Life changed for Rosilee Trotta when she became a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador at age 18. Hooked on the euphoria of learning from people and their wisdom, Rosilee continued her own schooling in inner-city hospitals, day care centers, housing projects and social service agencies, as well as in an Eskimo village above the Arctic Circle. Along the way, she picked up degrees in nursing, psychology, sociology and social work, ending with a master's in social work and becoming a licensed clinical social worker.

Rosilee has served as the urban youth and family specialist for University of Missouri Extension since 1992, where she has been primarily involved in workforce preparation, offender re-entry programs, and offering educational insights into her curriculum. She has also taught workshops on parenting, diversity, conflict resolution, leadership and anything relevant to families, youth and the workplace. In addition, Rosilee has served on a variety of boards dedicated to helping adults and children realize their potential. Retiring effective May 1, 2010, Rosilee is continuing her work with University of Missouri Extension as a workforce preparation consultant and trainer of the Tackling the Tough Skills ™ curriculum