New Colleague Orientation

Title: Nutrition Educator - Sawyer/Lac Courte Oreilles
Start Date: December 3, 2008

I am a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, growing up in Rice Lake, and living for the past 40 years in the Hayward area. I am married with three sons, two step-sons and six grandchildren ages six months to 15. I worked for 13 years at the Hayward Medical Group in several job descriptions i.e. Medical Transcriptionist, Worker's Comp and Disability Secretary, Accounts Receivable Manager, Assistant Office Manager and Office Manager. Over the past 14 years I have been a Broker Associate, listing and selling Real Estate in the Hayward area. For the past three years I have beenwatching for an opportunity not only to be productive but to also be a part of making an impact on peoples lives and found this wonderful opportunity to impact children and adultsin the University of Wisconsin Nutritional Educational Program. I am so very excited to be a part of this organization and have found my work to be invigorating and challenging. This is an incredible program!!

Title: Nutrition Educator - Racine / Kenosha Counties
Start Date: March 1, 2008

Working as a Nutrition Educator feels like a good match for my education and passion for working with youth and families.   My college degrees are in Home Economics and Early Childhood Education.   

Twin sons, Evan & Kyle, are juniors attending UW-La Crosse and UW-Madison (which means my direct deposit check goes quickly from my bank account back into the UW system….if you have college age children, you know what I mean!).   My daughter’s involvement in Special Olympics reminds me to “try my best” each day. 

I justify my indulgence in “warm-out-of-the-oven” cookies by walking our Wheaten Terrier.

Title: 4-H Youth Development Educator - Walworth County
Start Date: February 18, 2008

I am the new 4-H Youth Development Agent for Walworth County. Every weekday I am now making a short commute from our farm in Rock County where I live with my husband and numerous pets: 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 birds, 1 ferret, and 3 containers of fish, to Walworth County. My 4 children have all moved out and are thankfully employed. My youngest sonis very far away in Kosovo.

I have lived in Wisconsin all of my life. I attended UW-Madison and have my bachelors degree in Agricultural Education. I was the second female agriculture teacher in the state of Wisconsinway back in the mid 70's. I have spent most of my career working with youth, grant writing and developing programs to meet their needs. I have worked for the State of Wisconsin in the past as the Dean of Students at the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. I enjoy reading, spending time with my pets, and biking.

Title: Communication Specialist - Discovery Farms
Start Date: October 1, 2008

Coming from an agricultural background, I’m thrilled to join the UW Discovery Farms team as they work to provide real working farms with real world solutions.

I was raised in rural northern Ohio. I grew up around agriculture, in 4-H and taking animals to the county fair. I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Miami University (Ohio) and the University of Illinois. I came to Wisconsin from Lincoln, Nebraska, where I worked for the USDA’s North Central SARE program – Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. As a communication specialist with SARE, I coordinated public relations, publications, website development and maintenance, event planning and other outreach activities for a 12-state region. After working seven years for SARE, I started a freelance writing/editing business. My clients have included the University of Nebraska, the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, Renewing the Countryside and the UW-Madison.

In my free time I like to camp with my two children and husband, read, bike and exercise, cook and garden. I have a strong desire to help strengthen and sustain rural America, and I am proud to join the UWEX team!

Title: Editor
Start Date: May 19, 2008

Abby is a native of Appleton and is thrilled to be back living in Wisconsin. Before joining UW-Extension, she worked for an educational publisher in Chicago and for her own editorial services company in Madison, where she currently lives. Abby received her B.A. in English literature from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. When not at UW-Extension, she enjoys a variety of activities, including taking walks, dancing, camping, reading, crocheting, and (how she spends most of her time) working with her husband to remodel and restore their house.

Title: Youth Nutrition Education Specialist
Start Date: July 1, 2008

I have returned to Madison after graduating from the UW - Madison with a BA in Social Welfare, an MA in Social Work from New York University, and an MPA from the University of Liverpool in England's northwest.  My prior work experience has a firm foundation in the non-profit sector, and has always been related to children, youth and community development, specifically advocating for under-resourced individuals and families.  My experience in Social Work in New York ranged from a high school in the Bronx, to a Foster Care and Adoption agency in Manhattan, to my final post as the Secondary Schools Coordinator for The Fresh Air Fund, also located in Manhattan.  Work has also taken me overseas, as I have volunteered and worked for Bridges to Community, an international non-profit with a focus on rural community development mainly in Nicaragua.

