New AgriLife Extension agents fill positions across the state

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service employs agents, divided by districts, to serve in every Texas county. These county agents are the agency’s connection with the people in area communities and are instrumental in providing hands-on education and programming based on scientific research.

Updates on new employees were recently released.

Transfers

Individuals who transferred from one county to another within the agency were:

• Eadie Bradford, family and community health, Carson County, transferred from Hutchinson County.
• Kaitlyn Slover, 4-H and youth development, Cherokee County, transferred from Upshur County.
• Madison Campbell, family and community health, Hansford County, transferred from Hemphill County.
• Tommy Yeater, agriculture and natural resources, Val Verde County, transferred from Howard County.
• Beverly Hodges, Better Living for Texans agent, Bell County, transferred to the family and community health agent position in Bell County.
• Cynthia Fournier, nutrition education associate, Expanded Foods and Nutrition, El Paso County, transferred within the unit.
• Taryn Titsworth, agriculture and natural resources, Medina County, transferred from Kimble County.
• Brianna Gonzales, agriculture and natural resources, Frio County, transferred from Jim Hogg County.

New agents

Following are the individuals hired and county agent positions they will fill:

District 1, headquartered in Amarillo

• Stephanie Otis, family and community health, Briscoe County. Otis, of Silverton, earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural services and development at Tarleton State University. She completed a summer internship with AgriLife Extension in Briscoe County and spent one year as support staff in Swisher County. She has been with Briscoe County since October 2019 as the program assistant. Otis said she is excited to continue to work with the community in this new role as an agent. “I am passionate about working with youth of the county and helping them develop skills that will last a lifetime.”

District 2, headquartered in Lubbock

• Kristie Keys, agronomy agent, Castro, Hale and Lamb counties. Keys, of Merkel, earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary agriculture with a teaching certificate and her master’s in agriculture education, all from Texas Tech University. She also has her principal certification from Lamar University and is working on her Texas Master Florist certification. Keys taught high school agriculture science for eight years, most recently at Cotton Center Independent School District. She spent three years as an AgriLife Extension agronomy assistant at Lubbock. Keys said she enjoys bringing the knowledge of old school farming with new technologies and techniques to improve and manage soils. She plans to work with industry professionals, producers and other agency counterparts on alternative crops to lessen the stress on the depleting water supply. 

• Keegan McCollum, integrated pest management agent, Gaines County. McCollum, of Sonora, earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture science agronomy at Texas A&M-Kingsville. He spent a summer as an intern with AgriLife Extension in integrated pest management in Hill County. He also completed an internship with Texas A&M AgriLife Research in entomology in Corpus Christi. McCollum grew up within the 4-H system showing goats, pigs and sheep, as well as competing in various speaking competitions. He is eager to partner with the producers of Gaines County and conduct field-based research so he can be a reliable resource for them.

• Amber Bozeman, Better Living for Texans agent, Lubbock County. Bozeman earned a bachelor’s degree in education from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. She became a licensed dyslexia therapist via the Scottish Rite Learning Center. Bozeman spent one internship is Lenior County Schools and then began her teaching career in North Carolina. She has worked in Texas in the Frenship ISD, Kingdom Preparatory Academy and Idalou ISD. Bozeman is passionate about better living for the citizens of her hometown. “I hope my work with AgriLife Extension will provide individuals with hope and information to better their lives.”

District 3, headquartered in Vernon

• Blake Davis, agriculture and natural resources, Haskell County. Davis, of Stamford, earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural services and development with a concentration in industries and agencies at Tarleton State University. He completed an internship with AgriLife Extension in Taylor County. Davis grew up showing pigs and goats and participated in livestock judging, shooting sports and public speaking. He said he looks forward to growing the agriculture program within Haskell County by providing 4-Hers with skills such as leadership, interviewing, public speaking. “Growing up I have always had a passion for helping others, it just came naturally. With AgriLife Extension, it gives me the opportunity to give the gift forward and help those within my community. I look forward to what the future holds for not only myself, but for those within my community.”

