Hodge Road Elementary School

Gillian Hadden

Gillian (pronounced Jillian) changed our lives when we moved to NC in 2004. My son, who has autism, was 10, and could not read or write. Gillian not only taught him to read and write, but taught him social and life skills that he has taken with him to middle school, where he is on the honor roll in a non-autism reading class! I had tried everything before meeting Gillian, and had moved several times in Maryland and in NC looking for someone kind and compassionate, and willing to go the extra mile. When it was time for my son to go to middle school, Gillian took us to his new school and gave us a tour, and this helped with the transition. Then, she took pictures and made us a book to look at over the summer so he would not be too anxious. I really don't think our lives would be what they are now if it had not been for this wonderful woman.