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Brittany Homer is an HDFS alumni and a change maker. Using her skills as a Certified Family Life Educator and her HDFS knowledge, she built Project STAND - a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing exploitation by empowering youth and parents to navigate technology responsibly.

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Meet Brittany Homer, a dynamic alumna who graduated in 2016 with a degree in Family Life Studies from Utah State University's HDFS department. Since her graduation, Brittany has co-founded Project STAND, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing exploitation by empowering youth and parents to navigate technology responsibly. As the Executive Director of Project STAND, Brittany is on a mission to foster healthier relationships with technology, creating a safer online environment for families and communities.

Making a Difference with Project STAND: At Project STAND, Brittany has established two crucial components. The first, "STAND Week," is a peer-led program in schools, encouraging young people to make responsible choices in their digital lives while fostering open communication between students and their parents. The second, "STAND & Raise," provides resources and support for parents, recognizing their pivotal role in protecting and nurturing their children. This initiative offers the Parent Empowerment Speaker Series and other projects that help parents develop healthy relationships with their kids, recognize emerging trends among youth, and safeguard children from online exploitation.

Harnessing HDFS Education for Impact: Brittany attributes her ability to make a difference in the lives of families and communities to her education in the HDFS department. Her degree in Family Life Studies provided her with essential knowledge, experience, and a pathway to channel her passion for family well-being. She chose the program for its flexibility, and her advice to current students is to not just complete coursework for a grade, but to "dive in and explore your life's mission!"

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Brittany has co-founded Project STAND, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing exploitation by empowering youth and parents to navigate technology responsibly. HDFS Undergraduate Committee

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Extension Professor and HDFS Content Creator: Amanda Christensen

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Extension Professor and HDFS Content Creator: Amanda Christensen

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Amanda Christensen of @utahmoneymoms is an HDFS graduate, and a phenomenal Extension Professor! Amanda has received multiple state and national awards for her service, programs, and leadership.

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Amanda Christensen graduated from the HDFS department in 2008 with an emphasis in Family Finance. She also completed a Master's degree from the department in 2010. Amanda is currently an Extension Professor with Utah State University specializing in personal finance outreach education. Of the position she said:
In essence, instead of a teaching/research assignment on campus with students, I have an Extension/service assignment to develop educational resources and teach Utahn's about personal finance. I develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills of individuals to manage financial resources. Impact data reports that individuals who engage with my programs create financial goals, reduce their debt burden, review their credit reports, track monthly spending, implement a monthly budget, increase savings, and report an overall increase in financial wellbeing. To extend my reach, I provide a variety of delivery methods including face-to-face instruction, online webinars, online courses, YouTube videos, Instagram videos (IGTV), websites, social media outreach, television, and radio. Through these methods, I provide research and evidence-informed personal finance education to fulfill the Extension mission of extending university resources to the communities I serve.
Amanda is an outstanding Extension Professor and has received multiple state and national awards for her service, programs, and leadership.

Amanda appreciates the knowledge and experience she gained in the HDFS department, and the help it has given her in her career. She especially appreciates that the Family Finance emphasis prepared her to become an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) through the Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE). Of the AFC designation and AFCPE, Amanda said:
The AFC and AFCPE have really been paramount in my pursuit of excellence in the field of personal finance. Both are synonymous with quality standards that I feel people should expect from experts who teach personal finance and create resources to help people navigate real-life money decisions.

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Amanda Christensen graduated from the HDFS department in 2008 with an emphasis in Family Finance. She also completed a Master's degree from the department in 2010. Amanda is currently an Extension Professor with Utah State University specializing in personal finance outreach education. Amanda Christensen

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Family Finance Career Options: KristiLynn Wilkinson

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Family Finance Career Options: KristiLynn Wilkinson

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Are you interested in helping individuals and families with their finances? Then the Family Finance emphasis may be a great fit for you! KristiLynn explains her experience learning about Family Finance and career opportunities.

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Alumni Spotlight: Katie and Michael King

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Family Life Education: Katie & Michael King

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Family Life Education: Katie & Michael King

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Katie and Michael King, both HDFS graduates, are using their degrees to improve their community! Katie oversees a music studio where she teaches “Let’s Play Music” curriculum, and Michael is the director of “Legacy Kids” – a youth development and parenting coaching program.

