Alphabetically by State
Maria Doten | Arizona
My name is Maria Doten, and I am the new Associate in Extension for Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, serving Yuma and La Paz Counties. Though I am originally from Los Angeles, I have made Yuma my home for the past 24 years. I bring a diverse perspective to my work developing and leading health and nutrition programs such as Med Instead of Meds, diabetes prevention, and family wellness workshops. In collaboration with community partners who share these goals, I strive to expand educational opportunities that improve well-being.
As a first-generation American and college graduate, my personal journey fuels my passion for helping communities thrive through education and support. I am deeply committed to empowering individuals and families through nutrition education, financial literacy, and parenting resources. One of my proudest accomplishments is teaching Med Instead of Meds and launching a new partnership with Yuma Community Food Bank and Encompass Health. This initiative, Recipes for Health–Nourish Yuma and La Paz County, offers cooking demonstrations and healthy recipe distribution to improve access to nutritious foods.
I take pride in engaging diverse audiences, whether through hands-on cooking classes or outreach at Chamber of Commerce events. Outside my Extension role, I enjoy cooking, baking, dancing, photography, and design. My decision to become an Extension professional is grounded in a strong commitment to bridging resources and knowledge for lasting community wellness and resilience.
I am excited to join the WELD XIII cohort, looking forward to growing my leadership skills and collaborating with colleagues across the Western region.
Matthew “Rex” Recsetar | Arizona
Dr. Matthew “Rex” Recsetar grew up just outside Chicago and earned his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from the College of William and Mary. He later completed his PhD in Biosystems Engineering at the University of Arizona, where he now serves as a faculty member with appointments in Extension, teaching, and research.
Rex began his Extension journey as an Aquaculture Extension Specialist in Arkansas, where he worked directly with fish farmers to troubleshoot challenges and improve their operations. That experience developed his appreciation for the impact of Extension and its ability to make practical, meaningful change in people’s lives. Today, he brings nearly 15 years of hands-on experience with aquaponics systems, cultivating a wide range of plants and fish, alongside imparting his knowledge through teaching and training initiatives. In his current role, he focuses on aquaponics and aquaculture, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), sustainable food production, and innovative water treatment technologies.
At the University of Arizona, Rex teaches courses in Aquaponics Design and Engineering, the Cultivation of Cannabis, and the Future of Food. His Extension and research programs explore ways to increase water-use efficiency, optimize greenhouse production systems, and develop sustainable practices that connect producers with emerging technologies.
Beyond campus, Rex runs a consulting business, ZonaPonics, where he helps design and optimize commercial aquaponics farms. One of his proudest accomplishments was developing and patenting a wastewater treatment bioreactor capable of removing over 90% of contaminants of emerging concern (aka “Forever chemicals”) from effluent streams.
Outside of work, Rex enjoys family life with his wife and two children, playing music, traveling, hiking and numerous other outdoor activities.
Cindy Kron | California
Cindy Kron has been the North Coast Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Advisor with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) since 2019. Her research and outreach program focuses on insect pests and invasive species affecting commercial grapes, walnuts, pears, and olives in Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties. Cindy holds an undergraduate degree in Viticulture & Enology with a minor in Agricultural Pest Management and a PhD in Entomology from UC Davis. The aspects of extension that Cindy enjoys most are the opportunities to help her clientele through problem-solving and developing strategies that address clientele needs, the freedom to develop her own research and education program, and the ability to have a career that all avenues converge around insects!
Yu Meng | California
Dr. Yu Meng is the Youth Family and Community Advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension. She is responsible for Riverside, Imperial, and San Bernardino Counties. She conducts research and academically oversees CalFresh Healthy Living UC (SNAP-Ed), Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, 4-H Positive Youth Development, Master Food Preserver, and Farm Smart programs at the UC Cooperative Extension and Desert Research and Extension Center. She has over 10 years of experience conducting community nutrition research and developing youth programs. Her background is in Nutrition Science, emphasizing nutrition education and behavior. Dr. Meng graduated from Oregon State University, and she found her passion in Extension while she was working with her advisor, also an Extension Specialist, on an obesity prevention program with 4-H youth in Oregon. Her current research and programmatic interests include improving food security, youth engagement, consumer climate change literacy, especially food waste prevention, Farm to School, and obesity prevention. She enjoys swimming, hiking, and spending time traveling with families and friends.
