About
The Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) is a nationwide initiative led by U.S. Cooperative Extension to provide adult immunization education. EXCITE is made possible through an interagency agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with a cooperative agreement with the Extension Foundation in partnership with the ECOP Health Program Action Team.
EXCITE’s goals are to help rural and other key audiences make informed decisions around vaccinations, strengthen connections between communities and healthcare systems, and support local community partners in implementing programs that increase health outcomes.
Why Cooperative Extension?
Since 1862, Cooperative Extension has been a trusted source of evidence-based information across the country, helping people informed decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. Recognizing this reach, the CDC partnered with Cooperative Extension to launch EXCITE and help bridge gaps in adult vaccine education, particularly in rural areas. EXCITE works with local partners to boost public confidence in adult immunizations and respond to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
EXCITE Reports
Regional Health Agents
EXCITE Regional Health Agents were hired as part of a new model for sustaining immunization education in Extension programming and outreach. Twenty individuals, hired by Cooperative Extension institutions, serve one of the regions – Northeast, Northcentral, South, West, or 1890’s and a EFNEP project– to implement immunization education.
Southern Region Health Agents
Heather Wingo hwingo@uada.edu
Heather is the Extension Immunization Educator in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. She received her masters from the University of Arkansas and her bachelors from Henderson State University. Heather is currently working towards completing a doctorate in public health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Since 2016, she has served in a variety of roles within the Cooperative Extension Service as an intern, SNAP-Education assistant, county extension agent, and program associate. Her work focuses on improving public health through education and outreach, with expertise in immunization and health promotion. Outside of work, Heather enjoys yoga, hiking in Arkansas’ scenic trails, and has a passion for photography, often capturing nature and rural life.
States reporting to Heather: Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi
Tesha Humphrey thumphr3@utk.edu
Tesha Humphrey is a Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist with the University of Tennessee. She has received a B.S. in Social Work and a M.S. in Child & Family Studies, both from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She worked as a Social Worker for 15 years in the areas of Community Mental Health and Hospice. She has been employed by UT Extension for 15 years, working in the areas of nutrition education, farm stress, and community health. She is particularly interested in how poverty impacts both physical and mental health, and how institutions can work to help alleviate those impacts. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.
States reporting to Tesha: Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia
Leslie Frame leslie.workman@uky.edu
Leslie Workman is an Extension Specialist in Family and Consumer Sciences with the University of Kentucky. She received her M.S. from the University of Kentucky and her B.S. from Marshall University. In her career with Kentucky Cooperative Extension she served as the Pike County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for over 25 years focusing on nutrition education and family financial education, as well as fulfilling many administrative roles. Her accomplishments include both the Distinguished Service & Continued Excellence Awards from the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences as well as many communication and curriculum awards from national extension associations. Since 2022 Leslie has supported statewide programming tailored toward family financial management & substance use disorder recovery as well as nutrition education. Her county-level field experience brings a unique perspective to program planning and implementation. Leslie is mom to 2 thriving young adults and enjoys vintage television and heavy metal concerts.
States reporting to Leslie: Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina
1890 Region Health Agents
States/institutions reporting to Sydney: Fort Valley University Georgia, North Carolina A&T North Carolina, South Carolina State University South Carolina Ana Williams ana_williams@suagcenter.com
Ana Williams is a Regional Immunization Educator and EXCITE Health Agent with the Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center. She earned her B.S. in Human Performance and a Master of Public Health from Howard University. Throughout her career, Ana has built an interdisciplinary portfolio spanning youth development, health education, athletics, and community outreach. Prior to her current role, she served as Program Coordinator for JAGCATION, a youth summer program serving children ages 9–15 and focused on agricultural education. In this role, she led program coordination, curriculum development, staff supervision, evaluation, and community partnerships. She also designed and implemented experiential programming that integrated agriculture, nutrition, physical activity, financial literacy, and mental wellness. Ana’s work is grounded in evidence-based practice, culturally responsive education, and a strong commitment to improving community health outcomes. Outside of her professional roles, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, attending and watching sporting events, and trying new experiences.
States/institutions reporting to Ana: Southern University – Louisiana, Langston University – Oklahoma, Lincoln University – Missouri, Prairie View A&M – Texas, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff – Arkansas
Tabi Pagan tpagan@vsu.edu
Tabi Pagan is the Community Health Associate at Virginia State University and EXCITE Health Agent leading Region 1 of the 1890’s Institutions. She received her Master of Public Health from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and her B.S. from the College of William & Mary. Prior to her current positions, Tabi was the Vaccine Education Program Assistant at Virginia State University, where she supported the implementation of vaccine education throughout the state of Virginia with focused efforts on the development of culturally-relevant health communications. In her free time, you can find Tabi playing solitaire or cuddling with her cat, Lettie.