I am a native new yorker, but I've been happy to call many places "home".  I was born and (partially) raised in Brooklyn, New York, although various circumstances have taken me to the Middle East, England and Central America to live at different points in my life.  While I love being immersed in various cultures, I am proud to be of Caribbean descent (Barbados), and fully celebrate this foundation of music, food (oh the food!!) and culture which has nurtured me throughout my lifetime.  In addition to traveling, I love black and white photography, reading, dancing, cooking/baking and being outdoors.

I am very excited for the opportunity to work with the UWEX, and look forward to continuing advocacy on behalf of children and their families!

Title: Aquatic Invasives Education Specialist (50%)
Start Date: January 7, 2008

Previous to coming to UW Extension I spent the past 5 years as a natural resources educator for the Wisconsin DNR working with the Wisconsin Green and Healthy Schools Program and more recently with Project WET, a K-12 water education program for teachers and continue to do so on a limited basis. During that time I also taught middle school earth and life science part-time in Stoughton and Edgerton. I live in Stoughton, WI with my husband Randy and our 22 month old Sydney- expecting baby #2 in July. In my spare time I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible hiking, camping, swimming, playing volleyball, etc.  I look forward to meeting and working with all of you in the near future.

Title: Nutrition Educator - Washington County
Start Date: January 1, 2008

Being an educator and learning has always been in my bones. After studying journalism and communications at UW Madison and UW Oshkosh during the mid 80's, I pursued a career in the nonprofit sector. I started out as an event planner raising funds and moved on to managing staff and volunteers. In that capacity, I trained volunteers and staff using a curriculum I developed. It was through conducting these various trainings with volunteers that I had the opportunity to meet my wonderful husband. When we started our family, I became an educator at home. I spent the next 13 years raising three terrific young people. Because of my love of learning, while at home I pursued my teaching degree from Carroll College.  When I tepidly stepped back into the job market, it was unforeseen that I would find a perfect match.  In my capacity with UW Extension, I have the privilege of educating a diverse audience, I get to wear my public relations and communications hat and further, how fortuitous to be able to continue on my own educational path!  Lucky me.

Title: Family Living Conferences and Family Foundations Training Coordinator
Start Date: August 18, 2008

Before joining UW-Extension Michele worked at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (UWSP), through the AmeriCorps*VISTA program. As UWSP’s first Service-Learning Coordinator she helped UWSP build a strong service-learning program to meet community and student needs. She worked directly with faculty and community partners to identify meaningful projects, arrange the logistics of those projects, and implement them into existing courses. Michele graduated from UWSP in December 2005 with a B.S. in Business Administration and Sociology and minors in Accounting and Economics. She hopes to return to school in the future at UW-Madison and obtain a PhD in Social Welfare. In her free time Michele enjoys spending time with her 9-year-old son, camping, reading, and finding live music.

Title: Youth and Family Program Coordinator
Start Date: May 1, 2008

I was born, raised and have since returned home to New London.  I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Ripon College in Exercise Science (k-12) and Elementary Education with a minor in Health.  In college I spent much of my time working with kids of all ages, including several years as a camp counselor, Arts & Crafts Director, and Program Director at a church camp in Green Lake.  I also spent a large majority of my time in the spring semester on the Ripon College track team.   I still proudly hold the school record in the heptathlon. 

After graduating college I was up for something new and exciting.  Ripon College offered an Urban Education program, which I could do my student teaching in the Inner-city Chicago Public School System.  I quickly immersed myself in urban life and grew fond of the challenges and wonderful experiences a diverse class of 4th graders would bring.  Following my student teaching, I taught PreK-3 grade PE and Health teacher for 1 year.  A restructuring process of the school eliminated my position and the following year I was in a completely different environment teaching middle school PE and Health in a North Shore Chicago Suburb.  After nearly 5 years in the city, I opted to return “home” in 2005.  I began working as the Health educator for Winnebago County Public Health Dept.  I was responsible for coordinating a community coalition of volunteers, and organized the first ever Youth Advisory Board to create programs and opportunities to give youth a voice in their community. 

