University of Nevada, Reno Extension is excited to welcome Hayley Maio to the office in southern Clark County - Laughlin as an Extension educator.

As an educator, Maio will be focusing on program development in Laughlin, including the development of health and nutrition programs for both Extension’s Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program and seniors in the community. Although COVID-19 restrictions have temporarily halted most of the in-person activities for these groups, Maio hopes to set up new programs that will be offered in the near future. Her goal, since accessibility to affordable and fresh food is limited for some in Laughlin, is to bring affordable and easily accessible healthy living, nutrition and exercise programs to the community’s youth and elderly.

Maio is a recent graduate from New Mexico State University, where she received her master’s degree in agricultural and Extension education. While there, she worked as a teaching assistant for Extension, where she gained valuable experience in educating and working with youth. After graduating, Maio saw the opportunity to continue working with Extension in Laughlin, wanting to help the community grow.

“I love working with Extension because I want to make a positive impact with everyone I come in contact with, and I believe this is the best place to make that happen,” Maio said. “I want to make sure that, through the programs we’re offering, we can help individuals become the best versions of themselves.”

“Hayley brings enthusiasm and excitement to southern Clark County, and we look forward to the expansion of programs she is developing,” Eric Killian, Extension southern area director, said. 

In addition to working with Extension in New Mexico, Maio also had the opportunity to work as a volunteer assistant leader and coach in an Extension 4-H club. Seeing the positive impact that she had on the youth, she hopes she can use those experiences to impact program participants in Laughlin.