Julie Jesmer
Washington State University
Graduate Fellow
Julie Jesmer received her Master in Agriculture from Washington State University where she explored the intersections between urban agriculture and social work. She also holds bachelor’s a master’s degrees in social work. Her earlier work in Western Kenya introduced her to the complexity of food security and inspired her passion for integrating food justice into her work in agriculture. While at WSU, Julie was the program coordinator for the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program. She now works for Michigan State University.
Julie’s Fellowship
Farms and Gardens in Mental Health Institutions – Opportunities for Extension
Through an in-depth exploration of one exemplar program, the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute, Julie’s paper examines the history of farms and gardens at mental health institutions, the wealth of opportunity for Extension programs to partner with these institutions, and the complexities and barriers that may arise within such a partnership. It culminates in specific suggestions to help Extension provide broad-based, inclusive education to all members of the community.
