Patricia Thompson Gillen, a transformative figure in education and counseling, accrued three decades of professional excellence prior to her retirement in 1995. Most recently, she served as a school counselor for 27 years for the Chester Upland School District in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, concluding her career as a counselor at Showalter Middle School. As a counselor, Ms. Gillen spent significant time working in several educational and wellness-related positions, as well as counseling students in their times of need. Before delving into counseling, Ms. Gillen spent three years as a teacher.
Prior to embarking on her vocational journey, Ms. Gillen attended the St. Jane Frances Preschool and Notre Dame Preparatory School in the United States and subsequently achieved her high school diploma from Villa Maria Academy in Santiago, Chile, in 1960. Well-versed in languages, she also learned the French language at Notre Dame Preparatory School and the Spanish language at Villa Maria Academy. After obtaining her high school diploma, Ms. Gillen matriculated at Immaculata University in Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor of Science in psychology and elementary education in 1965. Subsequently, she achieved a Master of Education in guidance and counseling from Villanova University in 1967. Ms. Gillen cites the completion of her academic degrees as a highlight of her career.
Outside of her primary profession, Ms. Gillen maintained professional alignment with several organizations related to education, such as the American Association of University Women, Kappa Kappa Iota, DKG International and numerous alumni associations. In her post-retirement years, she has also lent her time to The International Cat Association, through which she has participated in several cat shows, and contributes to her local church.
As a testament to her success, Ms. Gillen has been bestowed with many honors, including being named to Who’s Who in America, induction into the 10th edition of Marquis Millennium Magazine, and featured among Marquis Top Educators and Who’s Who of Professional Women. She also received the Worldwide Humanitarian Award from Marquis Who’s Who. Looking toward the future, she aims to continue traveling with her husband, having already traveled across the United States and to Europe and the Caribbean Islands. She wishes to eventually visit Cuba in her prospective travels.
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