I am so excited to be one step closer to home working in a field that I am truly passionate about.  I followed up my May 1st start date with a new house in New London with my fiancé on May 9th and added a furry family member, a Weimaraner puppy, named Diesel on May 17th.  My fiancé and I are planning an October 11, 2008 wedding. I enjoy spending my free time running or working out (I’ve run 6 marathons since 2005), scrap booking, camping and doing HGTV projects around the house. 

Title: Local Law Educator, Local Government Center
Start Date: November 17, 2008

I come to the Local Government Center and CNRED from a 20 years private law practice in Schofield and I also served as Wausau Municipal Judge for the past 9 years.  I primarily represented municipalities in my practice.  Before that I was the District Attorney and Corporation Counsel for Langlade County for four years.  Prior to working for Langlade County I was in private law practice.

I received my Juris Doctorate from the UW Law School and I have a BA in history from UW – Milwaukee.  I am married to Annie Evansen, who works frequently with Family Living Educators through her work with Children’s Service Society, Family Resource Center.  We have three daughters and one son.  2 daughters have degrees from the University of Minnesota and live in Minneapolis, a daughter is a junior at Beloit College and our son is a freshman at the University of Minnesota.

Activity outside work has centered on our children.  That is an adjustment we are making.  I enjoy time with Annie, reading, movies, watching football and baseball and competitive deck/porch sitting.  The last 3 years I have been insulting music composers by attempting to learn to play the piano.  Annie and I enjoy ballroom dancing and Annie is quite good.  I am a cancer survivor and see every day as a gift, and so should everyone.  Annie and I are responsible for two cats, Thunder and Oscar, because our children have living arrangements that do not allow cats.  A few more months and we may, just may, claim them as our own.

We are moving to Madison, and a nice home in Wausau is for sale. 

Title: Agriculture Agent, Specializing in Crops and Soils - Clark County
Start Date: September 1, 2008

I have a degree from UW-River Falls in Broad Area Agriculture. I have received certification from the American Society of Agronomy, as a Certified Crop Advisor. I have worked the past 15 years in agriculture retail business. Prior to that I dairy farmed with my parents for 15 years.  Presently my wife Kay & I run a small 120 acre farm that includes a small cow-calf operation with rotational grazing and some acres of grain crops.

Title: Operations Program Assistant
Start Date: November 5, 2008

Before I started at Cooperative Extension Dean's Office, I worked at Wiscnet, as their Office Manager. I did also work for UWEX-Instructional Communication Systems for 16 years as a Educational Teleconference Network, Wisline and Satellite services reservation coordinator.

I am married to Judy and have two children, Jenna (21) and Jackson (13).  Some of the fun things I like to do other than watching sports, is baking and cooking on the grill.

Title: Western District Director
Start Date: January 1, 2008

Deb Jones began her work with UW-Extension in 1988 as a 4-H youth development agent in the Jackson County Cooperative Extension office, where, from July 1992 until her new appointment, she concurrently served as department head and 4-H agent. Among her other major accomplishments during her tenure at Cooperative Extension are serving as Central District administrative intern for two years and leading the internal liaison team for the statewide Community Partner Advisory Group (CPAG) initiative, which brings together Cooperative Extension staff and community members to strengthen local relationships and educational programming. In addition, Jones helped increase diversity programming through her work with the Hmong Task Force Web site.

Jones also has served an administrator for student residence life on the campuses of UW-Eau Claire, UW-Madison and the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, Minn. Her master's degree in counseling and guidance and her bachelor's degree in health education and coaching certification are from Mankato State University.

Title: Community, Natural Resource and Economic Developent Educator - Green Lake
Start Date: April 1, 2008

I began work with Extension on April 1st, no fooling!  I am a CNRED Agent in Green Lake County.  The community is focused on tourism and small business development, but I am flexible and willing to take on anything.  One group I already have been working with is promoting the construction of bicycle paths county wide to attract cyclists and to improve the health of locals.

I am from Madison and attended the UW, taking six years to achieve a B.S. in International Agriculture and Natural Resources.  After that, I attended UW-Stevens Point through the Peace Corps Master's International Program before heading off to Nepal for two and a half years of service and to research and to write my Master's thesis.  After Peace Corps, I  returned to Wisconsin and worked for the USDA before a job offer took me back overseas, where I  spent the last five years before coming onboard with UWEX.

