This school year, 2023-2024, is my 4^th year to teach with Paris ISD and the start of my 31^st year to be a math teacher! I’m excited to continue teaching 6^th grade Math at Crockett Intermediate School. I’ve enjoyed returning to teach after retirement when I realized that I still had the passion to help students learn and missed the daily interacting with kids and colleagues. Prior to retirement, I had taught 23 years at Chisum Middle School mostly teaching 8^th grade Math and Algebra 1, with occasionally teaching 6^th and 7^th grade Math, and a 6^th grade technology class. My teaching career began at Prairiland High School in 1992 teaching Algebra 1 for four years and coaching softball.

My husband Randy and I have lived in Paris, Texas during the entire 30 years of our marriage and have two wonderful grown sons together! Both of our boys are graduates of Chisum High School. We welcomed our daughter-in-law Kyla into our family in 2023, and just welcomed our 1^st grandchild, Gracie Kay Gillen, on March 12^th! She gives a whole new meaning to love and beauty! We also have 2 granddogs, Riley and Millie. My husband Randy loves to play golf and is also an official for volleyball and basketball. Our family is a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church and Paris Golf and Country Club.

Our oldest son, Zachary Gillen and wife Kyla are both teachers and coaches at Royse City High School. Our youngest son, Brandon Gillen, is in his 1^st year of General Surgery residency at Baylor Medical Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Spending time with my family is my favorite thing to do! Together we enjoy sporting events, especially golf, but also softball and baseball games. For me, I like to spend time with friends, attend concerts,and enjoy the sunshine while walking on the beach!