker Family Resource Management – IndividualSarah Ellis
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 19
Dean Don Felker Family Resource Management – TeamLaurie Osgood, Lisa Hamilton, Judy Corbus, Natasha Parks, Johanna Gomez-Gonzalez, Jenny Rodri-guez, Cyndi Longley, Katherine Allen, Shari Bresin, Halie Corbitt, Sarah Ellis, LuAnn Duncan, Terri Keith, Katherine Marin, and D’Alicia Straughter
4-H Youth DevelopmentBeth Kerr and Kim Griffin
Programs of ExcellenceBrenda Marty-Jimenez for Senior Connections Andrea Nikolai for Foodie Fun at HomeDanielle DeVries-Navarro and Rachel Biderman for Healthy Food PrescriptionsKim Griffin and Beth Kerr for My Financial FutureLori Wiggins for Preschoolers and their families getting healthy and activeVirgilia Zabala for Diabetes Man-agement in a Virtual SettingKatherine Allen, Shari Bresin, Halie Corbitt, Judy Corbus, LuAnn Duncan, Sarah Ellis, Johanna Gomez-Gonzalez, Lisa Hamilton, Terri Keith, Cyndi Longley, Kather-ine Marin, Laurie Osgood, Natasha Parks, Jenny Rodgriguez, D’Alicia Straughter, and Melanie Thomas for Homebuyer Education Team
Service Awards
Distinguished Service
Heather Janney began her career in 2006 as a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and moved to a split appointment with 4-H in
2007. In 2018, she accepted the position of CED/4-H agent in Columbia County where she uses multi-disciplinary programming to reach youth. Heather’s specialty areas include holistic wellness, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and communication. Over the years, she has reached more than 31,500 people with research-based education and has secured over $382k in grants and contributions.
Melanie Taylor serves both Bay and Gulf Counties as the FCS and 4-H Agent. Her educational programs have varied and expanded over the past
nearly 12 years. Her Bay County programs focus on health and wellness, food safety, and financial wellness. In Gulf County, her focus is on 4-H youth and adult volunteer development through life skills, camp, health and wellness, food safety, financial wellness, and FNP. Melanie has secured almost $400k
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in grants since her 2015 promotion and she has been recognized by multiple professional organizations on the state and national levels.
Continued Excellence
Angela Hinkle has served Escambia County for 13 years as the FCS/EFNEP Extension Agent. Her programs focus on nutri-tion and food
resource management, healthy lifestyles, and chronic disease prevention. Under her training and direction, EFNEP Nutritional Educators have worked to further enhance the public outreach and engagement of Angela’s programs. Over 24,000 participants have completed series-based classes with successful outcomes and impacts. Angela has secured over $139k in grants and managed over $2.5 million in EFNEP funding.
Brenda Marty- Jimenez has worked with UF/IFAS Exten-sion Broward County since December 2002 at which time programming
focused on nutrition, health, and child passenger safety. In 2008, she started the grant funded Family Nutrition Program in Broward with six program assistants and led that program until 2018. She also served
as FCS Agent and CED from 2011 to 2018. She has led the Diabetes Prevention Program and taught the Take Charge of Your Diabetes and Dining with Diabetes programs. Currently in her 19th year, Brenda specializes in teaching practical methods for seniors, adults, food service managers and youth on a variety of topics.
Specialty Awards
Para-professional
Jean Erold Ezerbe has been the Nutrition Educator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Edu-cation (EFNEP) program in Palm Beach
County for three years. Most of his educational efforts have focused on reaching Haitian families. Jean has developed strong partnerships within the Haitian community and works diligently to make sure programs are meeting their needs and reflective of their culture. Some of his accomplishments include translating documents and developing marketing materials in Haitian-Creole. Jean has also used his advanced technology skills to assist in the development of a Microsoft Access database.
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 21
Friend of FEAFCS
Kay Brady is a retiree, both from the U.S. Air Force and a local nonprofit agency. She has been active in many Oka-loosa County community agencies since
2012, working on projects that assist the community members. She is a UF/IFAS VITA and AARP program volunteer, preparing free taxes for families. Kay is a member of the Walton County Extension Overall Advisory and the Walton/Okaloosa Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory. She does much more for others and enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.
