Loading…
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators' Conference has ended
Tuesday, February 18
 

8:00am EST

Educational Visits
Tuesday February 18, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm EST
Visits to speak with members of congress
Tuesday February 18, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm EST
  Other

12:30pm EST

1890 Coordinators' Meeting
Tuesday February 18, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm EST
Washington A
1890s session
Moderators
avatar for Eunice A Bonsi

Eunice A Bonsi

Program Leader, Foods & Nutrition, Tuskegee University
I am the Director of the Tuskegee University Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), State Foods and Nutrition Extension Program Leader in Cooperative Extension, and a Research Professor at the Department of Foods and Nutritional Sciences, in the College of Agriculture... Read More →
PRE CONFERENCE MEETING (1) pdf
Tuesday February 18, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm EST
Washington A
  Pre-Conference Meeting

2:00pm EST

National Conference Planning Committee Check-in
Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Washington B
NCPC Meeting
Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Washington B
  Pre-Conference Meeting

3:00pm EST

Registration
Tuesday February 18, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Regency Landing
Tuesday February 18, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Regency Landing
  Registration

4:00pm EST

New Coordinators and State Leaders Pre-Conference
Tuesday February 18, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EST
Washington B
Speakers
avatar for Theresa Mince

Theresa Mince

EFNEP Coordinator, Auburn University
Theresa Mince is the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Coordinator at Auburn University in Alabama, providing statewide leadership to Nutrition Educators in 36 counties. Her previous experience includes direct education, policy, systems, and environmental (PSE... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Jergenson

Sarah Jergenson

State Coordinator, EFNEP, University of Minnesota
Sarah Jergenson is the EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Associate Program Director at the University of Minnesota Extension. She has a Masters of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health. Sarah has been with Minnesota EFNEP since September of 2021 and is a member of the EFNEP Recruitment and Retention... Read More →
2025 EFNEP Website breakdown pdf
Slides 2025 pptx
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Presentation New Coordnators pptx
Tuesday February 18, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EST
Washington B
  Pre-Conference Meeting

6:00pm EST

Welcome Reception
Tuesday February 18, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Chesapeake View (Top floor)
Tuesday February 18, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Chesapeake View (Top floor)
  Reception
 
Wednesday, February 19
 

6:30am EST

Morning Physical Activity
Wednesday February 19, 2025 6:30am - 7:00am EST
Regency Landing
TBD
Speakers
avatar for Megan Halbohm

Megan Halbohm

Technology and Training Leader, North Carolina State University
As the Technology and Training Leader Extension Associate, I assist with the training of new staff, social media/outreach, and the development of curriculum and online lessons.I am a graduate on the University of Maine and East Carolina University. I began my career with EFNEP as... Read More →
avatar for Paula Norris

Paula Norris

Regional Nutrition Extension Associate, North Carolina State University
Paula began a career in EFNEP as an educator in an urban county in North Carolina in 2016. In 2020, she was promoted to regional supervisor, where she aids county extension directors in the hiring process of new EFENEP educators, then she supports these educators throughout the training... Read More →
Wednesday February 19, 2025 6:30am - 7:00am EST
Regency Landing
  Physical Activity

7:00am EST

Breakfast with Beta - Institute Level Users
Wednesday February 19, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Do you have specific questions about WebNEERS?  Bring your laptop and join us for breakfast so that we can help! Beta team members will be available for questions, troubleshooting or individual consultations with WebNEERS during this breakfast session!

The ‘Breakfast with Beta – Institution Level Users’ provides an opportunity for one-on-one and small group discussions with a WebNEERS Beta Team member to address individual concerns regarding the utilization and functionality of WebNEERS at the Institute level. The topics of conversation may be but are not limited to: Starting a New Program Year, Updating Institution Level Users, Updating Permissions, Creating Subgroups, Filters, Questions/Question Sets, Reviewing Data, and Maximizing WebNEERS to meet State-level needs.

Attendees should bring their laptop and be prepared to explore the system – real time!

Speakers
MS

Marisa Stevenson

Data Manager, New Mexico State University
Marisa Stevenson is the Data Manager for New Mexico State University’s Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition (ICAN) Program. She has been working with ICAN and EFNEP for over 10 years. She holds a B.A. in English, and a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from New Mexico State University. Marisa... Read More →
avatar for Leslie McCammish

Leslie McCammish

Specialist for Data Systems and Compliance, University of Kentucky
Leslie McCammish is the Data Systems and Compliance specialist for the Nutrition Education Program at the University of Kentucky.  She has worked with EFNEP since she started extension 15 years ago and managing the NEERS data system for the last 5 years.  She serves on the WebNEERS... Read More →
avatar for RJ Gibbs

RJ Gibbs

Program Evaluation Specialist, Michigan State University
I am a Program Evaluation Specialist for Michigan State University Extension in the Health and Nutrition Institute. My role is to provide guidance on program reporting and data validation, as well as develop program reports for local, state, and federal entities for all of our community... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Scott-Pierce

Michelle Scott-Pierce

Extension Associate; Research Analyst, Cornell University
Michelle Scott-Pierce, MBA, is an Extension Associate with Cornell University. She started working with EFNEP, as the evaluation data were just beginning to be captured in ERS4. She worked directly with Earl Merrill, the developer, to implement modifications to the ERS4 system, which... Read More →
avatar for Chelsea Bishop Smith

Chelsea Bishop Smith

Program Coordinator, Texas A&M University
Chelsea Bishop Smith is a Program Specialist and Coordinator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Chelsea has worked for Extension for 10 years with 8 of the years as the Program Coordinator. Chelsea completed... Read More →
avatar for Tony Benavente

Tony Benavente

Data Analyst, NC State University
Tony Benavente is the Data Analyst for NC State's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and SNAP-Ed Steps to Health Program. His role includes data management, technical training, and support for professional and paraprofessional staff. Tony has been a member of the EFNEP... Read More →
avatar for Tiffany Williams

Tiffany Williams

Associate Program Coordinator, University of Georgia
Tiffany Williams is the Associate Program Coordinator for EFNEP at the University of Georgia. Tiffany’s first job with EFNEP was as an undergraduate student entering EFNEP data into ERS4. She was involved in the launch of CRS5, SRS5 and part if the initial beta testing team for... Read More →
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Presentation Breakfast with Beta Institution Level pptx
Wednesday February 19, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD

7:00am EST

Registration
Wednesday February 19, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am EST
Regency Landing
Wednesday February 19, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am EST
Regency Landing
  Registration

7:00am EST

Breakfast Buffet
Wednesday February 19, 2025 7:00am - 8:45am EST
Regency Foyer
Wednesday February 19, 2025 7:00am - 8:45am EST
Regency Foyer
  Meal

8:45am EST

Welcome and Announcements
Wednesday February 19, 2025 8:45am - 9:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Wednesday February 19, 2025 8:45am - 9:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  Announcements

9:00am EST

EFNEP Conference Theme Coordinator - Led Discussion
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Wednesday February 19, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

10:00am EST

WebNEERS Modernization
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Speakers
avatar for Stephen Bateman

Stephen Bateman

Web Developer, Clemson University
Stephen Bateman serves WebNEERS as a web developer for the Clemson University Youth Learning Institute. He previously worked for Clemson from 2014-2019 and rejoined the team in 2022. He loves working on complicated software problems, as well as finding creative solutions to user experience... Read More →
WebNEERS 2025 Clemson Presentation pdf
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

10:45am EST

Stretch Break
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am EST
Wednesday February 19, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am EST
  Break

11:00am EST

NC3169 and W2194 Presentation
Wednesday February 19, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Innovations in EFNEP-Related Research: Updates from the NC3169 Multistate Research Group: Research and evaluation have been critical components of EFNEP since the program’s beginning in 1969. Over the past sixteen years, the NC3169 Agricultural Experiment Station Multistate Research Group (EFNEP-Related Research, Program Evaluation, and Outreach) has worked to conduct research, informed by EFNEP program needs, to improve the quality and scientific rigor of the program’s delivery and evaluation. This session will provide updates on four studies recently conducted by NC3169: (1) a review of diet recall methodology and technical and training needs to inform best practices of diet recalls across all EFNEP programs, (2) the development and validation of an EFNEP quality of life scale for participants and peer educators, (3) a qualitative analysis of barriers faced by peer educators when providing physical activity education as part of EFNEP lessons, and (4) a pilot study investigating the validity of retrospective evaluation, versus standard pre-post evaluation, of the EFNEP Adult Questionnaire. High-level updates from each of these four studies will be shared, as well as opportunities for EFNEP programs to get involved with study recruitment and data collection for these and other projects. Moreover, a discussion of how EFNEP coordinators and other state staff can join NC3169 will be had.
Speakers
MP

Michael Puglisi

Associate Extension Professor, University of Connecticut
I am a faculty member in Nutritional Sciences and Coordinator for EFNEP and a small SNAP-Ed Program at UConn. I am a member of the Technology and Social Media Committee, and my interests include PSE and physical activity adaptation for EFNEP programming.
avatar for Nurgul Fitzgerald

Nurgul Fitzgerald

Associate Professor / Extension Specialist, Rutgers University
Research design, program evaluation, chronic disease prevention, community-based interventions
avatar for Jean Butel

Jean Butel

Assistant Specialist, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
avatar for Geb Bastian, Ph.D., RDN, LN

Geb Bastian, Ph.D., RDN, LN

Assistant Professor/Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist, South Dakota State University
***Note that my Rutgers email is no longer in use (I can't seem to update that section). My SDSU email is graham.bastian@sdstate.eduThis year I am representing South Dakota State University EFNEP as our coordinator is out on leave. Come talk to me about the Rev It Up! 9-12 curriculum... Read More →
avatar for Annie Roe

