Staff Biographies

Brett Johnson

Assistant Extension Professor, Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Business Management Educator

Brett has delivered educational opportunities and technical production assistance to commercial agricultural producers in Waldo, Knox, and Lincoln Counties since September of 2023. He collaborates with colleagues across the state, to develop and deliver educational programs in a wide range of topics including: sustainable farming systems, farm safety, integrated pest management (IPM), growing and marketing of farm products, and farm business planning. Brett was born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and is a two-time graduate of Oklahoma State University, holding a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and a Master of Science in Entomology and Plant Pathology. Brett looks forward to working with producers to address challenges in production, and identify new market opportunities with the goal of improving the sustainability of farm businesses in the Midcoast region. Commercial producers can contact him by phone or email at 207.342.5971 or brett.w.johnson@maine.edu.

Sadee Mehuren

4-H Animal Science Professional

Sadee graduated from the University of Maine in 2019 with a B.S. in Animal Science and a minor in Childhood Development and Family Relations. Growing up on an organic dairy farm, she developed a deep connection to Maine’s agricultural community. As a 4-H Animal Science Professional, Sadee combines her passion for agriculture with her dedication to youth development. In her role, she coordinates 4-H animal science projects across Maine and supports 4-H staff and volunteers in delivering engaging, educational programs for youth statewide. Outside of work, Sadee enjoys exhibiting dairy cattle and sheep at local fairs with her family. She is proud to be a 4-H alumna and a Waldo County native.

Viña Lindley

Home Horticulture Professional

Viña Lindley is a Horticulture Professional with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, where she leads educational programming and coordinates volunteers in the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo Counties. She holds an M.S. in Environmental Education from Antioch University New England and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Passionate about building resilient, community food systems, Vina specializes in connecting people with the skills, knowledge, and resources to grow, prepare, and access healthy local food.  She is an avid gardener and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

Parent Education Professionals

The Maine Families program in Waldo County are responsible for working with parents expecting a baby, beginning prenatally (as soon as the pregnancy is known) and continuing until the child is 5 years old. The two primary objectives are to improve school readiness of Waldo County children and to increase the level of family functioning.

The professionals work on a one-to-one basis with families, individualizing the curriculum to meet the needs of the family. The program is open to any first time parent interested in learning more about child guidance, regardless of age, income or other criteria. The Maine Families professionals teach fetal development, prenatal nutrition, preparing for the baby, birth education, infant feeding (breast or bottle), child development, parenting skills, coping skills including stress management, discipline techniques, child health/wellness, the need for developmental play, the importance of reading to infants and young children and other related subjects. They screen each child on or near each birthday to determine if the development of the child is on target for the age in language, gross motor, small motor, and cognitive skills; any child exhibiting a delay is referred for professional assessment and treatment. Periodic group classes are offered in the areas of first aid and parenting, as well as activities to enhance literacy interests.

The Maine Families program operates within a group of professionals devoted to the betterment of children below school age, such as the hospital obstetrical unit, public health nursing, social workers, midwives, physicians, family mental health workers, Case Management Services, Child Development Services, WIC, Head Start, etc. Every family enrolled in Maine Families minimally has the services of a physician, a public health nurse, and a Maine Families professional; this helps to ensure that the child gets off to a good start; other services are provided when appropriate.

Melanie Bryan, BSN, MBA

Program Manager

Melanie Bryan has over 20 years of experience in the medical and social services field. Having earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Husson University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration of Public and Non-Profit Management from the University of Maine her education complements her leadership and program management expertise. She worked in a variety of clinical and social service settings including working as a Maine Families Visitor for seven years before becoming the Program Manager for Maine Families in Waldo County in 2019. Throughout her career, Melanie has been dedicated to supporting family well-being, early childhood development, and access to high-quality services and support.  As Program Manager for Maine Families in Waldo County, she is passionate about building strong communities, empowering parents, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring every child has the opportunity for a healthy and successful start in life.

Alicia Greenlaw

Parent Education Professional

Alicia has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Farmington in Early Childhood Education as well as a Master’s degree from the University of Maine in Human Development. Prior to joining Maine Families in 2013, she was the Lead Infant Program teacher at The University of Maine Children’s Center. Alicia enjoys building meaningful relationships with families and supporting them through their parenting journey while watching their children grow.

Outside of work, Alicia and her husband stay busy with their two school-age kiddos and their many activities. She can often be found cheering them on at  youth sporting events, something that brings her immense amounts of joy. Alicia also enjoys going on various adventures with her family and friends around the beautiful state of Maine, as well as snuggling her fluffy puppy.

Sarah Rockwell-Kinney Walton

Parent Education Professional

Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, complemented by a minor in Child Development and a certificate in Family Studies. Her diverse professional background includes experience as a case manager, harm reduction coordinator, behavioral health professional, psychometrist, and child protective services permanency caseworker. She is currently a student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Maine. Sarah is deeply passionate about infant and maternal mental health, and doing education work as a means of prevention. She is a firm believer that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Outside of work and studies, she enjoys making herbal remedies, crocheting, reading and spending time with her husband and son, often going on hikes when the weather allows.

Support Staff

We currently have one support staff in the Waldo County Extension office. Providing support for all the staff persons with educational roles. While covering the reception responsibilities to people phoning or visiting the office. Also, word processing, data entry, desk-top publishing to produce bulletins and newsletters, order publications, keep track of budgets and have a wide variety of other responsibilities that keep the office operating on a daily basis.

Billiejo Pendleton

Administrative Specialist III

Billiejo has been with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in the Waldo County office since 2008, starting out part time and now full time since 2019. She provides support for all the staff persons with educational roles. While covering the reception responsibilities to people phoning or visiting the office. Also, word processing, data entry, desk-top publishing to produce bulletins and newsletters, order publications, keep track of budgets and have a wide variety of other responsibilities that keep the office operating on a daily basis.

Billiejo was born and raised here in Waldo County and has two children.