Mrs. Jennifer Willits

I was born in the Central Valley of California. I am the oldest and have two sisters, one of whom is also a teacher. After college, I went to beauty school and worked as an esthetician for10 years. I became fascinated with skincare products and the science behind them, so I decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in biology. Once I completed my first genetics class I was hooked and changed my degree to biotechnology. A graduate student and I collaborated on his thesis and we were published for our work during my undergrad. 

My husband and I met when I was in Portland visiting my sister and we had instant chemistry so we were in a long-distance relationship for three years. After college, he proposed and we got married. I moved to Portland because I love the city and the weather here, and I actually enjoy the rain. 

After college, I went back to esthetics and became an educator at the salon and was fascinated with the learning process and how each person has their own learning style. I decided to become a teacher because of that reason. I earned my MAT at Pacific University while working full time and student teaching in a local high school. SJF is my first teacher placement and right away, I knew it was where I was supposed to be all along. 

When I am not working I enjoy traveling. I have been to 15 other states and 4 other countries already but I plan to explore more every summer. I am also passionate about animals, I have three dogs myself. I also love gardening and spending time with husband, twins and extended family.