My work background in chronological order: life guard, golf course grounds crew, library clerk, camp counselor, soils field tester, recruiter, community forester, waiter, soil conservationist, deputy country director in Armenia, English teacher in China, and now extension agent.  In my own mind, I describe myself as a writer trapped in the body of an environmentalist who is interested in sustainable development.

For fun I love to read, write, garden, hike, camp, swim, canoe, scuba dive,  travel, cook, lift weights, play sports, take things apart and fix them, and collect old things.

Things you can't tell just by looking at me (one of these is NOT true, but you will have to figure out which one): I used to be a Girl Scout, I used to study Nuclear Engineering, I was almost killed by a wild elephant in Borneo, I have a twin brother, I used to be able to dunk a basketball, I used to have hair, I am married to an incredibly beautiful woman from Trinidad, I have been to over 50 countries.

Title: Nutrition Educator- Marathon County
Start Date: February 1, 2008

Before starting at UW-Extension I was teaching pre-school for the YMCA. I still sub for the ‘Y’ because the kids are great! I also worked for the ‘Y’ as an after-school program coordinator while going to school at UWSP for Psychology and Sociology. Being a Nutrition educator is not my only job… I teach ballet for the non-profit Community Ballet Program and am also the Executive Director. Our program gives free ballet lessons to underprivileged youth in the Wausau area. Another great group of kids!!! My husband and I live in Mosinee with our 3yr old daughter Josephine, our three dogs, Lucy, Scooter, and Frances Rondo, and our 2 cats, Kitty and Kenny. In March I shaved my head to help raise money for children’s cancer research. Last summer I completed my first sprint distance triathlon. I am determined to do another in summer ‘09. As far as hobbies and interests are concerned- I love to go camping, dance, play tennis, cook, and make jewelry. My greatest joy is to spend time with my Josie-girl.

Title: 4-H Youth Development Agent - Jackson County
Start Date: March 24, 2008

In my previous employment, most of my titles ended in Coordinator. I coordinated after school programs, outdoor education, volunteers, ATODA prevention, partnerships, among other things. I’m excited to be an Agent now, though I suspect I will still coordinate a few things. In my free time, I enjoy making jewelry, writing, reading, hiking, and gardening. I am married, with pets. One of my favorite things is just being at home, in my small log home on five wooded acres just outside of Black River Falls, WI.

Title: WNEP Coordinator-Waupaca County
Start Date: September 1, 2008

Hello everyone, I am very excited to begin working with the UW-Extension in Waupaca County! This position is a great fit for my interests which include nutrition, physical activity and overall health promotion so I feel very blessed that I have been given this opportunity.

I graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a BS in Biology. After exploring some various options, I began working on my Master in Public Health degree at UW-La Crosse and I am just about finished and currently working on my thesis. Throughout my many years of college I have had some great opportunities to work with various audiences. I was a tutor and worked with learners in group and one-on-one settings. In addition, I worked for seven years at a large campground in Wisconsin and had the opportunity to work as a manager for three years. In graduate school I had the awesome opportunity to take part in a graduate assistantship where I taught exercise physiology lab classes. I also have worked with kids in an after-school setting, designing and implementing after-school programs.  Most recently, through my graduate preceptorship, I had the opportunity to work with the Appleton YMCA and their community initiative called Activate Fox Cities.

Title: 4-H Youth Program Advisor- Price County
Start Date: July 21, 2008

I graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 2004 with a BFA, in Art Education preK-12, with emphasis in Art Metals and Fabric Design.  After graduating, I spent the next few years working as a substitute art teacher in the Oshkosh area school districts, later also as an Educational Assistant for students with cognitive disabilities, but it was fall of 2005 and I felt like I needed to do more or learn more.  I found out through an Art Ed Professor that ‘Art as Recreational Therapy for the Disabled Person’ needed a teacher because Erin had left.  During the 2005 - 2006 school year, I volunteer taught ART, one night a week with disabled adults and UW student volunteers working one on one.  It was a great experience! 

