Positive Youth Development

Mary E. Arnold, Ph.D., is a professor in Human Development and Family Science and an Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist at Oregon State University. As a developmental scientist, Dr. Arnold’s work passion is translating developmental research into youth development practice. She is currently on special assignment serving as the Director of Youth Development Research and Practice with National 4-H Council, where she is working with 4-H professionals from across the country to elevate the implementation of high-quality positive youth development in 4-H programs. Dr. Arnold is the author of the 4-H Thriving Model, which articulates a positive youth development theory of change for 4-H that has been adopted nationally. Theresa M. Ferrari, Ph.D., has been a professor and Extension Specialist on the Ohio 4-H's state staff at Ohio State University since 2000, where she leads the statewide focus on healthy living programs, a national 4-H mission area. Her career in the Cooperative Extension System spans four states in county, state, and national positions. Her programmatic and research interests are in best practices for achieving outcomes in youth development programs. Through her work with 4-H members, graduate students, and early career and seasoned professionals, Dr. Ferrari continues to prepare the next generation of citizens, practitioners, and scholars.