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Katie and Michael King both completed the HDFS undergraduate program in 2015, and Michael later completed a master's degree (2017) and PhD (2023). The Kings exemplify the transformative impact of their education in their respective careers. Katie oversees a vibrant music studio, where she teaches the "Let's Play Music" curriculum to over 80 students, harnessing her HDFS background to instill foundational music theory and musicianship in children aged 0-12. Her minor in music, coupled with her major in HDFS, equips her with the skills to create enriching learning environments for her students. Meanwhile, Michael serves as the director of "Legacy Kids," a groundbreaking youth development and parent coaching program. Drawing from his understanding of human development and family theories, Michael guides children towards autonomy and capability, while providing parents with continuous support to nurture a harmonious home environment.

Reflecting on their choice of major, Katie and Michael highlight their motivations and insights gained from the HDFS program. Katie's aspiration to create an optimal environment for her children led her to HDFS, where she discovered professional applications that now shape her daily interactions. Michael's fascination with Family Systems Theory drove him towards HDFS, igniting his passion for understanding human development within familial contexts. Their experiences are great examples of the breadth and depth of knowledge offered by HDFS, enriching their understanding of human behavior and family dynamics.

As they navigate their careers, Katie and Michael emphasize the invaluable lessons and practical applications they gained from their HDFS coursework. From critical thinking in family finance to addressing societal challenges, Katie finds herself continuously applying her HDFS insights daily. Similarly, Michael noted the transformative potential of HDFS knowledge in addressing concerning trends for children and families. Through their practicum experiences, which clarified professional goals and sparked innovative initiatives, Katie and Michael exemplify the profound impact of hands-on learning in preparing for meaningful careers. Their advice to prospective HDFS students echoes their own journey: immerse yourself in the experience, explore diverse courses, and discover the limitless possibilities of transforming passion into purposeful careers.

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Alumni Spotlight; Katie and Michael King

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Katie and Michael King both completed the HDFS undergraduate program in 2015, and Michael later completed a master's degree (2017) and PhD (2023). The Kings exemplify the transformative impact of their education in their respective careers. HDFS Undergraduate Committee

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Global Outreach Strategist - Child & Human Development Careers: Sabrina Trimble

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Global Outreach Strategist - Child & Human Development Careers: Sabrina Trimble

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Sabrina Trimble is a change maker! She is a Global Outreach Strategist for Saprea, a nonprofit organization that helps liberate individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. Sabrina said her experience with the HDFS major was empowering. She said, "I learned that my voice matters, and I can be an advocate in my community to make a difference."

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Sabrina Trimble is a Global Outreach Strategist for Saprea, a nonprofit organization that helps liberate individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. Sabrina was involved in the HDFS department as an Undergraduate Teaching Fellow with Dr. Ryan Seedall and Darcy Keady, participated in the HDFS Club with Dr. Aryn Dotterer, and worked as a research assistant with Dr. Diana Meter. With each area of involvement, Sabrina gained skills that have helped her seamlessly transition to the workforce. Based on her experience, she strongly encourages students to network, take advantage of the opportunities available to HDFS majors, and connect with professors. She said:

I could list each teacher within the department that has helped me learn material, skills, and helped me understand why human development and family studies is a crucial field of study. Strong families create a strong society. Studying HDFS is a step in the direction of changing ourselves, changing our families, changing our communities, and changing society. What we do matters, and our education can truly impact the world around us.

One of the most important things Sabrina learned during her time in the HDFS department is that she "has a voice." Sabrina said, "I learned that my voice matters, and I can be an advocate in my community to make a difference. I was empowered with education and the drive to enter the workforce with the desire to advocate for families." Sabrina reflected that her time in the HDFS major was life changing. She said:

I'm the first person in my family to graduate from college and I wouldn't be able to be in the career I love if it weren't for the degree I earned through the HDFS Department at USU. I love knowing my work is making a difference in society. Each day I get to help provide healing, prevention, and awareness regarding child sexual abuse. I know that what I am doing is making a difference in the world and that is a powerful feeling!