Jeni Carter | Colorado
Hi, I’m Jeni Carter from the Denver Metro area in Colorado. Currently I’m serving as the Jefferson County Director for Colorado State University Extension. Prior to my role with extension I had spent nearly a decade on college campuses in student affairs, and when moving to Denver, I discovered the world of extension. Being a part of extension has allowed me to bring my knowledge from campus into community opportunities, and this has been an awesome growth for me. My passion in extension is broadening the reach in urban environments and to new users, who like me only a couple of years ago, did not know about the resources and opportunities in extension! My current position is heavily administrative, supervising/supporting a staff of 13-15 expert faculty/staff, so I do not have a focal area that many extension agents may have; instead, my role is one of support, idea, generation, team development, and connecting our institution with local government and partners. I am extremely proud of the team we’ve built in our county over the last few years. We’ve focused on work/life balance, the meaning of being community serving, aligning priorities and ensuring we are considering the needs of all Coloradoans in our commitment to inclusion and outreach.
Emily Lockard | Colorado
Emily Lockard, works for Colorado State University Extension in Montezuma County as the county director and agriculture specialist. She has her B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in psychology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a M.S. in Range Science from Utah State University. She previously worked as an agriculture extension agent in Pueblo, Colorado and Bozeman, Montana and as a research associate at the Southwestern Colorado Research Center in Yellow Jacket, CO. She has taught animal science and agriculture business at Pueblo Community College – Southwest in Mancos, CO. She is part of research teams examining dryland restoration and has experience researching dryland and irrigated cropping systems.
She is on the board of the Colorado Section for the Society for Range Management, a lead member of the Colorado Agriculture Drought Advisor Team, team member on the USDA-NIFA funded STrengthening Extension and Education in Rangeland Systems (STEERS) project and on the advisory board for Colorado’s Regional Food Business Center.
In her personal time, she enjoys packrafting, exploring the Southwest in a 4-wheel camper, hiking while identifying plants, traveling, throwing pottery and growing too much in her garden.
Liu “Leo” Jen-Hung | Guam
Dr. Jeng-Hung (Leo) Liu is an Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences at University of Guam. Having over 10 years experience in teaching and research in meat Science. His current research field includes, sustainable livestock production and red meat processing and technique.
Shelly Blas Laguaña | Guam
Shelly is an Assistant Professor and Extension Agent III with the University of Guam’s Land Grant Extension. A proud UOG alumna, in 2023 she earned her PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where her research focused on developing a culturally relevant dietary assessment tool for Guam’s children. She leads community-based programs like Prevent T2, a diabetes prevention program, blending research and outreach to promote nutrition, health literacy, and chronic disease prevention across the island. Shelly is a wife and mommy to an adventurous two-year-old and fur-mom to a bossy mini yorkie. She loves spending time with her family, especially enjoying the beach together.
Alberto Ricordi | Hawaii
Aloha! My name is Alberto Ricordi and I have been an Ornamentals and Landscape Extension Agent in Honolulu, Hawaii, since February 2023. My program activities range from lei making and plant propagation workshops (lei are traditional Hawaiian floral garlands), to management of plant collections, planning industry conferences, participating in Farm Fairs and events, webinars and brown bags… in other words, I am all over the place. I also travel a lot! I work closely with other agents and we are very active with the local Ag associations. Prior to becoming an extension agent, I was a full time Landscape Architect and Landscaping Contractor in Hawaii for 8 years. There is only one 100% Extension position in Oahu for Ornamentals and Landscape, and I am very honored for being the one trusted to it! I love the open ended-ness of extension, the rare opportunity of having a job where my success is measured by how much I help others without the need for making a profit for myself (except for the annoying occasional need for some self-promotion). I also like the fact that my family can join me in work events. The perfect day? Breakfast with my family, work in the yard and around the house, a surf session with a buddy to wash off and cool the head, and movie night! I have a very supportive family and I would not be where I am without them.