States/institutions reporting to Tabi: Virginia State University – Virginia, Central State University – Ohio, Delaware State University – Delaware, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, West Virginia State University
Ciara G. Holloman ciara.holloman@famu.edu
Ms. Ciara G. Holloman, MPH is a public health professional and program management leader with extensive experience overseeing large-scale, federally funded initiatives across academic, healthcare, and government settings. With a strong foundation in program and project management, program evaluation, and stakeholder engagement, she has successfully led multidisciplinary teams and managed complex portfolios totaling more than $10 million in grant funding. Her work spans public health initiatives including opioid prevention, immunization education, nutrition education, and rural health capacity-building. She holds a Master of Public Health in Behavioral Science and Health Education from Florida A&M University, along with dual bachelor’s degrees in Health Science and Rehabilitative Services.
States/institutions reporting to Ciara: Florida A&M, Kentucky State University, Alabama A&M, Alcorn State University,Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University
Northcentral Region Health Agents
Dr. Natalia Santos nsantos@unmc.edu
Dr. Natalia Santos is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Public Health, holding a joint appointment as a Health Promotion Specialist with the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension. Her research focuses on addressing food insecurity and improving food access in rural communities through mixed-methods research, geospatial analysis, and policy advocacy. Dr. Santos earned a PhD in Health Promotion in Public Health from UNMC, an MPH from the University of Iowa, and a BS in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences. She champions the integration of science into practice by designing and disseminating culturally appropriate, evidence-based interventions in collaboration with local health departments and community partners. A lifelong learner, Natalia is fluent in three languages and learning a fourth.
States reporting to Natalia: Indiana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas
Tarunjot (TJ) Sethi tsethi2@unl.edu
TJ Sethi is a Rural Health Educator and EXCITE Health Agent with the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension and Kansas State University Extension. She holds a Master of Public Health degree and is currently a PhD candidate in Biomedical and Health Informatics at the University of Missouri. With a medical school background, TJ brings a strong clinical foundation to her work in community health. TJ is deeply passionate about preventive health and overall wellbeing, guided by the philosophy of prevention first, then cure. She advocates for equitable access to healthy foods, quality healthcare, and improved health outcomes in rural communities. Her work focuses on delivering evidence based, research driven programs to rural and underserved areas where access is limited. Outside of her professional life, TJ enjoys spending time with friends and family and exploring new places through travel.
Jodi Nordlund nordl058@umn.edu
Jodi Nordlund is a Rural Health Education Coordinator with University of Minnesota Extension and the Masonic Cancer Center. Jodi has a B.A. degree from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. She has a background in education, food and nutrition, and community engagement. Most recently, Jodi worked throughout northern Minnesota as a SNAP-Ed educator. She’s a passionate advocate for healthy food access and quality healthcare for everyone. Jodi is committed to helping build resilient, informed, and healthy communities through connection, equity and respect. Jodi loves to spend time with family and friends, hiking in the woods, and gardening.
States reporting to Jodi: Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, Wisconsin
Sawiyyah “Chiquita” Chanay, MPH, MCHES® chanays@missouri.edu
Sawiyyah “Chiquita” Chanay received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, master’s in public health in 2014 and a master’s level community health specialist certification in 2018. She is a doctoral student in the MU Sinclair School of Nursing PhD program. Chiquita is an experienced public health professional with a deep commitment to eliminating health disparities in underserved communities. With over 20 years of experience in private, non-profit industry, and state government, Ms. Chanay has proven success in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating community-based programs that are theory based and culturally relevant to underserved populations in the Mississippi and Arkansas Delta. The focus of her work has been applying behavioral science to cancer prevention and control among under-resourced communities and racial/ethnic minorities. Her recent work includes developing and implementing programs along the addiction continuum among adults and youth in rural communities, with recent grants focusing on addressing social and economic determinants of health in rural Missouri. Chanay wrote the concept paper for MU Extension’s Community Health Engagement and Outreach program area with a mission to optimize the health of Missourians at every stage of life.
States reporting to Chiquita: Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio
Northeast Region Health Agents
Shannon Ritchie Shannon.Ritchie@mail.wvu.edu
Shannon Ritchie began working with WVU Extension Service in 2012 as an Adult Nutrition Outreach Instructor for the Family Nutrition Program. She then transitioned to a Youth Health Educator and lastly a Program Team Lead before taking on the role of Health Agent serving both West Virginia and Maryland. Shannon specifically focused on community health initiatives during her time with FNP, helping to improve physical activity, reduce food insecurity and promote healthy eating within her state. She received a bachelor’s degree from WVU in Communication and Health Promotion and a master’s in Business and Professional Communication. When not working, Shannon enjoys hanging out with her family, going to concerts, gardening, kayaking and loves nothing more than to curl up with a good book.
