These AgriLife Extension professionals will provide hands-on education and science-based programs throughout their counties.

The grassroots structure of AgriLife Extension, with a presence in all 254 counties, ensures residents can contact someone familiar with solutions and emerging needs specific to their community. County offices dedicated to problem-solving and addressing unique regional challenges are anchored to 12 district offices throughout Texas.

These are the newly appointed AgriLife Extension personnel and the districts, counties and programs they will support.

AgriLife Extension county agents

Emily Catalán, agriculture and natural resources, Travis County

Catalán, of Naples, Florida, earned her bachelor’s in animal science with a minor in mass communication at Texas State University and her master’s in agricultural leadership, education and communications at Texas A&M University. She served as an internship program coordinator with EcoRise, as a program coordinator with Texas A&M’s Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, and previously as an AmeriCorps member with 4-H Capital, where she discovered a passion for educating youth about animal science. Her work in Guatemala showed her firsthand how earning a community’s trust can lead to real accomplishment together. Catalán is eager to bring her knowledge and experience back to Travis County. “I’m most passionate about showing up for my community and making a difference, one relationship at a time,” she said.

Bailey Dehlinger, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bailey County

Dehlinger, of Garden City, earned her bachelor’s in animal science with a concentration in production at Texas Tech University. She completed an internship with the AgriLife Extension office in Glasscock County and worked with Texas A&M AgriLife Research at Lubbock in the cotton program. Dehlinger grew up in the 4-H program, showing lambs, goats and hogs, and participating in apparel projects and livestock judging. Growing up on a cotton farm, she experienced the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that goes into providing for a community. Dehlinger looks forward to helping youth develop a passion for agriculture and 4-H. “Agriculture has shaped who I am, and I’m passionate about giving back to an industry that has given me so much,” she said.

Joe Faulkenberry, agriculture and natural resources, Llano County

Faulkenberry, of Floydada, earned his bachelor’s in agricultural business from Tarleton State University and an associate’s in animal sciences, along with a ranch and feedlot operations certification, from Clarendon College. He brings more than 35 years of agricultural experience in livestock nutrition, feed additives, animal health, agricultural sales and producer relations, including industry leadership roles. He served on the Capital Farm Credit nominating committee, Rodeo Austin committee, and has farmed and ranched with his wife of 37 years. “I look forward to working alongside our local agricultural community to provide education, resources and programs that strengthen agriculture and enhance the quality of life in Llano County,” Faulkenberry said.

Jennifer Fowler, agriculture and natural resources, Andrews County

Fowler, of Cross Plains, earned her bachelor’s in agricultural industries and her master’s in agriculture, both from Tarleton State University. She spent the past eight years as an agricultural science teacher in the Andrews Independent School District, while also serving as adjunct faculty at Odessa College teaching animal science courses. She previously taught in the Crane Independent School District. A third-generation 4-H member, Fowler was active in leadership roles, stock shows, horse club and food and clothing projects growing up, and later served on the advisory board and as an adult leader as her own children joined the program. “AgriLife Extension is about empowering people, strengthening our communities and helping create a brighter future for agriculture,” she said.

Aspyn Green, agriculture and natural resources, Concho County

Green, of Pinedale, Wyoming, earned her bachelor’s in animal science at West Texas A&M University. She previously worked as a veterinary technician, gaining hands-on experience in animal health, diagnostics, medical procedures and record-keeping, along with a background in livestock care, animal husbandry and mentoring. Green grew up in the 4-H program showing pigs, sheep, goats and cattle, and served as a 4-H junior leader, developing leadership skills while working with younger members. She continued in the livestock industry through livestock judging, learning from producers and agricultural professionals. Green is most passionate about the opportunity to expand her knowledge and give back to a program that shaped who she is today. “No two days working in AgriLife Extension are ever the same,” she said.