Annie Roe

Extension Specialist, University of Idaho
Annie Roe joined the University of Idaho faculty as the Director of Eat Smart Idaho (EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming) in March of 2016. Annie has a Ph.D. in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition with a specialization in Nutritional Cognitive Neuroscience from Tufts University in Boston... Read More →
KF

Karen Franck

Extension Associate Professor
Dr. Karen Franck is an Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee Extension Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. She is the Lead Evaluator for EFNEP for UT and has led efforts to strengthen EFNEP evaluation through her involvement with NC2169 and NC3169.
avatar for Sarah Amin

Sarah Amin

Associate Professor & RI EFNEP Coordinator, University of Rhode Island
avatar for Candance Gabel

Candance Gabel

Sr State Extension Specialist / CNEP State Coordinator, Oklahoma State University
I am the state coordinator for both EFNEP and SNAP-Ed at Oklahoma State University.
avatar for Andrea Leschewski

Andrea Leschewski

Associate Professor - Ness School of Management & Economics, South Dakota State University
Nutrition assistance and education policyCost-benefit analysisConsumer demandFood and agribusiness management
CHLN Multistate Overview pptx
NC3169 slides 2025 EFNEP conference pdf
NC3169 slides PDF 2025 EFNEP Conf Nurgul Fitzgerald pdf
Wednesday February 19, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

12:15pm EST

Lunch Buffet
Wednesday February 19, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm EST
Regency Foyer
Wednesday February 19, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm EST
Regency Foyer
  Meal

1:30pm EST

Committee Updates
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Ross

Lisa Ross

State Coordinator, EFNEP, Kansas State University
Lisa Ross is currently serving as the State Program Coordinator for the Kansas Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) initiatives, Lisa provides strategic leadership for both programs, which are implemented... Read More →
avatar for Chelsea Bishop Smith

Chelsea Bishop Smith

Program Coordinator, Texas A&M University
Chelsea Bishop Smith is a Program Specialist and Coordinator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Chelsea has worked for Extension for 10 years with 8 of the years as the Program Coordinator. Chelsea completed... Read More →
RR Update 2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Presentation Template pptx
beta team pptx
Wednesday February 19, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

2:00pm EST

General Session: The EFNEP and EXCITE Partnership: Successes and Challenges of a New Model for Community Health Education
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
In May 2024, in a joint partnership with USDA-NIFA and the CDC, the Extension Foundation funded 33 EFNEP programs across the country with over $2 million to promote the BRIDGE Access Program, focused on building awareness of eligibility and access to a free COVID-19 vaccine, as well as ongoing adult vaccine education. In addition to promoting the program in adult EFNEP classes with Power Point presentations and recipe cards and at health fairs, programs also used a variety of outlets including social media, Hispanic newspapers, church bulletins and bus marketing techniques. Assets from other institutions were also available to use and adapt. Some of these assets will be shared during the presentation.

Some of the successes reported to-date include increasing EFNEP educators’ knowledge of other health issues, access to additional professional development and resources, showcasing EFNEP community partnerships and community trust, offsetting some costs from the EFNEP budget, and increasing the variety of how different health promotion topics are marketed. Challenges included working with individual institutions’ differing research offices, Covid-19 vaccination hesitancy, and having to pivot earlier than anticipated to a general Adult Immunization Education initiative. With a reach of over 2 million in the first quarter alone, these types of partnerships have a great opportunity to get important health messages to those most in need while showcasing the community-based network throughout the nation via our land-grant institutions.
Speakers
avatar for Jacqueline Wilkins

Jacqueline Wilkins

Associate Director, EXCITE EFNEP BRIDGE Program
Jacqueline (Jackie) Wilkins hasnearly 30 years of progressive and diversified experience in Higher Ed, as wellas for- and non-profit management and consulting aimed at buildingorganizational and community capacity. As OSU Extension's first female Associate Dean and Extension Director... Read More →
avatar for Diane Oliver

Diane Oliver

EFNEP Coordinator, University of Delaware
Diane Oliver has been an Extension Agent with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension since June 2019. During this time, she has been the coordinator of EFNEP and more recently, the leader of the UD Cooperative Extension Food Safety Initiatives. In December 2023, she began... Read More →
2025 EFNEP EXCITE Partnership FINAL pptx
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

2:45pm EST

Snack/Stretch
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm EST
Regency Foyer
Wednesday February 19, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm EST
Regency Foyer
  Break

3:00pm EST

General Session: Optimizing Food Recall Collection: A Group Approach
Wednesday February 19, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
In the fall of 2022, Texas A&M EFNEP began working on adapting the 24-Hour Dietary Recall training materials from Oklahoma State University to provide training that more accurately reflects the unique needs of educators and participants when dietary recalls are collected in group settings.   Over the course of 2022 and 2023, Texas EFNEP worked with the Texas A&M Educational Development and Engagement department to create a training video, facilitator guide, and trainee workbook.  In the summer of 2024, all Texas EFNEP and Prairie View EFNEP paraprofessional staff received a complete re-training of dietary recall collection using these newly created materials.  
During this presentation, we will discuss the process of creating the training video, dive deep into the structure of the food recall training and share examples of what participants will learn in the training.

Participants will learn:
- The primary adaptations done in the training from one-on-one food recalls to group food recalls
- Best practices for training EFNEP paraprofessionals in group food recalls
- View snapshots of the training to get a better idea of what to expect

EFNEP National Conference attendees will be able to register to attend the train-the-trainer conference in Texas during the summer of 2025. At this conference, participants will receive digital copies of the training video, facilitator guide, and participant workbook and gain hands-on experience on best practices and guidelines for implementing the materials with paraprofessional staff.
Speakers
avatar for Laura Holt

Laura Holt

Training Manager, Texas A&M University
Laura Holt is the Training Manager for Texas EFNEP. She has served in this role for 3 years and previously served as the EFNEP Agent for Harris County. She received a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science Education with an emphasis on Human Nutrition from New Mexico State... Read More →
avatar for Chelsea Bishop Smith

Chelsea Bishop Smith

Program Coordinator, Texas A&M University
Chelsea Bishop Smith is a Program Specialist and Coordinator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Chelsea has worked for Extension for 10 years with 8 of the years as the Program Coordinator. Chelsea completed... Read More →
Optimizing Dietary Recall Collection A Group Approach pptx
Wednesday February 19, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

3:45pm EST

Special Recognition and Announcements
Wednesday February 19, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Wednesday February 19, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

6:00pm EST

Optional: Regional Dinners
Wednesday February 19, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Wednesday February 19, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
  Meal
 
Thursday, February 20
 

6:30am EST

Morning Physical Activity
Thursday February 20, 2025 6:30am - 7:00am EST
Chesapeake View (Top floor)
Speakers
avatar for Megan Halbohm

Megan Halbohm

Technology and Training Leader, North Carolina State University
As the Technology and Training Leader Extension Associate, I assist with the training of new staff, social media/outreach, and the development of curriculum and online lessons.I am a graduate on the University of Maine and East Carolina University. I began my career with EFNEP as... Read More →
avatar for Paula Norris

Paula Norris

Regional Nutrition Extension Associate, North Carolina State University
Paula began a career in EFNEP as an educator in an urban county in North Carolina in 2016. In 2020, she was promoted to regional supervisor, where she aids county extension directors in the hiring process of new EFENEP educators, then she supports these educators throughout the training... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 6:30am - 7:00am EST
Chesapeake View (Top floor)
  Physical Activity

7:00am EST

Breakfast with Beta - Region Level Users
Thursday February 20, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Do you have specific questions about WebNEERS?  Bring your laptop and join us for breakfast so that we can help! Beta team members will be available for questions, troubleshooting or individual consultations with WebNEERS during this breakfast session!

The ‘Breakfast with Beta – Region Level Users’ provides an opportunity for one-on-one and small group discussions with a WebNEERS Beta Team member to address individual concerns regarding the utilization and functionality of WebNEERS at the Region level.  The topics of conversation may be but are not limited to:  Adding Staff and Updating Hours, Creating Subgroups, Filters, Reviewing Data, and Maximizing WebNEERS to meet local-level needs.

Attendees should bring their laptop and be prepared to explore the system – real time!

Speakers
MS

Marisa Stevenson

Data Manager, New Mexico State University
Marisa Stevenson is the Data Manager for New Mexico State University’s Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition (ICAN) Program. She has been working with ICAN and EFNEP for over 10 years. She holds a B.A. in English, and a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from New Mexico State University. Marisa... Read More →
avatar for Leslie McCammish

Leslie McCammish

Specialist for Data Systems and Compliance, University of Kentucky
Leslie McCammish is the Data Systems and Compliance specialist for the Nutrition Education Program at the University of Kentucky.  She has worked with EFNEP since she started extension 15 years ago and managing the NEERS data system for the last 5 years.  She serves on the WebNEERS... Read More →
avatar for RJ Gibbs

RJ Gibbs

Program Evaluation Specialist, Michigan State University
I am a Program Evaluation Specialist for Michigan State University Extension in the Health and Nutrition Institute. My role is to provide guidance on program reporting and data validation, as well as develop program reports for local, state, and federal entities for all of our community... Read More →
avatar for Chelsea Bishop Smith

Chelsea Bishop Smith

Program Coordinator, Texas A&M University
Chelsea Bishop Smith is a Program Specialist and Coordinator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Chelsea has worked for Extension for 10 years with 8 of the years as the Program Coordinator. Chelsea completed... Read More →
avatar for Tony Benavente

Tony Benavente

Data Analyst, NC State University
Tony Benavente is the Data Analyst for NC State's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and SNAP-Ed Steps to Health Program. His role includes data management, technical training, and support for professional and paraprofessional staff. Tony has been a member of the EFNEP... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Scott-Pierce

