Meet the University Extension Lead Team in Douglas/Sarpy Counties

The University Extension Lead Team in Douglas/Sarpy Counties has developed educational programming, including “Living Safely With Lead: Reducing The Risk” and “Living Safely With Lead: Maintenance of Older Homes” programs. In addition, the team promotes their “Kids Run Better Lead Free” message at fairs, shows, and other public events.

Learn more about the University Extension faculty involved.

Trenton Erickson, BS, Extension Assistant
Trenton Erickson joined University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in 2004.  He helps develop programs that encourage smart landscapes with a minimum of inputs.  Erickson is responsible for creating and maintaining demonstration landscapes that show lead exposure prevention and water quality protection.  He has prior experience in landscaping as well as conservation.  Erickson earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences from UNL.

Mr. Erickson's expertise on the lead team includes how to reduce the risk of lead poisoning through proper landscaping practices.

John C. Fech, MS, Extension Educator
John Fech, extension educator for University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension since 1987, is responsible for educational programming in sustainable landscape design and maintenance. He oversees the Master Gardener program in Douglas and Sarpy Counties, providing training and support. Mr. Fech also provides gardening information to the public through the news media. He has previous experience as a horticulturist for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and in research for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Mr. Fech earned a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from UNL, and a master’s degree in turfgrass science, also from UNL.

Mr Fech’s expertise on the lead team includes how to use landscaping to reduce the risk of lead poisoning.

Connie Lowndes, BS, Extension Assistant
Connie Lowndes has been affiliated with University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension since 1990.  She has experience as a volunteer Master Gardener, trainer and Project Assistant on special projects.  Connie earned her bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences, ornamental horticulture major with emphasis in communications and education from UNL.

Ms. Lowndes' coordinates the lead team.  She is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with agencies, community groups, and clients interested in lead awareness and education.

Carrie Schneider-Miller, MS, RD, Extension Educator
Carrie Schneider-Miller joined University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in 2001. She is the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Supervisor. NEP provides free educational programs to families on limited budgets. Participants learn how to eat healthier and save money. Schneider-Miller has prior experience as a nutrition teaching assistant for UNL, as UNL Recreation Center Certified Personal Trainer, and as nutritionist for the University of Nebraska Athletic Department. She earned a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from UNL and a master’s degree in nutritional science and dietetics from UNL.

Ms Schneider-Miller’s expertise on the lead team includes how to reduce risk of lead poisoning through nutrition and hygiene.

Sharon O. Skipton, MS, Extension Educator
Sharon Skipton has been an extension educator for University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension since 1979. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing educational programming on lead in the home, drinking water quality and on-site wastewater treatment. She also is responsible for Farm*A*Syst/Home*A*Syst and Healthy Homes educational programming. Ms. Skipton has previous experience as a home economics teacher for the Wahoo and Bloomfield Public School Districts. She earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics education and extension from UNL and a master’s degree in home economics education, also from UNL.

Ms Skipton’s expertise on the lead team includes housekeeping and home repair techniques to reduce lead poisoning

Vernon L. Waldren, MS, Unit Leader
Vernon Waldren is responsible for administration of Cooperative Extension in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. He coordinates coalitions with cooperating agencies, organizations and businesses, including political entities within the Omaha area. Mr. Waldren has prior experience as an extension educator for Douglas County, and as an extension educator for Sarpy County. He earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University.

Mr Waldren’s expertise on the lead team includes coordination of coalitions and administration of the lead program in Douglas/Sarpy Counties.

Rachel Wright, BS, Extension Assistant
Rachel Wright joined University of Nebraska Extension in 2003. She is responsible for development of lead educational materials and grant writing. She serves on the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance Education committee.

Wright has a bachelor’s degree in Government and Political Science and Public Relations with an emphasis in communication from Northwest Missouri State University.

Mrs. Wright’s expertise on the lead team includes material development, public relations and grant writing.