Outstanding Specialist
Dr. Faith Oi is the Director of Pest Management University, an academy that provides state-of-the-art education and hands-on training
for the industry. As a faculty member in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida, she works at a “grassroots-level” and does applied research to solve industry problems. Her latest efforts also involve working with county faculty to direct market IPM to residents through existing programs.
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FACAA AWARDS & WINNERS
Communication Awards
Audio RecordingDr. Taylor Clem, Chris Oswalt, and Laurie Hurner
Published Photo and CaptionJames E. Davis (Regional winner)
Computer Generated PresentationCaitlin L. Bainum (National finalist)
Promotional PackageCassidy Dossin (National finalist)
Personal ColumnMegan Brew (National finalist)
Feature StoryBonnie C. Wells (Regional winner)
Newsletter – IndividualAjia Marie Paolillo
Video PresentationSylvia Willis and Jay Capasso
Fact SheetAlicia Halbritter (National finalist)
PublicationTina L. McIntyre, Tiare Silvasy, Lynn Barber, Esen Momol, Tom Wichman, Terra Freeman and Wendy Wilber
WebsiteAlicia Halbritter, Justina Dacey, and Cassidy Dossin (Regional winner)
Learning ModuleAlicia Halbritter (National finalist)
Bound BookAlicia Halbritter (National finalist)
Specialty Awards
Excellence in 4-H Youth ProgrammingRonnie Lee Cowan
Agriculture Awareness and AppreciationWael Elwakil, Angela Collins, Christa Kirby, Lisa Hickey, and Crystal Snodgrass
Search for Excellence Awards
Search for Excellence in Commercial and Consumer HorticultureLiz Felter
Search for Excellence in Crop ProductionKeith Wynn
Search for Excellence in Livestock ProductionCaitlin Bainum
Search for Excellence in Environmental Quality, Forestry, and Natural ResourcesCaitlin Bainum (National finalist)
Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture Research EducationJay Capasso (National finalist)
Search for Excellence in Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers/RanchersTatiana Sanchez (National finalist)
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 23
Service Awards
Achievement
Lauren Butler joined UF/IFAS Extension in Okeechobee County in 2016 as the County Extension Director and Livestock Agent. Recognized by
her peers at the state and national levels, Lauren has also proven herself among her clientele with relevant, timely and impactful Extension programs. She has developed an abundance and variety of high-quality deliverables and has garnered an abundance of monetary and in-kind contributions to support her program. Lauren’s Extension program has resulted in meaningful outcomes.
Evelyn ‘Prissy’ Fletcher serves as the Commercial Agriculture Agent for St. Johns County. She manages the Hastings Plant Triage Lab
and focuses her program efforts in integrating alternative crops into production systems while working on her PhD. She has also served as a Horticulture Agent for in Putnam County for 5 ½ years and has received numerous awards from FACAA, FANREP, NACAA, UF/IFAS Extension Administration, and NAE4-HA. She is currently serving on the AMPIC 2022 Fundraising Committee.
Kalan Taylor has become a leader in agriculture and natural resources by offering a wide variety of programs to both producers and to youth.
Kalan has presented her work at multiple state and national conferences. As evidence of her contributions to Extension, Kalan has been presented with several local, state, regional and national awards from multiple professional associations. Kalan is involved in FACAA/NACAA, FAE4-HA, and ESP. She serves on several committees in each organization.
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Distinguished Service
James ‘Jim’ Davis provides high-quality and impactful educational programs and service as a County Exten-sion Director in two Florida counties,
making him an outstanding candi-date for one of the highest honors an Extension Agent can achieve. He is a Search for Excellence winner and finalist and has won multiple FACAA communication awards which is a testament to his teaching efforts. As a dedicated member of FACAA, he serves the Association as chair and co-chair of multiple committees.
Ralph Mitchell is a consum-mate Extension professional and deserving of this award. He has re-ceived several FACAA and NACAA awards along with
being the recipient of awards from other state organizations. Ralph has been involved in FACAA/NACAA as the Chair of the Professional Excellence Committee for the last three years, served as an active committee member in the Search for Excellence Committee, and the County Commission Liaison Committee taking part in the “Country Store” for nine years.
