Staff Interview: Jillian
Jillian’s path to Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates began shortly after she graduated from Ashland University and earned her teaching license. After spending a short time in a traditional education setting, Jillian realized she was looking for something different: a role that allowed her to connect with students while thinking beyond the classroom. Once she learned about JOG through a connection, Jillian was thrilled to apply! From there, everything seemed to fall into place.
In her role at JOG, Jillian finds purpose in two key parts of her day. First and foremost, she values the time she spends connecting with her students, learning about their dreams, and helping them explore the many pathways available to them. Whether those conversations focus on career goals, postsecondary options, or building confidence, Jillian’s goal is always the same, to leave students feeling hopeful and empowered after each interaction.
Jillian also appreciates the flexibility JOG provides in her class prep. Each week, she carefully plans which students she will meet with and during which class periods. From there, she builds individualized lesson plans and sessions tailored to each student’s needs. Some days are focused on enrollment or job placement, while others center on skill building or engaging activities designed to strengthen relationships and trust.
Having graduated from Ashland University, Jillian already had strong ties to Ashland County before joining JOG. Through her field experiences, she spent time at both Heartland Technical School and Ashland High School, where she built meaningful relationships with students, staff, and administrators. Returning to Ashland High School in her current role has been especially rewarding, allowing her to reconnect with a community that helped shape her early career.
As a newer member of the JOG team, Jillian has a deeper understanding of the barriers many young people face daily. Through enrollment conversations and one-on-one meetings, she has seen both the challenges students navigate and the resilience they bring. This perspective has strengthened her appreciation for programs like JOG that work to reduce stressors and open doors to new opportunities.
Jillian has been able to really come into her own since joining the JOG family. From the teams who helped train her to leadership and administration, to those who offer encouragement and guidance, she has felt supported and welcomed across the organization since joining!
Looking ahead to 2026, Jillian is focused on continuing to build strong relationships with her roster while also launching a service project with her students. Her long term goal is to expand that effort into a schoolwide initiative, creating opportunities for students to give back while growing together.
