get in touch
Do you know a passionate GALA member who would fit the bill? GALA accepts nominations for new members to be voted upon by the membership. Get in touch with Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt at limasite98@aol.com
Joining GALA connected me with a network of experienced llama and alpaca owners and a wealth of knowledge which have helped me gain the confidence I need to raise a happy and healthy herd.
She has attended the Big E Llama show and several GALA conferences, where she developed a deep appreciation for llamas and their broader impact on people. Recently, she successfully used training techniques from John Mallon’s GALA lessons to work with Princess Nutmeg, a young and feisty llama.
She is particularly passionate about the unique gifts llamas bring to the world, especially through their involvement in medical contributions and the Pet Partners program, where they offer therapeutic benefits to people in need. What Jennifer values most, however, is the warmth, camaraderie, and kindness within the GALA community. She is eager to give back to this wonderful group and contribute to GALA’s mission as a member of the Board of Directors.
She has attended the Big E Llama show and several GALA conferences, where she developed a deep appreciation for llamas and their broader impact on people. Recently, she successfully used training techniques from John Mallon’s GALA lessons to work with Princess Nutmeg, a young and feisty llama.
She is particularly passionate about the unique gifts llamas bring to the world, especially through their involvement in medical contributions and the Pet Partners program, where they offer therapeutic benefits to people in need. What Jennifer values most, however, is the warmth, camaraderie, and kindness within the GALA community. She is eager to give back to this wonderful group and contribute to GALA’s mission as a member of the Board of Directors.
I joined GALA about 35 years ago before purchasing our first llama. GALA was an excellent source of information about caring for these amazing animals as well as networking with llama owners. I have attended several conferences as well as traveled to Peru twice with other GALA members in an exchange program with Peruvian llama farmers. This is my first term on the Board and I look forward to working with other Board members as well as the GALA membership to continue GALA’s important mission.
I joined GALA about 35 years ago before purchasing our first llama. GALA was an excellent source of information about caring for these amazing animals as well as networking with llama owners. I have attended several conferences as well as traveled to Peru twice with other GALA members in an exchange program with Peruvian llama farmers. This is my first term on the Board and I look forward to working with other Board members as well as the GALA membership to continue GALA’s important mission.
Jessie Munson has worked with llamas and alpacas for over 20 years, building expertise across a
wide range of disciplines within the camelid community. She has exhibited her animals at local,
regional, and national levels, and has trained llamas for performance, cart driving, and packing.
Since 2020, she has also been a registered therapy llama handler with Pet Partners.
Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to education, outreach, and service. Over the
years, she has volunteered at numerous public events, offering educational displays and teaching
classes on topics such as shearing, halter fit, training, and responsible breeding. In addition to her
hands-on work with animals, Jessie is deeply interested in the history of the llama industry and
has contributed to archival preservation efforts and the organization of reunion events honoring
industry pioneers.
She is proud to play an active role in GALA’s mission of promoting llamas and alpacas as
intelligent, versatile, and valued companions. As a researcher herself, Jessie understands the
critical role that funding and support play in advancing veterinary knowledge. Research
programs—such as GALA’s own—are vital to improving the health, welfare, and longevity of
our camelid companions. Contributing to these efforts aligns with her commitment to both the
animals and the community that supports them.
Outside of the llama world, Jessie is currently completing her Ph.D. in political science at the
University of Wisconsin–Madison. She lives with two llamas and one poodle.
