Nora Luna

4-H Youth Development Faculty

Office: (702) 940-5431
Email: lunan@unr.edu
Address: 8050 Paradise Road, Suite 100, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123
Representing: Clark County - Las Vegas, Nevada
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Education

Las Vegas High School, 1990
B.A, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), 1994
M.Ed., University of Nevada Reno (UNR), 2002

Programs
Teaching
Accomplishments
Service
Publications

Programs

horsing around in lake tahoe during the summer.

4-H Afterschool Program

The 4-H Afterschool Club teaches children basic life skills including math, reading, science, positive communication, goal setting, self-responsibility, decision-making and good nutrition. Youth who have these life skills are less likely to participate in risky behaviors.

4-H Programa de Desarollo Juvenil

Los niños enfrentan muchos riesgos a medida que crecen y se desarrollan. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los niños puede beneficiarse enormemente de las interacciones positivas con adultos ejemplares. Los niños que adquieren buenas habilidades interpersonales y además cuentan con un sistema de apoyo, tienen menos probabilidades

Building rockets from straws in a great lesson in propulsion.

4-H Youth Development

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

Clark County (Las Vegas) 4-H Youth Development

4-H programming in the general Clark County area.

Clark County 4-H After School Program

Extension provides 4-H programming in the afterschool setting. Students learn-by-doing in 4-H Afterschool.

Next Steps: College Access & Readiness Program

The program's mission is to guide and motivate youth and their families on the path to achieving a post-secondary education.

Courses

PRESENTATIONS | WORKSHOPS

Latinos and End of Life Care and Decision Making. Presenter. National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), 2017 Management and Leadership Conference. May 1, 2017. Washington DC.
Caregiving and End of Life Care for Alzheimer’s Patients. Panelist. National Hispanic Medical Association Annual Conference. April 26, 2013. Washington DC.
Baby Boomers and Healthcare: Understanding and Appreciating Cultural Differences. Panelist. Nathan Adelson Hospice Eighth Annual Multicultural Conference and Luncheon. February 15, 2012. Local Presentation.
Indigenous Mexican Culture, Identity and Academic Achievement: Results From a Community- Based Curriculum Project for Latino Students. National Dropout Prevention Center/Network (NDPN) Conference. Schaumburg, Illinois. National Presentation.
Indigenous Mexican Culture, Identity and Academic Achievement: Results from a Community-based Curriculum Project for Latino students. Society for Applied Anthropology. Seattle, Washington. March 31, 2011. National Presentation.
Community Cultural Wealth: Lessons Learned in Implementing a Middle School Program with Latina/Latino Students. Children, Youth and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Conference. San Francisco, California. May 7, 2010. National Presentation.
From Deficits to Assets: Latina/o Community Cultural Wealth, Las Vegas, Nevada 2009. Regional Presentation.
Media Advocacy for Public Health, Las Vegas, Nevada 2008. Local Presentation.
Azteca Alcohol Prevention Model, Atlanta, Georgia, 2007. National Presentation.
Taller de formación para Especialistas en Prevención del Abuso de Sustancias, San Diego, California, 2006. Bi-national Presentation.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training. Reno, Nevada, 2005. Regional Presentation.
Multicultural and Diversity Issues. Reno, Nevada, 2004. Staff Development Training.
Sustaining Prevention Programs. Las Vegas, Nevada, 2004. Local Presentation.
Prevention Program Evaluation. Las Vegas, Nevada, 2003. Local Presentation.
Pathways to Effective Programs and Positive Outcomes. Washington DC, 2003. National Presentation.
Environmental Prevention Strategies: Putting Theory into Practice. Anchorage, Alaska, 2002. Regional Presentation.
Comparison of Federal Guidelines for Model Programs. Denver, Colorado, 2002. National Presentation.
Best Practices to Reduce Underage Drinking. Jackson, Wyoming, 2001. Regional Presentation.
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training. Guam, 2001. Regional Presentation for Pacific Jurisdictions.
Prevention Services for Adolescents. Las Vegas, Nevada, 2000. Local Presentation.
Introduction to Prevention, Online Workshop, 2000. National Course.
Introduction to Science-based Prevention Strategies. Casper, Wyoming, 1999. Regional Presentation.
Seven Steps to Community Prevention Planning. Salt Lake City, Utah, 1999. State Conference.