Michelle Scott-Pierce

Extension Associate; Research Analyst, Cornell University
Michelle Scott-Pierce, MBA, is an Extension Associate with Cornell University. She started working with EFNEP, as the evaluation data were just beginning to be captured in ERS4. She worked directly with Earl Merrill, the developer, to implement modifications to the ERS4 system, which... Read More →
avatar for Tiffany Williams

Tiffany Williams

Associate Program Coordinator, University of Georgia
Tiffany Williams is the Associate Program Coordinator for EFNEP at the University of Georgia. Tiffany’s first job with EFNEP was as an undergraduate student entering EFNEP data into ERS4. She was involved in the launch of CRS5, SRS5 and part if the initial beta testing team for... Read More →
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Presentation Breakfast with Beta Region Level pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD

7:00am EST

Breakfast Buffet
Thursday February 20, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Regency Foyer
Thursday February 20, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Regency Foyer
  Meal

8:15am EST

Welcome and Announcements
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:15am - 8:30am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:15am - 8:30am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  Announcements

8:30am EST

Regional Meetings - North Central
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EST
Washington B
Moderators
avatar for Geb Bastian, Ph.D., RDN, LN

Geb Bastian, Ph.D., RDN, LN

Assistant Professor/Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist, South Dakota State University
***Note that my Rutgers email is no longer in use (I can't seem to update that section). My SDSU email is graham.bastian@sdstate.eduThis year I am representing South Dakota State University EFNEP as our coordinator is out on leave. Come talk to me about the Rev It Up! 9-12 curriculum... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EST
Washington B
  Regional Meetings

8:30am EST

Regional Meetings - Northeast
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EST
Tidewater II
Moderators
avatar for Diane Oliver

Diane Oliver

EFNEP Coordinator, University of Delaware
Diane Oliver has been an Extension Agent with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension since June 2019. During this time, she has been the coordinator of EFNEP and more recently, the leader of the UD Cooperative Extension Food Safety Initiatives. In December 2023, she began... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EST
Tidewater II
  Regional Meetings

8:30am EST

Regional Meetings - Southern
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Moderators
avatar for Vida Harrison

Vida Harrison

EFNEP Cordinator, Prairie View A&M University
avatar for Theresa Mince

Theresa Mince

EFNEP Coordinator, Auburn University
Theresa Mince is the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Coordinator at Auburn University in Alabama, providing statewide leadership to Nutrition Educators in 36 counties. Her previous experience includes direct education, policy, systems, and environmental (PSE... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  Regional Meetings

8:30am EST

Regional Meetings - Western
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EST
Washington A
Moderators
avatar for Annie Roe

Annie Roe

Extension Specialist, University of Idaho
Annie Roe joined the University of Idaho faculty as the Director of Eat Smart Idaho (EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming) in March of 2016. Annie has a Ph.D. in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition with a specialization in Nutritional Cognitive Neuroscience from Tufts University in Boston... Read More →
PS

Paula Scott

EFNEP COORDINATOR, Utah State University
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EST
Washington A
  Regional Meetings

9:40am EST

Breakout Session 01: WebNEERS Beginner Users - Bring Your Computer
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Tidewater II
This breakout session is intended for new or beginner-level users with WebNEERS.  Bring your laptop so that you can log into your own WebNEERS account to learn about data entry and how to run basic reports.

This breakout session provides an opportunity for WebNEERS users to explore challenges faced in using the WebNEERS system and identify ways to maximize the usefulness of WebNEERS to meet local program needs at the participant, partner, region and state levels.

The presentation will provide an opportunity for attendees to practice, hands-on within WebNEERS, the creation of Subgroups, Filters, Additional Questions and/or Additional Question Sets, as well as other experiences designed to demystify the program. Facilitators will display, step-by-step instructions, while attendees practice along with facilitators, putting the learning into practice while engaged in the session.

Attendees should bring their laptop and be prepared to explore the system – real time!

Moderators
avatar for Travis Fleming

Travis Fleming

Community Nutritionist | Acting EFNEP Coordinator, American Samoa Community College
Speakers
MS

Marisa Stevenson

Data Manager, New Mexico State University
Marisa Stevenson is the Data Manager for New Mexico State University’s Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition (ICAN) Program. She has been working with ICAN and EFNEP for over 10 years. She holds a B.A. in English, and a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from New Mexico State University. Marisa... Read More →
avatar for Leslie McCammish

Leslie McCammish

Specialist for Data Systems and Compliance, University of Kentucky
Leslie McCammish is the Data Systems and Compliance specialist for the Nutrition Education Program at the University of Kentucky.  She has worked with EFNEP since she started extension 15 years ago and managing the NEERS data system for the last 5 years.  She serves on the WebNEERS... Read More →
avatar for RJ Gibbs

RJ Gibbs

Program Evaluation Specialist, Michigan State University
I am a Program Evaluation Specialist for Michigan State University Extension in the Health and Nutrition Institute. My role is to provide guidance on program reporting and data validation, as well as develop program reports for local, state, and federal entities for all of our community... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Scott-Pierce

Michelle Scott-Pierce

Extension Associate; Research Analyst, Cornell University
Michelle Scott-Pierce, MBA, is an Extension Associate with Cornell University. She started working with EFNEP, as the evaluation data were just beginning to be captured in ERS4. She worked directly with Earl Merrill, the developer, to implement modifications to the ERS4 system, which... Read More →
avatar for Tiffany Williams

Tiffany Williams

Associate Program Coordinator, University of Georgia
Tiffany Williams is the Associate Program Coordinator for EFNEP at the University of Georgia. Tiffany’s first job with EFNEP was as an undergraduate student entering EFNEP data into ERS4. She was involved in the launch of CRS5, SRS5 and part if the initial beta testing team for... Read More →
avatar for Tony Benavente

Tony Benavente

Data Analyst, NC State University
Tony Benavente is the Data Analyst for NC State's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and SNAP-Ed Steps to Health Program. His role includes data management, technical training, and support for professional and paraprofessional staff. Tony has been a member of the EFNEP... Read More →
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference WebNEERS Beginner Breakout pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Tidewater II
  Breakout Sessions

9:40am EST

Breakout Session 02: WebNEERS Intermediate Users - Bring Your Computers
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Arlington/Fairfax - 3rd Floor
This breakout session is intended for intermediate users with WebNEERS.  Bring your laptop so that you can log into your own WebNEERS account to learn about subgroups and filters, exporting your data or how to use impact reports in WebNEERS.
Moderators
avatar for Leslie Speller-Henderson

Leslie Speller-Henderson

Education Director, University of Missouri - Columbia
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Scott-Pierce

Michelle Scott-Pierce

Extension Associate; Research Analyst, Cornell University
Michelle Scott-Pierce, MBA, is an Extension Associate with Cornell University. She started working with EFNEP, as the evaluation data were just beginning to be captured in ERS4. She worked directly with Earl Merrill, the developer, to implement modifications to the ERS4 system, which... Read More →
avatar for Tiffany Williams

Tiffany Williams

Associate Program Coordinator, University of Georgia
Tiffany Williams is the Associate Program Coordinator for EFNEP at the University of Georgia. Tiffany’s first job with EFNEP was as an undergraduate student entering EFNEP data into ERS4. She was involved in the launch of CRS5, SRS5 and part if the initial beta testing team for... Read More →
avatar for Tony Benavente

Tony Benavente

Data Analyst, NC State University
Tony Benavente is the Data Analyst for NC State's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and SNAP-Ed Steps to Health Program. His role includes data management, technical training, and support for professional and paraprofessional staff. Tony has been a member of the EFNEP... Read More →
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference WebNEERS Intermediate Breakout pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Arlington/Fairfax - 3rd Floor
  Breakout Sessions

9:40am EST

Breakout Session 03: Predicting Attrition in Adult EFNEP: A Machine Learning Approach
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Washington A
EFNEP’s programmatic reach is limited by attrition. Annual adult EFNEP attrition rates regularly exceed 20%, with 23% of adult participants dropping out of the program in federal fiscal year 2023. Existing research on adult EFNEP attrition is retrospective in that it analyzes the determinants of attrition after it already occurs. The emergence of artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning techniques, provides an opportunity for predictive analysis. Machine learning is defined as computationally intensive algorithms that transform a set of inputs for feature extraction and pattern recognition. This study develops a machine learning model that utilizes standardized program data to identify adult EFNEP participants at high risk of attrition during the initial program lessons. The developed model allows program administrators to use pre-data (collected after the initial program lesson) for current participants to identify whether they are at risk of dropout. The model was fitted using national WebNEERS program data (pre 24-hour dietary recalls, pre questionnaires, and pre demographics) from federal fiscal years 2013 to 2022 for over 1.25 million adult EFNEP participants. Three alternative machine learning models were considered (logistic regression, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and random forest), with the eXtrement Gradiant Boosting model performing best, predicting adult EFNEP attrition with 75% accuracy.  Key predictors of attrition included social determinants of health, pre-EFNEP food behaviors, pre-EFNEP physical activity behaviors, and state. Future research should explore the mechanism through which the identified factors affect attrition to allow program leaders to develop targeted interventions and implement program modifications to improve retention.
Moderators
avatar for Dreamal Worthen

Dreamal Worthen

Family, Youth and Community Program Leader/EFNEP Coor, Florida A&M University
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Leschewski

Andrea Leschewski

Associate Professor - Ness School of Management & Economics, South Dakota State University
Nutrition assistance and education policyCost-benefit analysisConsumer demandFood and agribusiness management
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Presentation Leschewski et al pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Washington A
  Breakout Sessions

9:40am EST

Breakout Session 04: Innovative Approaches to Evaluating Peer Educators
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
EFNEP peer educators deliver nutrition, food safety, and physical activity education, with roles spanning teaching, data collection, and community engagement. Given their diverse responsibilities, a performance review process that reflects their contributions is crucial. However, traditional methods were burdensome and relied heavily on subjective assessments.

