Katelyn has served as the UF/IFAS Extension DeSoto County, 4-H Agent, for 5 years before transitioning into her new role as the County Extension Director and 4-H Agent in June of 2024. 
Katelyn was born and raised in Punta Gorda, where she was an active Charlotte County 4-H Cows-N-Plows Member, Charlotte Sr. FFA Member, and is a lifetime, Girl Scout. She has experience raising sheep, swine and cattle that she uses to guide 4-H youth through their fair projects. She continues to stay relevant in the show livestock industry by coaching her nieces, attending various shows and clinics, as well as networking with others who have similar interests. Along with completing livestock projects, Katelyn competed in the FFA Forestry Contest where she advanced to the state contest, placing in the top 10, 3 of her 4 years participating. Her involvement in youth organizations provided her with the opportunity to hold leadership roles, meet others, and develop youth/adult relationships which continue to guide and support her through her adulthood.
Following Katelyn’s graduation from Charlotte High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and a master’s degree in Family Youth and Community Sciences from the University of Florida. She bleeds orange and blue!
Prior to Katelyn’s employment with UF/IFAS Extension, she taught Agriscience Foundations at Clewiston High School and developed a passion for increasing agricultural literacy in youth.
Katelyn began her work in DeSoto County in 2019 as the 4-H Agent, being introduced to the program on the first day of the county fair. From there Katelyn worked to meet 4-H families, volunteers, and stakeholders through the county. In 2021, Katelyn was promoted to Interim County Extension Director alongside her 4-H Youth Development appointment. In her time in extension, she has worked to establish 4-H School Enrichment opportunities for all. Focusing on increasing agricultural literacy and enhance the hard work DeSoto educators are doing in their classrooms, while provided youth hands-on learning opportunities. Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, the 4-H program provided 69 School Enrichment programs across the district, focusing on Agricultural Literacy, Embryology (hatching chicks), STEM, Environmental Science, and Gardening. Along with providing school enrichment opportunities to youth, Katelyn also leads volunteers to impact DeSoto youth through 10 4-H Community Clubs which reach 158 youth, ages 5-18.
Katelyn looks forward to leading the DeSoto Extension Office to meet the needs of the community along with continuing to providing 4-H Programs to support tomorrow’s leaders.
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