Jo Elyn Smith
Peoria,IL
Summary
Dedicated nutrition and community education professional with extensive experience in nutrition programming, health education, food service management, and community outreach. Skilled in both virtual and in-person instruction, with experience serving diverse audiences ranging from preschool-aged children to senior adults. Strong background in nutrition education, program delivery, menu planning, regulatory compliance, and participant engagement.
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Work Program Participant
University of Illinois Extension
Pekin Illinois
01.2009 - 01.2026
- Delivered nutrition and wellness programming through EFNEP and SNAP-Ed initiatives.
- Facilitated both virtual and face-to-face educational programs.
- Provided instruction and support to diverse populations, including preschool children, families, adults, and seniors.
- Utilized extensive knowledge of nutrition education curricula and community outreach strategies.
- Assisted participants in developing healthy lifestyle and nutrition habits.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Dietary Cook
Snyder Village Assisted Living
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Prepared and cooked meals for assisted living residents according to dietary guidelines.
- Maintained sanitation and food safety standards throughout each shift.
- Assisted with inventory management and food ordering.
- Planned and prepared for upcoming meal service needs to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
Health and Nutrition Specialist
Tazewell-Woodford Head Start
East Peoria Illinois
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Managed and maintained children's health records and documentation.
- Developed monthly menus for five Head Start kitchen locations.
- Oversaw kitchen operations at the East Peoria facility.
- Ensured compliance with nutrition and health regulations.
- Collaborated with staff to support children's nutritional and wellness needs.
- Developed individualized nutrition plans for children based on dietary needs and preferences.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor children's growth and nutritional intake.
- Collaborated with families to educate them on healthy eating habits and meal planning.
- Managed inventory of food supplies, ensuring compliance with health regulations and standards.
- Implemented strategies to improve program effectiveness, resulting in increased participant satisfaction.
- Evaluated program outcomes, adjusting initiatives to better meet children's nutritional needs.
Education
Master of Science - Nutrition Sciences
Illinois State University
Normal, IL12.2000
Bachelor of Science -
Bradley University
Peoria, IL1991
Associate of Science -
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL05.1989
Skills
- Nutrition Education
- Community Outreach
- EFNEP & SNAP-Ed Programming
- Virtual and In-Person Instruction
- Menu Planning
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Health Records Management
- Program Coordination
- Public Speaking
- Participant Engagement
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Dependable and responsible
- Excellent communication
- Calm under pressure
- Verbal communication
Accomplishments
- Achieved promotion by completing trainings with accuracy and efficiency.
Certification
Sanitation License and Food Manager Certificate
Interests
Reading, Spending Time with My Dog, Swimming, Gardening
Timeline
Work Program Participant
University of Illinois Extension
01.2009 - 01.2026
Dietary Cook
Snyder Village Assisted Living
01.2004 - 01.2007
Health and Nutrition Specialist
Tazewell-Woodford Head Start
01.2002 - 01.2004
Master of Science - Nutrition Sciences
Illinois State University
Bachelor of Science -
Bradley University
Associate of Science -
Illinois Central College
Jane Reid Award
While at Bradley University, I obtained the Jane Reid Award Scholarship.