University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee and Will Counties

Chelsey Byers

Extension Educator, Family Life

University of Illinois Extension
1650 Commerce Drive
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Phone: 815-933-8337
FAX: 815-933-8532
clbyers@illinois.edu

Chelsey Byers is the Family Life Educator for University of Illinois Extension, serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties. Her specialty is in aging issues with a focus on brain health and Alzheimer's/dementia. Chelsey provides community-based training and education on life issues affecting families, adults and individuals as they age. She works closely with community groups and organizations serving families, adults and seniors.

Chelsey was hired as an Adult Life and Aging Educator for Kankakee County in 2007. As an integral part of the Transitions in Aging Team, she develops and teaches innovative programs on brain health, caregiving, grandparents raising grandkids, managing stress, maintaining balance in life and lifestory writing.

Her educational background includes a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation and a master's degree in gerontology from Eastern Illinois University.

Prior to her service with Extension, Chelsey Byers worked as a Professional Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association, St. Louis Chapter. In that role, she was responsible for curriculum development and education for health care workers, emergency responders, and family members about various aspects of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. She was actively involved in the planning of and presenting at regional and state conferences. Before getting her master's degree, Byers was an activity therapist on the Alzheimer's/Dementia Unit at the Illinois Veteran's Home in Manteno, IL.

Professional Affiliations:

National Extension Association Family & Consumer Sciences, American Society on Aging, Sigma Phi Omega, Epsilon Sigma Phi