District 4, headquartered in Dallas

• Christa DeStefano, family and community health, Tarrant County. DeStefano, of Keller, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration in marketing from Texas Wesleyan University. She is currently working on her kinesiology degree. She joined AgriLife Extension in 2019 as an assistant agent for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in Tarrant County and was promoted to the role of family and community health agent in May. DeStefano was a former 4-H member. She is passionate about healthy lifestyles education specifically related to physical activity, nutrition and safety among all ages. A believer that “status quo don’t grow,” DeStefano said she feels it is never too late to change health behaviors at any stage in life. She hopes to encourage others to make small, steady changes that will have a great, lasting impact on their long-term health and well-being.

District 5, headquartered in Overton

• Haley Acord, 4-H and youth development, Anderson County. Acord, of Cleburne, earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture services and development with a teaching certificate and a minor in horticulture and landscape management from Tarleton State University. Acord has spent the past three years as an agriculture science teacher in Elkhart. She grew up in the 4-H system showing pigs and rabbits, as well as participating in the food and apparel projects. Acord is passionate about working with the youth of Anderson County to develop their leadership capacity and watching them find success in their dreams. “My hope as an AgriLife Extension employee is that we can help the local youth advocate for the agriculture industry and set them up for a successful future by showing them there is always more to learn, and they have the ability to do whatever they set their mind to.”

• Madison Ranes, family and community health, San Augustine County. Raines, of Shelbyville, earned her bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from Stephen F. Austin State University. She completed an internship at Nacogdoches Christian Academy. Upon graduation, she worked for Azleway Children’s Services. As a 4-Her, Raines said her favorite thing to do was show rabbits. In her new role that includes 4-H coordinator for San Augustine County, she is most excited to help the youth reach their full potential by motivating them to be the great leaders that they all have the potential to become. “I grew up surrounded by the AgriLife Extension family and network. I look forward to helping Texans live a healthy lifestyle by sharing educational resources and programming available through AgriLife Extension.”

District 6, headquartered in Fort Stockton

• Rebecca Law, family and community health, Crockett County. Law, of Lockhart, earned her bachelor’s degree from Angelo State University. She majored in agriculture science and leadership with a minor in education. After graduation, she worked at the district office in San Angelo as a 4-H program assistant before taking current position in Crockett County. Law said she judged and showed throughout her 10 years in 4-H. Now she is extremely passionate about helping others and working with the youth in Crockett County. She strongly believes 4-H is the best program youth can be active in because there are so many different avenues and something for everyone. She wants to grow Crockett County’s 4-H program. “I hope to inspire youth and be a positive influence in their lives.
  
• Evans Walker, Better Living for Texans, Ector and Midland counties. Walker, of Sanderson, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology at Sul Ross State University. She spent 10 years as the AgriLife Extension family and community health agent in Brewster, Jeff Davis and Terrell counties before going to work as an adjunct professor in psychology at Sul Ross State University and as an information systems coordinator/grant writer for the Big Bend Family Crisis Center in Alpine. Evans said she is passionate about working with people. “I’m so excited to be part of the AgriLife Extension family again and be able to provide programming in the areas of nutrition, fitness and gardening to the residents of Midland and Ector counties.”
  
• Eduardo Rascon, horticulture, El Paso County. Rascon, of El Paso, earned his bachelor’s degree in horticulture. He has previous experience in the greenhouse industry, flower production and handling. He worked three years for a local community college in the Center for Students with Disabilities. Rascon grew up surrounded by plants. “I believe plants and knowledge on how to grow them should be part of everybody’s life.”
  
• Micki Harris, agriculture and natural resources, Presidio County. Harris, of Gatesville, earned a bachelor’s degree in mass media and master’s degree in agricultural and consumer resources from Angelo State University. She spent the past two years as a lab technician in the area of livestock entomology with AgriLife Extension in Stephenville.

District 7, headquartered in San Angelo

• Tamra Kott, 4-H and youth development, Llano County. Kott, of Llano, earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science at Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in animal science and industry at Kansas State University. Kott grew up heavily involved in the 4-H and FFA systems showing market lambs and breeding sheep, judging livestock, wool and mohair, and participating in shooting sports. “AgriLife Extension is the bridge that closes the gap between research and practical application in real-world scenarios, and I look forward to helping people make those connections.”
  
