Biography

Nelly Nelson has served as a University of Florida/IFAS Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent in Manatee County since 2016, leading evidence-based programming that improves lives through education in relationships, nutrition, and healthy homes. She brings a unique blend of business acumen and community engagement.

Throughout her UF/IFAS Extension career, Nelson has successfully led three cornerstone programs—SMART Couples Florida, the Family Nutrition Program (FNP), and Homeflow—all of which reflect her commitment to empowering individuals and families through practical knowledge, inclusive outreach, and sustained behavior change.

As County-Principal Investigator for SMART Couples Florida, Nelson has collaborated with state specialists, social service professionals, and program assistants to deliver workshops focused on communication, financial wellness, parenting, and relationship safety. She has contributed to the program’s five-year evaluation, helping build a robust dataset across five Florida counties that informs national best practices in relationship education.

In her role with the Family Nutrition Program, Nelson leads a multi-disciplinary team to deliver nutrition and physical activity education, targeting children, adults, and families in under-resourced communities. Her work emphasizes policy, systems, and environmental changes (PSE) to support healthier lifestyles and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Her leadership in this area reflects a deep understanding of behavior change theory and culturally responsive practice.

Through the Homeflow program, Nelson tackles the intersection of interpersonal dynamics and physical environment in the home. As a principal investigator in one of three pilot counties, she delivers bilingual programming that addresses both healthy relationships and home maintenance, with a particular focus on underserved Spanish-speaking audiences.
Nelson’s scholarly output includes peer-reviewed journal articles, EDIS publications, conference presentations, and curriculum development, demonstrating a strong commitment to translating research into actionable Extension programming. Her extensive publication record and involvement in national and international conferences underscore her contributions to the profession and her dedication to continuous learning and excellence in Extension.

Nelly Nelson exemplifies the mission of UF/IFAS Extension—using research-based knowledge to improve the quality of life in Florida communities.