Learning Network and Purdue Extension Staff
Learning Network
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Melinda Grismer
Lifelong Learning
As the Lifelong Learning Coordinator, Melinda provides training to the local industrial park and area small businesses, focusing primarily on workforce development. She also helps community members find distance educational resources to complete high school, GED, or college degrees. In addition, she develops courses, programs, seminars, and in-services that respond to community interest in a variety of topics such as sign language, cooking, writing, guitar playing, personal finances, diverse cultures, learning new marketable skills, and much more! She’s always mining Frankfort’s human resources looking for potential instructors who want share their expertise. -
Claudia Houchen
Language
Claudia is the Language Coordinator for the Purdue Extension’s Learning of Clinton County. She is also a facilitator of Plaza Comunitaria. Claudia's job gives her the opportunity of meeting others and helping them improve their academic or bilingual skills. -
Chris Risse
Technology
As the Technology Coordinator, Chris sets up technology classes which include the Adobe, Microsoft, Discovery Series, and Facilitated Online Computer Courses and maintains equipment, such as the Multimedia Stations. Chris is also in charge of design and advertising including multimedia projects. Chris's other duties are to manage the Learning Network's Ed2Go program, add technical support for all Purdue Extension and Learning Network programs, handle bookkeeping, and develop/master this website.
Purdue Extension
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Susan Tharp
County Extension Director, CFS
Susan is the County Extension Director (CED). Susan provides programming in Consumer and Family Sciences (CFS) which includes life skills programming such as parenting, leadership, nutiriton and resource managment. Susan also provides guidance to the Extension Homemaker program in Clinton County. Economic and Community Developement (ECD) is also a focus including leadership programming, diversity and poverty workshops and workforce development programming. Susan oversees the Guided Independent Study program in which students may gain credit recovery to earn a high school diploma. -
Curt Emanuel
Agriculture and Natural Resources
As the Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Curt assists farmers and commercial producers in the areas of crop and livestock production including pest management, soil fertility, financial management and marketing. He also assists local residents in Home Horticulture including problem diagnosis and treatment options and is the Coordinator for the local Master Gardener Program.
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Stephanie DeCamp
4-H Youth
As the Extension Educator for 4-H/Youth Development, Stephanie coordinates the Clinton County 4-H Program. This includes managing and educating 4-H members, parents, and volunteers within the program, as well as advising and assisting the Clinton County 4-H Advisory Council and Clinton County Fairboard. Stephanie also works with the local schools to address the needs for youth development within in the county.
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Patricia Burkhalter
Family Nutrition Program
As the Family Nutrition Program Assistant, Pat works with limited resource families and individuals to increase their food dollars and stamps appropriately and to provide a safe meal environment. This is accomplished by providing free, informal and easily accessible educational programs in the home and community. These programs focus on developing knowledge and skills related to nutrition and meal planning; food purchasing, preparation and safety; and resource management. She works in collaboration with many community agencies and organizations, such as The Food Stamp Program, WIC, IMPACT, Head Start, Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens and Senior Nutrition Programs. Pat promotes healthy eating and life style behaviors with-in a limited budget while tailoring programs to the audience’s needs.
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Marna Huffer
Learning to Lead
As the Learning to Lead Coordinator, Marna sets up the program day for the Learning to Lead students. Marna makes arrangements for guest speakers and transportation on the program days. Marna is also in charge of arranging TATU( Teens Against Tobacco Use) presentations at the four county schools with the Learning to Lead students.
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Debbi Cole
Office Manager
As the Office Manager, Debbi is responsible for the bookkeeping and purchasing for the Purdue University Cooperative Extension office and the Learning Network. She assists staff members of both the Extension office and the Learning Network in getting programs ready. Debbi is also responsible for rental of the 4-H Community Building and other buildings on the county fairgrounds.
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Jana Doyle
Receptionist/Secretary
Jana is the receptionist/secretary for the Extension Office where she greets visitors, supports Extension/Learning Network programs and staff and helps with the organization of the building and conference room scheduling.