Colette DePhelps works part-time as the Education and Special Project Director at Rural Roots, Inc. and part-time as a University of Idaho Extension Associate in Community Food Systems & Small Farms.  Colette has over 20 years’ experience working with farmers, non-profits, government agencies, Washington State University and the University of Idaho to develop and offer small farm educational workshops, conferences, field tours, webinars and online courses on marketing, whole farm & financial planning, food safety and sustainable production practices.  DePhelps utilizes a participatory approach to research and education, engaging producers in the identification of priorities and the subsequent design and evaluation of programs.  Colette is currently working on expanding Idaho markets for small farms, beginning farmer education, and farm-to-school programs. She serves on the Western Center for Risk Management Education Advisory Board, the Moscow Food Co-op Board of Directors and chairs the Palouse Prairie Charter School Wellness Committee.  Colette holds a M.S. in Environmental Science from Washington State University and a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Western Washington University.  In her free time, she enjoys kayaking Idaho’s lakes, eating local food and motorcycle riding on Idaho’s backcountry roads.