Karyn M. Mendoza is the Extension Unit Educator for 4-H Youth Development. She provides leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating the local Extension programs in 4-H youth development and is responsible for developing and delivering educational programming in Champaign county.

Karyn earned a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Prior to joining Extension, Karyn was Director of Youth Services for a non-profit organization in Southern California, committed to providing legal education, mentoring, diversion services and substance abuse programs to youth to prevent juvenile crime. While Director, she was responsible for implementing a Substance Abuse Treatment program for youth and their families.

While working in Southern California, Karyn also worked in the area of domestic violence and worked collaboratively with community based organizations to develop a Family Resource Center in Santa Ana, California.

Karyn joined Extension in October 2005.