Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension recently welcomed five new agents to campus for a day of orientation and training. We are excited to have these agents in place in Carroll, Edmonson, Knox, Menifee and Monroe counties.
Danielle Barrett began her Extension career on January 20, 2015, as Knox County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. She received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Kentucky in May 2014. Danielle grew up on a farm in Whitley County where she was a 4-H member and learned about Extension Homemakers through her grandmother’s membership in the Whitley County program. Danielle was a research assistant for the School of Human Environmental Sciences in the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition. She worked with the Plate it Up! Kentucky Proud project in the areas of recipe development and community outreach, farmers market food availability and low-income family food choices. Danielle is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her interests include cooking, hiking, horse riding, crafting and traveling.
Julia Branstetter began her work as the Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Edmonson County on October 13, 2014. Julia received her Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from Western Kentucky University in August 2013. She is also a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist and worked as a massage therapy instructor at Genesis Career College. Julia was an Extension intern in Hart County during summer 2013. This experience allowed her to be involved in typical Extension activities including farmers market, county fair and FCS and 4-H program development and presentation. She was previously an FFA and 4-H member where she feels she gained leadership experience important for helping with the Edmonson County program. Julia is married and has a 1-year old daughter, Arabella. She lives on her sixth generation family farm.
Emily Keith began her work as Monroe County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences on October 13, 2014. She is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies. Her most recent experience was as a customer service representative for South Central Bank. Other employment included work with Community Action, AmeriCorps and as an intern with a local elementary school. Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and 4-year old daughter. She likes antique shopping, crafts, football and outdoor activities.
Ann Schultz began her Extension career as the Carroll County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences on January 1, 2015. She previously taught middle school family and consumer sciences and elementary, middle and high school special education. She most recently worked in early childhood education. Ann is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (Home Economics) Education. She holds a master’s degree in education from Bellarmine University. In addition, Ann has an associate degree in culinary arts and is a certified environmental educator. Ann is a member of the Kentucky Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Kentucky Environmental Education Association. Her hobbies include bees, native plants, cooking and gardening. She has an adult son and three grandchildren.
Kendyl Whaley began her work as the Menifee County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences on December 1, 2014. Kendyl is a May 2014 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. Immediately upon graduation Kendyl began working as an Extension Nutrition Education Program paraprofessional where she directed the Super Star Chef program for limited resource youth across the state. She has also worked as a cake decorator, specializing in cupcakes. Kendyl enjoys running, cooking and crafting. She is active in the community with volunteer work at God’s Pantry and Lexington Parks and Recreation.
In addition to the agents who attended orientation in January, we welcome Morgan Orange as the Livingston County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. She began work there on August 27, 2014. Morgan is a May 2012 graduate of Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Design, Merchandising and Textiles. She also completed a Master of Science in Teaching from the University of the Cumberlands in March 2015. Morgan previously worked as a Caldwell County Family and Consumer Sciences teacher where she taught money skills, life skills, child development and food and nutrition. She also was employed as an interim special education teacher for the Lyon County Schools. Morgan previously served as the vice president of the Caldwell County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Advisory Council. She is a member of the Princeton Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Family and Consumer Sciences Extension is excited to have the six professionals as part of our statewide team.
Pictured from left to right – Front row: Dr. Cherry Kay Smith, Kendyl Whaley, Emily Keith, and Dr. Ann Vail Back row: Ann Schultz, Julia Branstetter, Danielle Barrett