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Sabrina Trimble is a Global Outreach Strategist for Saprea, a nonprofit organization that helps liberate individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. Sabrina was involved in the HDFS department as an Undergraduate Teaching Fellow with Dr. Ryan Seedall and Darcy Keady, participated in the HDFS Club with Dr. Aryn Dotterer, and worked as a research assistant with Dr. Diana Meter.

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Sybil is currently pursuing a PhD in Human Development & Family Studies, and completed her undergraduate at USU. Watch as Sybil explains multiple ways you can apply a degree in HDFS to various career opportunities.

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Tasha Howard is an award-winning Extension Assistant Professor, and an HDFS graduate. The most important thing she learned in her time at USU was that “I can't do it alone. I love the emphasis on working with others. . .My career is one working with people and through all the classes I learned skills to be able to help me do that.”

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Tasha Howard is an Extension Assistant Professor and completed both a bachelor's and master's degree with the HDFS department. She has created new and innovative programs for both Idaho and Utah, and taught thousands of community members, presented at local, state, and national conferences. Beyond teaching, she has published newspaper articles, journal articles, impact reports, and research reports. She has received approximately 3 million dollars in grant funds. Her excellence has been recognized through local, state, and national awards. She said, "My education in HDFS set me up for success by providing me opportunities to explore all aspects of my current career." Tasha noted group projects taught her collaboration skills and she learned to apply research into her teaching.

Tasha enjoyed her coursework in the HDFS department, particularly the opportunities to collaborate with others. Furthermore, she loved the variety of topics she studied. She said, "I wanted to be able to learn about a lot of different topics while still maintaining a trajectory for a future career. HDFS helped me with that by allowing me to take courses on topics I found interesting, relatable, and useful while still helping me see the end goal."

The most important thing she learned in her time at USU was that "I can't do it alone. I love the emphasis on working with others. . .My career is one working with people and through all the classes I learned skills to be able to help me do that."

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Tasha Howard is an Extension Assistant Professor and completed both a bachelor's and master's degree with the HDFS department. She has created new and innovative programs for both Idaho and Utah, and taught thousands of community members, presented at local, state, and national conferences. Tasha Howard

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Family Finance - HUD Housing Counseling: McKenzie Walsh

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Family Finance - HUD Housing Counseling: McKenzie Walsh

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McKenzie Walsh is a Family Finance graduate and Certified HUD Housing Counselor. She educates individuals daily, empowering them to improve their personal finances and achieve their short and long-term goals.

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By HDFS Undergraduate Committee | February 8, 2024

McKenzie Walsh, a 2017 HDFS graduate, has embarked on a fulfilling career as a Certified HUD Housing Counselor at USU Extension in Salt Lake County. Drawing on the comprehensive knowledge gained from completing the family finance emphasis, McKenzie dedicates herself to educating individuals daily, empowering them to improve their personal finances and achieve their short and long-term goals. Her decision to pursue HDFS stemmed from a desire to make a tangible impact on individuals and families while exploring her passion for finances in a non-traditional business setting.

Reflecting on her HDFS journey, McKenzie underscores the invaluable lessons learned throughout her coursework. From the importance of networking to the practical applications of financial principles in both professional and personal realms, McKenzie emphasizes the holistic preparation provided by the HDFS program. Her practicum experience at a real estate company proved instrumental in honing her skills and understanding the intersection of financial literacy and real-world transactions. McKenzie's advice to aspiring HDFS students echoes her own experiences: embrace creativity, think outside the box, and explore diverse opportunities within the field to realize your full potential. As McKenzie continues to empower individuals and families towards financial wellness, her journey exemplifies the transformative impact of HDFS education in shaping meaningful careers and effecting positive change in communities.

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McKenzie Walsh, a 2017 HDFS graduate, has embarked on a fulfilling career as a Certified HUD Housing Counselor at USU Extension in Salt Lake County. Drawing on the comprehensive knowledge gained from completing the family finance emphasis, McKenzie dedicates herself to educating individuals daily, empowering them to improve their personal finances and achieve their short and long-term goals.

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Emily is an HDFS graduate, applying what she learned in her HDFS major to help elementary school children. School counseling requires a graduate degree, and an HDFS undergraduate degree is fantastic preparation for this line of work.

