New Colleague Orientation

Title: Family Living Educator 80% - Marquette County
Start Date: March 16, 2009

Hello! What a privilege to be working for UWEX with families and community. Previous to this position, I served as director of Wisconsin Positive Youth Development Initiative, Inc. for 20 years. This allowed me to travel throughout Wisconsin working with youth, adults, coalitions and community systems that impact young lives. Perhaps I’ve met you along the way when doing training and coalition-building for primary prevention, Developmental Assets, youth-adult partnerships, or strategic planning for other community issues. My degrees are from Concordia University-St. Paul and Michigan State University.

The transition to Family Living is a natural one for me – the family is the core unit of community life, and healthy families make for healthy people. Child and youth development, parenting, care-giving, financial management, nutrition and meal preparation, exercise and whole-person development -- the issues of Family Living are truly fascinating. I look forward to learning from you and with you, and welcome your emails and calls for possible collaborations.

When It’s time to kick back, I enjoy kayaking, hiking/walking, snorkeling, dancing, reading, cooking international foods, and a good conversation over a leisurely dinner, even if that’s around the campfire!

Title: Family Living Educator - Ozaukee County
Start Date: July 15, 2009

Hello!  My name is Carol Bralich, the new Ozaukee County Family Living Educator.  I am looking forward to meeting and working with my new Extension family colleagues!  I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, with my B.S. and Family Consumer Education certification in 1993 and master’s degree in 2001.   Before joining extension, I was a Family and Consumer Education teacher for 16 years, teaching in several different school districts.  I started my career teaching at Kickapoo Jr./Sr. High School in Viola, WI for 3 years managing a breakfast program, advising an FCCLA group, and coordinating job shadows as the  designated LVEC.  Wanting to move closer to family and friends, I then accepted a middle school FCE position at Oconomowoc Middle School, developing curriculum including an entrepreneur unit.  Three days after signing my contract, I met my husband at the Waukesha County Fair!  Next stop is West Bend at Badger Middle School for 3 years, due to my husband’s change in jobs.  Highlights include an 8th grade foods and business class that ran a restaurant simulation.  Due to program cuts, I then found myself in Menomonee Falls at their middle school.  As you can see flexibility and change are quite common in my life!   A jump to extension still allows me to be an educator… with many different audience possibilities!

Several “in-between” positions gave me a flavor for the opportunities which extension offers.  In 1991 and 1997, I worked as the summer 4-H Agent in Dodge County.  In the summer of 1995, I worked in the Richland County Extension Office as the Interim Family Living Educator.

My husband, Bob, and my children Brianna (9) and Connor (6) and I live in rural West Bend.  We enjoy outside sports and activities, especially trail hiking.  I, like many others, planted our first garden this summer with the kids and I also enjoy working in my therapeutic perennial gardens!

Title: Community, Natural Resources and Economic Development Educator – Walworth County
Start Date: August 1, 2009

Greetings, I’m Joshua Clements, excited to be the new CNRED Educator in Walworth County. I graduated from UW Madison in May 2009 with a M.S. in Urban & Regional Planning, and also in 2007 with a B.S. in Biological Aspects of Conservation with Environmental Studies and Leadership Certificates. My passion is creating sustainable (and fun) places for people to live and work.

Although this is my first full time appointment, I have worked with Extension for over three years. My first position was as a Sustainable Design and Energy Intern in the Solid & Hazardous Waste Education Center from ‘06 – ‘07, and then as aProject Assistant in the Center for Community and Economic Development from ‘07 – ‘09. I also spent the last two years as an Energy Program Assistant in the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence where I worked on energy planning and policy projects.

I live in Madison with my partner Angela, and have a 6-year-old son, Aaron. I am an avid runner, cyclist, and reader. I also love to travel and backpack. I was born and raised in Wausau, WI.

Title: Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program Coordinator (WNEP) – Sheboygan County
Start Date: March 23, 2009

I am Melissa Giebel, the new WNEP Coordinator for Sheboygan County. I'm very excited to be a part of the Extension Family. Working in extension has been a dream of mine since learning of the programs while attending UWSP. I graduated from UWSP in May of 2002 with a B.S. degree in Family and Consumer Education emphasizing Adults & the Community. I held minors in Child & Family Studies and Nutrition. This past May, I graduated from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN with a M.A. degree in Human Services emphasizing Family Life Education. I am also a Certified Family Life Educator (provisional). Aside from the time I spent at college, I have lived most of my life in Chilton, WI(Calumet County), or surrounding area.