The Pennsylvania State University has worked continuously to improve equity in the evaluation process through a two-pronged system. First, we streamlined our peer educator self-assessment tool to reduce the burden on peer educators while documenting and sharing their accomplishments. Secondly, Nutrition Links leadership integrated technological advancement into the review process to eliminate administrative barriers and improve standardized scores for peer evaluators.

The initial roll out was favorably received by both supervisors and peer educators, and we continue to enhance the overall process. In this presentation, we will discuss the challenges of peer educator evaluation, provide examples of assessment tools, and share lessons learned.
Moderators
avatar for Sarah Jergenson

Sarah Jergenson

State Coordinator, EFNEP, University of Minnesota
Sarah Jergenson is the EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Associate Program Director at the University of Minnesota Extension. She has a Masters of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health. Sarah has been with Minnesota EFNEP since September of 2021 and is a member of the EFNEP Recruitment and Retention... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Kathy DiGuiseppe M.Ed

Kathy DiGuiseppe M.Ed

Education Program Specialist 4, Pennsylvania State University
avatar for Lori Klein, EdD, MPH, NDTR

Lori Klein, EdD, MPH, NDTR

Nutrition Links Supervisor, Penn State Extension
Lori Klein is an educator at Penn State Extension based in Lebanon County. She is a Registered Dietetic Technician with a doctorate in Education and a master's degree in Public Health. Her focus is on providing health and wellness education, outreach, and programming.Lori supervises... Read More →
avatar for Cyndi Fisher

Cyndi Fisher

Nutrition Links State Program Coordinator, Pennsylvania State University
Cyndi is the state program coordinator for Penn State Extension’s Nutrition Links program. Nutrition Links is federally funded by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Education Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) to provide nutrition... Read More →
Innovative Approaches to Evaluating Peer Educators pdf
FY24 25 100% EFNEP NEA Goal PerformanceReview docx
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  Breakout Sessions

9:40am EST

Breakout Session 05: EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Participants’ Frozen Food Perceptions and Behaviors: Results from a Cross-Sectional, Multistate Study
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Washington B
As families with limited financial resources face rising food costs and limited food preparation time, frozen foods may serve as a cost-effective and convenient way to ensure adequate household diet quality. Preliminary research has concluded that families of all income levels, including those who utilize SNAP, shop for frozen products, including frozen fruits and vegetables. To inform how nutrition education programs like EFNEP and SNAP-Ed could better promote frozen foods with minimal fat, added sugar, and sodium in program delivery, a cross-sectional survey was implemented from November 2023-September 2024 to gauge how EFNEP/SNAP-Ed participants currently perceive and utilize frozen foods. A sponsored research opportunity from the Frozen Food Foundation funded this research. Participants from 14 states (n=421) completed the survey; preliminary analyses are described hereafter (n=309). The participant demographics were comparable to other studies of EFNEP participants: the majority of the sample was female; the three most common reported races and ethnicities were White, Hispanic/Latino, and Black/African American, respectively; and over 40% earned less than $15,000 annually. Sixty-three percent of participants reported that their households consumed frozen foods at least weekly. Almost three-quarters rated being able to purchase frozen foods with SNAP as moderately, very, or extremely important. Forty-six percent reported that they would purchase more frozen fruits and vegetables if they were available at convenience stores; 64% would purchase more frozen fruits and vegetables if they had more freezer space. Full study results, with implications for EFNEP programming, will be discussed by the researchers at this session.
Moderators
avatar for Eunice A Bonsi

Eunice A Bonsi

Program Leader, Foods & Nutrition, Tuskegee University
I am the Director of the Tuskegee University Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), State Foods and Nutrition Extension Program Leader in Cooperative Extension, and a Research Professor at the Department of Foods and Nutritional Sciences, in the College of Agriculture... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Geb Bastian, Ph.D., RDN, LN

Geb Bastian, Ph.D., RDN, LN

Assistant Professor/Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist, South Dakota State University
***Note that my Rutgers email is no longer in use (I can't seem to update that section). My SDSU email is graham.bastian@sdstate.eduThis year I am representing South Dakota State University EFNEP as our coordinator is out on leave. Come talk to me about the Rev It Up! 9-12 curriculum... Read More →
avatar for Annie Roe

Annie Roe

Extension Specialist, University of Idaho
Annie Roe joined the University of Idaho faculty as the Director of Eat Smart Idaho (EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming) in March of 2016. Annie has a Ph.D. in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition with a specialization in Nutritional Cognitive Neuroscience from Tufts University in Boston... Read More →
Frozen Food slides 2025 EFNEP conference pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Washington B
  Breakout Sessions

10:45am EST

Tier Meetings - Tier 1
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Moderators
avatar for Cyndi Fisher

Cyndi Fisher

Nutrition Links State Program Coordinator, Pennsylvania State University
Cyndi is the state program coordinator for Penn State Extension’s Nutrition Links program. Nutrition Links is federally funded by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Education Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) to provide nutrition... Read More →
EFNEP Tier Discussion 2025 pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  Tier Meetings

10:45am EST

Tier Meetings - Tier 2
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Moderators
avatar for Theresa Mince

Theresa Mince

EFNEP Coordinator, Auburn University
Theresa Mince is the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Coordinator at Auburn University in Alabama, providing statewide leadership to Nutrition Educators in 36 counties. Her previous experience includes direct education, policy, systems, and environmental (PSE... Read More →
EFNEP Tier Discussion 2025 pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  Tier Meetings

10:45am EST

Tier Meetings - Tier 3
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Moderators
avatar for Leslie Speller-Henderson

Leslie Speller-Henderson

Education Director, University of Missouri - Columbia
EFNEP Tier Discussion 2025 pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  Tier Meetings

10:45am EST

Tier Meetings - Tier 4
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Tidewater II
Moderators
avatar for Sarah Jergenson

Sarah Jergenson

State Coordinator, EFNEP, University of Minnesota
Sarah Jergenson is the EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Associate Program Director at the University of Minnesota Extension. She has a Masters of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health. Sarah has been with Minnesota EFNEP since September of 2021 and is a member of the EFNEP Recruitment and Retention... Read More →
EFNEP Tier Discussion 2025 pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Tidewater II
  Tier Meetings

10:45am EST

Tier Meetings - Tier 5
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Arlington/Fairfax - 3rd Floor
Objective: Discuss EFNEP operations with Tier-based colleagues who operate within a similar funding structure and share results of discussion to inform future EFNEP work.
Format:
  1. Determine discussion topics order/priorities from the attached list.
  2. Break into groups of 4-6, if feasible, to give opportunities for all to speak. Group share-out per topic.
  3. Assign a note taker per group and add notes in document linked in attachment.

Institutions in Tier 5:
  • Washington State University
  • University of Connecticut
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Maine
  • Oregon State University
  • Kansas State University
  • University of Nebraska - Lincoln
  • South Dakota State University
  • Colorado State University
  • New Mexico State University
Moderators
avatar for Kate Yerxa

Kate Yerxa

EFNEP Coordinator, University of Maine
EFNEP Tier Discussion 2025 pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Arlington/Fairfax - 3rd Floor
  Tier Meetings

10:45am EST

Tier Meetings - Tier 6
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Washington A
Moderators
avatar for Sarah Amin

Sarah Amin

Associate Professor & RI EFNEP Coordinator, University of Rhode Island
avatar for Rachelle Sartori
EFNEP Tier Discussion 2025 pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Washington A
  Tier Meetings

10:45am EST

Tier Meetings - Tier 7
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Washington B
Moderators
avatar for Eunice A Bonsi

Eunice A Bonsi

Program Leader, Foods & Nutrition, Tuskegee University
I am the Director of the Tuskegee University Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), State Foods and Nutrition Extension Program Leader in Cooperative Extension, and a Research Professor at the Department of Foods and Nutritional Sciences, in the College of Agriculture... Read More →
EFNEP Tier Discussion 2025 pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EST
Washington B
  Tier Meetings

12:00pm EST

Lunch Buffet
Thursday February 20, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Regency Foyer
Thursday February 20, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Regency Foyer
  Meal

1:00pm EST

Breakout Session 06: Technology and Innovation
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Enhancing Nutrition Education with Technology: Leveraging Spend Smart. Eat Smart. for Lesson Engagement:
Are you looking for innovative ways to enhance your nutrition curriculum with the addition of technology to engage participants? Spend Smart. Eat Smart. is a free resource through Iowa State University that has been proven to make nutrition education in Iowa fun and modern with tools that are right at home in a high-tech world. For over 10 years, Spend Smart. Eat Smart. has been a widely used tool throughout the country and beyond. Spend Smart. Eat Smart. holds a reputation as an easy-to-use website and app that prides itself on being a credible source of nutrition information. Recent updates have expanded content to include information geared towards youth, as well as including physical activity videos to fit the needs of a diverse audience. Join us as we share how Spend Smart. Eat Smart. is used in Iowa as a lesson enhancement to promote participant engagement with relevant nutrition information and to stay connected to participants after graduation. We will share how Spend Smart. Eat Smart. can be a useful tool when teaching both in-person and virtually by sharing mini activities and lessons that can be added to your nutrition curriculum. This session will be an interactive look into how you can leverage Spend Smart. Eat Smart. in your program to train nutrition educators and better serve the participants in your communities.

​Enhancing Peer Educator Engagement and Staff Retention within the Indiana EFNEP Team:
The Indiana EFNEP team will present promising practices aimed at inspiring, recognizing, and retaining peer educators. We will explore how we leverage our existing staff to recruit and retain new team members effectively. Recognizing the significant challenges and investments involved in staff recruitment and onboarding, we have implemented several internal mechanisms to ensure our team members feel appreciated and valued, fostering long-term retention.

