Illinois Extension and 4-H recently welcomed a new 4-H Educator.  Jessica Jaffry will serve as the new 4-H youth development educator in Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery Counties.  Sara Marten, Illinois Extension county director, says that they are excited to have Jaffry on board and says her experiences with 4-H will serve her well in building partnerships, developing programs,a nd working with volunteers to help youth thrive.  

Jaffry first worked with 4-H as a program coordinator in Jersey County. Her areas of expertise include livestock, leadership development, healthy living, and school-based programming. Jaffry graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science.  She completed her master’s degree in Kinesiology from SIUE.

Jaffry will provide leadership for the youth and development program that supports 4-H clubs and special interest groups, as well as educational events in local communities.  Jaffry says she is excited to work within the local communities and school districts to provide opportunities for youth to develop healthy living skills, as well as leadership and career readiness skills through hands-on programs that will help children to be successful. 

Jessica is based in the Macoupin County Office in Carlinville and can be reached at jjaffry@illinois.edu or 217-854-9604.