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We are excited to highlight Emily Pitt Mendoza! Emily graduated in 2013 from the Human Development and Family Studies department, Logan campus, and currently works as an elementary school counselor. Part of her work includes teaching curriculum-based social and emotional topics relevant to the needs of the student body. She meets with students individually, as well as in small groups, and focuses on helping the students learn more about processing emotions. Emily said her coursework at Utah State University was essential for her career path,

"I learned the foundations of child development as well as important information regarding counseling individuals through difficult situations. The most important thing I learned in this major was the power and importance of mental health, both in myself and those I work with in a professional setting. This information has been crucial as I work with the amazing students, families, and faculty and staff in my work community."

Emily said applying what she learned in her coursework to all areas of her life was an incredible experience. She learned to expand her thinking and pursue her passions and interests. Furthermore, she was able to form life-changing associations with fellow students and instructors. For her practicum (applied, hands-on senior experience), Emily was a summer camp counselor:

"This was extremely helpful career preparation. It provided me with the opportunity to be creative, patient, flexible, and practice helping young children work through their difficult moments. It also allowed me to work with a more diverse population than I had in the past, which was educational and wonderful."

Emily whole-heartedly suggests the HDFS major to students at USU. She pointed out that it gives students a wide variety of potential career options. She noted that the undergraduate program was excellent preparation for graduate school. Emily said, "I would choose it as my undergraduate major again and again."

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We are excited to highlight Emily Pitt Mendoza! Emily graduated in 2013 from the Human Development and Family Studies department, Logan campus, and currently works as an elementary school counselor. Part of her work includes teaching curriculum-based social and emotional topics relevant to the needs of the student body.

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Marriage & Family Therapy: Moana Fullmer

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Marriage & Family Therapy: Moana Fullmer

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HDFS is a fantastic way to prepare for clinical graduate coursework including Marriage & Family Therapy. Moana completed her undergraduate coursework in HDFS and is now preparing to become a Marriage & Family Therapist.

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Education in Corporate Settings: Leslie Buxton

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Education in Corporate Settings: Leslie Buxton

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Leslie Buxton majored in HDFS and is Training and Development Specialist in HR, facilitating professional development and leadership curriculum for faculty and staff at USU. Leslie notes that a degree in HDFS is both personally and professionally beneficial.

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Meet Leslie Buxton, a 2013 graduate of Utah State University's HDFS department, whose journey over the past eleven years reflects the versatile and impactful nature studying human development and family relationships. Leslie has played key roles at Utah State University, transitioning from a Program Coordinator in the Student Orientation office to an Academic Advisor for Civil and Environmental Engineering students. Currently serving as a Training and Development Specialist in HR, Leslie develops and facilitates professional development and leadership curriculum for faculty and staff at USU.
Foundation in HDFS Education:
Leslie credits her successful career trajectory to her HDFS education. Leslie noted the impact of completing Human Development Across the Lifespan to fulfill general education requirements:

That course opened my eyes to the fact that it was a "science" to understand human conditions and relationships. The ideas I learned provoked more thought and interest than any other courses I had taken in my first year of college. I didn't realize I could major or find a career in something that was both so interesting and applicable to family life. After completing this course, I promptly made an appointment with the advisor and made the necessary steps to get into the major.

Leslie also highlighted the skills gained in her coursework including Research Methods, Families and Social Policy, and Family Life Education Methods. These skills have been pivotal in her roles, from engaging with students and parents during orientation to supporting engineering students through program requirements. Leslie's diverse roles showcase how her HDFS education provided a strong foundation, allowing her to seamlessly navigate different aspects of student engagement and professional development.
Personal Enrichment and Career Connections:
Beyond professional growth, Leslie emphasizes the personal enrichment derived from her HDFS knowledge. Concepts like Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, Gottman's relationship principles, and insights into child development have significantly impacted her role as a spouse and parent. Leslie's practicum experience with Community Abuse Prevention Service Agency (CAPSA) not only equipped her with valuable skills but also forged personal connections that influenced her career positively. Her advice to prospective HDFS students is to explore introductory courses, emphasizing the profound and lasting impact HDFS knowledge can have on both personal and professional aspects of life.