Monica Esquivel | Hawaii
Monica Esquivel is an associate professor and dietetics program director at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her work centers on supporting students in their pursuits to become Registered Dietitians and on research that can improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities through food and system interventions. Most recently she aims to study the use of produce prescriptions as an approach in healthcare, to reduce the burden of food insecurity and other diet-related health issues while improving food system resiliency.
Dennis Kaisha | Marshall Islands
I am originally from RMI-Republic of the Marshall Islands, Majuro City where my love for the environment and commitment to sustainability began. As a Climate Change Extension Agent at College of the Marshall Islands-Cooperative Research and Extension Agent Land Grant, I focus on educating local Communities, Schools, Churches, and Neighboring Islands (Outer Islands) about the impacts of Climate Change and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. In my role I am particularly passionate about “Coastal tree replanting, coral reef restoration, beach clean-ups, hydroponic, aquaponic farming, and drip irrigation. I believe that these initiatives are vital for enhancing ecosystem resilience and fostering sustainable food system. Outside of my work in Extension, I enjoy engaging in activities that promote environmental stewardship and community involvement. Whether it’s participating in local conservation efforts or exploring new sustainable practices, I find joy in making a positive impact. One of my proudest accomplishments is my work in coral reef replantation and hydroponic farming. These initiatives not only contribute to environmental restoration but also serve as educational platforms to demonstrate sustainable practices in marine and agricultural ecosystems. leading a successful coastal replanting project or organizing a community clean-up event. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of community action and collaboration.
I decided to become an Extension Agent because I wanted to make a tangible difference in addressing climate change and helping communities adapt to its challenges. I am dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to create sustainable solutions. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, exploring nature or participating in local events, and spend time with my son working on our own mini garden. These hobbies allow me to recharge and stay connected to my community.
I am excited to be part of the training in your organization WELD XIII and look forward to make a meaningful change/difference in the lives of my Fellow Marshallese young generation.
Koṃṃool tata “Thank You so much
Uta McKelvy | Montana
Uta McKelvy is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Field Crop Pathology at Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman. Originally from Berlin, Germany, she earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology/Plant Sciences from Martin-Luther-University in Halle-Wittenberg before completing her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology at MSU in 2020.
Uta directs the Schutter Diagnostic Lab, Montana’s state plant health clinic, and contributes to the state’s Integrated Pest Management program. Her applied research focuses on disease management strategies for wheat and pulse crops, with an emphasis on developing practical tools that support grower decision-making and promote sustainable agriculture. She regularly collaborates with growers, agronomists, and researchers to address emerging plant health challenges across Montana.
Uta finds meaning and purpose in her Extension work, especially through the opportunity to connect with people across Montana. She enjoys collaborating with growers, Extension faculty, agronomists, and researchers, and values the relationships built through shared problem-solving and learning. Helping others through science-based solutions is at the heart of what motivates her.
Outside of her professional role, Uta enjoys staying active through jogging, hiking, and camping. She treasures time spent outdoors with her husband and daughter, embracing the natural beauty and lifestyle that Montana offers.
Emily Burton | New Mexico
Emily Bruton is the County Program Director and an Agricultural/4-H Agent in Socorro County, New Mexico. Her programming efforts include both youth and adult programming with a large focus on adult agriculture and 4-H youth programs. Her passion in extension lies with the 4-H program and watching young people grow and flourish. Outside of extension, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter working on their family ranch, working with their border collies, or playing golf. Her proudest accomplishment is definitely the daughter she and her husband are raising. A native New Mexican, Emily was heavily involved in showing livestock as a youth. Her passion for this livestock program has continued into adulthood and led her to pursue a career in extension. She enjoys giving back to the program that gave her so much.