Past employment includes: Calumet County Outreach Advocate for Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs (most recent); Visitor Services Coordinator for Manitowoc Visitor & Convention Bureau; Program Director for a before/after school program; Nutrition Educator and Growth & Development Teacher for the Heart of the Valley YMCA.

Since we do not have any children at this time, my husband and I have enjoyed our free time traveling. In the past three years we have been to Orlando, FL; San Antonio, TX;Ocean City, Maryland; Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Upper Michigan;and this past March we visited Southern California.One day I hope to visit Ireland and Greece.We enjoy spending our free time camping, hiking, andtaking pictures of wildlife and scenery. Other hobbies includereading, cooking, exercising, spending time with family/friends, playing games, and doing crafts.

One of my biggestaccomplishments since graduatingwith my graduate degree this pastMay is that I successfully completed the entire60 miles for the 3-Day Breast Cancerwalkthat was held in Chicagoin August 2008. I will again be participatingin this event this summer in the Twin Cities as a crew member.

Again, I am very excited tobe a part of the extension family!My 7 year dream finallycame true!

"To accomplish great things, we must not only plan, but also dream; not only act, but also believe." ~ Anatole France

Title: 4-H Program Coordinator - Milwaukee County
Start Date: April 1, 2009

In 2007, I graduated from Cardinal Stritch University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broad Field Social Studies Education, two teaching licenses, and a Certificate in Integrated Leadership.  My professional youth development experience is as a High School Social Studies Teacher, Lead Summer-time Playground Instructor, Assistant Director of a Nature Camp, and a certified academic tutor.  I was involved in 4-H for eleven years and served as an adult member of the Washington County 4-H Leaders Board from 2002-2004.

I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with my husband of two years who is an English Teacher.  We enjoy participating in outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting and hiking.  I am a fan of Broadway musicals and sang in an all female Barbershop Quartet. 

I am very excited to be a part of Extension.  It is a lifelong dream of mine to work with this influential youth development organization.

Title: Nutrition Educator 80% - Clark and Taylor Counties
Start Date: February 2, 2009

I graduated in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in Agricultural Education.  For the past years I have spent time as a pharmacy technician, department supervisor, and a daycare instructor.  I am happy to be in Clark County as a Nutrition Educator and look forward to getting to know my county residents and fellow colleagues. 

I was born and raised in Green Bay, go Packers, where most of my family still remains.  I am married and have one adorable little girl (1 yr).  My husband works for an ethanol facility and we keep ourselves very occupied seeing that we are constantly remodeling or reworking something on the property. 

I am very grateful for the opportunity to be working with the UW-Extension in Clark County and I appreciate and Thank-you for all the continued support as we get our program started in the county.

Title: Interim 4-H Youth Development Educator - Washburn County
Start Date: March 26, 2009

I’m a recent, December 2008, graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout where I earned a B.S. degree in Family & Consumer Sciences Education. I have many years experience working with the Washburn County 4-H program as both a youth, club activity leader and now as an Interim Educator. During my senior year of high school I contributed to this office as a COOP student and in the summer of 2004 I shadowed Wilma Johnson, Nutrition Educator. As a volunteer, I serve on the Washburn County Adult Leaders Association Family Home & Health committee and enjoy cooking and watching children grow. My favorite 4-H activity is 4-H Camp which Washburn County holds jointly with Douglas County in June. I’m very excited to have been given this opportunity to join UW-Extension temporarily. I am currently researching possible Masters programs to pursue.

Title: Operations Program Associate, Office of the Dean & Director
Start Date: June 29, 2009

Hello!  My name is Sara Koeller, and I am excited to be the new Operations Program Associate in the office of the Dean & Director.  I’ve “met” a lot of Cooperative Extension people over the phone now, and look forward to putting names with faces as I meet more of you face-to-face.

I have previously worked as an administrative assistant in the worlds of manufacturing, finance, and dance (but not all at once, of course!)  I also spent a year as an LTE at UW-Platteville, where my father has taught music for the last 40 years.  I always knew that I wanted to return to a working environment like UWP, and am thrilled to have found that home at Cooperative Extension. 

