About

Early in her professional journey, Joan Ava Gillman made a clear decision to dedicate her life to helping children develop a genuine love for learning. This commitment led her to pursue higher education in the field of education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education, summa cum laude, from Felician College (now Felician University) in 1980, followed by a Master of Arts in Education from the New York University School of Education, Health, Nursing and Arts Professions (SEHNAP) in 1982, now known as the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development.

Joan’s passion for teaching began in high school through a strong community service program required for graduation. She fulfilled her service by volunteering in a lower school, where she taught children to play the recorder, tutored small groups in mathematics, and organized playground games. Her inclusive approach stood out, particularly her ability to engage all children, not only those with strong athletic abilities. During this time, she also taught swimming at the local JCC, including working with special needs children, and served as a substitute ballet teacher at a local dance studio. These experiences reinforced her belief in inclusiveness, confidence building, and the joy of learning through movement.

Since graduating, Joan Ava Gillman has devoted 44 years to her work as an educator. Throughout her career, she has inspired students to embrace education, nurture curiosity, and become lifelong learners.