Savannah Daniels | New Mexico
Savannah Daniels is the Program Director for the Hidalgo County Cooperative Extension Service, where she wears many hats as the sole agent for 4-H, Agriculture, and Family & Consumer Sciences. She has a passion for supporting her community and creating opportunities that help people succeed, whether that’s through youth leadership, agricultural education, or life skills development.
Some of Savannah’s proudest moments include teaming up with fellow agents to host hands-on livestock reproduction workshops, launching a Life and Employability Skills program at a Recovery Management Center, and growing Hidalgo County’s 4-H program. Thanks to her efforts, enrollment in small stock projects like rabbits and poultry has increased, the shooting sports program has sent two teams to represent New Mexico nationally, and several members have stepped up to serve on the State 4-H Leadership Team or attend National 4-H Congress.
Although she originally planned to become an ag teacher, Savannah discovered her true calling in Extension. What began as a “stepping stone” quickly became a career that brings her fulfillment every day—helping people, building programs, and strengthening her community.
When she’s not working, Savannah and her husband, Trey, can usually be found outdoors or chasing their next adventure. She’s an avid hunter who loves spending time in the field, often guiding alongside her family’s outfitting business and sharing New Mexico’s hunting traditions with others. Traveling, exploring new places, and immersing in different cultures are just a few of the ways Savannah and Trey enjoy life together.
Sierra Cain | New Mexico
My name is Sierra Cain and I am from Mountainair, New Mexico. I am the County Program Director and Agriculture Agent in Valencia County which is just south of Albuquerque in the Rio Grande Valley. Everyday I get the opportunity to serve our agricultural community. In my area we have a variety of producers that grow forages to specialty crops like chile, melons, and micro greens. Here in the desert, water is life! We are resourceful with our land and are proud to have high quality local products. Through Extension, I am able to make a difference in the lives of New Mexicans and take great pride in our county, regional, and statewide programming efforts.
In my “spare” time, my husband and I cattle ranch on native range pasture to produce cow calf pairs and grass fed beef for our family. Being a part of agriculture and land preservation is a huge passion of mine! I also provide youth agriculture programs, and find joy in inspiring and educating students about the importance of feeding the world! I always like to say Extension work found me… on a whim I joined the Valencia County team as an undergrad intern for a couple summers, from there I knew the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service was where I wanted to invest my time and career efforts.
Carly Kristofik | Oregon
Originally from Pennsylvania, Carly graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Community, Environment, and Development. After college, she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Idaho Foodbank, where she supported the growth of the Cooking Matters program, work that deepened her passion for food security and health equity.
In 2017, Carly joined Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service as the SNAP-Ed Program Coordinator, where she continues to lead the program across three counties in Oregon. She earned her Master of Public Health from OSU in 2023 while continuing her work with Extension.
Carly is passionate about creating healthier communities and building meaningful partnerships. A few highlights of her time with Extension include working with a local coalition to launch a Veggie Rx program for pregnant and postpartum individuals, and leading a teacher-led, seven-week youth garden and nutrition education program that now reaches over 2,500 students annually and has expanded to other regions.
Outside of Extension, Carly enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, and friends, exploring the outdoors, and creating stained glass art.
Dusti Linnell | Oregon
Dusti Linnell is an Associate Professor of Practice at Oregon State University, affiliated with the Extension Service and College of Health. Dusti began her Extension work at UC Davis, working with a Cooperative Extension Specialist in Nutrition Education to develop, implement and evaluate nutrition education programs through UCANR in California. During that time, she was inspired by the deep commitment of Extension Agents to serving their communities. Since joining Oregon State University, Dusti has supported health programming on the Oregon Coast and across Oregon in the areas of food security, nutrition, mental health, emergency preparedness and others. Her work has included education, applied research, and health coalition development. She especially enjoys working with community leaders to understand the issues affecting community health using research methods and data and providing them with tools and resources for creating solutions and action plans.
