AgriLife Extension hires health, wellness educator for Bexar County
SAN ANTONIO – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County has hired Carmen Arnoni as its new health and wellness educator for the county.
Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, [email protected]
Contacts: Angie Gutierrez, 210-631-0400, [email protected]
Nelda Lebya Speller, 210-631-0400, [email protected]
AgriLife Extension is an educational outreach agency of the Texas A&M University System.
Arnoni, who joined the staff Jan. 18, will be responsible for identifying, recruiting, scheduling and educating program participants about nutrition, health and wellness.
“Mr. Arnoni will use approved curricula and identify additional teaching strategies to promote healthy behaviors, leadership and personal development among program participants,” said his supervisor, Angie Gutierrez, AgriLife Extension agent for family and consumer sciences, Bexar County.
Arnoni will be supporting a more comprehensive, preventive approach to health, said Nelda Speller, AgriLife Extension county director, Bexar County.
“Carmen will be organizing community activities and events that support a healthy lifestyle and will encourage communities to support one another to promote change,” Speller said. “He also will be working closely with sister agencies and organizations to build strong partnerships to have a larger impact countywide.”
Arnoni earned a bachelor’s degree in health with specialization in community health and preventive services from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
He is retired from the U.S. Air Force, having served for more than 21 years in various roles, including medical operations squadron superintendent, education and training superintendent, independent duty medical technician flight chief and medical aid station noncommissioned officer in charge.
Arnoni also works part time as a lifestyle coach for the YMCA where he facilitates the organization’s diabetes prevention program.
“Currently I’m also in graduate school at UTSA seeking my master’s degree in health and kinesiology with a health specialization,” Arnoni said. “In my role at AgriLife Extension, I hope to use my educational and professional experience to optimize health in the community by fostering sustainable and positive behavior changes.”