Say “hi” to the newest member of the Connor’s Heroes team: Jillian Carpenter. On Monday, January 8, 2024, Jillian will formally begin her role as Connor’s Heroes Program Director.
Jillian has a Masters of Social Work. She is a clinician, educator, and community liaison with more than a decade of experience. In college and graduate school, she worked with pediatric oncology patients and their families. Prior to joining Connor’s Heroes, she served as an Assistant Professor in Teaching at the VCU School of Social Work. She is a member of the board at Full Circle Grief Center.
“I have been a supporter of Connor’s Heroes since I became a volunteer over ten years ago. In my role as Program Director, I hope to help children and families feel less alone by companioning them with warmth and compassion. I look forward to building relationships to provide support that feels validating and helpful.”
Jillian will welcome a family to Connor’s Heroes after their child’s diagnosis. She will get to know a family and offer emotional and financial support specific to a family’s situation. Jillian will work closely with Meredith Burns, the Child Life Specialist at CHoR.
Learn More About Jillian:
What are three words that best describe you?
Compassionate, thoughtful, and collaborative.
What is something you love to do that most people would never imagine:
I enjoy beach combing and collecting sea glass, shells and pottery while imagining the journey these objects took to get to this exact point of collection. I also love to read books that include magic realism!
The best thing someone ever taught you:
Two things can be true at the same time — both/and thinking.
Your favorite singer:
Judah And The Lion