All About Me

Welcome to second grade 2021-22! I’m Johanna Hillis and I’ve been a teacher for 24 years here at Gila Crossing Community School. I’m looking forward to teaching in the classroom again. I’ve taught K-8 th grade reading, language, special ed resource room K-8 along with inclusion. I’ve also taught with the Native American Teacher’s Program for five years at ASU. I come from the village of Co-op. I grew up with my grandparents, Walter and Mary Rhodes and my parents are Charles and Neely Rhodes Zilliox. I had two extraordinary brothers Michael and Duke Zillioux. I went to school at Laveen Elementary and Casa Grande K-8 th grades. I went to Menaul High Boarding School in Albuquerque and came home and graduated from South Mountain High School. I went on to college at Northern Arizona University. I received a degree in Elementary Education K-8. A few years later a Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Diversified Education. I’m also certified in Special Education LD.

I have two sons Dusty and Christopher Hillis. They are the light of my life. Dusty worked here at Gila Crossing during the summer months with the sports program. He graduated from ASU with a degree in Kinesiology and is currently a paramedic fireman on the Salt River Reservation. He is married to Stephanie and they have two beautiful daughters, Isabelle and Lilly. My younger son Christopher went to school here at Gila Crossing for many years. He graduated from ASU with a degree in English Literature and now works with Spencer’s Corporate as an accountant. He learned his foundational math skills from Mr. Buckles! Best math teacher ever! I always wanted to be a teacher and I got to live my dream. I wake up every day and I'm thankful that I get to do what I love. I can’t imagine a better career. I’m looking forward to the school year!