20 Questions with Mrs. Gillis
1. Where did you come from/grow up? I was born and raised in Worcester, MA. This city is well known for its colleges, rolling hills, diversity, and restaurant offerings.
2. Why did you become a physical educator? I love movement and teaching children how to move their bodies so they can have a healthy lifestyle.
3. What do you do to stay physically active? I am a fitness instructor at the Vanderbilt Club in Norwood. I also love to do various workouts on my Peleton, and I love to golf!
4. What sports did you play growing up? I was a dancer. From the age of 7 to 18, I took dance classes in Worcester, MA, at the Joan Sheary School of Dance. I learned tap, ballet, lyrical, jazz, modern, and pointe.
5. How many years have you been teaching? I have been teaching for 30 years. I started as a Physical Education Teacher and Special Education Teacher at Pine Hill in Sherborn (housed at the DSMS) in 1994.
6. Where did you go to College? I first went to school at Point Park College in Pittsburgh, where I majored in dance, and then I transferred to Cape Cod Community College, where I received my Associate's degree. I then pursued my bachelor's degree at Bridgewater State College with a concentration in Physical Education. I also received a Masters degree In Education at Bridgewater State College with a concentration in Moderate Special Needs
7. Did you play any sports in College/intramural activities? I was a member of the Dance Team at Bridgewater State College.
8. What is your favorite sports team? I grew up a fan of all Boston sports teams. I especially love to watch football on the NFL Red Zone with my family.
9. What is your favorite food? My favorite foods are pasta, chicken, waffles, and anything with chocolate!
10. Do you have a family? And How many siblings do you have? I have a husband, Matt, who is the athletic director at Westwood High School, and we have been married for over 30 years. I have two grown children, Shannon and Owen. I am the youngest of 4. I have two older sisters and one older brother.
11. Where do you like to vacation? My favorite places are Bermuda, Jamacia, and Cape Cod.
12. What are your favorite television shows? I love to watch Survivor and
The Amazing Race!
13. What is your favorite unit to teach? By far, my favorite unit to teach is volleyball. Specifically, I love to teach a sport kids don’t know much about. It’s rewarding to see students progress throughout the unit. It is fun to watch them enjoy themselves.
14. Do you have any animals? No, my husband is allergic to animals. We do, however babysit my niece's dog when they go on vacation.
15. What are your hobbies outside of school? I love spending time with my family and friends, playing golf, and going to the beach!
16. What are your favorite movies? I have favorites from the past to the present: American President, 13 going on 30, and Up!
17. What is your favorite color? Black because you can match any clothing with it!
18. What is your favorite type of music? I love all kinds of music! Country to Classical.
19. What was your favorite subject in school? Aside from PE, I enjoyed History. I like learning about factual events.
20. Do you have a message for the students that you teach? Physical Education plays a vital role in fostering the holistic development of individuals, encompassing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The lessons and skills acquired in PE extend far beyond the classroom, influencing various aspects of life. Through PE, individuals cultivate essential skills, enhance fitness levels, gain knowledge, and develop positive attitudes, contributing to their journey towards living a healthy lifestyle.