AMYTHEST FARIA-OTIS
Cobb,CA
Summary
Dynamic professional with a unique Indigenous perspective and extensive knowledge of tribal protocols and customs. Experienced with coordinating and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Utilizes effective communication and organizational skills to ensure seamless project execution. Track record of implementing process improvements and achieving project deadlines in accordance with grant deliverables. Committed to integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into project frameworks, enhancing relevance in all programs and trainings.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Indigenous Farm and Foodways Program Manager
The Cultural Conservancy
04.2023 - 01.2026
- Developed and implemented strategic program initiatives to enhance cultural preservation efforts.
- Collaborated with community partners to assess community needs and align projects with organizational goals.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution of grant-funded programs and activities.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for staff, promoting best practices in project management.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to broaden program reach and impact within communities.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
- Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.
- Increased customer satisfaction through effective communication of program goals and expectations.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring, and training of team members.
- Reduced farm expenses by optimizing resource allocation and streamlining operations
- Developed operational budget and monitored farm expenses to enforce and achieve budget adherence.
Tribal Farmer
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
05.2021 - 04.2023
- Provided fresh seasonal produce and farm-fresh eggs to over 70 Tribal Elders and community members on a weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly basis.
- Implemented regenerative agricultural techniques to increase farm productivity and expand a new 5-acre farm site and garden program while maintaining restorative land management practices.
- Produce yields increased from 5,000 to over 12,000 pounds since my arrival.
- Led workshops and increased community involvement
- Developed curriculum
- kept strict records in accordance with CCOF standards
Teacher
Sonoma Academy
08.2016 - 03.2020
- Developed hands-on learning experiences and project-based activities teaching organic farming techniques, land stewardship practices, and exploration of food systems for 170 10th-grade students per semester.
- Encouraged students' connection to land, fostered community awareness and reflection, and emphasized garden skill-building.
Program Coordinator and Student Teacher
Earth Activist Training
01.2017 - 07.2019
- Developed regenerative land-management curriculum, conducted student outreach, managed finances, and coordinated outings to expose students to diverse agricultural practices in alignment with Earth Activist’s mission of creating place-based stewards.
- Selected as a student teacher to develop curriculum, lead workshops, and facilitate student discussion for the yearly Permaculture Design Certification course for over 50 students.
- Co-taught an herbal medicine-making and storytelling course to program apprentices.
Garden Manager
Church of Shambhala
03.2006 - 12.2009
- Independently stewarded, designed, and maintained the monastery garden to grow produce, culinary herbs, fruits, and nuts to support the monastery staff and community.
- Developed recipes highlighting seasonal harvest for monthly gatherings.
Healthy Foodways Manager
Sonoma County Indian Health Project
03.2000 - 10.2002
- Established a diversified intertribal garden that grew produce, basketry plants, California native plants, medicinal herbs, and fruits for patients and the community in support of the clinic’s Healthy Traditions Diabetes Prevention program.
- Coordinated volunteer days and led accompanying workshops.
Native Plant Propagation Specialist
Ya-Ka-Ama
08.1997 - 10.1999
- Responsible for the care, maintenance, and sale of California native plants utilizing Traditional Ecological methods.
- Managed interns, and hosted community events and workshops on plant and traditional uses.
Contractor
Northern California Indian Development Council
03.1996 - 07.1997
- Restored flood-damaged riparian environments utilizing native California plant varieties.
Education
Certified Permaculture Designer - Permaculture Design
Earth Activist Training
Cazadero, CA01-2019
Ecological Farming - Farm School
Permaculture Skills Center
Sebastopol, CA05-2016
California Naturalist - Agriculture And Natural Resources
University of California
CA11-2018
Associate of Science - Environmental Science and Sustainable Agriculture
Santa Rosa Junior College
05-1999
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Grant Management
- Traditional Ecological Knowledge
- Community Engagement
- Team leadership and direction
- Project Management
- Skilled and Compassionate Educator
- Verbal Communication and Storytelling
- Respect for Tribal traditions and Protocols
- Regenerative Land Practices
- Training and Development
- MS Office applications
Affiliations
- Celebrating Women's Leadership in Agriculture- Leadership Circle
- Permaculture Institute of North America- Certified designer
- Miniconjou Lakota-Tribal citizen
- Indian Child Welfare Act- Licensed foster parent
Timeline
Indigenous Farm and Foodways Program Manager
The Cultural Conservancy
04.2023 - 01.2026
Tribal Farmer
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
05.2021 - 04.2023
Program Coordinator and Student Teacher
Earth Activist Training
01.2017 - 07.2019
Teacher
Sonoma Academy
08.2016 - 03.2020
Garden Manager
Church of Shambhala
03.2006 - 12.2009
Healthy Foodways Manager
Sonoma County Indian Health Project
03.2000 - 10.2002
Native Plant Propagation Specialist
Ya-Ka-Ama
08.1997 - 10.1999
Contractor
Northern California Indian Development Council
03.1996 - 07.1997
Certified Permaculture Designer - Permaculture Design
Earth Activist Training
Ecological Farming - Farm School
Permaculture Skills Center
California Naturalist - Agriculture And Natural Resources
University of California
Associate of Science - Environmental Science and Sustainable Agriculture
Santa Rosa Junior College