Pre-Conference WorkshopsThe following three Pre-Conference Workshops will be offered on Monday, September 28th from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Continental breakfast will be provided to all workshop attendees at 7:00 AM. Separate registration required. Location: Onsite at Convention Center Building Better MealsPresented by: Valerie Bass, Executive Director of the Tennessee Beef Industry Council Description: The session highlights beef’s role in a balanced diet, aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, emphasizing key nutrients such as protein, iron, and B vitamins, along with food safety and sustainability practices. Participants will gain practical skills in beef selection, preparation, and cooking through demonstration-based learning, as well as budget-friendly meal ideas and consumer-focused messaging. This program provides ready-to-use tools and recipes to help FCS Agents deliver engaging, hands-on nutrition education in their communities. Learning objectives:
Speaker Bio: Valerie is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Beef Industry Council. A graduate of Auburn University, she began her career as a 4-H Agent Assistant with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service and was the director of Consumer Education for the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association prior to working with Tennessee Beef Council. Valerie works with a Board of Directors, all of whom are Tennessee cattle producers, to manage the Beef Checkoff and State Beef Promotion Program. She and her staff specialize in developing and implementing creative ways to remove barriers to purchase and build beef demand with consumers, educators, retailers, foodservice operators, and health professionals throughout the state. Restore and Rise: Rebuilding Life After AddictionPresented by: Jennifer Ward, Katie Conrad, Kristin Riggsbee, Clint Cummings, University of Tennessee Description: This comprehensive workshop prepares Extension professionals to educate and support individuals in recovery by addressing key areas essential to long-term stability and success. Participants gain insight into the effects of addiction on the brain and body, along with practical guidance on nutrition, accessing food resources, workforce readiness, and financial recovery. By combining education with skill-building, participants will leave with the tools to help individuals in recovery rebuild healthy routines, strengthen financial independence, and successfully transition into the next phase of life after addiction. The workshop will be presented by four University of Tennessee Extension Specialists. Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bios: Dr. Jennifer Ward is a Specialist and the Program Director for SNAP-Ed (TNCEP) and previously the director for EFNEP at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. She received her PhD in Human Development and Family Systems and a Master of Public Health degree both from the University of Tennessee. She started her career in refugee resettlement where she was the Executive Director of Bridge Refugee Services, Inc. in East Tennessee. Dr. Katie Conrad is an Extension Specialist II and Web-Based Specialist, specializing in trauma-informed programming, mental health, substance use recovery, and community-based education initiatives. She co-leads statewide projects focused on recovery support, youth relationship education, and mental health literacy, including the SPARK and Nourish Recovery initiatives. Her work emphasizes evidence-based outreach, digital education, and strengthening supportive systems for individuals, families, and communities across Tennessee. Dr. Kristin Riggsbee is an Extension Specialist and assistant professor, specializing in nutrition and food safety. She began her career as a nurse in rural Tennessee before earning degrees in nutrition and dietetics from Tennessee Technological University and a doctorate from University of Tennessee, where her research focused on rural health, food security, and obesity prevention. Following her doctoral work, she served as assistant professor of health and wellness promotion at Maryville College, developing courses in community health and Appalachian food studies. Riggsbee is passionate about Extension work, nutrition education, and addressing food insecurity through community-based research. Clint Cummings is an Extension Specialist and Project Director of Skill Up Tennessee, the statewide SNAP Employment and Training program for the University of Tennessee Extension. The Skill Up Tennessee Recovery Initiative builds on this work and focuses on individuals in recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Clint has a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology: Family Studies and a Master of Science in Educational Psychology: Adult Education. Don't Leave It to ChancePresented by: Carla Byrd, Family Service Advisor with Dignity Memorial; Victoria Tillman, Attorney Description: This workshop is designed to help individuals understand the importance of planning for the future. Participants will learn the basics of estate planning, including wills, powers of attorney, and key end-of-life decisions. The class will also discuss how proper planning can protect assets, reduce stress for loved ones, and ensure personal wishes are honored. By the end of the session, participants will have a better understanding of the steps they can take to begin organizing their plans and securing peace of mind for themselves and their families. Learning Objectives:
Speaker Bios: Carla Byrd is an end-of-life planning specialist, speaker, and Family Service Advisor with over a decade of experience serving families in the greater Knoxville area. With Dignity Memorial, she helps individuals and communities navigate advance planning with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Known for addressing one of life’s most avoided topics with both sensitivity and practical insight, Carla equips audiences to approach end-of-life decisions proactively—reducing emotional and financial burden while preserving dignity. She regularly partners with community leaders and organizations to foster more open, informed conversations around death, legacy, and preparedness. Carla Byrd brings a grounded, thoughtful perspective that challenges cultural hesitation and empowers others to plan with purpose. Victoria B. Tillman is a shareholder in the law firm McKinney and Tillman, P.C., having joined the firm as an associate in 2002; she enjoys serving her clients in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administrations, estate and gift taxes, business formation, succession planning, and formation of tax-exempt organizations and approval of tax-exempt status. Before joining the firm, Victoria managed a solo practice in East Tennessee, and she previously worked at the Memphis firm of Pietrangelo Cook. Victoria is a member of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, as well as a member of the Knoxville and Tennessee Bar Associations, and the Knoxville Estate Planning Council. Victoria currently serves on the Board of the Knoxville Estate Planning Council, and she served as the past chair of the Tennessee Bar Association Estate Planning and Probate Section for years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012; Victoria continues to serve in the Section on the Executive Council. Victoria is a frequent lecturer and served as an adjunct professor for the University of Tennessee College of Law. Victoria received her J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Memphis School of Law, and her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with a major in Accounting, from Memphis State University, graduating summa cum laude. Victoria plays an active role in the community through many channels of service; she and her family are active members of their church and especially enjoy going on short-term mission trips. Victoria serves on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, serving as chair of the Collegiate Ministry Committee. Victoria resides in north Knox County with her husband, Keith, and their children, Alexander and Ellen. |
