About Our Authors

Georgene Bender

For 31 years a professional youth worker, as a volunteer, and paid staff at the local and regional level. Ms. Bender earned a B.S. in Social Work and and a M.S. in Extension Education from The Ohio State University. She has worked as a volunteer for 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, international youth exchanges and church youth education. Currently, she is a Regional Specialized 4-H Agent in Florida with the University of Florida in her 18th year with Extension. She previous worked at Michigan State University in Extension for 8 years. Her areas of specialization includes teaching with technology, working with volunteers, public speaking, photography and working internationally with youth. 

 Heather Kent

Mrs. Kent served 12 years as the 4-H agent in Jackson County, Florida, and has served over 2 years in her current position as Regional Specialized 4-H Agent III for the Northwest District of Florida.  She earned  a B.S. in Landscape Design and an M.S. in ornamental horticulture from Auburn University.  She gives leadership for the 4-H Science Mission Mandate- teaching youth development professionals and volunteers how to teach science inquiry and literacy skills to youth.  Through engagement in 4-H Science, youth apply science learning to all areas of their life, adopting and using new methods of approaching problems science inquiry and literacy skills in order to help the next generation of youth be prepared for .  She is also responsible for Equity, Access, Inclusion and Affirmative Action for the 4-H program.  

 Tracy Tesdall

Ms. Tesdall earned at B.S. in Agricultural Education from the University of Florida and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida.  Currently, she is a Regional Specialized 4-H Agent in South Florida with the University of Florida in her 14th year with Extension.  Her areas of specialization include coordinating 4-H in the Classroom and the leadership and citizenship curriculum areas for Florida 4-H.  She also serves as the state liaison for 4-H afterschool programming.