• Carrie Ross, family and community health, McCulloch County. Ross, of Brady, earned a bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies at Tarleton State University and a master’s degree in educational administration at Angelo State University. She spent the past 16 years working with Brady ISD and has been involved with the 4-H program for many years as a parent and volunteer. Her 4-H experiences include showing sheep, livestock judging, food and nutrition projects and leadership program development. Ross said she is excited for the opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles in McCulloch County. “I am passionate about serving my home community and hope that through education and unique project experiences, I can help people develop healthy habits to improve their daily life.”

District 8, headquartered in Stephenville

• Warner Seidel, agriculture and natural resources assistant agent, Johnson County. Seidel, of Cuero, earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science at Texas A&M University in 2022 and is currently pursuing his master’s in agriculture and consumer resources at Tarleton State University. He completed a summer internship with AgriLife Extension in Johnson County and multiple other internships in the beef industry while attending Texas A&M. Raised on a beef cattle ranch, he was involved in both 4-H and FFA and was involved in Saddle and Sirloin along with Ducks Unlimited while at Texas A&M. “I joined AgriLife Extension to impact the people of my community and state by letting them know I am here to help them in all fields of agriculture and humanity.”
  
• Madeline Makovy, 4-H and youth development, McLennan County. Makovy, of Robinson, earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture services and development industries and agencies at Tarleton State University. She recently completed an internship with AgriLife Extension in Erath County. MaKovy grew up in FFA and 4-H showing and judging livestock and competing in public speaking, job interview, photography and also held many leadership positions on county council and officer teams in clubs. She is pursuing her master’s degree at Tarleton in agriculture and consumer sciences – leadership in hopes to grow the 4-H program in McLennan County. “I want to develop more leadership qualities in youth and develop relationships with community members as well as volunteers to build one of the best programs in the district.”
  
• Ashley Cox, family and community health assistant agent, McLennan County. Cox, of Jacksboro, earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural services and development and her master’s degree in agriculture and consumer resources from Tarleton State University. She has spent the past two years working as a graduate assistant for Tarleton’s Department of Agricultural Education and Communications. Growing up with an AgriLife Extension agent as a parent, Cox said she had lots of opportunity to help and participate in programming, and this led to her passion for the agency and 4-H organization. She said her love for the organization only grows stronger through the years. “Through my work in AgriLife Extension I hope to impact the lives of the people and families in my community just as much as the people who impacted me.”

District 9, headquartered in College Station

• Taylor Baldwin, 4-H and youth development assistant agent, Brazos County. Baldwin, of Ocala, Florida, earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and a master’s in agriculture at Sam Houston State University. Baldwin grew up on a working cattle ranch in Ocala and was involved in 4-H for 10 years showing steers and horses, and competing in photography, horse judging, meat judging and public speaking. She said she is excited to share her passion and experience with the youth of Brazos County. “I want to help the youth of Texas become strong, independent, responsible and trustworthy individuals. Some of these kids we work with through 4-H could easily be leaders in our counties, state and country one day. I am passionate about building those future leaders.”
  
• Letty LeBert, agriculture and natural resources, Orange County. LeBert, from Vidor, earned her bachelor’s degree in wildlife management at Michigan State University. She has worked as an animal rehabilitator, outdoor educator, natural resource education coordinator, program developer and substitute teacher. Two years ago, she became involved with Orange County 4-H, where she participated as an adult leader and lead the food and nutrition class. She said she is passionate about working with her community and eager to learn the needs of Orange County as a whole and begin developing programs. LeBert will be actively seeking individuals to participate in committees to address issues and needs. “I am excited to provide Orange County residents the tools and resources provided by AgriLife Extension to help them better their lives.”
  
• Cidnie Ford, family and community health, Chambers County. Ford, of Beaumont, earned her bachelor’s degree in family studies with an emphasis in health and her master’s in public health at Lamar University. She spent 15 years working in the petrochemical industry in various roles and now has the opportunity to work as an educator through AgriLife Extension, which she said has been her desire for many years. Ford said she is excited to work with the youth and adults of Chambers County to develop their capacity, and actively seeking volunteers for her committees to determine the major needs of county. “I hope to grow as many family and community health programs for Chambers County as I can. I am most passionate about diabetes prevention, overall nutrition, financial planning, parenting and early childhood development.”
  