Honors and Awards

Luna, N. (2017). Southwest Alliance for Excellence, Level 4 Application, Awarded a Category Award for Workforce for Nathan Adelson Hospice.
Luna, N. (2016). Southwest Alliance for Excellence, Level 3 Application Award for Nathan Adelson Hospice.
2012 Spirit of Cesar Chavez Award Recipient, awarded by Luz Community Development Coalition
2013 Vegas Inc. Woman to Watch Award
2013 “Circle of Life Citation of Honor” awarded to the Nathan Adelson Hospice Hispanic/Latino Program by the American Hospital Association
2013 “Outstanding Program Achievement Award” from the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association to Nathan Adelson Hospice for its strong efforts in Hispanic/Latino education and outreach

Accomplishments

GRANTS

Luna, N. (2018). Grant submitted to Anonymous donor for various programs at Nathan Adelson Hospice. Awarded: $2,000,000.00.
Luna, N. (2018). Grant submitted to Elaine P. Wynn and Family Foundation for the Elaine Wynn Palliative Care Program at Nathan Adelson Hospice. Requested and Awarded: $568,000.
Luna, N. (2017). Grant submitted to Anonymous donor for Uncompensated Care, Families In Need, Complementary Therapies and Deciding Tomorrow…Today at Nathan Adelson Hospice. Requested and Awarded: $5,000,000.00.
Luna, N. (2017). Grant submitted to Elaine P. Wynn and Family Foundation for the Elaine Wynn Palliative Care Program at Nathan Adelson Hospice. Requested and Awarded: $568,000.
Luna, N. (2016). Grant submitted to Elaine P. Wynn and Family Foundation for the Elaine Wynn Palliative Care Program at Nathan Adelson Hospice. Requested and Awarded: $575,000.
Luna, N. (2011). Grant submitted to Nevada System of Higher Education for the U.S. Department of Education’s College Access Challenge Grant Program. Awarded $139,000.
Luna, N. (2011). Grant submitted to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed). Awarded: $25,000.
Luna, N. (2010). Fixed fee contract proposal submitted to Luz Community Development Coalition. Awarded: $8,750.
Luna, N. (2010). Grant submitted to Nevada System of Higher Education for the U.S. Department of Education’s College Access Challenge Grant Program. Awarded: $21,000.
Luna, N. (2010). Grant submitted to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed). Awarded: $24,838.
Luna, N. (2010). Grant submitted to Nevada System of Higher Education for the U.S. Department of Education’s College Access Challenge Grant Program. Awarded: $108,408.
Luna, N. (2008). University of Nevada Cooperative Extension in-house program development grant. Awarded: $10,000.

Service

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Ad Hoc College of Southern Nevada (CSN) President Search Committee, January to May 2018
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) Advisory Council, January 2018 to June 2019
Latin Chamber of Commerce Professional Mujeres (Womens) Group, Co-Chair, June 2016 to present (formerly, Las Mujeres, Co-Chair, 2008 to 2016)
Community Implementation Council (CIC), Member, November 2016 to November 2017
The Southwest Alliance for Excellence (SWAE) member of the Board of Examiners for the 2016 Performance Excellence Program
Southern Nevada Public Television Board of Directors, Member at Large, June 2015 to June 2019; Secretary, June 2019 to present
Latino Leadership Council, Board of Directors, January 2015 to present (inactive)
Nevada State Public Charter School Authority Board, Member at Large, January 2012 to June 2019
Girl Scouts of Frontier Council, Board of Directors, Member at Large, May 2009 to May 2013
National Dropout Prevention Network, Member, 2009 to 2012
Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon, Certified Prevention Specialist, 2000 to 2012
Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC), Board Member, 1998 to 2003
Annual Hispanic Leadership Summit, Steering Committee Member, 1997 to 2002
Latinos for Political Education (LAPE), Board Member, 1998 to 2000 (Reno, NV)
Latin Chamber of Commerce, Latino Youth Leadership Conference, Committee Member, 1996-98
Family Advocates for Community Empowerment Consortium, Co-chair of Service Delivery Committee, 1996-1998
Bringing Everybody’s Strengths Together Coalition (BEST), Parent Network Committee Member, 1995 to 1996

