Gillen joined Hosanna is 2022 and quickly became a favorite among her students. She earned her Associates of Arts from Gray’s Harbor Community College in Aberdeen, Washington in 2017 before transferring to George Fox University where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2020. Following her graduation from GFU, Gillen worked as an assistant elementary teacher and substitute teacher in a variety of elementary settings, including Montessori and Christian schools. Her teaching style is a combination of the love and logic approach and valuing the whole child. She has experience in classroom management using positive reinforcement and creative teaching techniques to encourage student success. Gillen is grateful to work in a welcoming Christ-centered environment. 

When Gillen is not in the classroom, she loves to paint, bake, hike, and work through puzzles. She enjoys being able to create, explore, and solve something new!