My husband Calvin and I have two children- Michelle (age 5 ¾) and Gavin (age 18 months) - and live in Platteville, WI, where Calvin and I were both born and raised.  It is a long daily commute, but it gives me the opportunity that I rarely have to listen to Wisconsin Public Radio without interruptions from small people!  We enjoy spending time with our extended families and our weekend visits to the local coffee shop and Farmer’s Market, as well as tending to our own container garden on the back porch.  

The one thing that you would probably not know just by looking at me is that I taught dance for 5 years, and have been taking dance classes since I was 8.  So if you see me tap dancing in the copy room, or leaping down the hallways – don’t be surprised!

Title: WNEP Coordinator, Crawford & Vernon Counties
Start Date: February 2, 2009

I graduated in 2004, from UW-Stevens Point with a Health Promotion degree. For the past four years, I have been working for the Southwest WI Public Health Preparedness Consortium.  I was happy to see a Nutrition Education Program coming to Crawford and Vernon Counties.  I was never more excited to be hired and get to teach health and nutrition in my home county!

I was born and raised in Seneca, WI and have been fortunate enough to be able to live here to raise my family.  I am married and have two little girls (1 and 4 years olds).   They keep me very busy but I love every minute of it.  My husband farms and is on the local volunteer fire department.  I am also a local village clerk, which is always interesting!  In my spare time I love to get together with family and friends and just hang-out.

I am very excited to be starting with UW-Extension and am so grateful for this opportunity to do what I love!

Title: Outreach Manager, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
Start Date: January2, 2009

Most recently, I was an environmental consultant but I have also been a teacher (at MATC, Edgewood and a local high school).  My new position allows me to combine my consulting and  my teaching skills with my love of geology and of Wisconsin.

Title: Community and Youth Development Educator, Forest County
Start Date: January 6, 2009

I worked for Michigan State University Extension in Community Development and Department Head roles for 17 years, and was an Associate Program Leader for the Safe Routes to School Initiative at MSU Extension in East Lansing before moving to Forest County.

I earned my Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in Agriculture and Natural Resources and my Master's degree in Public Administrative Services from Northern Michigan University.

I was the dairy herd manager at Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Agriculture Experiment Station prior to joining Extension, and spent my early years working with the family business, Timber Ridge Forest Products.

I have served on the Great Lakes and National Canola Council, Iron County Chamber of Commerce, Western Upper Peninsula Heritage Trails Network, Eagle Country Credit Union Board and have facilitated strategic planning with several organizations, boards and committees.

Title: 4-H Youth Development Agent - Grant County
Start Date: January 1, 2009

I am a native of Wisconsin hailing from Shell Lake, a beautiful town in the northwestern part of the state. I am very happy to be back in the upper Midwest after several years of living, working and studying outside the area. My work experience has included work with at-risk youth, literacy education, community development and program evaluation. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and I completed my Peace Corps service in Jamaica between 2003 and 2005.

Title: Home Visitor/ Nutrition educator-Portage County
Start Date: July 1, 2009

Hi my name is Amber Sbonik and I am very excited to be where I am today!  I came from my previous job in childcare and very much enjoy working with kids of all ages.  I have another job on the side coaching figure skating.  I actually went to school in Marshfield and graduated with a degree in Medical Transcription, but my love for helping adults and children put me in this fantastic position that I have today.   I have a wonderful three-year-old daughter named Alaina Rose.  It has been such a great experience working for UW-Extension.  I have met so many wonderful people and learned so many new things here. 

My hobbies and things I enjoy doing are definitely bonding with my daughter and my cat J   I love just about every sport you can imagine, and enjoy coffee in the mornings too!

Title: Interim Ag Educator - Iowa County
Start Date: January 15, 2009

Most recently I was working as a Grazing Specialist for Southwest Badger RC&D,  working primarily with producers in the Driftless region on dairy, beef and stocker grazing plans, calculating pasture forage budgets and designing paddock systems. 

