It’s Nice to Meet You!
My name is Hillary Ayers and I am excited to be your new Family and Consumer Sciences/Food Systems Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Orange County! I started my position at the beginning of March and now that I am all settled in, wanted to take the time to introduce myself to you.
I am a third generation Floridian, born and raised in Orlando. I can confidently say that I don’t plan on leaving Florida any time soon – if ever – that’s how much I love it here! I enjoy anything that has to do with the outdoors, reading, animals, traveling, and teaching.
Education and Professional Background
I received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Florida State University and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida, with an anticipated graduation date of Fall 2022. At the completion of my Master’s program, I will also be sitting to take the CHES Exam to become a Certified Health Education Specialist.
I have always been passionate about the county and community that I grew up in and am no stranger to working in Extension. I began my career with UF/IFAS Extension Orange County in 2017 with the Family Nutrition Program (FNP) as a Nutrition Educator, where I provided free nutrition education to SNAP-eligible youth and adults. In 2021, I was given the amazing opportunity to become an Extension Program Manager for FNP with UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County, where I managed and helped run the program in that county.
Working with FNP really sparked my passion for nutrition, gardening, and working to ensure food security for those in the community. During my time with the Family Nutrition Program, I learned many valuable skills, such as teaching nutrition to youth and adults, providing cooking demonstrations, planting school/community gardens, and working to create policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes.
Feels Like I Am Back Home!
When an Extension Agent position became available in Orange County, I just knew I had to make the leap and take the next step in my career. I am excited to be back where my journey with Extension first began and I look forward to working with and educating the community about health, wellness, nutrition, and food systems.
Contact Information
Thanks for reading! I am looking forward to working with everyone in Orange County! Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions. You can contact me by e-mail at hayers@ufl.edu or Hillary.Ayers@ocfl.net or by calling our office at 407-254-9200 and asking for me. I look forward to hearing from you!
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