Chris Oswalt is the UF/IFAS Citrus Exten-sion Agent in Polk and Hillsborough Counties. His Extension program includes the Florida Citrus
Growers’ Institute one of the largest citrus grower meetings in the state. He also leads the citrus cold protection program, totally sup-ported by growers, providing timely weather forecasts during the winter to help growers protect their citrus crops. He has been recognized with multiple awards at the state and national levels for his programmatic efforts.
Outstanding Agriculturalist
Chance Clay is a seventh- generation rancher and cattleman of Putnam County, and an advocate for Extension ranging from youth pro-
grams to committee involvement and applied research. With his father, they manage a 2,700-acre property which was granted a conservation easement through the Florida Forever program. He uses UF crop cultivars and consults his agents regularly, willing to take risks and try new production styles.
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 25
Alan Hitchcock owns Sante Fe River Ranch and produces beef cattle, timber, guided hunting trips, and agritour-ism events. A strong, long-term supporter
of Extension, Mr. Hitchcock has hosted field days, workshops, events, tours, and demonstrations. He and his wife Cathy contrib-uted to the establishment of the Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry on campus.
Brightman Logan has con-tributed to the Pasco County horticulture program and its successes since 2016. He helped create the community gardens and
continues to donate money, mulch, and plants. The produce of these now eight gardens known as Farmden help fill local food pantry shelves and provide much needed healthy food to families in the area. Mr. Logan is a financial supporter of, and was instrumental in getting county support for, the newest program, Agrihood, currently in development.
Jay Skillman has been partnering with Extension agents since 2018, developing research and programming in nutrient management
built around technology of polymer coated fertilizers. He has allowed agents to easily conduct high quality on-farm demonstrations, providing equipment, labor, tissue samples, and general guidance. He is engaged weekly with these projects however necessary and has a ‘just tell me what you need’ attitude. Jay has a way of making things happen.
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Specialist of the Year
Dr. Michael Dukes is an long-time supporter of Extension agents in diverse pro-grams, engag-ing agents in his research. His water use
estimator has allowed agents to tie much needed water savings impacts to the Florida-Friendly Landscaping programming. He has been a constant mentor to agents in the Suwanee Valley, helping develop and deliver BMP programs and securing large and small BMP grants. Dr. Dukes has been a guiding force that has led to the successful BMP programs being implemented across the state.
Dr. Marcelo Wallau, an assistant professor and Extension forage specialist, has been a strong supporter of Extension. He has established
himself as a knowledgeable and accessible specialist. Dr. Wallau has been very active at the county level, interacting with both agents and farmers, taking calls, and conduct-ing farm visits. He provides valuable in-service training and is generous with his time, talents, materials, and equipment. Dr. Wallau has mentored four Extension agents to the completion of their required degrees.
Farm Credit Association of Florida FACAA Young Professional
Tatiana Sanchez came to Extension in 2016 following a post- doctorate in Plant Pathol-ogy. Although she enjoyed research, the social com-
ponent of Extension lured her into this job. Tatiana sincerely enjoys troubleshooting plant problems and giving recommendations that make a difference. Her favorite aspect of a career in Extension is the continuous learning opportunities.