In Spring ’06, I started grad school full-time at UW-O in Educational Leadership with emphasis in Art and Special Education.  FINALLY, my itch to learn more was satisfied!  In the summer of 2006, I worked as supervisor of Clow Instructional Technology Services where I had once worked as a student technician.  In 2007 I graduated with my Masters, and was hired as a part-time Art teacher at Phillips Elementary.  Though this meant leaving our dear friends behind, I looked forward moving up here; I have family here, plus Copper Falls is one of our most favorite places to camp or hike  :  )

Title: Nutrition Educator - Walworth County
Start Date: February 18, 2008

I have an Associates Degree in Dietetics, which I received from MATC-Madison in 1998.  Prior to my employment with UW-Extension I have worked in skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities where I was responsible for the clinical nutrition of the residents and managing the food service departments.  I am currently still employed at St. Coletta on a part time basis.

We have a very close knit family and I spend much of my free time with my parents, brothers and sister, nieces and nephews.  We do lots of cookouts, boating, wakeboarding and camping.  If there is not a holiday or occasion to celebrate we just make our own. 

I have a 2 year old son who is the light of my life.  We spend tons of time outdoors mowing the lawn (bubble mower) and playing on the swing and slide (Weeee).  I also enjoy gardening and relaxing on the shore of any beach.  (Although there is little relaxation when chasing a 2 year old).

I thoroughly enjoy the work I do at Extension.  Teaching children and molding their thoughts about food, nutrition and health is very rewarding. 

Title: 4-H Youth Development Agent, Clark County
Start Date: May 27, 2008

I am the new 4-H Youth Development Agent in Clark County.  Both of my degrees are from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, my Bachelor of Science was in Agricultural Studies with a Minor in Animal Science and my Master of Science in Agricultural Education.

Last summer I worked in Portage County as the Summer 4-H Intern and from October thru May I worked in Pierce County as the 4-H Program Assistant. I was a 4-H member in Portage County for 10 years and a Stevens Point FFA member for 4 years.  In the past…I was a member of the Crystal Ice Figure Skating Club and competed in singles and on a synchronized skating team, I worked at a fertilizer plant (it was…interesting), I walked dogs for a dog kennel, cleaned horse stalls, trained horses and taught riding lessons in the past 10 years; in college I was a member of a few different student organizations including Horseman’s Association, Agricultural Education Society and Alpha Tau Alpha (Honorary Ag Ed Society).  I feel that I’ve had a variety of interesting experiences…so now that I am here in Clark County I am very excited to have the opportunity to continue to be involved with 4-H members, leaders and volunteers and can’t wait to see what life brings me next!

Title: Basin Educator for Natural Resources - Black, Buffalo, Trempealeau and Lacrosse-Bad Axe Basin
Start Date: February 11, 2008

I came to the UWEX in February 2008 from the Minnesota DNR-Forestry.  I worked for the Minnesota DNR-Forestry as a state land forester at the Caledonia field office for the past 33 years.  As a forester within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest in south eastern Minnesota my responsibilities included, forest management(timber harvest, planting, TSI), land acquisition, fire management, budgeting, and recreation. I have national credentials for emergency management under the incident command system(ICS). I graduated in 1973 with a Bachelors Degree in Forestry from the University of Minnesota, and have been a private forestry consultant in Wisconsin and Iowa since 1982.

My wife of thirty three year Mary, has a home based business as a licensed massage therapist. My oldest son Greg is an architect with Kohn, Pederson and Fox in New York City. My youngest son Geoff is a second year student at Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport Iowa.

Interests in life are my family, camping, wilderness backpacking, motor boating, scuba diving.

Title: 4-H Youth Development Program Advisor (50%)
Start Date: July 1, 2008

Czesc! (That is Polish for Hi)! I am a 2001 graduate of Wausau West High School and a 2005 graduate of UW-River Falls where I studied agriculture education and animal science. While in school, I was an active member of the Agricultural Education Society, Association of Women in Agriculture and Block & Bridle. My hobbies include cooking, baking, swimming, working out and raising beef cattle. I became interested in working for UW-Extension while in college and am so happy to be able to work with an amazing group of colleagues! If you’re ever in Sauk County, be sure to swing by the UWEX office in Baraboo and say hello!

