The University of Minnesota Extension Office welcomes Rachel (Johnson) Wahlstrom to the West Otter Tail County (WOTC) Extension team. As a former Otter Tail County 4-H member, Wahlstrom will return to the program as an Extension Educator to lead a range of 4-H Youth Development programs. Her primary role as an Extension Educator will be to provide a range of activities engaging youth to learn and lead in 4-H experiences.

Jessica Mohagen, Extension Educator in 4-H Youth Development, expressed her excitement for Wahlstrom joining the Extension team. 

“We are thrilled to have Rachel join our Extension team, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things we’ll achieve together in the world of 4-H,” she said,

Wahlstrom grew up in Fergus Falls and graduated from Kennedy Secondary School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College–Moorhead and has been teaching and coaching at Detroit Lakes High School. She and her husband live on a hobby farm outside of Erhard.

“I grew up as an avid 4-Her in West Otter Tail County, which spurred my interest in becoming an educator,” shared Wahlstrom. “I appreciate how 4-H is always evolving to be more inclusive by creating different projects for youth to pursue their passions.”

Wahlstrom shared that her favorite part about being an educator is creating relationships with involved youth, creating strong volunteer structures, and recruiting new members to join the fun. She added being a lifelong learner is also incredibly important to becoming a responsibly engaged citizen.

“I’m excited to give back to an organization and community that established many foundational building blocks in my life,” she said. “I’m thrilled to continue teaching and coaching in a new and different capacity with WOTC 4-H.”

Those who want to connect with Wahlstrom or learn more about 4-H in WOTC, please contact her at joh12246@umn.edu or (218) 998-8762. She will work out of the Fergus Falls Extension Office.

Otter Tail County Extension is a partnership between the University of Minnesota and state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. Extension’s mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future.