Stephanie Starkebaum takes position as Extension agent

Phillips County’s new family and consumer science Extension agent Stephanie Starkebaum began her position with Colorado State University in early January, and she is already hitting the ground running. Starkebaum, a Phillips County native, brings with her several areas of expertise, including health, wellness and finance.

Starkebaum grew up on a farm just outside of Paoli and attended Haxtun schools. While in high school, she participated in many extracurricular activities, including 4-H, FBLA, FFA, volleyball, basketball, track and softball.

After graduating from Haxtun High School, Starkebaum went on to play basketball at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling. She later transferred to Colorado State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science with a concentration in health promotion.

Her experience after college includes over a decade working in health promotion as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, wellness coach, lifestyle coordinator and exercise specialist.

“A career in health promotion has allowed me to work in all settings such as home, gyms, corporations, resorts, schools and health clubs throughout Vermont, Texas and Colorado,” Starkebaum said.

Starkebaum’s background also includes nearly a decade in the financial sector as a bank teller, credit union member service representative and accounts manager.

“My true passion is in conducting wellness programs that integrate a whole-person wellness approach that incorporates many aspects of health promotion, such as nutrition and fitness as well as behavior and emotional health,” she said.

Starkebaum began her new position with CSU as a local Extension agent Jan. 10. In her new role, she is responsible for partnering with and working through a variety of county and community partners to assess needs and then plan, coordinate, deliver and evaluate programming to meet local needs in human, family and community development; family financial stability; food safety and preservation; and nutrition, health and wellness as they relate to youth, individuals and communities.

“I also identify priority programming opportunities and develop, deliver, facilitate, evaluate and report outcomes to stakeholders,” she said.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.