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 27
FANREP AWARDS & WINNERS
Educational Material Awards
Promotional or MarketingTina McIntyre (1st place Florida)
Yilin Zhuang and Caroline Warwick (2nd place Florida)
Brittany Scharf (3rd place Florida)
Short PublicationAbbey Tyrna and Dail Laughinghouse (1st place Florida)
Tina McIntyre (2nd place Florida)
Linda Seals, Lisa Krimsky, Mary Lusk, and Holly Abeels (3rd place Florida)
Long PublicationMartha Monroe, Gabby Salazar, Kristen Kunkle, Judy Braus, Cathy Jordan, and Nicole Ardoin (1st place Florida)
Basil V. Iannone III, Shannon Carnevale, Martin Main, Jeff E. Hill, Julie B. McConnell, Steve A. Johnson, Stephen F. Enloe, Michael Andreu, Emily C. Bell, James P. Cuda, and Shirley M. Baker (2nd place Florida)
Savanna Barry, Joshua Patterson, Shelly Krueger, Scott Jackson, Laura Reynolds, Shelly Johnson, and Martin Main (3rd place Florida)
Book or Comprehensive Program CurriculumMichelle Atkinson (1st place Florida - tie)
Savanna Barry, Joshua Patterson, Shelly Krueger, Scott Jackson, Laura Reynolds, Shelly Johnson, and Martin Main (1st place Florida – tie)
Nicole Pinson, Judi Whitson, Lynann Hudson, Kerri Lefler, Coley Riley, Heather Riley, Stephen Gran, Chanel Campbell, Brandi Yancy, Charles Poliseno, Lynn Barber, Adrian Bowden, Jacqlyn Rivas, Lisa Meredith, Julia Palaschak, and Eric Cassino (2nd place Florida - tie)
Tina McIntyre, Kaydie McCormick, Chelsea Woodard, and Morgan Pinkerton (2nd place Florida – tie)
Newsletter or Series of ArticlesCarrie Stevenson (1st place Florida)Anne Yasalonis (2nd place Florida)Abbey Tyrna (3rd place Florida)
Televised Conference/Video Conference/WebinarBrittany Scharf, Jennifer Granneman, Razieh Farzad, Bryce Phillippi, and Savanna Barry (1st place Florida)
Tina McIntyre and Morgan Pinkerton (2nd place Florida)
Libby Carnahan, Armando Ubeda, Renee Collini, Tracie Sempier, Stephen Deal, Marian Hanisko, and Nikki Pace (3rd place Florida, National Bronze winner)
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Television/VideoSavanna Barry, Joshua Patterson, Shelly Krueger, Scott Jackson, Laura Reynolds, Shelly Johnson, and Martin Main (1st place Florida)
Armando Ubeda, Libby Carnahan, Holly Abeels, Savanna Barry, Michael Sipos, Elizabeth Shephard, Rick O’Connor, Carrie Stevenson, Chris Verlinde, Dorothy Lee, Angela Collins, Vincent Encomio, Rhett Register, Ben Murphy, Gigi Novack, Demi Aycart, Mike Allen, and Rebecca Nelson (2nd place Florida)
Katherine Clements, Kassidy House, Kevin O’Horan, Patrick Williams, Randall Penn, Abbey Tyrna, Armando Ubeda, Carol Wyatt-Evens, Marguerite Beckford, Maria Portelos-Rometo, Minday Hanak, Sarah Davis, Sophia Moundous, Wilma Holley, Jennifer Dehart, Julianna Costanzo, Adelaide Mahler, Alexa Kurowski, and Tony Clements (3rd place Florida)
Podcast/RadioTina McIntyre (1st place Florida)
Web Site/Apps/Educational TechnologySavanna Barry and Berlynna Heres (1st place Florida)
Holly Abeels, Dr. Marnie Ward, Brandi Yancy, Dr. Paula Davis, Alicia Betancourt, Ronnie Cowan, and Ashley Smyth (2nd place Florida)
Lara Milligan, James Stevenson, Julia Myers, and Sheree Schuer (3rd place Florida)
Achievement Awards
Office Sustainability
Sarasota County
Innovative Program
Michelle Atkinson - Great Savings with the Mobile Irrigation Lab: Michelle gets to play in the water in Manatee Coun-ty, boating
paddle boarding, snorkeling, and swimming. She strives to protect and conserve our water resources. Via the lab, Michelle and her team educate residents on how to save water and reduce polluted runoff.
Outstanding Specialist
Dr. Mark Clark has conducted research from the Florida Keys to the Escambia River. His main focus is on nutrient dynamics in natural and anthropogen-
ically impacted watersheds and integrating natural processes such as wetlands into those landscapes to mitigate nutrient loads to the environment.
RIDING THE WAVES OF CHANGE – 29
Friend of FANREP
Dr. Gail Cowie is a senior research pro-fessional in the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State University. She holds a mas-ters in zoology
and a doctorate in public admin-istration. Dr. Cowie contributed significantly to the Water Schools Extension program, a sustainability project targeting elected and public officials. Her expertise allowed the program to fully incorporate innovative, discussion-based methods of information delivery and demonstrated collaboration across the Florida – Georgia line.
