Kathy Jablonski
Extension Field Specialist, Youth & Family

As an Extension Field Specialist, 4-H Healthy Living, I believe in the mission of UNH Cooperative Extension to “provide New Hampshire citizens with research-based education and information, enhancing their ability to makeinformed decisions that strengthen youth, families and communities, sustain natural resources, and improve the economy.”

My focus is youth:  How do they learn?  What excites kids about making  healthy living choices?  What kinds of skills do we need to mentor them to be socially responsible citizens?  How can we get them involved in programs like 4-H to foster their leadership skills, their skill development and their social and emotional development?

A large portion of my time includes training and supporting other professionals and volunteers who conduct 4-H Healthy Living programs within 4-H Clubs,  other 4-H delivery methods, afterschool programs and in collaboration  with  other youth serving entities. 

Biography

Kathy Jablonski joined the Grafton County Extension staff in August, 2001.  Her background includes: 4-H member and volunteer leader, volunteer Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader,  high school teacher and assistant principal, adult and community education director and elementary principal.  She has received three teacher of the year awards in  Family and Consumer Sciences, Economic Education and Adult Education.  She is currently certified in New Hampshire as an AfterSchool Master Professional trainer with three endorsements.  In her free time, she enjoys the arts, the outdoors, and community volunteer activities.

Educational Background

• Bachelor of Science, Home Economics Education and Psychology, State University of New York at Plattsburgh

• Masters of Education, Adult and Community Education specialty, University of Maine, Orono

• Post Graduate Work, Educational Administration, University of Maine, Orono

Experience

• Kathy has worked as an Extension Home Economist, Head Start Center Director, high school teacher, high school assistant principal, adult and community education director and an elementary principal. Her volunteer work includes stints as a 4-H leader, Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, Literary Volunteer, Business and Professional Women and Rotary Club member. Through all, she has learned the importance of volunteers and their role in promoting positive youth development experiences for the audiences served.

Professional Associations

• National Association of 4-H Agents, currently chairman of New Hampshire's NHAE4HEA Rotary Club of Littleton, New Hampshire, District 7850 Kappa Delta Pi

Program Specialty Areas

• Leadership and volunteer development

• Community youth leadership and citizenship programs

• Volunteerism

• Creating community-based youth development programs for youth ages 5-18

• Collaboration with other youth serving entities to provide training, research and skill development.

• Healthy Living team

Contact Information

• Grafton Staff
• Youth and Family Staff
• Staff Profile home