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Benton County Public Health adds WIC nutrition specialist and dental access coordinator
Summary
Public Health introduced two new hires: Chelsea, joining the WIC program to replace an upcoming retiree, and Tessa Maresca, hired with Blue Cross Blue Shield funding to work on oral/dental health access; the board welcomed both and noted regional coordination for dental services.
Benton County Public Health introduced two new staff members at the board meeting: Chelsea, who will join the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, and Tessa Maresca, hired with grant funding to work on oral and dental health access.
Public Health Director Jacqueline said Chelsea previously worked for the county and holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition; she will take over WIC responsibilities to cover an imminent retirement and will receive overlap training to ensure clinic continuity. Chelsea said she studied at the University of Minnesota and is looking forward to applying her nutrition training in the WIC program.
Tessa Maresca, the newly hired dental access coordinator funded through a Blue Cross Blue Shield opportunity, said she graduated from the University of Minnesota Rochester with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and will help the county improve oral-health access and connections with regional dental partners. Staff said Tessa will attend regional orientation and meet nonprofit dental clinic partners as part of onboarding.
Commissioners welcomed both hires and praised the department’s efforts to maintain service continuity and to pursue grant-funded positions for preventive health work. No formal action was required.