Outstanding Team
Michelle Atkinson, Abbey Tyrna, Eban Bean, Charles Cichra, and Mary Lusk - Healthy Ponds Certification Program: This program brings together the latest research and information from more than 16 UF faculty on issues such as aquatic plant management, nutrient education, fish biology, and more. The goal is to support pond managers with a comprehensive set of knowledge and skills that will lead to healthier ponds and improved downstream waters.
Outstanding 4-H Youth Development Program
Holly Abeels, Dr. Marnie Ward, Brandi Yancy, Dr. Paula Davis, Sarah Davis, Alicia Betancourt, Ronnie Cowan, and Ashley Smyth – Touring Florida: Wildlife, Water, and Climate Change: An eight-member team of agents from multiple departments was responsible for this youth camp. It included an on-demand Google site, bi-weekly virtual meetings, videos, worksheets, virtual tours, live observation cameras, and so much more. Career opportunities were highlighted as part of the program.
Early Career Leadership
Julie McConnell has been the Horticulture Extension Agent in Bay County since 2012. She offers educational programs
for homeowners, volunteers, and landscape professionals.
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ESP AWARDS & WINNERS
Service Awards
Early Career Service
Alyssa Bowers (Pinellas County) serves Extension as a 4-H agent focused on STEM, urban 4-H, and veterinary science. She is co-chair for the ESP Urban Affinity Group
and currently working on a graduate certificate in non-profit management. Alyssa has a passion for innovation, creativity, and collaboration. When not working, she loves time with her family and pets, traveling, and learning new things.
Mid-Career Service
Heather Janney (Colum-bia County) has served Extension since 2006. She uses multi-discipline approaches to her youth programming, Extension
leadership, and professional men-toring of others. She is addressing needs on multi-county, multi-state, and national levels. Heather aided in the development and facilitation of professional development that was critical to the needs of her peers during the pandemic.
Distinguished Service
Dr. Stacey Ellison, 4-H Associate State Program Leader, manages day to day operations of State 4-H Headquarters and leads the faculty leadership team responsible
for directing Florida 4-H. She has been successful in county, district, and state positions spanning a 21-year career. Dr. Ellison has often been recognized for her exemplary programming efforts, publications, and leadership activities. She has secured more than a half million dollars in extramural funding and has earned more than sixty professional association awards.
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25 Years
Martha Maddox has worked in Extension for 39 years, currently serv-ing Alachua County as the FCS Agent. She is a fifth generation
4-H family member, growing up in Arkansas 4-H. Martha believes in the Extension mission and working as a TEAM on programs to make differences and to Make the Best Better. She currently serves as the co-chair of the Nutrition and Food Systems Priority Work Group and is active in ESP, FEAFCS, FACAA, and FAE4-HA, winning numerous state and national awards from all.
Communicator Awards
Distinguished Team
Erin Harlow, Heather Janney, Halie Corbitt, Tiare Silvasy, Chandler Mulvaney, Emma Cannon, Maxine Hunter, LuAnn Duncan, Amanda Marek, Mark Bailey, Wendy Wilber, and Geralyn Sachs for Victory 2020 Garden Community
Diversity/Multicultural – Individual
Henrique Mayer (Miami-Dade County)
State Awards
Administrative Leadership
Crystal Snodgrass (Manatee County) is a proven Exten-sion profes-sional. She has served as the Commercial Vegetable Ex-tension Agent
in Manatee County since 2008, adding CED to her duties in 2017. Crystal contributes to research initiatives providing practical solutions to producers and works to provide agriculture education and appreciation to the community.
National & Regional Winners
(ESP winners become nationally eligible the following year).