Sarah Goldring sbercaw@udel.edu
Sarah began working as an Extension Agent for the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension in 2011. Her work in Extension focuses on personal well-being, mindfulness, community and individual health, and health literacy. Sarah has received a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and a Master’s degree in Health Promotion both from the University of Delaware. Sarah has studied Health Coaching through both the Wellcoaches and the University of Delaware programs and is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). She lives with her husband, two young daughters, and her cat. In her free time Sarah enjoys exploring Delaware areas with her family, getting together with her friends, yoga, reading, and crocheting.
Lydia Roberts lydia.roberts@mail.wvu.edu
Lydia Roberts is a nutrition professional dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of families throughout Appalachia. With a B.S. in Dietetics from Marshall University and experience across WIC, Agricultural Extension, and Head Start, she brings a strong foundation in community nutrition, education, and public health. Lydia has led initiatives ranging from food preservation education to suicide prevention to health policy implementation. She is also certified as an American Red Cross CPR Instructor and a ServSafe Instructor, working to increase the knowledge of her neighboring West Virginians and empowering her communities to live healthier, more sustainable lives. Lydia’s main dedication is taking full advantage of anytime she can hoop, holler, and have some fun. Outside of work, you can find her attending local fairs and festivals, calling square dancing, playing cards, or reading a good book.
Western Region Health Agents
Lindsey McConnell-Soong lmcconnellsoong@uidaho.edu
Lindsey McConnell-Soong is an Extension Expert at University of Idaho Extension, currently serving as an EXCITE Regional Health Agent for the Western Region. In addition to her management of Idaho’s EXCITE projects since 2021, Lindsey lead the state’s Well Connected Communities initiative from 2020-2023. Prior to joining Extension in 2020, Lindsey spent 11 years in the field of mental health, specializing in trauma treatment. She received her B.S. from College of Idaho, her M.S. from Northwest Nazarene University, and maintains licensure (inactive) as a Clinical Professional Counselor. From providing direct care to addressing systems level challenges, Lindsey is passionate about ensuring the support and opportunities for all communities to be healthy and thriving. One way that Lindsey loves engaging with her community is through the celebration of local arts – her calendar consistently includes dates for enjoying live theater, music, and food in the Treasure Valley.
States reporting to Lindsey:Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming
Leihua Park cnpark@hawaii.edu
Leihua Park is the EXCITE Health Agent serving Hawaiʻi and the United States Affiliated Pacific Islands. She received her Master of Public Health from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH) with an emphasis in Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health. She is currently a PhD student at UH studying Community-Based and Translational Research. Prior to her current position, she was the Program Coordinator for the UH Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) where she led direct education efforts alongside a team of Nutrition Educators that delivered nutrition education throughout the Hawaiian islands. Leihua is committed to protecting and restoring the health and wellbeing of Kānaka Maoli, the Indigenous people of Hawaiʻi, and the communities across Moananuiākea, the vast Pacific Ocean. In her free time Leihua enjoys running, dancing hula, and cooking with her family.
States/Territories reporting to Leihua: Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, Micronesia, Northern Marianas
Lorena Hoyos, lhoyos@ucanr.edu
Lorena Hoyos holds a Master of Education in Health Promotion from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Lorena started her career in health education as a Nutrition Assistant with the Woman, Infants & Children Program. In 2008, she joined the CalFresh Healthy Living, UC Nutrition Education Program, and has been
with the program for over 17 years. Lorena also serves on the leadership council of the Healthy San Joaquin Collaborative and is a steering committee member of the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Program. In her free time, Lorena enjoys taking walks, attending a baseball game with family, and documentaries.
States reporting: California, Utah, New Mexico, Alaska
Mary Gonzales marygonzales@arizona.edu
Mary Gonzales is an Extension Educator and Certified Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program with the University of Arizona School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness. Prior to her current role, she served as a Health Educator with Pinal County Public Health for 30 years, where she contributed to programs in Women, Infants and Children (WIC), school health and diabetes education. Mary is deeply committed to diabetes prevention and management and is passionate about empowering individuals and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles. She believes that living a healthy life is attainable for everyone.