In this session, we will share strategies that incentivize current staff to participate actively in the recruitment process. Who better to advocate for a position than someone already thriving in it? We will also highlight the leadership opportunities we have developed for staff during the onboarding of new hires, alongside ongoing professional development training and mentoring activities.

Additionally, we have collaborated with our human resources department to establish advancement and promotion pathways based on years of service and experience. Our commitment to continuous education for peer educators includes opportunities to participate in a community health worker training and support for free tuition through Purdue Global for higher education.

Our findings demonstrate that investing in our current staff not only aids in attracting new personnel but also enhances the retention of our existing team members. We invite you to join us in discussing these effective practices and their impact on building a resilient and engaged workforce.
​​​
Moderators
avatar for Dreamal Worthen

Dreamal Worthen

Family, Youth and Community Program Leader/EFNEP Coor, Florida A&M University
Speakers
avatar for Wanda Stevens

Wanda Stevens

Assistant Director, Purdue University
Wanda is a graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership.  She currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP). In this role, Wanda provides statewide leadership, financial support and training... Read More →
avatar for Blake Connolly

Blake Connolly

Assistant Director, Purdue University
Blake is a graduate of Purdue University with both a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in family and community health. He currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP... Read More →
avatar for Katherine Moscoso

Katherine Moscoso

Program Specialist II, Iowa State University
Katy Moscoso has served as a human sciences specialist for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming at Iowa State University since 2015. She started with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in 2012 as a program assistant for SNAP-Ed, transitioned into a supervision role from 2015 to... Read More →
avatar for Jody Gatewood

Jody Gatewood

Assistant State Nutrition Program Specialist, Iowa State University
Jody Gatewood is an assistant coordinator for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming at Iowa State University. She began her career with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in 2010. Jody has a master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian.  In her position... Read More →
avatar for Susan Roos-Rickels

Susan Roos-Rickels

Regional Supervisor Nutrition Ed Programs, Iowa State University
Susan Roos-Rickels is a regional supervisor for the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education from Iowa State University. Her career at Iowa State University Extension... Read More →
SSES mini lessons pdf
EFNEP conference 2025 pptx
EFNEP conference 2025 pdf
EFNEP Conference 2025 Purdue Presentation copy pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  Breakout Sessions

1:00pm EST

Breakout Session 07: Retention Strategies of EFNEP Educators
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Washington A
Retaining EFNEP Educators in a Competitive Job Market: In today’s competitive job market, retaining skilled EFNEP educators is more challenging than ever. This workshop is designed to share strategies for maintaining a committed and motivated workforce despite the growing pressures of external job opportunities and shifting employment trends.

Participants will examine the unique challenges faced by EFNEP educators, including workload demands, career development needs, and the lure of higher-paying jobs. Through engaging discussions and practical exercises, the session will explore innovative retention strategies that emphasize employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. We’ll highlight the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive work environment, recognizing achievements, and providing clear pathways for career advancement within Extension.

Attendees will also learn how to leverage non-financial incentives, such as flexible schedules and opportunities for continuous learning, to boost morale and reduce turnover. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with creative approaches to ensure EFNEP educators feel valued, supported, and invested in their roles.

Empowering New Educators: The Evolution and Impact of Our EFNEP Mentor Program: A mentor focuses on supporting the growth and development of new team members, resulting in positive work relationships that often lead to job retention. As we all know, there are many moving parts to being a nutrition educator. During onboarding, new educators can often feel overwhelmed or isolated as they begin to understand and navigate their positions. Since 2020, recently hired educators across Iowa State University’s EFNEP program have been paired up with a mentor to receive guidance and encouragement outside of their direct unit. Our mentors create a safe, respectful space to problem solve real-life situations and scenarios that may occur while working with our program audience. The topics that we focus on include setting boundaries, successful recruitment, handling teaching distractions, and building and maintaining partnerships. The mentors within our program serve as an additional support system to help our newest team members feel connected and valued. The mentor program has evolved over the years into a sustainable offering for our new team members. Join us as we share about how we select educators to serve as mentors, the materials we have created to guide mentor meetings and trainings for mentors, and how we support and acknowledge educators as they continue to go above and beyond in serving our program. Whether you have a small or large EFNEP program, we will share ways that you can provide this valuable resource for your team to continue creating a welcoming space for new educators to grow and thrive.
Moderators
avatar for Lisa Benavente

Lisa Benavente

Coordinator, NC State University
Lisa has been with EFNEP at NC State University since 2010, starting as a regional supervisor and earning a promotion to EFNEP Coordinator in 2021. In her current role, she provides leadership to ensure the program operates effectively, adhering to federal and university policies... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Katherine Moscoso

Katherine Moscoso

Program Specialist II, Iowa State University
Katy Moscoso has served as a human sciences specialist for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming at Iowa State University since 2015. She started with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in 2012 as a program assistant for SNAP-Ed, transitioned into a supervision role from 2015 to... Read More →
avatar for Kali Angerman

Kali Angerman

Regional Supervisor for Nutritional Education Programs, EFNEP & SNAP-Ed, Iowa State University
Kali Angerman has served as a regional supervisor for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming at Iowa State University since 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Morningside University. Kali has helped with trainings and programs for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming... Read More →
avatar for Paula Norris

Paula Norris

Regional Nutrition Extension Associate, North Carolina State University
Paula began a career in EFNEP as an educator in an urban county in North Carolina in 2016. In 2020, she was promoted to regional supervisor, where she aids county extension directors in the hiring process of new EFENEP educators, then she supports these educators throughout the training... Read More →
Iowa State University Mentor Discussion Topics pdf
Iowa State University Mentorship Expectations and Agreement Form pdf
EFNEP conference mentor program 2025 pptx
EFNEP conference mentor program 2025 pdf
EFNEP conference mentor program 2025 pptx
Retaining EFNEP Educators in a Competitive Job Market pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Washington A
  Breakout Sessions

1:00pm EST

Breakout Session 08: Leveraging the University and Community Partnership to Enhance Impact
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Tidewater II
Furthering the Land-Grant Mission through EFNEP Collaborations: In this presentation, the Cent$ible Nutrition Program (Wyoming EFNEP and SNAP-Ed) will share the ways it has partnered with extension, agricultural experiment stations, and SNAP-Ed to implement PSEs. Additionally, we will discuss how we have used best practices through applied research to inform program development. This presentation will cover how the Cent$ible Nutrition Program:
•partnered with agricultural experiment stations on food production leading to food donations on a statewide scale
•collaborated with extension initiatives to extend the growing season, resulting in increased local food access
•developed an incentive program for our participants to help them better utilize available food resources
•empowered Wyomingites with limited resources to apply research-based information to improve their lives through education
These collaborations have improved access to healthy food for the EFNEP audience and furthered the land-grant mission by connecting university research to EFNEP participants. We will highlight the impacts these collaborations have had on statewide food and nutrition security. This presentation will help other EFNEP programs identify opportunities for similar work in their state or territory and consider low or no-cost PSEs to enhance their direct education efforts.
By harnessing university and community partnerships, the Cent$ible Nutrition Program has been able to leverage funding in support of EFNEP to positively impact the food environment for EFNEP participants.

Power of Partnerships: Strengthening Nutrition Education Through Community Collaboration: This presentation will explore strategies for advancing EFNEP's reach through diverse community partnerships. It will highlight how collaborative approaches with different types of partners, including schools, food banks, healthcare providers, and local organizations, can expand program delivery and adapt to the unique needs of various communities. By integrating EFNEP's nutrition education into local initiatives, programs can ensure they are relevant and accessible to the populations they serve.

The session will focus on effective ways to work with a wide range of community partners to strengthen program outreach. Through these partnerships, EFNEP can engage new audiences, increase access to resources, and support broader initiatives aimed at enhancing quality of life. Practical examples will be shared to illustrate how EFNEP can be embedded into community partnerships.

Participants will learn methods for building and sustaining partnerships, aligning program goals with partner objectives, and leveraging local resources to develop impactful strategies for nutrition education. The presentation will also discuss approaches for fostering ongoing relationships that empower communities to achieve long-term health improvements. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas on applying these strategies and collaborative approaches within their own EFNEP programs to enhance reach and impact.
Moderators
avatar for Sarah Amin

Sarah Amin

Associate Professor & RI EFNEP Coordinator, University of Rhode Island
Speakers
avatar for Kali Goodenough

Kali Goodenough

Program Manager/Marketing Specialist, University of Wyoming Extension Cent$ible Nutrition Program
Kali McCrackin Goodenough is the Program Manager/Marketing Specialist for the Cent$ible Nutrition Program with the University of Wyoming Extension. She joined the Cent$ible Nutrition Program in 2015 and found her calling working to improve food and nutrition security in Wyoming. Kali... Read More →
avatar for Stephanie McDonald-Murray

Stephanie McDonald-Murray

Regional Nutrition Extension Associate Team Leader, North Carolina State University
Stephanie provides leadership, training, and technical assistance for unit-wide programming to EFNEP Educators and Cooperative Extension Agents conducting Steps to Health programs.Stephanie has a BS in Community Health Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro... Read More →
avatar for Mindy Meuli

Mindy Meuli

Cent$ible Nutrition Program Director, University of Wyoming
Mindy Meuli is the director of the Cent$ible Nutrition Program with the University of Wyoming Extension.  She has been with the program since May of 2006 and became the director in July 2014. The Cent$ible Nutrition Program encompasses both the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education... Read More →
avatar for Jackie Sugg

Jackie Sugg

Regional Nutrition Extension Associate, North Carolina State University
Jackie joined NC State University's EFNEP team in 2021 as a Regional Nutrition Extension Associate.  She coaches EFNEP educators who are based in County Extension Offices located in Eastern North Carolina.  Prior to her current role, Jackie worked in Public Health nutrition for... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Morris