Vanessa Campoverde – 2021 National winner, Early Career Service
Qingren Wang – 2021 Southern Region winner, International Service
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ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP
FACAA Officers 2021
President - Stacy StricklandPresident-elect - Dan FennemanVice President - Shawn SteedSecretary - Daniel LeonardTreasurer - Paulette TomlinsonPast President - Lindsey Wiggins
District Directors:
Dist. Senior DD Junior DD
1 Kalyn Waters Ethan Carter
2 Jay Capasso Sylvia Willis
3 Hannah Wooten Caitlin Bainum
4 Taylor Davis Lauren Butler
5 Yvette Goodiel Frank Dowdle
FAE4-HA Officers 2021
President - Vanessa SperoPresident-elect - Kristie Popa1st Vice President - Karen Henry2nd Vice President - Stephanie
ConnorSecretary - Aly SchortinghouseTreasurer - Prudence CaskeyPast President - Geralyn Sachs
District Directors:1. Brian Estevez2. Julie Dillard3. Rachel Pienta4. Beth Moore5. Amanda Morgan Pittman6. Kelsey Haupt7. Marnie Ward8. Melinda Souers9. Shayla Reighter10. Ashley H.K. Gill11. Andrea Lazzari12. Sonja Crawford13. Kimber Sarver14. Andy Toelle
FANREP Officers 2021
President - Libby CarnahanPresident-elect - Yilin ZhuangSecretary - Marguerite BeckfordTreasurer - Michelle LeonardPast President - Theresa BadurekANREP Regional Rep - Holly AbeelsDistrict Representatives:Northeast - Shelly JohnsonNorthwest - Chris VerlindeCentral - Brittany Hall-ScharfSouthwest - Carol Wyatt-EvensSoutheast - Ana Zangroniz
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FEAFCS Officers 2021
President - Gayle WhitworthPresident-elect - Annie WallauSecretary - Laurie OsgoodTreasurer - Lisa HamiltonParliamentarian - Martha MaddoxPast President - Melanie ThomasVP Public Affairs - Jenny RodriguezVP Member Resources - Kim GriffinVP Awards & Recognition - Ginny HintonVP Professional Development - Virgilia
ZabalaDistrict Directors:Northwest - Angela HinkleNortheast - Halie CorbittCentral - Jana AndersonSouthwest - Shari BresinSoutheast - Rachel BidermanUF Campus - Dr. Amy SimonneFAMU Campus - Dreamal Worthen
ESP Officers 2021
President - Nancy A. MooresPresident-elect - Lori WigginsSecretary - Grantly RickettsTreasurer - Abbey TharpeAnalyst - Samantha KennedyChaplain - Kalan TaylorPast President - Henry MayerDistrict Directors:Northwest - Heidi CopelandNortheast - Jessica Altum-CooperCentral - Karen HenrySouthwest - Crystal Snodgrass
Southeast - Nickie MunroeState - Heidi RadunovichLife/Retired - Betsy Crisp
EPAF Board of Directors 2021
Chair - Geralyn SachsChair-elect - Elizabeth “Libby”
CarnahanSecretary - Dan FennemanTreasurer - Brad Burbaugh &
Kalan TaylorEvaluation - Elizabeth “Libby” CarnahanFACAA President - Stacy StricklandFACAA President-elect - Dan FennemanFAE4-HA President - Vanessa SperoFAE4-HA President-elect - Kristie PopaFANREP President - Elizabeth “Libby”
CarnahanFANREP President-elect – Yilin ZhuangFEAFCS President - Gayle WhitworthFEAFCS President-elect - Annie WallauESP President - Nancy A. MooresESP President-elect - Lori Wiggins
EPAF Committee Chairs 2021
Website - Julia KellyFacilities - Martha Maddox &
Melanie ThomasRegistration - Annie Wallau &
Matt OlsonProgram - Nancy A. MooresAuction –Kevin KorusOral presentations/Abstracts - Nicole Walker & Melinda SouersPosters - Kristie PopaEvaluation - Elizabeth “Libby” CarnahanParliamentarian - Cindy SandersWellness - Heather JanneyHospitality - Melanie Taylor
& Paula DavisAdministrative Liaison - Dr. Tom Obreza
UF/IFAS Extension is
FORGING AHEADdeveloping
KNOWLEDGEin agricultural, human, and natural
RESOURCESand making that knowledge accessible to
SUSTAIN AND ENHANCEthe quality of life across all of Florida
An Equal Opportunity Institution.