Janet Holman Gillin
Okay, Oklahoma
Janet Holman Gillin has spent her career helping others. With decades of experience in child welfare, developmental disabilities, and job coaching, she has dedicated herself to improving lives.
Her passion lies in guiding individuals toward independence through employment support, training, and community programs.
Born and raised in Okay, Oklahoma, Janet’s career in human services began after earning a degree in education from Wichita State University. Her early work in Kansas focused on child welfare, where she helped reunite families and stabilize at-risk children. This experience shaped her lifelong commitment to advocacy and support services.
In Oklahoma, she took on a critical role with the Department of Human Services, working in the Developmental Disabilities Division. She played a key part in closing the Hissom Memorial Center, ensuring that residents with disabilities transitioned into community-based care. She collaborated with legal teams, federal agencies, and service providers to create sustainable housing and support programs.
Janet later moved into workforce development, helping individuals with disabilities find and keep jobs. She worked as a job coach and employment trainer, guiding adults toward meaningful work and self-sufficiency. Her ability to connect with people and understand their needs made her a trusted mentor in the field.
Her work extended beyond Oklahoma. As a training specialist for Tennessee’s Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, she developed one of the state’s first online learning programs. She trained employees and service providers, ensuring that best practices were implemented statewide.
Throughout her career, Janet has been a voice for those in need. Whether working with children, adults with disabilities, or families in crisis, she has approached every challenge with compassion and expertise.
Outside of work, Janet is a proud mother of five children and one stepchild. Her family has pursued careers in higher education, medicine, the military, and manufacturing—each reflecting the values of hard work and dedication that she instilled.