States reporting to Arizona: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada
Pattie Montijo pmontijo@arizona.edu
Pattie Montijo is an Extension Educator and Outreach Professional with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. In her previous roles, Pattie served as a Nutrition Educator with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, EFNEP, providing nutrition education to underserved communities in southern Pima County and as an Outreach Professional with Extension’s The Garden Kitchen, where she provided education on the importance and benefits of regular physical activity for older adults. Pattie is also a Certified Community Health Worker and brings over 30 years of experience in non-profit work and social services and, as a native of
Arizona, is well versed in community needs and resources. She strives to maintain an active lifestyle and to set the example for healthy living.
States reporting to Arizona: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada
EFNEP
EFNEP Supervisor: Dr. Gina Eubanks GEubanks@agcenter.lsu.edu
Dr. Gina Elaine Eubanks is currently serving as Associate Vice President & Program Leader for Nutrition & Community Health at Southern University. Dr. Eubanks has had an illustrious 35-year journey in higher education, deeply rooted in her commitment to fostering positive
change and empowering individuals and communities to improve lives. After earning her bachelors degree from Southern University, A&M College in Baton Rouge, she pursued a master and her Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Eubanks commitment to equity and inclusivity is attested by her appointment to the USDA Equity Commission in February 2022. As one of the twenty-eight esteemed members, she brought her unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual reference points to dismantle barriers and drive transformative changes in USDA programs and services. She remains steadfast in her belief that acknowledging and addressing diverse needs and perspectives is paramount in delivering impactful and meaningful services. Through her multifaceted career, Dr. Gina E. Eubanks continues to embody the spirit of service, advocacy, and inclusivity, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Cooperative Extension.
EFNEP Supervisor: Diane Oliver doliver@udel.edu
Diane Oliver has been an Extension Agent with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension since June 2019. During this time, she has been the coordinator of EFNEP, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and more recently, the leader of the Cooperative Extension Food Safety Initiatives. In 2023, she took on the National EXCITE EFNEP partnership roll with the Extension Foundation as Curriculum Specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from the University of Delaware, completed her internship with the State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and has a Master of Public Health in Community Health Education from Temple University. Diane is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist with over 25 years of community and public health experience. She is also a ServSafe instructor and proctor. In her free time, Diane enjoys traveling and geocaching.
Maire Folan maire.folan@uvm.edu
Maire Folan is the Director of Community Nutrition Education and the EFNEP Coordinator at the University of Vermont Extension. She received her masters in sustainable food systems from Green Mountain College and a B.S. in Biology and Nutrition from the University of New Hampshire. She is also a Registered Dietitian. Since joining the University of Vermont, she has grown revenue and expanded nutrition education offerings to more Vermonters. Prior to her current position, Maire worked in farm to school efforts and food research and development. She is a strategic thinker and collaborator, and aims to empower individuals with timely, applicable information that centers their lived experience and circumstance. Outside of work she loves eating and cooking good food with her family, and spending time together outdoors.
Michael Puglisi michael.puglisi@uconn.edu
Michael Puglisi received his PhD from the Nutritional Sciences Department at University of Connecticut in 2008. He has worked as a Registered Dietitian in the clinical setting, and has a research background in sports nutrition, lipoprotein metabolism, inflammation and insulin resistance. He has been working in public health since 2011, starting in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) for 6 years before returning to UConn, where he currently serves as Coordinator of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program for the state of Connecticut. Mike’s research focuses on improving food security and physical activity in low-income populations, with recent efforts on increasing use of trails in Connecticut as part of the Multi-Use Trail Research Team. Out of this project, he was able to secure funding to assess barriers and facilitators to physical activity for Hispanic adults in Connecticut.
Sarah Amin, Ph.D sarah_amin@uri.edu
Sarah Amin, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an Associate Professor and Director of SNAP-Ed & EFNEP at the University of Rhode Island. She is a community-engaged researcher who is passionate about working in partnership with the community to promote the nutrition security of school-age youth and their families. Dr. Amin completed her post-doctoral training in school-based physical activity interventions at the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She received her Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Vermont, and M.P.H. from Brown University. In her spare time, she enjoys getting outside with her family as well as running, swimming, biking, and hiking
Leadership Team
Project Director
Michelle Rodgers (Michellerodgers@extension.org)
Associate Director
Jackie Wilkins (Jackiewilkins@extension.org)
Lead Evaluator
Laura Downey (Lauradowney@extension.org)
Program Team
Design Strategist
Molly Immendorf (Mollyimmendorf@extension.org)
Team and Leadership Development
Karl Bradley (Karlbradley@extension.org)
Communications
Melanie Pugsley (Melaniepugsley@extension.org)
Partnership Development and Strategic Communication
Erica DeWald (Ericadewald@extension.org)
Tia M. Gregory (Tiagregory@extension.org)
Regional Coordinator
Ruth Hursman (Ruthhursman@extension.org)
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