Lauren Morris

Regional Nutrition Extension Associate, North Carolina State University
Lauren Morris is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who serves low-income communities by supporting EFNEP Educators in northeast North Carolina.In this role, Lauren provides leadership to EFNEP Educators in her region and facilitates community-wide changes related to healthy food and physical... Read More →
Power of Partnerships 2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Presentation.pptx pdf
Furthering the Land Grant Mission Through EFNEP Collaborations EFNEP 2025 pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Tidewater II
  Breakout Sessions

1:00pm EST

Breakout Session 09: Leveraging Partnerships that Impact Food Security
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Arlington/Fairfax - 3rd Floor
Incorporating Diverse Nutrition Education Programs for Food Pantry Guests: A Partnership with New Hope Ministries: This session will outline how a Penn State University Nutrition Links team forged a transformative partnership with a multi-center food assistance network to deliver impactful nutrition education programs. The presenters will outline the collaborative journey, strategies, and outcomes from their work using a combined delivery approach with both the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed). This program also provides a model for extending the EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programs into Policy, Systems, and Environment work and delivering Extension programs such as Dining with Diabetes.
The team will provide strategies to overcome initial barriers to build a robust and collaborative relationship with the food pantry network, enabling the delivery of essential nutrition education to guests of all ages. Both sides of the partnership contributed resources to recruit and retain participants across the class series, and nutrition educators created a welcoming environment. The team will share data on the significant improvements observed in participants’ dietary habits, food resource management, and overall food security, as evidenced by data collected from multiple locations. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for creating effective partnerships in community nutrition education through diverse programs.

Join this session to explore how collaboration can lead to sustainable change in addressing food and nutrition challenges!


The Impact of a Community Garden on EFNEP Programming at the Dream Center: University of Missouri Extension’s Family Nutrition Education Programs (EFNEP and SNAP-Ed) have partnered with the Missouri Department of Social Services to acquire Community Block Grant Program (CBGP) funding to purchase school and community garden infrastructure items. This funding was made available post-pandemic in response to the supply chain disruptions many Missouri communities experienced. While the original goal was to reduce community food insecurity, the impacts of this funding has gone well beyond the original goal.

These funds have enabled communities increase food production. However, it was also important to ensure that 1) these funds support community nutrition education programs (EFNEP & SNAP-Ed); 2) gardens are utilized as a hands-on learning laboratory for education; and 3) the community lead decisions related to the garden, including what is grown and how it is distributed.

This presentation will focus on the impact of EFNEP programs in St. Louis and specifically at the Dream Center. The Dream Center provides a year-long residential education and workforce development program for men. The Dream Center also provides several community services including an on-campus food pantry, a free lunch for community members, and evening barbecues/meals several nights each week. The presentation will also explore opportunities for increasing impact through community gardens and external funding.

In this session, participants will learn how to 1) extend nutrition educationl program impacts; 2) increase local food security; 3) empower participants in determining how to increase food security in their community; and 4) leverage external funding opportunities to achieve greater impacts.


Moderators
avatar for Cyndi Fisher

Cyndi Fisher

Nutrition Links State Program Coordinator, Pennsylvania State University
Cyndi is the state program coordinator for Penn State Extension’s Nutrition Links program. Nutrition Links is federally funded by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Education Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) to provide nutrition... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Keller

Kimberly Keller

Associate Extension Professor, University of Missouri
Kimberly Keller, PhD, is an Associate Extension Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Missouri. She is the evaluation director and co-PI of MU Extension’s SNAP-Ed, SNAP Outreach and EFNEP programs, and is the lead external evaluator of USDA North Central... Read More →
avatar for Lori Klein, EdD, MPH, NDTR

Lori Klein, EdD, MPH, NDTR

Nutrition Links Supervisor, Penn State Extension
Lori Klein is an educator at Penn State Extension based in Lebanon County. She is a Registered Dietetic Technician with a doctorate in Education and a master's degree in Public Health. Her focus is on providing health and wellness education, outreach, and programming.Lori supervises... Read More →
avatar for Leslie Speller-Henderson

Leslie Speller-Henderson

Education Director, University of Missouri - Columbia
avatar for Jo Britt-Rankin

Jo Britt-Rankin

Extension Professor, University of Missouri - Columbia
Dr. Jo Britt-Rankin is an Extension Professor in the Department of Health Sciences.  In her position, she serves as the Administrative Director for the SNAP-Ed and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) grants which deliver nutrition and health education to all 114 counties... Read More →
avatar for Karen Carrier

Karen Carrier

Extension Educator/Nutrition Links Supervisor, Penn State University
Karen Carrier is a Nutrition Links Supervisor in York County, PA. She oversees both EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming and provides support to a team of 3 Nutrition Education Advisers. Karen is also an Extension Educator offering Health and Wellness programming as the other component of... Read More →
avatar for Amy Santarelli

Amy Santarelli

Nutrition Education Adviser, Penn State Extension Nutrition Links
Leveraging Partnerships to Alleviate Food Insecurity pdf
Leveraging Partnerships to Alleviate Food Insecurity poster pdf
2025 EFNEP & a Community Garden Impact the Dream Center pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Arlington/Fairfax - 3rd Floor
  Breakout Sessions

1:00pm EST

Breakout Session 10: Lived Experience in Nutrition Education
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Washington B
Living the Life we are teaching: We have a lot of paraprofessional that has or is currently living what the community is experiencing. When we teach from experience we will deliver with love and care.  By teaching from lived experience we believe our educators will have a huge success in reaching and keeping their targeted audience.  During this presentation I will show how lived experiences can help EFNEP and our community.

The lived experiences can help bridge the gap between the community and the educators. It can help with retention within the program and it will also build partnership. AS our educators lived or is living what our community is experiencing we have to let our educators know we care and appreciate them. Show your paraprofessionals that EFNEP cares by asking and doing. Once a week hold a all hands meeting where you listen to the educators needs and wants. Recognize a new educator at different staff meetings to applaud them. Help your educators learn how to engage members of different communities by learning about those communities. I believe that before we teach a Latino community on healthy eating we should research the Latino community to learn what they eat and why. Doing the research on different diversity will put the educators at a huge advantage. How EFNEP can support Programming Strategies & Real-Life Examples is knowing your educators. Show you educators support by encouraging them to share how they navigate shopping on a budget or how they get his or her youth to eat different fruit and vegetable. Be the support your educator need to deliver the lessons and retention within the community.


There’s No Place Like Home: Embracing Lived Experience in Multigenerational Nutrition Education:
Historically, EFNEP provided by the paraprofessional model has been offered through lessons in community groups or one-on-one settings, allowing participants time to apply the concepts taught. However, over time, one-on-one and in-residence teaching for EFNEP has decreased nationwide. Like the rest of the country, Missouri has reduced support for teaching in residences. Nevertheless, in-home settings have provided multigenerational education opportunities for program participants new to the US. This approach is especially beneficial for those without transportation and childcare, as it allows their whole family to engage in food and nutrition education and learn new skills for managing their family food budgets. In Sedalia, Missouri, the University of Missouri (MU) EFNEP Nutrition Program Associate (NPA) has been instrumental in helping English-as-a-second-language participants develop skills and confidence to make informed decisions about low-cost, healthy foods. The NPA utilizes a multigenerational in-home model that has successfully retained and recruited participants. This session will explore the best practices and the importance of offering the option of multigenerational programming, explaining why a multigenerational approach for EFNEP can succeed and why it is necessary for building relationships and educating certain demographic groups. The NPA will share what the participants gain from emphasizing a learning model that engages the entire family and promotes lasting behavior change.
Moderators
avatar for Rachelle Sartori
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Ramirez Skorobatsch

Nicole Ramirez Skorobatsch

EFNEP and 4-H Extension Assistant, University of Maryland College Park
avatar for Leslie Speller-Henderson

Leslie Speller-Henderson

Education Director, University of Missouri - Columbia
avatar for Dr. Carmenletta Fletcher

Dr. Carmenletta Fletcher

EFNEP Program Coordinator, University of Maryland - College Park
Theres No Place Like Home Embracing Lived Experience in Multigenerational Nutrition Education EFNEP2025 pptx
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Presentation Template pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Washington B
  Breakout Sessions

2:10pm EST

Breakout Session 11: Food Loss & Waste
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EST
Washington A
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Facilitated Discussion Food Loss and Waste pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EST
Washington A
  Breakout Sessions

2:10pm EST

Breakout Session 12: Workforce Development
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EST
Washington B
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Facilitated Discussion WIC Workforce pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EST
Washington B
  Breakout Sessions

2:10pm EST

Breakout Session 13: Research Opportunities
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EST
Tidewater II
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Facilitated Discussion Research Opportunities pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EST
Tidewater II
  Breakout Sessions

2:10pm EST

Breakout Session 14: Collaborative Relationships
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EST
Arlington/Fairfax - 3rd Floor
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Facilitated Discussion Collaborative Relationships pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EST
Arlington/Fairfax - 3rd Floor
  Breakout Sessions

