Joy Leon

Nutrition & Physical Activity Educator
(845) 292-6180 ext. 101
jll362@cornell.edu
Food & Nutrition

Joy is a Nutrition & Physical Activity Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County. Originally from Grahamsville, NY, she is grateful to have experienced first-hand the positive influence of 4-H, FFA and many other extracurricular activities, which helped to shape her personal and professional goals from a young age. She earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from American University (Washington, DC) and holds a certificate from Utah State University's National Nutrition Certification Program (2023). Joy became a certified dance-fitness instructor in 2016 and completed 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2021.

Joy's interest in gastronomy has been lifelong, thanks to aunts and uncles introducing her to new tastes early and often. Her food-related work history includes serving buffet style meals at Omega Institute's dining hall, front-of-house service at multiple internationally-inspired restaurants, working on an Asian-fusion food truck, and two invigorating years in the organic produce department at New Paltz Health & Nutrition Center. Some of her most interesting work stories come from the time she spent working with a catering company, both in the kitchen and as a traveling server for special events. She continues to study nutrition and build her knowledge of all things related to food, health, and wellness.

Joy loves that her work at CCE combines some of her favorite subjects - food, physical fitness, community, and hands-on learning! Outside the office, Joy can often be found enjoying the outdoors, trying a new recipe, practicing her dance moves, or reading a good book. She also loves writing and spending time with her cat, Eeyore.