Brattleboro--Amber Thibodeau recently accepted the position of University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H educator for Windham and Windsor Counties. She will be based in the UVM Extension Office in Brattleboro.

In addition to supporting existing 4-H clubs, programs and events in her two counties, Thibodeau’s goal is to increase the visibility of 4-H by establishing new clubs and recruiting new members and adult volunteers. She also plans to collaborate with other organizations in southeastern Vermont to offer 4-H programming to youths and to provide positive and fun opportunities for 4-H members to learn and grow. 

Before taking the job at UVM, Thibodeau was the executive director of Southern Vermont Therapeutic Riding Center in Wilmington, where she provided equine-assisted services to youths and adults with physical, developmental and emotional disabilities. Prior to that, she was the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H plant and animal science educator in Lewis County, New York. 

The Grahamsville, New York, native is a certified therapeutic riding instructor through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and a Level 3 Harmony Horsemanship instructor. She credits her passion for youth development to her years as a FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) member and ongoing volunteer work for the New York FFA.

Thibodeau holds an associate degree in equine science and management from Morrisville State College and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science education, and animal science (double major) and master’s degree in agricultural science education, both from Cornell University. 

She can be reached at amber.thibodeau@uvm.edu or (802) 656-7539.