Hello! My name is Jennifer Lillash, and I am the pre-kindergarten teacher. This is my second year teaching, but I have been around Saint Mary's for many years. I grew up in Mentor, Ohio in a house filled with five children; I am the oldest. I am also a former graduate of Saint Mary's. I attended Saint Mary's from kindergarten through eighth grade. At Saint Mary's, I was involved in yearbook, volleyball, and basketball. Next, I moved onto Lake Catholic High School where I was extremely involved in extra-curricular activities such as: yearbook, homecoming committee, drama, musical theater, diversity club, Spanish club, music ministry, and doing community service hours with my peers. I spent many hours of my time at Lake Catholic on the stage in plays and musicals. The musicals were: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Brigadoon, West Side Story, and Jesus Christ Superstar. My next journey took me to Kent State University where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. This certifies me to teach pre-kindergarten through third grade. I am also specialized in reading (pre-kindergarten through third grade).

        I am devoted to the work I do with my students, and I love watching them grow as learners over the course of a school year. Teaching is my passion, and it is where my heart has always been. I could not imagine taking on another profession. Besides teaching, I have a lot of hobbies I enjoy doing. I love taking pictures and scrap booking. I enjoy walking three miles a day. I absolutely love the Cleveland Browns! I hope to attend a few games this season. I have loved my job being a camp counselor for Painesville City summer camp the past two summers. Lastly, I enjoy traveling. I am planning on taking a trip to England as soon as school gets out for the summer to visit a friend who is teaching theater there.

        Currently, I am focused on the start of a new and exciting school year with my pre-kindergarten class. I thank God every day for this new and exciting journey in my life, and my family for all of their love and support. I am going back to school to obtain my Masters through Ashland University where I will obtain my reading endorsement which will allow me to be specialized in reading for grades k-12, and my Literacy degree. After that accomplishment, I plan on getting my masters in special education. I am extremely excited to be starting my teaching career at Saint Mary's.