This is my second re-incarnation into Extension.  From 1985-1992 I worked in Rusk and Columbia Counties.  My wife and I operate a small sheep and beef operation in rural Dodgeville.  When I left Extension 16 years ago, we were hearing about budget shortfalls and staffing plans, we were being encouraged to develop relationships with elected officials communicating extension role, and farmers were struggling with cost of production and a financial crisis.  It seems like I never left except that the Extension folks that are still around from back then are either balder, greyer, or have added a few pounds, myself included.

From looking at me you’d never know I was born on Long Island, NY and play the accordion.

Title: UW-Extension Family Living Agent - Clark County
Start Date: January 5, 2009

I’m extremely excited to be working for UW-Extension.  I’m a life long resident of Neillsville and enjoy living in this small, rural community.  I enjoy knowing my neighbors and understanding the needs of people in the county. 

My educational background includes, Early Childhood Education, Special Education and Professional Development.  I’ve worked as a kindergarten teacher, 4K and Early Childhood Teacher, Birth to Three Teacher and Birth to Three Service Coordinator. 

My interests include golfing, volleyball, stained glass work, gardening and remodeling houses.  I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.  In the summer I like to be outdoors doing something active.  I also enjoy helping people and learning. 

The staff at Clark County UW-Extension are amazing to work with and I look forward to many more years with the program.  Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me to UW-Extension and continue to offer their help and support. 

Title: Community Development Educator – Portage County
Start Date: March 15, 2009

Throughout her career, Jennifer has worked for and collaborated with all levels of government and a wide variety of organizations and businesses.  For several years following her undergraduate work, she held positions in environmental education and natural systems research for non-profit organizations throughout the country.  Jennifer then returned to the Midwest, joining Wisconsin Power and Light/Alliant Energy in Madison.  Her last six years were spent in Baraboo working with Sauk County as a conservation planner.   In this position she provided assistance to farmers and other rural landowners, as well as educational programs and county-wide resource planning.  During this time, Jennifer obtained her Master’s Degree in Conservation, Ecology and Planning from Prescott College.  

Title: 4-H Youth Development Educator - Sheboygan County
Start Date: February 1, 2009

I came to UW Extension most recently from the world of Human Services and providing services to families of young people with mental health issues. After graduating from Winona State University with a Secondary Education Degree in Communications I worked as a long and short term substitute teacher in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I also worked as the Corporate Manager for Children’s Ranch in Prairie du Chien, WI. I have a family history deeply affected by 4-H and the efforts of positive youth development in Sheboygan County. I am now fortunate to have earned the responsibility of giving similar opportunities to young people in my home county. I am an honest blend of the Real Colors: Courageous and independent like the orange, composed and curious like the green, compassionate and patient like the blue and dependable and practical like the gold. I am a mother of three children under the age of 5 and enjoy spending time at home, reading, visiting with friends and traveling.

Title: Nutrition Educator - Chippewa County
Start Date: January 9, 2009

I have a B.S. degree in Dietetics and have worked as a R.D. in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield and Luther Midelfort, Eau Claire.  I also have worked as an Administrative Assistant and as a Realtor. My husband’s Air Force Career has allowed us to travel around the world and we have lived in Japan and Germany. I now spend a lot of time running two teenagers around to their many activities but enjoy our family gatherings, walking, and occasional horseback riding when there is time.  Working as a Nutrition Educator is so much fun and rewarding…especially helping people learn of good nutrition practices early on in their lives.

Title: 4H Youth Development - Marquette County
Start Date: February 1, 2009

I grew up in Marquette County on a dairy farm were I was actively involved in 4-H and FFA. I went to UW-River Falls to complete both my undergraduate and graduate studies in Agricultural Education. For the 4 years previous to being hired in Extension I was the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Oshkosh West High School.

My husband, Paul, and I have both lived in Montello our entire lives and have a one year old son. In my “spare time” I like to garden and quilt, both interested that I found through 4-H.

I am very excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community that has made me the person I am today.

Title: 4H Youth Development - Wood County
Start Date: June 1, 2009

Despite being new to Wood County I have been with UW-Extension for the past 6 years. I was able to impact the lives 4-H members in Dunn County as the 4-H Youth Development Educator since 2003. Prior work experience allowed me to hone my teaching skills as an Agriculture Education Teacher and FFA Advisor in Cadott WI.

As a collector of Monopoly games and items, I have game boards in 5 languages and am always looking for more at garage sales and thrift stores.