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Curriculum Materials
Teacher and family connections curriculum: A supplement to the All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit obesity prevention program. Sigman-Grant, M, Van Brackel, A., Byington, T. and Lindsay, A. 2013, UNCE Publication CM-13-01
Fact Sheets
Cardio Endurance \| Heart Smart Cardio- Respiratory, or “Cardio” Endurance is an important element to children’s physical fitness. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-14
Engagement Strategies That Promote Physical Activity Using positive engagement strategies in fun, playful social settings are key to promoting physical activity. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-22
Flexibility \| Reach for the Stars! Flexibility is an important part of a child’s fitness and includes movements like bending, twisting and stretching. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-15
Fundamental Movement Skills \| Active Kids Are Active Adolescents For many children sports and physical activity aren’t natural, aren’t easy and it may not be fun! Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-12
Muscle and Bone Strength \| Muscles in Motion Did you know that people who are more physically active generally use more energy even at rest than those who are not as physically active? Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-17
Perceptual Motor Development \| Connecting the Brain & the Body Perceptual motor development connects a child’s perceptual or sensory skills (his brain) to his motor skills (his body) so they can perform a variety of movements and confidently interact with their environment. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-18
Physical Activity Improves Brain and Cognitive Functions Children who are more physically active perform better academically and have better memory and attention. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-23
Physical Activity, How Much Is Enough? \| Active Kids Are Healthy Kids Just for Preschoolers and Their Families Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension,\| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-19
Screen Time \| Make Time to Unplug Increased time in front of a screen means less time being physically active, contributing to higher weight and BMI, increased caloric intake & unhealthy food choices. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-21
Sedentary Behavior \| Don't Just Sit, and Sit, and Sit! Being sedentary can result in more sitting and less time spent being physically active which can lead to obesity and greater risk for having diabetes and other chronic health problems as an adult. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-20
The Elements of Fitness \| Fit Kids Are Healthy Kids Children should engage in indoor and outdoor active play in their pre-school and at home. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-16
What Is Physical Literacy? \| Early Start, Active for Life A young child who is physically literate is one who has the motivation confidence, knowledge, skills, and fitness necessary to enjoy a physically active lifestyle Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-13
Engineering in the Preschool Classroom Children are natural engineers. Adults can help develop children’s beginning engineering skills by giving them things to build with and to take apart, asking questions, and providing them with safe opportunities and places to test out their ideas. In this fact sheet we focus on the engineering-related skills of building and construction, and movement and force. Weigel, D., Byington, T. and Kim, Y. 2019, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-19-04
Science in the Preschool Classroom: Physical Science Byington, T., Kim, Y., and Weigel, D. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Science in the Preschool Classroom: Earth Science Kim, Y., Weigel, D., and Byington, T. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Science in the Preschool Classroom: The Living World - Animals and Plants This fact sheet contains extensive information on how children can learn to be scientists at an early age by exploring different topics and ideas for the classroom. Weigel, D., Byington, T., Kim, Y. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-17-09
Math in the Preschool Classroom Number Identification, Counting and One-to-one Correspondence, and Addition and Subtraction In this fact sheet, we focus on the following number sense skills: number identification, counting and one-to-one correspondence, and addition and subtraction. Byington, T., Kim, Y., and Weigel, D. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-16-14
Math in the Preschool Classroom Spatial relations, Geometry and Measurement In this fact sheet we focus on three fundamental math skills — spatial relations, geometry (shapes) and measurement. Byington, T., Kim, Y., and Weigel, D. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-16-13
Infant Language Development From the moment babies are born, they are learning how to communicate. Babies first communicate by crying and then begin to coo and babble. Infants’ speech develops as they are exposed to sounds and language, spoken and unspoken. Gestures, facial expressions and sounds are all part of language development. Byington, T. and Kim, Y. 2015, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-15-06
Toddler Language Development During the toddler years (12 to 35 months), children’s language development grows rapidly. Toddlers gain the ability to say words clearly, combine words into phrases, and express their needs and wants. Byington, T. and Kim, Y. 2015, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet-15-05
Emergent Writing Children need to be encouraged to experiment with writing by having access to a variety of writing materials and tools. With experience, children become fluent and proficient at writing words and sentences using correct punctuation. Byington, T., & Kim, Y. 2014, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-14-08
Building Vocabulary A variety of techniques can be used to promote the development of language and literacy skills in young children. Building a child’s vocabulary is a great way for parents and teachers to nurture children’s oral language skills and influences a child’s ability to comprehend written words in the future. Teresa Byington & YaeBin Kim 2014, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-14-07
