Welcome to the Learning Network of Clinton County!

To register for a class, event, or program, you must obtain a student account. Once you are registered as a Learning Network student, you may purchase classes and sign up for events and programs. This new level of access to our site allows us to better serve all of our students. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Learning Network and Purdue Extension Staff

Learning Network

Melinda Grismer

Melinda

Lifelong Learning
As the Lifelong Learning Coordinator, Melinda provides training to the local industrial park and area small businesses, focusing primarily on workforce development. She also helps community members find distance educational resources to complete high school, GED, or college degrees. In addition, she develops courses, programs, seminars, and in-services that respond to community interest in a variety of topics such as sign language, cooking, writing, guitar playing, personal finances, diverse cultures, learning new marketable skills, and much more! She’s always mining Frankfort’s human resources looking for potential instructors who want share their expertise.

Contact Melinda | Melinda's Blog

Claudia Houchen

Claudia

Language
Claudia is the Language Coordinator for the Purdue Extension’s Learning of Clinton County. She is also a facilitator of Plaza Comunitaria. Claudia's job gives her the opportunity of meeting others and helping them improve their academic or bilingual skills.

Contact Claudia | Claudia's Blog

Chris Risse

Chris

Technology
As the Technology Coordinator, Chris sets up technology classes which include the Adobe, Microsoft, and Discovery Series and maintains equipment, such as the Multimedia Stations. Chris is also in charge of design and advertising including multimedia projects. Chris's other duties are to manage the Learning Network's Ed2Go program, handle bookkeeping, and develop/master this website.

Contact Chris | Chris's Blog

Learning Network Advisory Board

Purdue Extension

Susan Tharp

Susan

County Extension Director, CFS
Susan is the County Extension Director (CED). Susan provides programming in Consumer and Family Sciences (CFS) which includes life skills programming such as parenting, leadership, nutiriton and resource managment. Susan also provides guidance to the Extension Homemaker program in Clinton County. Economic and Community Developement (ECD) is also a focus including leadership programming, diversity and poverty workshops and workforce development programming. Susan oversees the Guided Independent Study program in which students may gain credit recovery to earn a high school diploma.

Contact Susan

Curt Emanuel

Curt

Agriculture and Natural Resources
As the Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Curt assists farmers and commercial producers in the areas of crop and livestock production including pest management, soil fertility, financial management and marketing. He also assists local residents in Home Horticulture including problem diagnosis and treatment options and is the Coordinator for the local Master Gardener Program.

Contact Curt

Laura Huebinger

Laura

4-H Youth
As the Extension Educator for 4-H/Youth Development, Laura coordinates the Clinton County 4-H Program. This includes managing and educating 4-H members, parents, and volunteers within the program, as well as advising and assisting the Clinton County 4-H Advisory Council and Clinton County Fairboard. Laura also works with the local schools to address the needs for youth development within in the county.

Contact Laura

J.W. Fansler

J.W.

Small Business Development
As the Small Business Development Specialist, J.W. sets up classes which teach business principles and techniques, and offers counseling services for new and small businesses. J.W. also works with community organizations to lay the ground work for new businesses and manages the Clinton County Farmers’ Market.

Contact J.W. | J.W.'s Blog

Patricia Burkhalter

Pat

Family Nutrition Program
About Pat

Contact Patricia

Marna Huffer

Marna

Learning to Lead
As the Learning to Lead Coordinator, Marna sets up the program day for the Learning to Lead students. Marna makes arrangements for guest speakers and transportation on the program days. Marna is also in charge of arranging TATU( Teens Against Tobacco Use) presentations at the four county schools with the Learning to Lead students.

Contact Marna

Debbi Cole

Debbi

Office Manager
As the Office Manager, Debbi is responsible for the bookkeeping and purchasing for the Purdue University Cooperative Extension office and the Learning Network. She assists staff members of both the Extension office and the Learning Network in getting programs ready. Debbi is also responsible for rental of the 4-H Community Building and other buildings on the county fairgrounds.

Contact Debbi

Jana Doyle

Jana

Receptionist/Secretary
Jana is the receptionist/secretary for the Extension Office where she greets visitors, supports Extension/Learning Network programs and staff and helps with the organization of the building and conference room scheduling.

Contact Jana

Clinton County Purdue Extension Board