Former Kindergarten Teacher, Patti Gillies, Shines as a Point of Light for Children Across Houston

For the last two years, Ladies for Literacy Guild member Patti Gillies has brought stories to life as a volunteer reader through our Reading Round Up initiative. Patti shares her enthusiasm for community service and education during her volunteer shifts at Askew Elementary School. Her time with the students has made an impact on her life.

“It makes me very grateful for the things I have, and that I have the ability to go in and make things, maybe a little bit better for a child.”

Following the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation from its inception, Patti Gillies has dedicated her life to education and serving others. She recalls a time from a recent visit to the elementary school, where after reading a Rudolph Christmas book to the classroom, a young boy approached her and asked if he could bring the book home. “I asked the teacher if it was okay, and he got to keep it. It’s a small gesture that created a big memory.”

Patti had a long-standing career as a kindergarten teacher at Alief Elementary. An accomplished educator, Patti knows the importance of fostering a love for reading and literacy. Her passion and creativity during her time as a teacher helped her develop strategies to support her students. One particularly effective method was switching homework collection from Fridays to Mondays to “give students a weekend advantage to finish their work with their parents.”

Patti’s love of storytelling extends to her favorite children’s author, Jan Brett, known for her richly illustrated retellings of beloved classics like The Gingerbread Man and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Her passion for children’s literature also fuels her support for the Curiosity Cruiser and its mission to deliver books and inspire a love of reading across Houston.

We asked Patti what encouragement she would give to people considering volunteering and she replied: “Reading is just such an important thing that children need to learn,” Patti emphasized.

“As a Reading Roundup volunteer, I am only in the classroom with the children for an hour. It is something simple to do, yet it leaves a lasting impact.”

To learn more about the Ladies For Literacy and how to get involved, visit Barbarabushhouston.org/ladiesguild