Janet Holman Gillin has quietly built a legacy of service. Her career spans over 30 years across child welfare, developmental disabilities, job coaching, and workforce development. She’s helped people rebuild their lives, find purpose, and live with dignity.
Born in Okay, Oklahoma, Janet was raised with small-town values and a strong belief in doing the right thing. She earned her degree in education from Wichita State University, but it was her heart for advocacy that shaped her life’s work.
Janet spoke with Success Blueprints about how she got started, what she’s learned, and what she wants the next decade of her life to look like.
How Did You Get Started in the Industry?
“I actually started in child welfare in Kansas,” Janet says. “I worked as a Child Welfare Specialist. It was tough work, but it showed me how much people need someone in their corner.”
Her early days were filled with court hearings, home visits, and long conversations with families trying to heal.
“I focused on family reunification. If we could make it safe for a child to return home, that was the goal. But it wasn’t just about safety—it was about stability.”
In 1991, she joined the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Her work shifted to developmental disabilities, and she became part of something historic—the closure of Hissom Memorial Center.
“That was a big turning point,” Janet recalls. “We were helping people move from institutional care to real homes in the community. It was personal. These were people’s lives.”
She worked with attorneys, families, and advocacy groups to make the transition smooth. The goal was clear: every person deserved respect, care, and a life of their choosing.
What Advice Can You Give Future Leaders in Your Industry?
“Stay grounded in why you started,” Janet says. “It’s easy to get caught up in rules and systems. But never forget—you’re working for people.”
She believes the best leaders are good listeners.
“Really hear what your clients, families, and teams are saying. Solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all. You have to be flexible. You have to care.”
She also encourages young professionals to be open to change.
“I never planned to go into workforce development,” she admits with a smile. “But once I saw how employment helped people gain confidence, I was hooked.”
She later helped adults with disabilities find jobs, coached them through challenges, and celebrated their wins.
“Helping someone get their first paycheck—there’s nothing like it.”
Her advice is simple but powerful: “Follow the need. That’s where the work matters most.”
What Do You Want to Focus On Over the Next 10 Years?
At this stage in her life, Janet is focused on mentoring and giving back.
“I want to help train the next generation,” she says. “We’ve come so far in human services, but there’s still work to do.”
She’s especially interested in improving training and access. Back in the late ‘90s, she helped launch one of Tennessee’s first online platforms for developmental disabilities training.
“It made a difference,” she says. “People in rural areas could get certified without driving hours to a training center.”
Now, she’s thinking about ways to support virtual learning, especially in underserved communities.
She’s also committed to volunteering. She’s worked in women’s shelters, supported survivors, and helped connect families with resources.
“Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is, ‘I’m here to help.’”
And of course, she plans to spend more time with her family. With five children and a stepchild, she stays busy keeping up with their lives and accomplishments.
“They’re my biggest success story,” Janet says proudly.
Key Takeaways
Janet Holman Gillin’s story is one of quiet strength. She didn’t chase titles or recognition. Instead, she focused on people.
From helping reunite families to closing outdated institutions, Janet helped shift systems in a better direction. She’s made change happen by listening, learning, and leading with heart.
Her career is proof that service, done right, has a ripple effect. It changes lives—not just for today, but for generations to come.
And for Janet, that’s more than enough.
Do you want to see more of Janet? Follow her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and visit her website!
