ottjaneta@gmail.com

Janet has over 16 years of experience with livestock production including projects in Samoa, Uganda, Mali and Nepal. Janet has worked with Peace Corps as a Vocational Instructor in Morocco and a Village Based Development Consultant in Samoa.

Janet’s passion for international work was kindled while working as a Vocational Instructor for Peace Corps in Morocco. She was teaching young women in the slums of Marrakesh the woodworking trade at the request of the Princess. When the first group of graduates expressed dismay at not being able to work in their profession, Janet and a colleague secured grant funding to establish a cooperative business. This cooperative provided jobs for the graduates trained in woodworking and welding, selling crutches and wheelchairs to the Moroccan Government and the public along with other items.

Returning from Morocco, Janet began her career in livestock production. She has 12 years of experience in Swine production as well as several years of experience working with cattle, sheep and poultry. During her career, Janet has done short-term assignments with Windrock International advising a women’s swine cooperative in Nepal and women small ruminant owners in Mali. While in Mali, Janet used GPS tracking of sheep and goats to acquire accurate information on animal movement and to develop educational materials.

Janet has also worked on numerous occasions in Uganda as a Farmer Field School and Training of Trainers curriculum developer and instructor in Oxen Powered Farming, Implement Design and Conservation Agriculture. Janet is a financial supporter and advisor to the Ugandan run business, Oxen Clinic Uganda.

Janet returned to the Peace Corps in 2006 to work in Village based Development in Samoa. She worked with villagers to identify activities of interest including home gardens, computer instruction and the design of swine and poultry projects. During her service, Janet sought and received grant funding to make improvements at a school for disabled children and to develop and install educational murals at schools around the country. Janet also provided training to cattle owners and agricultural students on castration techniques and benefits in her own and other villages.

In 2018, Janet completed her MA in in Agricultural and Extension Education at the University of New Mexico.