Katie Pemberton, Field Specialist in Human Development & Family Science, has been with the University of Missouri team for seven years. In her role, Katie interacts with individuals through a variety of topics including parenting, marriage, brain health, mental health, and much more. These programs are vital not only to individuals, but many groups and organizations throughout Katie’s coverage area as they strive to improve the quality of life for their communities.

Katie notes that she is particularly passionate about brain health, which includes connecting communities to research surrounding changes that can lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. In her class called Boost Your Brain and Memory, Katie helps participants understand the unbiased, research-based information surrounding tough brain health situations. One participant in Katie’s class stated, “This class has changed my life. It has given me hope that just because my family member had Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean I am doomed. I can make changes in my life that will help lower my chances. I never knew how important it was for me just to have some hope.”

In her current role as a Human Development & Family Science Specialist, Katie is part of a state-wide team, which includes multiple active grants directly impacting local families. This includes programs that help families improve their life situations to try to get their children back after removal from the home, as well as programs that bring awareness to the mental health of farmers. Through these grants, Katie’s role in MU Extension stays relevant and responsive to current needs throughout her coverage area.

To contact Katie regarding how MU Extension can assist you, or collaborate with your organization, please email her at PembertonK@missouri.edu or call the local MU Extension office at 660-744-6231.