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Meet Leslie Buxton, a 2013 graduate of Utah State University's HDFS department, whose journey over the past eleven years reflects the versatile and impactful nature studying human development and family relationships. HDFS Undergraduate Committee

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Global Outreach & Research-Focused Careers: Brenna Merrill

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Global Outreach & Research-Focused Careers: Brenna Merrill

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Brenna Merrill is an HDFS graduate making a difference with global humanitarian work, and data analyst. Her advice? “Embrace the unique opportunities this degree offers, and you'll find yourself well-prepared for a fulfilling career that makes a positive impact."

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Brenna Merrill is an HDFS graduate making a difference in global humanitarian efforts as a Data Analyst for the Humanitarian Division of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her role involves training volunteers and employees worldwide on the Church Humanitarian System and expanding JustServe through empirical research and trainings. Brenna attributes her success in this impactful career to her HDFS coursework, which instilled in her a deep understanding of family relationships, healthy human development, and the critical role they play in effective humanitarian projects. Reflecting on her journey, Brenna emphasizes, "My HDFS coursework prepared me to analyze data, understand key aspects of humanitarian projects, and find solutions that benefit individuals, families, and societies at large."

Brenna's journey into HDFS was fueled by a desire to help families across diverse cultures and contexts. Her passion for making a difference led her to initiate a parenting education program in Guatemala for her Master's capstone project, showcasing her commitment to applying academic knowledge to real-world challenges. Throughout her studies, Brenna discovered the universal and nuanced aspects of the family unit worldwide. She reflects, "HDFS provided me with valuable hands-on experiences, including internships and research projects, which equipped me with the skills necessary for a fulfilling career."

As she navigated her undergraduate and graduate studies, Brenna's practicum experiences at the Starfish Center and as a graduate researcher for the Utah Women and Leadership Project provided invaluable insights into her career path. These experiences not only helped her identify her passions but also equipped her with practical skills and knowledge essential for her professional journey. To students considering majoring in HDFS, Brenna advises, "HDFS offers an in-depth understanding of the family unit and human development, which are applicable to any career path. Embrace the unique opportunities this degree offers, and you'll find yourself well-prepared for a fulfilling career that makes a positive impact." Brenna's story exemplifies the transformative power of HDFS education in shaping meaningful careers and creating lasting change in communities worldwide.

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Brenna Merrill is an HDFS graduate making a difference in global humanitarian efforts as a Data Analyst for the Humanitarian Division of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. HDFS Undergraduate Committee

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Early Intervention - Child Development Careers: Kimra Ross

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Early Intervention - Child Development Careers: Kimra Ross

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Kimra is an HDFS statewide graduate who currently works as an early intervention specialist with children between the ages of birth to three who have developmental delays or disabilities.

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Kimra Ross is one of our Human Development and Family Studies statewide graduates (2017) who found a fulfilling career while completing her practicum experience at Prime Time 4 Kids in Vernal, Utah. This is an early intervention program that Kimra says she "instantly fell in love with." She is currently an early intervention specialist and works with children between the ages of birth to three who have developmental delays or disabilities.

Kimra believes that the foundational knowledge she received through her HDFS coursework prepared her for this position. She took child development classes, early childhood curriculum courses and completed a teaching practicum in the USU Little Aggies Preschool in Roosevelt, Utah. Kimra states:

"My experience at Little Aggies helped me realize I wanted to work with young children and gave me the practical skills in how to interact with and help young children."

Kimra completed both the Child Development and Family and Community Services emphases as part of her HDFS degree and has found these both to be beneficial to her career. Kimra has found that this has opened doors that she hadn't even considered. Kimra's advice to students considering a HDFS degree is to, "Ask questions and learn about the myriad of options available. Get to know your professors and build relationships with those who will help you find your niche."

In describing how a degree in HDFS has impacted her life, Kimra states: "This major has taught me life skills that are priceless outside of school and a career. I truly believe I am a better wife, mother, friend and overall, a more compassionate person from this major."