Title: Lake Superior Basin Natural Resource Educator
Start Date: October 20, 2008

Ruth has been working as the Lake Superior Basin Natural Resource Educator since October 2008.  Her efforts include developing partnerships to carry out educational programs on stormwater, shoreland restoration and effective watershed-based forestry management.  Ruth provides programs and materials for private landowners, towns and cities about natural resource issues in the Lake Superior region.  She previously served as executive director for the Dane County Natural Heritage Foundation, and then the Bayfield Regional Conservancy.   Ruth holds a B.A. in biology from Carleton College and a M.S. in Natural Resources—Environmental Education from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. 

Title: Natural Areas Coordinator - Milwaukee County
Start Date: April 1, 2008

I consider myself very fortunate to come back to my home state and work in a career field that I absolutely love.  The previous nine years I lived south of the border in the flat land of Illinois where I was a County Conservationist and implemented many of USDA’s conservation programs. I left many good friends and memories behind, but I think I needed a little more topography in my life. I grew up by Campbellsport, Wisconsin on top of a drumlin.

I have greatly enjoyed my new position working with the diversity of ecosystems and people within Milwaukee County and the county park system. I don’t think I could have drawn up a position description that fits me better.

When I have a free moment I am most likely spending it with my other great passion in life, my wonderful wife. We’re most often out hiking, kayaking, and/or biking in a beautiful natural setting in Wisconsin or around the country. I manage to horde away a small amount of time for myself, which I spend, with my nose in a book or writing short stories. I had my first published story earlier this year in The Illinois Steward.

Title: Nutrition Educator - Racine/Kenosha Counties
Start Date: April 21, 2008

I was very blessed to have the opportunity to work with nutrition while serving in the United States Navy as a Mess Management Specialist.  I was a Nutrition Clinic Clerk and Diet Clerk at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital.  I came away from that experience with a new passion.  Over the course of my ten year career, I incorporated that passion into my cooking.  My hobbies are cooking, reading and quilting.  My husband of 22 years and I are new grandparents, and we enjoy being with our families and friends.  We have two children and a new son-in-law and a cute beagle.  I am thankful for this opportunity to work with University Wisconsin Extension!

Title: Central District Director
Start Date: June 1, 2008

Tom Schmitz began his career at Cooperative Extension in 1989 serving as a youth development agent in Iowa County. He subsequently held positions including Grant County youth development agent, department head and academic department chair.
During his time in Grant County, Schmitz worked to empower youth and adults to take ownership of the 4-H program. His many professional contributions include establishment of 4-H project committees, 4-H leader certification and the Grant County 4-H endowment fund. In addition, Schmitz oversaw five youth surveys to track youth development trends. He was also active in the development and evaluation of community coalitions and the creation of the Grant County Fresh Start program, which provides at-risk youth with the skills necessary to be contributing members of their community. Before coming to UW-Extension, Schmitz worked as a medical-science researcher and research supervisor and high school vocational agriculture instructor.
Schmitz earned both his master's degree in educational policy studies and bachelor's degree in agriculture education at UW-Madison.

Title: Winnebago County Agriculture Agent
Start Date: January 22, 2008

Prior the becoming the Winnebago County Agriculture Agent, I was the Clark County Crops and Soils Agent since 2004.  From 2002 to 2004 I was a research and technical service agronomist for the nation’s fourth largest seed brand, stationed in Central Illinois.  My graduate degree is from the University of Minnesota with an undergraduate degree in Agronomy from UW River Falls.

Title: Community Resource Development Educator – Ozaukee County
Start Date: June 1, 2008

I graduated in spring, 2008 with my Masters in Urban Planning from UW-Milwaukee.  My two undergraduate degrees are in History and International Economic and Policy Studies from UW-Madison.  Prior to having the opportunity to be a CRD educator, I spent a year and a half working as an intern in the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department.  I primarily worked on developing the comprehensive plans for the 14 local governments participating in our countywide multi-jurisdictional comprehensive planning process.  I am excited that I will be able to continue working in Ozaukee County in my new position.
My main interests include snowboarding, going to Brewer games, biking, and traveling abroad.  I would like to take my next trip either to South Africa or Chile.  I also enjoy seeing live music, particularly local independent rock bands.

