Gillis | for children and families since 1870

Gillis Stories - Becky's Story

She was teaching French in a local school and decided to further her education. However, to do so meant she would have to go to France. With her husband in med-school that wasn’t possible. So, she went to KU and received a degree in special education. She observed a class here with Cathy Dennis, who suggested Becky do her student teaching at Gillis. She did and when Cathy learned she was pregnant and decided to leave, she suggested Becky fill her position.

We at Gillis are so glad she did. When she first came to Gillis 35 years ago her classroom was on the 2nd floor of the current administration building. The students were all residential and had school only half-days. Later she created a full-day program for students who were transitioning back to their home school districts. In 1980 the first section of the school was built and all classes were full day. The final construction was completed in 1983, and day treatment was offered.

Becky has seen many changes in her tenure at Gillis. There was been in increase in the level of severity of behavioral and emotional problems our students face. The length of stay for residential students has decreased, while it has increased for day treatment students.

As a Reading Specialist, Becky works with low functioning readers. “I work with the students whose reading levels are 2 to 3 years below their age level, helping to raise their functioning reading level to their expectancy levels.” Becky’s students are referred by the teachers. She meets with them one-on-one, but also teaches a reading group four mornings a week. In addition, she serves as the Gillis librarian, offering every class the opportunity to check out books each week.

“We’ll have some challenges as the new school year begins,” Becky stated. “With a new principal arriving and some of our former teachers leaving, the program will undergo transition. The challenge will be to make it as seamless as possible for the students’ well-being. Our teachers are all committed to give the best education we can to kids who can’t be in a regular classroom. I know that everyone at Gillis will remember why where here – for the kids.”

We hope Becky is with us for a long time. She epitomizes the quality of our teachers in their dedication and commitment to our students!

Stories

Davion was a young teenaged boy living with extended family members when his behavior became uncontrollable. He began behaving violently toward his caregivers and was generally uncooperative. His caregivers reached out to Gillis through the Family Focus program. Immediately Davion began receiving therapy both at home and at Gillis through a brief residential stay.
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Gillis News

As part of their community service hours at Rockhurst High School, two young men volunteered at Gillis, working with the residential students. One day they looked around and realized that the common areas were not what they, as “typical” teenagers, would like to look at every day. So, they undertook a cottage renovation project. READ MORE

Gillis is part of Cornerstones of Care, a partnership of agencies providing therapeutic treatment services for children and families.