Arkansas 4-H State Staff

4-H Events Coordinator

pthomas-scott@uada.edu

Priscella began her career with Extension in 2001 after serving as a program coordinator with the American Lung Association. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Central Arkansas and her master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. As the 4-H Events Coordinator, she provides leadership to the state 4-H activities and events for youth, adult, and staff, including 4-H O-Rama (District & Arkansas), National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, Western Round-Up and the FCS National Invitational. She also provides leadership to the State 4-H program outreach efforts and the summer 4-H internship program. Priscella and her family reside in the Pulaski County area. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, cooking, volunteering in the community and with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

4-H Outdoor Skills Coordinator

jbocksnick@uada.edu

Jesse started his Extension career in 2007 as a county extension agent serving 10 years in that role between Sebastian and Perry Counties. He accepted the Outdoor Skills Coordinator position in 2017 where he provides expertise to programs such as ATV Safety, Shooting Sports, Outdoor Skills Challenge, 4-H Record Books, State 4-H Officers, Agent Training, Agriculture as well as many other areas. 4-H is a family affair as he and his wife Creenna met in 4-H and both are now 4-H professionals while raising their son Ryker. Jesse grew up on a dairy, beef, and commercial hay farm on Big Piney Creek north of Dover Arkansas in Pope county. He bleeds green as a  3^rd generation 4-Her who also served as a 4-H State ambassador and State 4-H Officer. He holds a degree in Agriculture Business from Arkansas Tech University and Masters degree in Agriculture and Extension Education from the University of Arkansas. He enjoys working on his bronco, tractors, or in the shop when time allows.

4-H STEM Instructor

mmcvay@uada.edu

Michelle McVay, a dedicated STEM Instructor with a passion for inspiring young minds through hands-on learning and exploration, began her career with extension in June 2024. Michelle earned both a Bachelor's in Communication Sciences & Disorders and a Master's of Arts in Teaching from the University of Central Arkansas. Beyond the job, her heart lies in travel and the great outdoors. Whether it's hiking through national parks, exploring wildlife, or adventuring to new parts of the world, she finds endless inspiration in the wonders of the Earth. This love for the natural world often finds its way into her career, where she strives to connect scientific concepts with real-life experiences. At home, Michelle cherishes time with her husband Jonathon and their two beloved pups, Sasha and Jolene. They remind her daily of the joy that comes from curiosity and companionship.

4-H Healthy Living, Program Associate

rlchaney@uada.edu

Rachel Chaney has been with extension since 2012, but her history with extension started well before that. She was a 4-H member and worked in agriculture research as a Program Technician in high school and college. For the past eleven years, she has been a Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Agent in two counties, a Staff Chair, and an Early Childhood Program Associate. In December 2024, she accepted the position as the 4-H Healthy Living Program Associate. Rachel graduated from Hazen High School in 2008. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Food, Human Nutrition, and Hospitality in 2012 and a Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Human Development and Family Sciences and Apparel Studies in 2016 from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, AR. Rachel is a foodie and loves to cook for the people she cares about. She is known for experimenting with new recipes and making new dishes. Rachel also love play all types of games and spending time with family and friends.

Volunteer and Staff Development, Program Associate

bwade@uada.edu

Breanna began her experience in 4-H as a 4-H’er in Montgomery County, Arkansas. She spent over 10 years in the program focusing on healthy living and civic engagement and served as a National 4-H Conference collegiate facilitator for two terms. She has her Associate of Arts from the University of Arkansas- Rich Mountain, her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Political Science from the University of Arkansas, and her Master’s in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University. She is a first-generation college student and is passionate about providing opportunities to underserved youth through positive life experiences. Breanna worked with Florida 4-H for three years and has enjoyed implementing programs promoting mental health support and workforce readiness. When she is not working, you can find Breanna looking for odd taxidermy or a good book with her husband Pearson, and her velcro pug, Lucy.

Fiscal Support Analyst

dperry@uada.edu

Dustin was hired as the 4-H Accountant and will lead all budgeting and financial transactions for the department. A triple major in his undergraduate studies and earning his MBA gives him great credentials to work in concert with our foundation and center teams to submit financial transactions, payment requests, gifts, grants, and other budgetary functions.  Dustin plans to continue his education with a terminal degree and his favorite quote is, “I try to avoid things that make me fat, like scales, mirrors, and photographs.”

Civic Engagement & Leadership, Program Associate

bleonard@uada.edu

Bethany began working in extension in November 2023 after serving as the FCS Pathway Adviser and the FCCLA State Adviser. She's now the Civic Engagement Program Associate and the 4-H State Adviser, focusing on Teen Leader Conference, Leadership Opportunities, and the Youth Leadership Team. She received her bachelor’s degree in FCS Education from Harding University and her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Arkansas University. When she's not working, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and her many cats, embracing the title of "crazy cat lady." Bethany is passionate about youth leadership and loves being able to work with Arkansas 4-H Youth.

