by Purdue Nutrition Education Program Advisors
Submitted by Marcia Sweet
Usually we feature a Nutrition Education Program Advisor who is making an impact through NEP. This month, there’s a twist. Our newest NEPA, Katie Howell, joined our team as a result of her encounters with our most recent retiree, Paris Andrews.
Katie is a former elementary school teacher, who first discovered our program about six years ago when then NEPA Paris Andrews – known in her community as Professor Popcorn – visited her school. Katie officially joined the NEP team on May 31, but started her NEP adventure after school year ended.
“I first heard of Purdue Extension a few years ago when ‘Professor Popcorn’ came to my school and taught my third graders about nutrition for six weeks,” Katie shared. “I remember thinking, ‘She has the best job ever—she gets to teach, but doesn’t have to grade papers!’
Their paths crossed again at Kitley Elementary School a few years later.
“The kids really liked her and I was already thinking of getting out of the classroom at that point so I was really interested in what Paris was doing,” Katie said. “Plus, I’d been pretty involved with other nutrition programs at Holy Cross (in Marion County) and I was eager to continue with the content.
“Any time I used a Purdue Extension spatula or a measuring spoon, it reminded me of what I wanted to do with my career.”
Katie decided to pursue a career with NEP after her son, Alex, was born last August.
“I love teaching, but being a classroom teacher was taking up too much of my time with my family,” Katie said. “Fortunately, I was hired as a NEPA to do exactly what Professor Popcorn was doing.”
For Paris, who retired earlier last month after 14 years as a NEPA, this was wonderful news.
“I talked to so many teachers about what I did,” Paris said. “I’m glad I made a difference.
“I am so pleased because I wanted to leave legacy, to improve the knowledge of the kids of Indianapolis, to empower people to make a difference. I think it is awesome! I think it is wonderful!”