• John Few, agriculture and natural resources, Fort Bend County.  Few, of Rosenburg, earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture at Virginia State University and his master’s degree in entomology at Virginia Tech. He spent time working in horticulture production at Virginia State University, and more recently focused on row crop production in Williamson County as an AgriLife Extension program specialist with Stiles Farm. Few said he is interested in improving environmental stewardship in agriculture and joined AgriLife Extension because he fells “it is important to provide service to the people who keep our country fed, clothed and full of energy.”

District 10, headquartered in Uvalde

• Casey Sullivan, family and community health assistant agent, Blanco County. Sullivan, of Banquete, earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural media and communications at West Texas A&M University. She spent her past four years as a teacher and a summer as a social media intern at the Texas 4-H Conference Center at Lake Brownwood. Sullivan was raised on a swine farm and showed pigs and sheep, judged livestock, competed in food and nutrition, and apparel projects, and was a 4-H Ambassador. Sullivan said she is looking forward to getting involved with the kids in their projects and helping them in any way she can. “I think the most challenging aspect of this would be getting as many people interested and wanting to participate. I am hoping to instill basic skills and knowledge that everyone should have to help them in their day to day lives and, in the future, as well.”
  
• Kera Dutton, family and community health, Kendall County. Dutton, of Silver City, New Mexico, earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in nutrition and one in English, from New Mexico State University. She earned her master’s degree in human nutrition from Colorado State University, while concurrently completing her internship in dietetics and becoming certified as a registered dietitian. Dutton has worked for the last 28 years in clinical nutrition, consulting in both rehabilitation hospitals and long-term care facilities. She grew up in the 4-H system, showing livestock as well as horses. Her two sons have grown up in 4-H as well and are passionate about showing cattle. She said she is passionate about seeing change in clients regarding their health and looks forward to working with the residents of Kendall County.
  
• Kevin Knapick, 4-H and youth development, Bexar County. Knapick, of Bulverde, earned his bachelor’s degree in forestry and renewable natural resources and his master’s in natural resources development at Texas A&M University. He spent a year and a half as a research assistant with the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute and the past year as the youth outreach educator with the AgriLife Extension office in Bexar County. Knapick said he wants to exemplify the Aggie core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service to the youth of Bexar County as they develop their knowledge and skills to become future leaders and educators. “My passion is to seize this unique opportunity to serve my community through education and outreach to our future leaders, who I truly believe will change the world.”

District 11, headquartered in Corpus Christi

• Cameron Younts, 4-H and youth development, San Patricio County. Younts, of Orange Grove, earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Younts grew up showing pigs, cattle and livestock judging, and most recently spent a summer interning for Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Weslaco as a field technician. Younts said he is eager to work with the youth of San Patricio County. “It has always been a dream of mine to become an AgriLife Extension agent. I am very thankful for this opportunity.”

• Jennifer Janssen, family and community health, Victoria County. Janssen, of Cuero, earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural development and a master’s degree from Texas A&M. She worked for AgriLife Extension from 1999 to 2011, before working with her father’s company. Janssen grew up in the 4-H program in DeWitt County and said she always wanted to be a county agent. Her passion lies in educating the public about health, parenting and financial literacy. She has a special interest in gerontology and is actively seeking volunteers for her committees. “I joined AgriLife Extension to help meet the needs of families in Victoria County.”

District 12, headquartered in Weslaco

• Leslie Dominguez, agriculture and natural resources, Zavala County. Dominguez, of Laredo, earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture science with a concentration in plant and soil science. She spent the past two years working at a sorghum breeding facility in Bishop. Her position as a seed technician taught her about the process of sorghum breeding and production. She also worked with Texas A&M University-Kingsville as a teaching assistant for the agricultural mechanics and leadership professor. Dominguez was a member of FFA, where she was president of the chapter and raised goats and swine. Dominguez said she joined AgriLife Extension to advocate for the agriculture industry and because she enjoys educating others on the importance and efforts of food production.
  
• Kimberly De La Garza, family and community health, Brooks County. De la Garza, of Falfurrias, earned her bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies at Texas A&M University- Kingsville. She worked for Brooks County ISD for four years, three as a special education aide and one as a theatre arts and college and career instructor. She also worked with Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend for three years and was stationed at Falfurrias Junior High. De la Garza said she would like for the community to get involved with 4-H and to help the program succeed.

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