Denise Continenza of Whitehall was recently presented with the Distinguished Service Award from the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) at the Galaxy IV conference in Pittsburgh.

She was the 2013 recipient of the award given to one member from each state in recognition of significant accomplishments in the field.

Continenza is the Family and Consumer Sciences educator with Penn State Extension in Lehigh County. In this role, she conducts and oversees the delivery of research-based educational programs that improve the quality of life for children, youth and families in the local community.

Continenza coordinates the Lehigh Valley Early Care and Education Professional Development Day for child care providers held annually on Columbus Day. In collaboration with Valley Youth House, Inc. she oversees the administration of Strengthening Families Program 10-14 (SFP) in numerous middle and elementary schools in the Lehigh Valley. She has also developed several programs for child care providers that teach them how to work with the families of children in their care.

In her Extension role, she is also the coordinator for the Communities That Care coalitions in Whitehall-Coplay and Salisbury.

Continenza is a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School and East Stroudsburg University. She received a master's degree from Penn State University in youth and family education in 2009. She has been employed with Penn State Extension since August 2001.