If you’re new to immunization education, start here:
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sheriEPK2026-03-11 13:54:212026-05-07 23:27:06Vaccine Ambassador Training Program (online course)
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ellenkrugel@extension.org2025-10-16 15:46:522026-05-07 22:31:32Getting Started: Vaccine Education Onboarding (Clemson)Access EXCITE materials and learn how to use them in your Extension programming
The EFNEP program curriculum to include vaccine information that coincides with seasonality or current/emergent public health needs. Pharmacy students have developed talking points around immunization that align with the different topics discussed in the program’s sessions. Talking points have been designed to integrate with existing facilitator guides, as well as new participant material with immunization education.
Intended Audience: EFNEP program participants
Balanced Living with Diabetes
Description: A set of educational materials that can be incorporated into diabetes lifestyle management programs and diabetes support programs that are offered by Extension across the United States. Materials were developed for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Balanced Living with Diabetes (BLD) program.
Audience: Individuals with type 2 diabetes
Health Workers: Empowering Adult Immunization Education
Online training program for health workers to become efficient messengers providing adult immunization education.
Intended Audience: Health workers, including community health workers, personal health navigators, peer wellness specialists, peer support specialists, birth doulas, or other lay health educators.
How to Talk to your Doctor about Vaccines
This program integrates adult immunization education into an existing health literacy program designed to improve patient-provider communication by teaching participants how to discuss vaccines with their healthcare providers using evidence-based information that addresses common hesitancies
Intended Audience: Rural adults, who may have lower health literacy levels and face unique vaccination challenges, including heightened concerns about vaccine safety, long-term side effects, effectiveness, and necessity, compared to urban residents.
Poverty Informed Strategies for Immunization Education
A poverty competency workshop for community health partners that applies evidence-based strategies for educating low-resourced populations on preventive health behaviors, such as immunizations. This workshop can result in the real-time development of team-specific action plans for more effectively serving their communities.
Intended audience: Community health partners who work with people experiencing poverty.
Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSSH)
This is a program designed to help older adults improve their strength, fitness, and flexibility. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of falls and osteoporosis, allowing participants to maintain their health and well-being. Additionally, the program includes supplemental educational materials about preventive healthcare services and vaccines specifically for older adults, helping to enhance immunity and overall health as part of the existing strength training curriculum.
SSSH is the program originator, but the material can be integrated into any physical activity curriculum such as Strong Bodies, Strong Women, etc.
Description: This effort is a collaboration between Extension professionals and their land-grant university student health professionals aimed at increasing HPV vaccine awareness and vaccination among university students.
Intended Audience: College students
Linking Animal and Human Health Toolkits
Cultivating Vaccine Awareness Among Farmers and Rural Adults: Toolkits for Extension Professionals. These toolkits give Extension programs a short, credible, agriculture-first talk that reduces vaccine hesitancy by using familiar livestock examples to explain safety, effectiveness, and economics of vaccination, then bridge to human vaccines. There are also small-group conversation cards, materials and social media campaigns designed to help educators lead respectful and productive conversations.
Audience: Rural and Ag audiences
Get support and stay connected with the EXCITE network
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.
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.
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.
Leslie Workman 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Janelle Azmy jazmy@missouri.edu
Janelle Azmy is a Community Health Specialist and EXCITE Health Agent with University of Missouri Extension. She earned her B.A. from Columbia College Chicago and her M.A. from Indiana University. Janelle joined MU Extension in 2023 as part of Missouri’s new Community Health Engagement and Outreach initiative, working to address health gaps and support healthier outcomes for residents across the state. Prior to her current role, she worked in clinical research, served as an assistant instructor at Indiana University, and supported birthing families as a birth doula. Driven by a passion for strengthening the ways individuals care for themselves and confidently advocate for their own health, she focuses on empowering communities through education, support, and connection. When not working, she enjoys spending time outdoors.
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.
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.
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.
Hanna Enomoto henomoto@ucanr.edu
Hanna Enomoto serves as the Health Agent with The Regents of the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). She holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of California, Davis and a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Spanish from the University of Michigan. Before joining the EXCITE team, Hanna interned with UC ANR, where she evaluated the delivery and implementation of School Wellness Policies across multiple county clusters. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing health equity, disease prevention, and community well-being. Outside of work, Hanna enjoys baking, playing pickleball, and rewatching her favorite movies—because some stories are worth revisiting.
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.
Kaley Necessary kaleynecessary@arizona.edu
Kaley Necessary is a Health Agent with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biology and International Community Development from Indiana Wesleyan University and recently earned a master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems from Arizona State University. Before her current role with the EXCITE program, Kaley worked with communities to promote Policy, Systems, and Environmental change in local and regional food systems through Arizona’s SNAP-Ed program. With a background in small-scale agriculture and community development, Kaley is committed to building healthy communities. In her free time, Kaley enjoys paddleboarding, camping, and learning to quilt!
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
This website was developed with support from the Extension Foundation.
This work is supported through an Interagency Agreement (IAA) with the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). AWARD NO: 2021-77041-34831