MaryJo Moncheski was born and raised in Florissant, MO, a suburb of St. Louis County. Since the age of four, Ms. Moncheski spent her weekends in the country riding her horses at her Aunt’s property 45 minutes outside the city. Ms. Moncheski attended Morehead State University in KY and received a B.S. degree in Agricultural Sciences with an emphasis in Equine Science in 2010. While at MSU, she was a member of the IHSA Equestrian Team, principle violist with the Symphony Orchestra, and served as reporter for Collegiate FFA. Ms. Moncheski received a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Education from University of Missouri-Columbia in 2012.
While at Mizzou, she worked as a Graduate Assistant for the MU Center for 4-H Youth Development. Ms. Moncheski’s academic research studied the bonds and networks between youth and adults working on 4-H community service-learning projects in a rural SW Missouri community. During summer breaks, Ms. Moncheski guided and managed horseback rides through Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, CO. She has been involved in the Equine Industry for 23 years, and her riding disciplines include stock seat, hunt seat, and saddle seat. Ms. Moncheski has also worked with other livestock including cattle, swine, goats, and sheep.
Ms. Moncheski spent the last three years serving in Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona as an AmeriCorps VISTA, 4-H Program Coordinator, and 4-H Assistant Extension Agent. Ms. Moncheski’s professional interests include youth-adult partnerships, community service-learning, natural resources, citizenship, career and college readiness, and leadership. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her Cattle Dog, Gunner, going on road trips, camping, playing instruments, crocheting, spending time with family, reading, trivia, having fun in the Great Outdoors, and learning. Her favorite food is an awesome carne asada fajita. Ms. Moncheski’s favorite part of being involved in 4-H is the moment youth step outside their comfort zone to try something new and end up discovering they can do anything they set their mind to do. She is excited to only be five hours from her family in St. Louis, walk on grass, and learn all about Lake Effect Snow. Ms. Moncheski is looking forward to meeting and working with the 4-H volunteers and youth to help make a difference in La Porte County.