Title: Biotechnology Outreach Specialist
Start Date:

Cathy Vrentas is an Interim Biotechnology Outreach Specialist through the end of 2009 for the BioTrek program.  BioTrek is housed at the UW-Madison Biotechnology Center and is part of both Cooperative Extension (Family Living) and UW-Madison.  At BioTrek, I connect the public across the state to the science research going on at UW, from science exploration days at schools to our "Wednesday Nite at the Lab" public lecture series to school group visits to our center.  As a part of Family Living, we also share science through summer programs like College Days, Grandparents University, and Farm Technology Days..

I'm also a member of the 4-H SET team this year.  Specifically, I'm working with the 2009 National Science Experiment and the Power of the Wind Project.  For example, this summer I'll be training volunteers to lead summer wind camps with kids around Dane County, where kids will get the chance to test windmills, mini wind turbines, and more!

I am originally from Pennsylvania and I received my BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2003 from Penn State University, where I also did research in a fly genetics lab, a summer internship at the National Institutes of Health, and a field research class in Costa Rica.

In 2003, I moved to Madison to do my graduate work in science. I started doing science outreach here after founding the Biology Outreach Club, and I've traveled around the state extracting DNA and working with kids. I also volunteered with kids at the Madison Respite Center and Parental Stress Center for a few years. In the fall of 2008, I completed my Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology from UW-Madison.

Title: Nutrition Educator - Lincoln County
Start Date: January 12, 2009

I am originally from the southeastern part of the state----Racine County----but have lived in the Wausau area for most of my adult life. I have worked as a registered nurse, a hot lunch cook, and a special education teacher’s aide (to name a few.) I recently earned my bachelor’s degree from UWSP. I enjoy working with people of all ages and have always been interested in health, nutrition and food, so this job is perfect!

My husband, Kelly, and I have two college-age daughters and a golden retriever.

I enjoy spending time with my family, long walks, gardening, flea markets, and most food-related activities.

I feel privileged to be a part of the UW Extension and to work with such wonderful and talented people.

Title: Discovery Farms Research Technician, Manitowoc & Kewaunee Counties
Start Date: February 15, 2009

Aaron Wunderlin grew up on a dairy farm near Potosi, WI.  The farm has been in the family since 1854, so there is a deep history of farming in his family.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from UW-Platteville.  Later, he went on to earn a Master of Science degree from UW-Green Bay in environmental science & policy.

Aaron has many years of research and data collecting experience.  Besides a thesis looking at streams in Wisconsin’s national forest, he has worked on trout streams in southwest Wisconsin, wolves in Yellowstone National Park, and black bears in northern Wisconsin to name a few.

Aaron likes spending his time outdoors.  He enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking.  He also likes traveling, usually in the form of a camping trip.  He has a wife and two children and lives near Green Bay, Wisconsin.  He will be working out of the Manitowoc office as a research specialist for the Discovery Farms program.

Title: Editor - Publications
Start Date: April 20, 2009

Hello! I am thrilled to be back on campus, having received my BA in International Relations from UW-Madison. I am a Wisconsin native who's been fortunate enough to live in many other places as well: Boston, Seattle, Kobe (Japan), Nyon (Switzerland), and Oslo (Norway). Since college I've worked in advertising and public relations and as a production editor with Houghton Mifflin. For the past 15 years I have been a freelance English- and Spanish-language textbook editor.

I live in Whitewater with my husband Peter, four kids (Emma, 15; Jamie, 14; Ben, 12; and Christian, 10), one dog, four cats, a hamster, and two colonies of bees. I serve on the Plan and Architectural Review Commission there, and also do  volunteer work at the Rotary Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Janesville. In my free time I like to dig in the garden, read, and run the Kettle Moraine trails with the dogs (ours and a friend's).

Last year I received my Master Gardener certification at the RBG with the Rock County UW-Extension, which was my first opportunity to experience the UW-Extension and all that it has to offer. I remember ordering publications from The Learning Store... never knowing that I would one day be fortunate enough to work on the team that brings all these publications to the greater community!

It may come in handy for you to know that: I speak Norwegian (you never know), I generally don't eat lunch (but am always ready for coffee), and I love editing because I get to help people make their work really shine. How much fun is that?!