Title:Nutrition Educator - Rock County Extension
Start Date: November 2008

It is exciting to be a Nutrition Educator with Rock County Extension. After moving to Janesville in July, 2008, I began to pursue employment and was delighted to find a job that fit my education, experience and passion! My degree is in Family and Consumer Science, with post graduate work in Nutritional Science.

Over the years I have worn many hats: Migrant Nutrition Educator, Home Economist in Public Health and WIC, Pastor's wife, mom of 5 wonderful children, parent volunteer for MANY schools in lots of communities, Nutrition Manager at a private health club, substitute teacher, volunteer nutrition speaker and teacher for local organizations and most recently--new grandmother!

Title: Community Development and Youth Resource Educator – Menominee County/Nation
Start Date: August 1, 2008

Karen came to UWEX with a diverse professional background in mediation, education and the environment. Her life has consistently interwoven with tribes throughout the Great Lakes Basin, especially the Lake Superior Ojibwa of Wisconsin. She is a Partner Member of the Native Dispute Resolution Network, National Roster of Environmental Dispute Resolution and Consensus Building Professional, a member of the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Association of Mediators, and a Founding Member of Mediators Beyond Borders.
After earning her BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she worked in Water Resources Management for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and then in the  Environment Section of the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. She also taught hands-on sciences in New York and Alternative Education in Wisconsin. Her life-long intrigue with conflict led to her immersion in the Masters Program in Mediation and Applied Conflict Studies at Woodbury College, Montpelier, Vermont.
A year later, she feels so fortunate to become a part of the UWEX team! This opportunity has brought her to one of the last vestiges of Wisconsin that she has yet to explore. So, she’ll do this through her gardening, biking, X-country skiing and playing on the water in non-motorized watercraft. She loves to row crew and can’t wait to find a team in the region! And sharing at potlucks ranks right up there as one of her favorite community activities!

Title: Agriculture Agent - Jackson County
Start Date: February 26, 2008

Trisha is a Wisconsin native of Grant and Sheboygan Counties and completed her undergraduate and graduate education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Her research there focused on agronomy and rural sociologyrelating tomanure and nutrient management issues.She worked with dairy farmers to understand the challenges to managing manure with regards to nutrient creditingand logistical challenges presented byland use changes.
Trisha has worked with rural land owners and ranchers in Nevada and in rural Ecuador with subsistence dairy and sheep farmers in the Andes Mountains, and chocolate farmers in the coastal lowlands. Thethemes ofthe educational programs she provided have been in sustainable agriculture practices and techniques for improved income generation and efficiency in agriculture production.
Trisha hopes her experience working in a number of agricultural settings will be useful in providing support to the diversity of farms found in Jackson County.

Title: Nutrition Educator - Sawyer County/Lac Courte Oreilles
Start Date: September 18, 2008

Originally I’m from St. Paul, Minnesota. I’ve lived in Sawyer County for 10 years, during which I’ve worked primarily in the field of public health as a health educator and most recently as coordinator for the Northern Lights Consortium of the Wisconsin Public Health Preparedness program.
I’ve always been impressed with the UWEX staff at Sawyer County. I’m glad to be part of the team, working close to home to provide nutrition education, and glad to collaborate with the community partners I’ve come to know. It’s also great to meet others from WNEP around the state and learn from everyone.
In my free time I like to camp, hike and cook with my graphic artist/musician husband and our two school-age daughters. We tried gardening up here but, beset with rabbits and deer and not enough Liquid Fence, we turned to community supported agriculture. I absolutely love being (nearly) free of garden chores and eating organic food raised by local farmers. I guess the most unusual thing about me is that I enjoy writing poetry and someday soon would like to attend a writer’s workshop or two in a nice, warm place. But for now I have enough to learn at Extension!
Thank you to all who are helping me along the way. I hope to do the same for others.

Title: Basin Educator for Natural Resources – Lower Chippewa River Basin
Start Date: June 16, 2008

Dan Zerr joined UW-Extension as the Lower Chippewa Basin Educator in June 2008. Prior to that he worked as an environmental scientist in the Watershed Management Section of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in Topeka,and taught environmental and physical science at Friends University in Topeka. He was a research associatefor the Center for Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Systems at the University of Missouri - Columbia. He also worked in radio broadcasting for many years in South Dakota. Dan has a BS in biology from Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD, and an MS in environmental science from Indiana University.