Rick Alleva, Ed.D, serves on the UNH Cooperative Extension (UNHCE) Youth & Family Team, promoting positive youth and family development efforts in partnership with other UNH faculty, local organizations, schools, coalitions and communities. Rick helps to identify and address needs of youth and families, targeting outreach to those with limited resources and in greatest need. In addition, he works to mobilize both human and material resources to impact positive outcomes for young people, their families and all our communities.

Charlotte Cross, M.S., joined UNH Cooperative Extension as an Extension Specialist in 1981. Prior to that time she taught at the Middle School, Junior High, High School and University levels.  Charlotte is active in efforts to strengthen individuals, families and communities through research-based education and information in the areas of Family and Community Development; Adolescent Issues; and Youth Risk and Protective Factors. Her Youth Development Specialist efforts focus on providing leadership for 4-H Youth Development programming in the areas of Positive Youth Development, adolescence, and citizenship, along with directing the Operation: Military Kids program.

Gail Kennedy, MSW. Since joining UNH Cooperative Extension in 1996 Gail has worked to develop and actively participate on local coalitions and collaborations that address issues and concerns facing families and communities including substance abuse prevention, community wellness and successful re-entry and reintegration of inmates of the Community Corrections Center in Sullivan County. She collaborated with her 4-H colleagues to coordinate the Sullivan County Strengthening Families Project aimed at preventing teen risky behaviors, strengthening parenting skills and building strong, healthy family relationships. She is a certified facilitator for the Strengthening Families Program for youth age 10-14 and their parents and caregiver and a leader of the Guiding Good Choices Program.

Thomas Linehan, Ed.D. As a field specialist in youth and families for the UNH Cooperative Extension Thom’s areas of emphasis include designing, implementing and evaluating in-service training for early childhood, human service & education professionals. He has worked with families and children in a number of settings, including home-based family therapy, early care and education, and early intervention. Thom has earned advanced degrees in early childhood special education and family therapy.