3:00pm EST

Posters, Snacks, and Networking
Thursday February 20, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Regency Foyer
  • The Role of Clemson EFNEP in Whole Health Awareness in Colloaboration with EXCITE Bridge Access Project
    • Stacy Phillips, Clemson University
  • Changing the Environment of the Entire School to Promote Healthy Eating and Active Living through EFNEP and 5210 Campaign
    • Ali Charlton, Clemson University
  • Phone Interviews Yield Better 24-hour Food Recalls and Better Participant Engagement 
    • Cathy Love, University of Arkansas
  • Using Technology to Enhance Staff Recruitment 
    • Megan Halbohm, North Carolina State Universuity
  • A Modified 24-hour Dietary Recall Process for UGA EFNEP: A Pilot Project
    • Laura Tucker, University of Georgia
  • Culturally Responsive Nutrition Education for the First 1000 Days of Life
    • Emily Gratopp, University of Nebraska
  • Maternal and Infant Lessons: Enhance Your Adult Program 
    • Brigid McDonnell, Colorado State University 
  • Achieving New Educator Training Objectives with the Navigating for Success Online Program 
    • Alisha Gaines, Cornell University
  • There’s No Place Like Home: Embracing Lived Experience in Multigenerational Nutrition Education 
    • Maria Montoya De Rivera, University of Missouri
  • Enhancing Nutrition Education with Technology: Leveraging Spend Smart. Eat Smart. 
    • Jody Gatewood, Iowa State University
  • Incorporating Diverse Nutrition Education Programs for Food Pantry Guests: A Partnership with New Hope Ministries 
    • Lori Kline, Pennsylvania State University
  • The Impact of a Community Garden on EFNEP Programming at the Dream Center
    • Jo Britt-Rankin, University of Missouri 
  • Effective Strategies for Promoting EFNEP Programming via Social Media 
    • Elisabeth Justice, Clemson University
  • Working Adults: Exploring Barriers to Nutrition Education Participation 
    • Rita Jackson, University of Tennessee
  • EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Participants’ Frozen Food Perceptions and Behaviors: Results from a Cross-Sectional, Multistate Study 
    • Geb Bastian, South Dakota State University
  • Enhancing Community Impact through Integrated Programs: A Focus on Collaboration, Engagement, and Sustainability in EFNEP 
    • Christine Davidson, University of California
Speakers
avatar for Audra Losey

Audra Losey

Extension Educator, University of Nebraska Lincoln
avatar for La Keshia Levi

La Keshia Levi

FACS/EFNEP supervising agent, UGA Cooperative Extension
La Keshia Levi is the University of Georgia Family Consumer Science & EFNEP Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program Agent in Houston County, Georgia. She has a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling and has been a County Extension Agent for Ten years. Her daily focus... Read More →
avatar for Laura Tucker

Laura Tucker

Nutrition Education and Training Specialist, University of Georgia
Laura Tucker works with Training and Curriculum for University of Georgia EFNEP. She has been in this role for 3 1/2 years. She is also a Registered Dietitian and practiced as a Clinical Dietitian for 20 years before starting with UGA Extension. Laura received her BS in Dietetics... Read More →
avatar for Jo Britt-Rankin

Jo Britt-Rankin

Extension Professor, University of Missouri - Columbia
Dr. Jo Britt-Rankin is an Extension Professor in the Department of Health Sciences.  In her position, she serves as the Administrative Director for the SNAP-Ed and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) grants which deliver nutrition and health education to all 114 counties... Read More →
avatar for Rita Jackson

Rita Jackson

State EFNEP Coordinator, The University of Tennessee
Dr. Rita R. Jackson serves as State Coordinator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) with the University of Tennessee Extension Service. EFNEP provides education to limited income families in the areas of nutrition, food safety, budgeting food dollars and... Read More →
avatar for Megan Halbohm

Megan Halbohm

Technology and Training Leader, North Carolina State University
As the Technology and Training Leader Extension Associate, I assist with the training of new staff, social media/outreach, and the development of curriculum and online lessons.I am a graduate on the University of Maine and East Carolina University. I began my career with EFNEP as... Read More →
avatar for Geb Bastian, Ph.D., RDN, LN

Geb Bastian, Ph.D., RDN, LN

Assistant Professor/Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist, South Dakota State University
***Note that my Rutgers email is no longer in use (I can't seem to update that section). My SDSU email is graham.bastian@sdstate.eduThis year I am representing South Dakota State University EFNEP as our coordinator is out on leave. Come talk to me about the Rev It Up! 9-12 curriculum... Read More →
avatar for Jody Gatewood

Jody Gatewood

Assistant State Nutrition Program Specialist, Iowa State University
Jody Gatewood is an assistant coordinator for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed programming at Iowa State University. She began her career with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in 2010. Jody has a master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian.  In her position... Read More →
avatar for Brigid McDonnell

Brigid McDonnell

EFNEP Supervisor and Research Associate IV, Colorado State University
Brigid McDonnell is a Research Associate in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University, an EFNEP Supervisor, and a lead author of the Eating Smart ● Being Active curriculum. In addition to her supervisory role, Brigid leads CSU EFNEP Educator... Read More →
avatar for Elisabeth Justice

Elisabeth Justice

Instructional Designer, Clemson University
I earned my B.S. in Early Childhood Education and M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology from Winthrop University. I spent 4 years in the classroom working as a 2nd grade teacher and Primary Montessori teacher. Being a teacher provided valuable experience in curriculum development... Read More →
avatar for Cathy Love

Cathy Love

County Extension Agent, University of Arkansas
Cathy Love is a County Extension Agent, supervising EFNEP in Northwest Arkansas.  She holds a Bachelors’ degree from Southwest Missouri State University and a Master’s degree from the University of Missouri.  She worked with Missouri Extension before taking a long break to raise... Read More →
avatar for Lori Klein, EdD, MPH, NDTR

Lori Klein, EdD, MPH, NDTR

Nutrition Links Supervisor, Penn State Extension
Lori Klein is an educator at Penn State Extension based in Lebanon County. She is a Registered Dietetic Technician with a doctorate in Education and a master's degree in Public Health. Her focus is on providing health and wellness education, outreach, and programming.Lori supervises... Read More →
avatar for Stacy Phillips

Stacy Phillips

Special Projects Coordinator, Clemson Extension - EFNEP
Licensed Master Social Worker, South Carolina, 2024M.S. Social Work: University of South Carolina 2024B.S. Psychology: Clemson University 2021
avatar for Monse Montoya De Rivera

Monse Montoya De Rivera

Nutrition Program Associate with the University of Missouri Extension Family Nutrition Education Program (FNEP), University of Missouri Extension
Maria Monserrat Montoya De Rivera, or Monse, is a dedicated Nutrition Program Associate (NPA) with the University of Missouri Extension Family Nutrition Education Program (FNEP). With 19 years of experience, she specializes in educating rural, English as a second language communities... Read More →
avatar for Christine Davidson

Christine Davidson

EFNEP Supervisor, University of California Cooperative Extension San Bernardino County
Christine Davidson is an EFNEP Supervisor with over 20 years of service at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR). She has extensive experience in teaching nutrition and physical activity promotion to EFNEP and SNAP participants, as well as in program... Read More →
EXCITE Conference Poster pdf
Working Adults Poster pdf
Piloting an updated 24 hour dietary recall form and training UGA EFNEP 2.25 pdf
Cooking AR Phone Food Recall Pilot Poster pdf
Maternal and Infant Lessons Enhance Your Adult Program EFNEP Poster pdf
Effective Strategies for Promoting EFNEP Programming via Social Media Poster Updated pdf
Spend Smart. Eat Smart. pdf
EFNEP TechRecruitPoster Print pdf
Integrated Programs CA EFNEP pdf
NACCHO Poster 2025 pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Regency Foyer
  Break

4:00pm EST

General Session: Lived Experience - Working Adults: Exploring Barriers to Nutrition Education Participation
Thursday February 20, 2025 4:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
EFNEP and SNAP-Ed are often delivered in settings where adult audiences are not engaged in the paid workforce such as in senior centers or drug treatment centers. Adults with traditional paid jobs but who do not earn wages that disqualify them from public benefits face barriers to attending nutrition education classes that are unique to their circumstances. Moreover, most EFNEP adult participants are women so there is limited understanding of motivation and barriers to attend nutrition education programs for people who identify as men. This session will present findings from a qualitative examination of the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of SNAP eligible working adults as they relate to nutrition education. We will also discuss ways of engaging participants, recruitment, and retention strategies developed through these findings.
Speakers
KF

Karen Franck

Extension Associate Professor
Dr. Karen Franck is an Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee Extension Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. She is the Lead Evaluator for EFNEP for UT and has led efforts to strengthen EFNEP evaluation through her involvement with NC2169 and NC3169.
avatar for Rita Jackson

Rita Jackson

State EFNEP Coordinator, The University of Tennessee
Dr. Rita R. Jackson serves as State Coordinator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) with the University of Tennessee Extension Service. EFNEP provides education to limited income families in the areas of nutrition, food safety, budgeting food dollars and... Read More →
Working Adults PPT EFNEP Conf. (2) pptx
Thursday February 20, 2025 4:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

4:30pm EST

General Session: Partners Website
Thursday February 20, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
By the end of this session, conference attendees will understand the purpose, development process, and plan for monitoring the new EFNEP Partner website. To view the new website, please visit https://efnep.extension.org/. 

Give us your feedback about the website → https://forms.gle/iYiUQfv3k3vVJYJw6 
Speakers
avatar for Kate Yerxa

Kate Yerxa

EFNEP Coordinator, University of Maine
avatar for Natalia Ocasio

Natalia Ocasio

Communications Specialist, University of Florida
Natalia Ocasio Balbás is the Communications Specialist and Instructional Designer for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program at the University of Florida. Natalia has been with EFNEP since October 2020. With her expertise, Natalia spearheads both internal and external... Read More →
avatar for Theresa Mince

Theresa Mince

EFNEP Coordinator, Auburn University
Theresa Mince is the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Coordinator at Auburn University in Alabama, providing statewide leadership to Nutrition Educators in 36 counties. Her previous experience includes direct education, policy, systems, and environmental (PSE... Read More →
avatar for Emily J. Mott

Emily J. Mott

Administrative Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
EFNEP Website Presentation 2025 Final pdf
Thursday February 20, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session
 
Friday, February 21
 

7:00am EST

Breakfast Buffet
Friday February 21, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Regency Foyer
Friday February 21, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Regency Foyer
  Meal

7:50am EST

Welcome and Announcements
Friday February 21, 2025 7:50am - 8:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Friday February 21, 2025 7:50am - 8:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD

8:00am EST

General Session: Enhancing Community Impact through Integrated Programs: A Focus on Collaboration, Engagement, and Sustainability in EFNEP
Friday February 21, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
The integration of gardening and food preservation education into the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) provides a comprehensive strategy to enhance food security, food safety, and food resource management. Continued support in these areas promotes sustainable lifestyle changes among families, leading to improved health outcomes.