Cameron Greenwood, agriculture and natural resources, Throckmorton County

Greenwood, of Sweetwater, earned her bachelor’s in agricultural services and development at Tarleton State University and is now completing her master’s in agricultural leadership, education and communication at the same university. She spent last spring completing an internship with the AgriLife Extension office in Palo Pinto County. She is passionate about working with the youth of Throckmorton County and is excited to grow the local 4-H program. “I joined AgriLife Extension to help educate individuals in my county and help the youth grow,” Greenwood said.

Madeleine Haas, health, Jackson, Matagorda and Calhoun counties

Haas, of Cuero, earned her bachelor’s in education from the University of Houston-Victoria. She spent the past five years teaching kindergarten through second grade in Guadalupe and Hays counties. Growing up in the small town of Cuero shaped her appreciation for community and connection.  Her involvement in tennis and choir taught her the value of teamwork and discipline. Growing up surrounded by agriculture also gave her a deep appreciation for the people who work the land and the role agriculture plays in community health. Haas believes teaching young people to make healthy choices is an investment in the future of every community. She hopes to carry those values forward by promoting healthy lifestyles and helping families build stronger, healthier communities.

Angela Rae Pierce, 4-H youth development, Kleberg/Kenedy counties

Pierce, of Falfurrias, earned her bachelor’s in human sciences and her master’s in counseling and guidance, both from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She has more than 13 years of professional experience with state agencies and institutions, including the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and the Texas A&M University College of Pharmacy. Pierce spent 11 years involved with the 4-H program in Brooks County as a parent and volunteer, largely centered around livestock projects and showing rabbits and lambs. Through her son’s participation, she saw the leadership, community involvement and scholarship opportunities 4-H provides. She is excited for this new opportunity and looks forward to building relationships and serving Kleberg and Kenedy counties.

Sarah Simon, 4-H youth development, Caldwell County

Simon, of Cuero, earned her bachelor’s in interdisciplinary agriculture at Sam Houston State University. She spent the past three years as an executive assistant and member services representative for the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas. Simon grew up in the 4-H program showing poultry and steers, and participating in photography, food and nutrition, and leadership projects. “As a 4-H and youth development agent, I believe the most important part of my role is to meet young people where they are, help them identify their interests, and provide experiences that challenge them to learn, grow and lead,” Simon said.

Meghan Williams, 4-H youth development, Randall County

Williams, of San Angelo, earned her bachelor’s in animal science and her master’s in animal science, both from Texas Tech University. She spent the past 13 years at West Texas A&M University as a program coordinator, including nine years coordinating the Education Credit Union Buff $mart program, which provided financial education to students. Williams was very involved in 4-H, showing lambs and participating in the horse project, horse judging, and food and nutrition. For the past six years, she has served as a volunteer leader in Randall County, where her own children are active in the swine project, quiz bowl, judging and other projects. “Through that experience, I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact volunteers have on the lives of young people,” Williams said.

AgriLife Extension program specialists

Zadie Rios, Rural Student Success Initiative program specialist

Rios, of Slaton, earned her bachelor’s in political science from Texas A&M University and her master’s in public service and administration, with a focus in education policy analysis, from the Texas A&M University Bush School of Government and Public Service. She also earned certificates in nonprofit management and policy analysis during her time at the Bush School. Rios spent two years at Daniel Stark Law Firm in Bryan, supporting personal injury cases and client matters. A first-generation college graduate from a rural West Texas community, she experienced the barriers many students face in accessing higher education, inspiring her career path. “I want students to know where they come from or the barriers they may face do not have to determine where they can go,” Rios said.

Emma Grace Thomas, Texas 4-H Rural Student Success Initiative program specialist

Thomas, of El Dorado, Arkansas, earned her bachelor’s in international studies and a minor in Mandarin Chinese from Texas A&M University. She also earned her master’s in public service and administration from Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service. Thomas interned with the Twenty-First Century Group in Washington, D.C., and while earning her graduate degree, worked as a graduate assistant for the Rural Student Success Initiative and a research assistant for the Bush School. She is passionate about serving rural communities and motivating students to pursue higher education. “I hope the impact of my work is that I am able to inspire students and allow them to see their potential,” Thomas said.