Jennie Willens has worked in independent schools in Los Angeles since 2002 and has been a proud member of the Echo Horizon School community since 2018. After studying theater at Northwestern University, Jennie’s career began as an arts educator teaching theater and musical theater at Brentwood School. Jennie’s love for student life initiatives and community engagement led her to Windward School in 2012 as the Dean of Student Life and Experiential Learning. Jennie’s passion for student support and parent partnership led her into the role of Dean of Students for the College Preparatory Division before making her way to Echo Horizon School as Director of Academic, Student and Community Affairs. Currently, as Director of Lower Elementary, Jennie enjoys every single moment with the young Echo scholars, but especially playing games at Kindergarten recess. During her twenty years in independent schools, Jennie’s interest in social-emotional learning, purposeful play, community engagement, and building strong relationships in school communities has led her to wonderful opportunities to facilitate and participate in professional development with educators locally, nationally and globally. Jennie has served as a Visiting Scholar for the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education, as well as a workshop and retreat facilitator in these areas of expertise with CATDC, Kenya Big Picture Learning, and CSEE. Along with fellow Echo Horizon educator Jake Willens, Jennie is the proud parent of two Echo Horizon Hawks—Grace (Class of 2022) and Ryan (Class of 2026).