The Overton County Ag Extension Office has hired Amy Collins to be the new Family and Consumer Sciences agent.
Collins recently obtained a masters degree in community health and nutrition, focused on helping rural communities. Collins said the appeal of the job came from her passion for food and community, as well as previous experience.
“I had several different internships in grad school in my program,” Collins said. “And I, out of all of them, UT Extension was my favorite. I like working the community. I love teaching. I just felt the most drawn to it.”
Collins said her role involves teaching things like healthy eating and food safety. It also involves things like personal finance and other services geared toward helping parents.
Collins she said she hopes to bring back co-parenting courses in the future to help people with children navigate separation.
The tie between food and agriculture is obvious, but Collins said it is important for Ag Extensions to specialize in family and consumer sciences.
“All these sort of things, they really help the community just to thrive,” Collins said. “As well as just learn more about how to manage your life for the better and improve your well being so that you lead a better life.”
Collins said learning family and consumer sciences help people be healthier and better support themselves.
Collins said she has enjoyed learning how to write news articles over the last few days. In addition, she has been looking into more ways to be active in the community.
“I want to get involved with at the senior community center and help them out,” Collins said. “Teach some classes that are easy exercises like chair yoga and other things that prevent falls.”