Ongoing education in gardening and food preservation equips families with skills to cultivate and preserve their own food, fostering resilience against economic challenges and supply chain disruptions. Access to homegrown and preserved foods can significantly improve a family's nutrition, reduce food expenses, and promote a more sustainable lifestyle. By learning to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, families can ensure a fresh, chemical-free food supply. Additionally, skills in food preservation—like canning, fermenting, and dehydrating—allow them to extend the shelf life of their harvests, minimizing waste and providing food security throughout the year.

These practices also encourage community engagement, as families can share knowledge, seeds, and even excess produce with neighbors. In times of economic uncertainty or disruptions in the food supply chain, these skills not only bolster individual resilience but also strengthen community ties and local food systems, creating a more self-sufficient and environmentally conscious society.

Utilizing cross program collaboration to create a forward-thinking and visionary approach for further engagement between Master Gardener, Master Food Preservers, and EFNEP. Strategies include joint workshops or a series and events. Organized workshops and events that integrate gardening, food preservation, and nutrition education by pooling resources like community gardens, kitchens for preservation, and educational materials.
Speakers
avatar for Christine Davidson

Christine Davidson

EFNEP Supervisor, University of California Cooperative Extension San Bernardino County
Christine Davidson is an EFNEP Supervisor with over 20 years of service at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR). She has extensive experience in teaching nutrition and physical activity promotion to EFNEP and SNAP participants, as well as in program... Read More →
avatar for Marilynn Ljungberg

Marilynn Ljungberg

CES II, University California Cooperative Extension San Bernardino County
With over 10 years of service at UCANR's EFNEP, Marilynn Ljungberg brings a wealth of experience and dedication to empowering individuals and families to lead healthier lives. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Public Health Education and her Master's degree in Health Services Administration... Read More →
avatar for Clara Wilshire

Clara Wilshire

Adult EFNEP Community Education Specialist 2, University of California Cooperative Extension San Bernardino
Clara Wilshire is a Community Education Specialist 2  for the Adult EFNEP with 31 years of service at UCANR EFNEP. She holds a BS in Health Education from Cal State University San Bernardino and is a UC Master Food Preserver volunteer. Clara is dedicated to supporting parents in... Read More →
2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Presentation C.DAVIDSON FINAL pptx
Friday February 21, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

8:30am EST

General Session: Building a Diverse EFNEP Workforce: Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Culturally Competent Educators
Friday February 21, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Recruiting and retaining culturally diverse educators in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is critical to sustaining its impact in underserved communities. Strategic investments in program longevity and community engagement are essential to address these goals. Partnering with organizations and institutions that offer Community Health Worker (CHW) programs, such as City Colleges of Chicago and Sinai Urban Health Institute (SUHI), provides a viable pathway for training paraprofessionals and future EFNEP staff. Through these partnerships, candidates gain skills, receive stipends, and work part-time, contributing to program success while preparing for long-term careers.

A tiered career pathway within EFNEP, ranging from Community Outreach Worker to Program Administrator and County Director, promotes career growth and retention. Additionally, a referral system incentivizes current staff to recommend qualified candidates, further enhancing recruitment efforts.

To bolster professional development, existing staff are encouraged to pursue CHW certification through institutions such as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and City Colleges of Chicago, with a financial incentive for completion. The introduction of a bilingual differential, modeled after the University of Wisconsin’s initiative, underscores the importance of linguistic diversity and creates a more inclusive workplace. These strategies, centered on collaboration, skill-building, and community-focused recruitment, aim to reduce staff turnover and ensure that EFNEP educators reflect the diverse communities they serve.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer McCaffrey

Jennifer McCaffrey

Assistant Dean, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Illinois
Jennifer McCaffrey is the Assistant Dean for the Family and Consumer Sciences programs at University of Illinois Extension.  In her position she focuses on health and family wellbeing by providing statewide leadership for Extension programs in nutrition, family relationships, and... Read More →
avatar for Linda Crawl Jackson

Linda Crawl Jackson

EFNEP Senior Program Lead, University of Illinois
avatar for Aruna Budhram

Aruna Budhram

EFNEP Program Specialist, University of Illinois
Aruna Budhram is an experienced community outreach professional with a deep commitment to improving community health and wellness through nutrition education. As a Program Specialist with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), she leads the planning, implementation... Read More →
2025 National EFNEP Building Diverse Workforce pptx
Friday February 21, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

9:00am EST

Program Highlights: Northern Marianas College
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Sikayun

Ashley Sikayun

Extension Agent, Northern Marianas College
Extension Agent/EFNEP Supervisor
2025 NMC EFNEP Program Highlight 021425 pdf
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

9:30am EST

Program Highlights: Tuskegee University
Friday February 21, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Speakers
avatar for Eunice A Bonsi

Eunice A Bonsi

Program Leader, Foods & Nutrition, Tuskegee University
I am the Director of the Tuskegee University Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), State Foods and Nutrition Extension Program Leader in Cooperative Extension, and a Research Professor at the Department of Foods and Nutritional Sciences, in the College of Agriculture... Read More →
National EFNEP Conference Presentation pptx
Friday February 21, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

10:00am EST

Stretch Break
Friday February 21, 2025 10:00am - 10:10am EST
Friday February 21, 2025 10:00am - 10:10am EST

10:10am EST

General Session: Resiliency in the Face of Adversity
Friday February 21, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Speakers
avatar for Macy Helm

Macy Helm

Federal Nutrition Programs Coordinator, University of Nevada
avatar for Sarah Hess

Sarah Hess

Extension Associate; Regional Coordinator, Cornell University
Sarah Hess, MS, RDN, CDN, is the EFNEP Regional Coordinator at Cornell University in New York State. At the national level, Sarah served as the co-chair for the EFNEP Food Resource Management and Resiliency committee. At the state level, Sarah provides leadership and support to EFNEP... Read More →
avatar for Candance Gabel

Candance Gabel

Sr State Extension Specialist / CNEP State Coordinator, Oklahoma State University
I am the state coordinator for both EFNEP and SNAP-Ed at Oklahoma State University.
Resiliency through Adversity CGabel pptx
Resiliency Committee Hess pptx
2025 National EFNEP Resiliency in NV FINAL pptx
Friday February 21, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

11:00am EST

General Session: Effective Strategies for Promoting EFNEP Programming via Social Media
Friday February 21, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
In today's digital landscape, social media has become an essential tool for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) to connect with communities, partners, and stakeholders. Leveraging various social platforms allows EFNEP to promote its mission, share program successes, and increase public awareness. However, with the rapid development of numerous social platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Pinterest) over the last two decades, questions arise regarding the most effective ways to engage diverse audiences and communicate the value EFNEP provides.

Developing and implementing strategies to enhance a program's social media presence is critical for driving public interest, fostering partnerships, and deepening community engagement. In this session, representatives from Clemson University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Maine will share their experiences and best practices for creating social media content, planning, scheduling, and tracking engagement. We will also emphasize the importance of showcasing real stories from local communities, amplifying partnerships, and sharing partner content to create a more authentic and impactful social media presence.
Speakers
avatar for Megan Halbohm

Megan Halbohm

Technology and Training Leader, North Carolina State University
As the Technology and Training Leader Extension Associate, I assist with the training of new staff, social media/outreach, and the development of curriculum and online lessons.I am a graduate on the University of Maine and East Carolina University. I began my career with EFNEP as... Read More →
avatar for Alex Gayton

Alex Gayton

Assistant EFNEP Coordinator and Social Media Coordinator, University of Maine
Hi everyone!I'm a Registered Dietitian who joined the UMaine Extension EFNEP team in January 2020. As the Assistant EFNEP Coordinator and Social Media Coordinator, I supervise two Community Education Assistants, manage our social media presence, and contribute to the development of... Read More →
avatar for Elisabeth Justice

Elisabeth Justice

Instructional Designer, Clemson University
I earned my B.S. in Early Childhood Education and M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology from Winthrop University. I spent 4 years in the classroom working as a 2nd grade teacher and Primary Montessori teacher. Being a teacher provided valuable experience in curriculum development... Read More →
Effective Strategies for Promoting EFNEP Programming via Social Media 2025 National EFNEP Coordinators Conference Presentation . pdf
UMaine EFNEP FY2025 Social Media Goals pdf
Friday February 21, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  General Session

11:30am EST

Conference Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks
Friday February 21, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Friday February 21, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm EST
Regency Ballroom ABCD
  Announcements

12:00pm EST

National Conference Planning Committee Debrief (Committee Members Only)
Friday February 21, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST
Washington A
Friday February 21, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST
Washington A
  Other
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Tuesday, February 18
Wednesday, February 19
Thursday, February 20
Friday, February 21
Arlington/Fairfax - 3rd Floor
Chesapeake View (Top floor)
Regency Ballroom ABCD
Regency Foyer
Regency Landing
Tidewater II
Washington A
Washington B
  • Announcements
  • Break
  • Breakout Sessions
  • General Session
  • Meal
  • Other
  • Physical Activity
  • Pre-Conference Meeting
  • Reception
  • Regional Meetings
  • Registration
  • Tier Meetings
  • Popular