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Coronavirus COVID-19

COVID-19 Advisory: WSU Extension is working to keep our communities safe. All Extension programming is being provided virtually, postponed, or canceled. Effective March 16, 2020, WSU Extension county offices and WSU Research & Extension Centers will be closed to the public. We are available via email, phone, and webconference.

Meet Our EFNEP Staff

Program Contact: M. Catalina Aragon, Assistant Professor
(253) 798-3252 • c.aragon@wsu.edu

One Cambodian, one Puerto Rican, one Taiwanese, and one European women

White hispanic woman smilingM. Catalina Aragon, State EFNEP Leader

Ms. Aragon is the State Leader for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) in Washington and an Assistant Professor of Nutrition in Extension, stationed in Pierce County. Catalina has been with WSU and worked in the Pierce County community since 2014. Prior to joining EFNEP, Ms. Aragon led implementation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) grant in Washington. Her expertise and research interests includes program evaluation, survey design, curriculum development, and interventions targeting underserved populations. Outside of the office Catalina keeps busy cooking and hiking with her family and dog.

c.aragon@wsu.edu | (253) 798-3252

Diana Zamora MS, RDN EFNEP Supervisor

Diana is a registered dietitian and the Pierce County EFNEP supervisor. She has experience leading bilingual (English/Spanish) nutrition education classes in the community and outpatient settings. Diana is committed to addressing the economic, obesity, and food insecurity challenges that hinder the nutritional health of individuals. In her spare time, Diana enjoys reading, trying her hand at new recipes, and spending time with her husband and two Holland Lop bunnies.

diana.zamora@wsu.edu | (253) 798-3227

Beautiful, smiling Taiwanese womanMelody Cheng, EFNEP Educator

Melody works as a Nutrition Educator in Pierce County EFNEP. She is part of a team of nutrition educators that implements EFNEP and the Eating Smart-Being Active curriculum throughout Pierce and South King County with a primary focus on Chinese and Taiwanese families. Melody is from Taiwan. A nature lover, her hobbies include traveling, singing, cooking and flower arrangement.

chengm@wsu.edu | (253) 798-7252

beautiful smiling European women with blonde hairMartha Hykel, EFNEP Educator

Martha is an educator for EFNEP in Tacoma. She teaches in English and works with families with children from many diverse backgrounds in both Pierce and King counties. She enjoys cooking, crabbing at the beach, collecting teapots, and spending time with her daughter, dog, and two cats.

hykelm@wsu.edu | (253) 798-3663

Beautiful smiling Cambodian woman with hatSamanda Chai Yun, EFNEP Educator

Chai is from Cambodia and teaches classes in Cambodian (Khmer). She has been with EFNEP in Pierce County for over 10 years and enjoys working with young families. Chai enjoys hiking, mushroom hunting, and spending time with her grandchildren.

sc.yun@wsu.edu | (253) 798-3276

Violeta Larin, EFNEP Educator

Violeta works as a nutrition educator in Pierce County EFNEP. She is part of a team of nutrition educators that delivers the Eating Smart, Being Active curriculum throughout Pierce and South King County with a primary focus on Spanish-speaking families. Violeta is from El Salvador, Central America. She enjoys cooking, loves nature, and enjoys spending time with her two daughters.

violeta.larin@wsu.edu | (253) 798-3259

A woman with red hair is helping a white lady with blonde hair complete a worksheet
EFNEP is taught using a Facilitated Dialogue Style where learners become teachers!

A European woman is holding a green plastic shopping cart
Classes include activities that help participants stretch their food dollars!
Washington State University is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer authorized to provide education, information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that fucntion without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. US Department of Agriculture, Washington State University and County Governments Cooperating. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of non-compliance may be reported through your local Extension Office or file a complaint at the Office of Equal Opportunity, oeo.wsu.edu, 509-335-8288.