On July 26, the School of Human Environmental Sciences welcomed seven of the newest Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension agents to campus for a day of orientation and training. These talented young professionals are serving families in seven Kentucky counties. We introduce you to each of them and extend our sincerest welcome.
Dayna Parrett began her work as the Nelson County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences on November 1, 2011. She is a 2010 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Family Science. She brings a great deal of experience to her position, having been a 2010 Extension 4-H summer intern in Meade County and a 2011 FCS summer intern in Nelson County. She was a FFA and 4-H member for 12 years. During her years as a student at UK, she worked in the Early Childhood Lab and as a tutor for the Center for Academic and Tutorial Services. Dayna also served as a UK College of Agriculture Ambassador and on the College Student Council. She has a research interest related to the impact of family dinners on children.
Laura White began her work as Rowan County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences on January 23, 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from Morehead State University. She worked in the Rowan County Extension office as a SNAP-Ed Program Assistant before transitioning to the FCS agent position. Laura has a history of volunteer and community involvement. She was a member of the Gateway Area Development District Policy Council and the Gateway Inter-Agency Council.
Brittany Young has been County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Warren County since February 5, 2012. However, she is not new to the Warren County Extension staff. Brittany worked as a SNAP-Ed Program Assistant there for more than a year. She also worked in Warren County as a FCS intern where she planned a Second Sunday health and wellness fair and participated in the “Plate It Up, Kentucky Proud” recipe process. Brittany has worked with the Warren County Extension Homemakers Association and has extensive media experience. Brittany majored in family and consumer science with a concentration in family studies as an undergraduate at Western Kentucky University. She is currently working on a Master of Arts in Leadership Dynamics.
Amanda Hamilton is the new Menifee County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. She also has 4-H responsibilities in this two agent county. She began work in Menifee County on March 1, 2012. Amanda has a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science with emphasis in Child and Family Studies from Eastern Kentucky University. She previously worked as a FCS summer intern in the Nicholas County Extension Office. Amanda has also worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters and was chapter president of her college sorority. She is a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron.
Amy Singleton graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics in August 2010. She is a registered dietitian and a licensed dietitian. She began her work as McCreary County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences on March 1, 2012. Amy completed her dietetic internship at the Lincoln Trail District Health Department and at the Hardin Memorial Hospital, both in Elizabethtown. She previously worked at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital as a clinical dietitian and for Dietary Consultants, Inc. as a registered dietitian and dietary consultant.
Rachel Abney began her position as Nicholas County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences on June 1, 2012. She is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University where she was a family and consumer science education major. Her previous experience included working for the Bourbon County school system as Title I teacher and substitute teacher. She also worked for KinderCare Daycare in Lexington.
Lizzie Spalding is the new County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Marion County. She began her position July 1, 2012, after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies. As an undergraduate at Eastern, she was a three-time recipient of the President’s Award. She completed an internship at the Marion County Youth Service Center. She is a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron.