About Jilena
I have nearly two decades of experience working with students in classrooms: as a teacher, special-needs aid, and tutor. I earned degrees in Music Education, Elementary Education, and Spanish from two Portland area Universities. I spent 4 years teaching elementary general music, directing 4 children's choirs, as well as the middle school drama performance program. I have worked for 8 years in schools working with students who needed special and specific help meeting their learning needs. I have tutored, for many years, most subjects through high school and college levels including: music, Spanish, math, biology and English language arts/ writing. For over ten years, I have had a private music studio, where I instruct both piano and vocal students.
I take a relationship-based approach to learning and teaching. I believe in the importance of my students growing in self-confidence and esteem by taking chances and learning from their mistakes and successes. To that end, I value my students asking questions. I love seeing my students' interests and how they use those interests to creatively learn and grow. It is exciting to see them gain confidence and excitement as they realize how much they are capable of doing. I would be honored to partner with you in order to help your student succeed!
I look forward to serving you and your family,
Jilena Castillo
"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death." -Albert Einstein