Curriculum Coordinator, Program Technician

ehill@uada.edu

Emma started working for the State 4-H office in July 2022. She began as an administrative specialist and became Curriculum Coordinator that November, which is her current role. She received her Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas. Emma oversees curriculum, the events and enrollment system, the weekly announcements, and is the administrator for the Arkansas 4-H website. In her free time, Emma loves to cook for her loved ones, bake sourdough bread, read, and spend time with her husband John and beloved cat Ms. Boots. 

4-H Program Technician

jcsmith@uada.edu

4-H Program Technician, Tech Changemakers

cdphillips@uada.edu

Cindy was born into an Arkansas 4-H family. She tried as many projects as possible while always having beef cattle as her main project. She was a Teen Star, Ambassador and a member of the Performing Arts Troupe. When her time in 4-H ended she attended The University of Arkansas and obtained her B.S. and M.S. in Agriculture Education. She then stayed home to raise her seven children. All of her children were 4-H members. The youngest four were Arkansas 4-H members. Her youngest son was actively participating as a member of The Tech Changemakers Team, so she began to help with the team. This turned into her entrance into the professional side of 4-H. Cindy is always willing to talk to you about the benefits of 4-H and the Tech Changemakers Team. Cindy and her husband Bill reside on the family centennial rice farm outside of Stuttgart. She likes to spend her free time with her children, grandchildren, and her 4-H club.

Admin Support Supervisor

lwooten@uada.edu

Lynne Wooten has been with the 4-H Department since April 1997 and serves as the Administrative Support Supervisor. Before Extension, she completed her BA in English, worked with UALR’s Intensive English Language program and served as a secretary for a local engineering firm. She currently provides support to staff and administrative specialists in 4-H, assists with the youth protection program and works daily with Workday travel policies. In addition to maintaining her extensive collection of cows on postage stamps, she enjoys reading and loves to dream about beautiful quilt patterns.

Executive Assistant

kcoleman@uada.edu

Khaliah started at Extension on May 9, 2022 as the Admin Specialist III for Horticulture. Eight months later, Khaliah started as the new Executive Assistant in the Development Office. Now, a year later she is the Executive Assistant for Debbie Nistler-4H and Nina Roofe-FCS. Khaliah studied higher education most of her adult life. She completed her associate degree in business administration at Pulaski Technical College in May of 2011. She is currently attending UALR to finish her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Communications with a minor in Business Information Systems. She hopes to later pursue her Master’s as well. Her general task in 4-H is to assist Debbie Nistler in her day-to-day operations. Fun fact: most of her childhood was spent at her  grandparents 100 acres farm and she absolutely loves John Deer Products! She is a mom to one and only son, Adam, who graduated high school in May of 2024.

Administrative Specialist III

klehmann@uada.edu

Kristin's journey with 4-H commenced as a participant in Conway County, Arkansas, where she devoted more than 13 years to the program, focusing on animal science and healthy living. During her time in 4-H, she made significant contributions to various leadership teams at the local, state, and national levels. In May 2025, Kristin will graduate from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and intends to pursue graduate studies the following semester. In 2024, she worked as a 4-H Youth Development Intern and has since returned as an Administrative Specialist III in the 4-H Youth Development office. In this capacity, she provides support to staff and agents across the state while assisting with everyday operations. Outside of her professional life, Kristin enjoys being a cat mom to Tobie and Paisley, loves thrifting, and taking on catering adventures with her mom!

Administrative Specialist III

lpaden@uada.edu
Lisa is an Administrative Specialist III, andshe has several certifications in the medical field. She has been with 4-H extension since January 17th, 2025.She has a husband named Christopher, two little girls, and her stepson. They love to go on adventures together such as walking trails and swimming. She also really loves baking.

Professor/Extension Specialist, Wildlife

rmcpeake@uada.edu

Becky is a professor in the Forest Resources Unit and has worked for the Cooperative Extension Service since 1998. She has coordinated or provided assistance to a number of 4-H programs over the years in addition to her primary work, which includes providing assistance to county agents conducting landowner/producer outreach and field demonstrations about wildlife. She coordinates the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program, 4-H Food Plot Project, and District and State Wildlife O-Rama’s, and assists with the Wonders of Waterfowl Workshop. She served as a 4-H Club Leader in Saline County for about 15 years and got hooked on raising and showing Dutch rabbits while her kids were in 4-H. She and her husband reside in Benton.

Instructor - 4-H Youth Livestock

aharman@uada.edu

Allison joined the Animal Science Department in February 2023 as the 4-H Youth Livestock Instructor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Business Administration from Clemson University. Her Master of Science degree is from Mississippi State University in Animal Science with a focus in reproductive physiology. Some of her responsibilities as 4-H Youth Livestock Instructor include providing leadership for state-level 4-H livestock contests, supporting county and district showing and selection clinics, and coordinating other state livestock events. Allison is originally from South Carolina where she was very active in 4-H and FFA showing beef cattle and livestock judging. In her free time, she loves being around cattle, putting together puzzles, and going on walks with her dog, Rocky.

Instructor - Poultry Science

abolton@uada.edu