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Kimra Ross is one of our Human Development and Family Studies statewide graduates (2017) who found a fulfilling career while completing her practicum experience at Prime Time 4 Kids in Vernal, Utah. Shirlene Law

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Family Finance Career Options: Lucas Martin

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Family Finance Career Options: Lucas Martin

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Lucas has held positions as an assistant professor with USU Extension, director of the Housing and Financial Counseling Clinic, adjunct professor with BYU Idaho, and is currently the director of Human Services at Bear River Association of Governments (BRAG). There are many ways to apply a degree in HDFS with a Family Finance emphasis!

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When Lucas Martin learned about the emphasis in Family Finance in the HDFS department, he loved the idea of "empowering others to make positive changes in their personal finances." He quickly decided it was a good fit for him. Before graduation, Lucas completed an internship with Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation. He was able to use the counseling and credit skills he learned in the Family Finance program to help clients prepare for home ownership. Because of his effective use of skills and knowledge, Lucas was offered a position with the agency after graduation.

Lucas decided to return to school and earn a Master's degree through the HDFS department. After completing that degree in 2012, he has held positions as an assistant professor with USU Extension, director of the Housing and Financial Counseling Clinic, adjunct professor with BYU Idaho, and is currently the director of Human Services at Bear River Association of Governments (BRAG).

About his current position at BRAG, Lucas said:
Our department assists households who are unsheltered, at risk of losing their housing, need heating/water utility assistance, tax preparation assistance, and other supportive services. Current collaborations with USU include working with Transforming Communities Initiative, utilizing volunteers for the annual point in time count, assisting USU with their free tax clinic, and providing opportunities for internships to social work students and HDFS students.
Lucas has benefited from the education he received in the HDFS department. He said: I use many of the skills from my undergraduate and graduate coursework in my current job. I utilize information and skills from the undergraduate housing policy and financial counseling courses every day working with clients. In addition, theory and policy courses from my graduate degree inform my program evaluation, grant writing, community engagement, and policy work in my administrative role. I love working with community partners to serve those who are most vulnerable in Box Elder, Cache, and Rich counties and am grateful for the role USU has played in my career.

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When Lucas Martin learned about the emphasis in Family Finance in the HDFS department, he loved the idea of "empowering others to make positive changes in their personal finances." He quickly decided it was a good fit for him. Alena Johnson

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Family Life Education - Nonprofit Organizations and Developmental Assessments: Calie Gallup

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Family Life Education - Nonprofit Organizations and Developmental Assessments: Calie Gallup

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Calie uses her background in Child Development to assess child development and teach parents in home and community settings. Learn more about Calie's journey through her education!

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Nonprofit Housing Corporation: Carmelita Salas

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Nonprofit Housing Corporation: Carmelita Salas

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Carmelita Salas, a recent HDFS graduate, works with the Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation in the Owner Builder program and plays a crucial role in guiding families through the process of building their homes.

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Carmelita Salas works with the Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation in the Owner Builder program and plays a crucial role in guiding families through the process of building their homes. This year-long commitment involves close collaboration with the administration team, construction crew, subcontractors, and families. The unique blend of administrative and interpersonal skills required in Carmelita's role reflects the comprehensive preparation she gained through her HDFS coursework.

Choosing HDFS for a Purpose: Carmelita shares that her challenging family background fueled her desire to contribute to strengthen diverse families and communities. The online format of the HDFS major, coupled with its focus on understanding family dynamics across various life stages, drew her to choose this major. Carmelita recognizes the transformative potential of empowering families, and her career with Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation is a testament to the profound impact majoring in HDFS can have on community development.

Valuable Insights and Career Readiness: Carmelita emphasizes that achieving her goal of obtaining a bachelor's degree is not only a personal triumph but also a source of enduring value in various aspects of her life and career. Her practicum experience in the Owner Builder program was particularly impactful, leading to a full-time position and further highlighting the practical applicability of HDFS knowledge in real-world settings.

Advice for Prospective HDFS Students: Reflecting on her HDFS journey, Carmelita offers advice to prospective students considering the major. She said,

The program and the professors are excellent. They care about their students and want you to succeed. The coursework is valuable in many areas of your life and can be used in many careers. If you are considering HDFS, you will not be disappointed and have a lot of support.

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Carmelita Salas works with the Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation in the Owner Builder program and plays a crucial role in guiding families through the process of building their homes. HDFS Undergraduate Committee