Interactive and Dialogic Reading A variety of techniques can be used to promote the development of language and literacy skills in young children. Reading books together is a great way to nurture children’s early reading skills. Select books that have content that is interesting to young children and is age-appropriate. Byington, T. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-41
Oral Language Development The development of infants’ oral language begins as caregivers socially interact with them. Oral language includes speaking and listening. Young children learn about their world as they communicate with others. Byington, T. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-42
Phonological Awareness Phonological Awareness refers to the sound structure of spoken language. It is a broad skill that includes being able to hear and play with smaller sounds in words. Phonological awareness includes identifying and manipulating sounds. Byington, T. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-14-07
Math in the Preschool Classroom Classification, Matching, Seriation and Patterning In this fact sheet we focus on the math skills of classification, matching, seriation and patterning. Byington, T., Kim, Y., Nazarechuk, C., Weigel, D. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-16-12
Inclusion in Early Childhood Programs This factsheet explains inclusion in early childhood and programs that can have benefits. Byington, T. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-67
Recognizing Developmental Delays in Young Children This factsheet explain developmental delays in young children, concerns, and ways to recognize them. Byington, T. 2010, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-66
Dando Lo Mejor A Los Niños: Berrinches A Spanish fact sheet that provides information on children and tantrums. Byington, T. 2007, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-37
Bridging the Miles This special publication explores several ways families can help their children connect when deployment changes family life. Learn what to do before deployment, during deployment, and returning home from deployment. Byington, T., Brownell, T., Hayes, M, Bachman, B. 2007, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-07-10
Giving R Best 2 Kids: Development & Behavior - Biting This fact sheet explains the many things parents can do and say to kids when they start biting. Byington, T. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-81
Giving R Best 2 Kids: Development & Behavior - Temper Tantrums This fact sheet explains what should be done or said to kids that have temper tantrums. Byington, T. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-82
Developmental Milestones For Infants This fact sheet explains things that infants can do from birth to 12 months old. Kock, J. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-77
Developmental Milestones For Preschoolers This fact sheet explores the things preschoolers can do from age three to five. Kock, J. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-79
Developmental Milestones for Toddlers This fact sheet explains the many things toddlers can do from 12 to 36 months. Kock, J. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-78
Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect This fact sheet provides extensive information on recognizing child abuse and neglect by exploring ways to recognize child abuse. Learn more about physical and behavioral indicators, factors affecting them, and how to report child abuse. Kock, J. and Byington, T 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-25
Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect This fact sheet explores child abuse and neglect, types of maltreatment, reporting, perpetrators, and many more. Kock, J., Agao, V., Byington, T., and Martin, S. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-26
Journals
Preschoolers Build Fundamental Motor Skills Critical to an Active Lifestyle: The All 4 Kids© Intervention Study This pragmatic, real world study examined the effects of the All 4 Kids© intervention on preschoolers’ mastery of movement skills and determined whether the instruction had greater impact than natural development. Anne R. Lindsay 1,*, Angela Starrett 2 , Ali Brian 3 , Teresa A. Byington 1, Jennifer Lucas 4 and Madeleine Sigman-Grant 2020, International Journal of Enviornmental Research and Public Health
Interrater Reliability of a Field-Based Preschool Movement Skills Assessment To determine the interrater reliability of the Preschool Movement Assessment (PMA), a unique field-based movement assessment tool for use by early childhood professionals in preschool settings. Lindsay, A., Dyrek, A., Blitstein, J., Byington, T. & Sigman-Grant, M. 2018, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 50(10):1040-1045
Healthy choices start early To address childhood obesity, a team of faculty in early childhood education, exercise physiology/physical activity, and nutrition. Extension developed All 4 Kids, a program focusing on healthy lifestyle choices. Byington, T. A., Lindsay, A., Sigman-Grant, M. J. 2014, Journal of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 69(5), 14-21
Head Start families thoughts and beliefs about health, nutrition, and physical activity. Byington, T. A., Lindsay, A. R., Loesch-Griffin, D., Brumett, S., & Sigman-Grant, M. 2013, National Head Start Association, NHSA Dialog, 16(3), 64-76.
Influencing Head Start families thoughts and beliefs about health, nutrition, and physical activity. The results of an intervention comparison research study indicated that preschoolers can have an influence on their families’ food selection and physical activity habits. Byington, T. A., Lindsay, A. R., Loesch-Griffin, D., Brumett, S., & Sigman-Grant, M. 2013, National Head Start Association, NHSA Dialog, 16(3), 160-164
Preschoolers can distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods: The All 4 Kids Study This study determined changes in preschoolers' ability to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods and stated food preferences after participation in a nutrition education program. Sigman-Grant, M., Byington, T., Lindsay, A., Lu, M., Mobley, A., Fitzgerald, N. & Hildebrand, D. 2013, Journal of nutrition education and behavior, 03/2014, Volume 46, Issue 2
Videos
Growth, Obesity and Energy Balance. Lindsay, A. R., Sigman-Grant, M. J., Byington, T. A. 2014, UNCE Publication AV-14-01
Children Are What They Eat. Sigman-Grant, M. J., Lindsay, A. R., Byington, T. A. 2014, UNCE Publication AV-14-02