Lorelle Sherman | Oregon
Lorelle Sherman is an Assistant Professor of Practice and Extension Forester with Oregon State University Extension Forestry & Natural Resources. Lorelle provides science-based forestry and natural resource education, technical assistance, and outreach to landowners, natural resource professionals, and communities. Lorelle also works with student interns at Oregon State University who are interested in Extension work or connecting with private woodland owners. Her research includes wildlife in managed forests, fungal ecology, and wild foods of the Pacific Northwest. Lorelle grew up in Southwestern Pennsylvania but has traveled around the country to study wildlife biology and forestry, including at the University of Vermont and Oregon State University, at the Owl Research Institute in Montana, and with the US Fish & Wildlife Service on the Oregon Coast.
Margie White | Oregon
Margie White’s career with OSU Extension began in 4-H more than a decade ago, and today I bring that same passion for youth, families, and community to my role as Administrative Office Manager in Curry County. Over the past 13 years, I’ve held multiple positions within Extension, each one shaping my perspective on how leadership, adaptability, and collaboration can make a lasting impact.
In my current role, I support the daily operations of our office while also working to secure the resources and funding our programs need to thrive. I’m passionate about problem-solving, process efficiency, and grant writing—skills that help translate community needs into meaningful results. One of the projects I’m most proud of is helping lead a collaborative effort to replace playgrounds at our local school district, which has brought together partners across the community to create something lasting for children and families.
Outside of work, I love being outdoors: gardening, hiking, camping, swimming in rivers, and exploring the Oregon coast with my husband, two kids (ages 9 and 6), and our dogs. Creative outlets like embroidery, watercolor, and reading also keep me grounded. At the heart of it all, I value work that matters and the chance to help my community thrive.
Abby McIrvin | Wyoming
Abby McIrvin has called Laramie, Wyoming home for nearly 15 years. She serves as the Federal Relations Employee Success Coordinator for the University of Wyoming Extension. As a member of the Capacity Building Team, she helps plan professional development opportunities, supports onboarding for new employees, works with academic affairs on contract reappointments, and assists with federal reporting, among other responsibilities.
Abby is passionate about adult learning and the unique role Extension plays in making education accessible beyond traditional classroom settings. She values how Extension serves people of all ages, from youth to older adults, and is proud to support educators across the state as they work closely with Wyoming communities.
Outside of Extension, Abby enjoys spending time with her three-year-old daughter, gardening, reading, bike riding, and attending community events in Laramie.
One of her proudest accomplishments is her perseverance as a single mother. In the past year, she became a homeowner, continued working full time, and began pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration all while raising her daughter.
Abby’s path to Extension began with her role as AmeriCorps Program Director, and though she hadn’t originally known much about Extension, she quickly discovered her passion for service, education, and community. She feels privileged to be part of an organization that promotes learning, supports rural communities, and affirms that agriculture and education is for everyone.
Samantha Krieger | Wyoming
Originally from California, Samantha Krieger’s journey has taken her through Utah for her undergraduate studies, Colorado for graduate school, and now to a 5th-generation ranch in southwest Wyoming, where she lives with her husband.
Samantha is the Wyoming 4-H Program Leader, a role she has grown into after a career dedicated to youth development and agriculture. She began as an Animal Science 4-H intern in the Utah State 4-H Office, transitioned into a 4-H educator role, and later became a Wyoming 4-H educator before stepping into statewide leadership. Along the way, she also gained experience in research labs and production swine farms, but found her calling in Extension—where her passion for public service meets her love of agriculture, education, and community impact.
Her passions inside and outside of Extension blend seamlessly. She enjoys cooking, quilting, silversmithing, and working alongside her family on the ranch, and is inspired by the homesteading movement. An active advocate for agriculture, Samantha participates in organizations such as Wyoming CattleWomen, where she continues to share the story of rural life and the agricultural community.