[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ custom_padding=”0%||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”15%||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”2%||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”2px||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/alumni-news-spring-2026-home-page\/” button_text=”Newsletter Spring 2026 Home Page” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Return to Newsletter Home Button” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_border_radius=”50px” button_text_size_tablet=”” button_text_size_phone=”18px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font=”|700|||||||” text_font_size=”45px” text_font_size_tablet=”40px” text_font_size_phone=”27px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Lilly in Full Bloom<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font_size=”25px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
F<\/span>or Lilly Gaven \u201913, becoming a teacher wasn\u2019t just a career choice\u2014it was a lifelong calling. In fact, her kindergarten yearbook already had the answer written clearly in ink: “Techer.” Years later, that early instinct has come full circle, shaping a career grounded in creativity, connection, and the same sense of community she first experienced at Los Encinos School.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lilly-K-yearbook-2007.jpg” alt=”Lily’s kindergarten yearbook entry.” title_text=”Lily’s kindergarten yearbook entry.” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text content_tablet=”” content_phone=”<\/p>\n (above) Lilly’s kindergarten yearbook entry, answering the prompt, <\/i>%22When I grow up, I want to be a…%22<\/i><\/p>\n ” content_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (above) Lilly’s kindergarten yearbook entry, answering the prompt, <\/i>“When I grow up, I want to be a…”<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font_size=”25px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n After graduating from LES in 2013, Lilly attended Heschel Day School before transitioning to Calabasas High School. She later headed north to the University of Oregon, where she completed both her undergraduate degree and a master\u2019s in education.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/photo-lily-oregon.jpg” alt=”Lilly and Max graduation OU” title_text=”Lilly and Max graduation OU” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”62%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (above) Lilly and another LES alum, Max Birch ’13, celebrate on Graduation Day at the University of Oregon.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font_size=”25px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Today, she teaches fifth grade at Portola Elementary School near San Francisco. She moved to the Bay Area in August 2024 and has been eagerly exploring the City ever since. Between yoga classes, cooking, and spending time with friends, she\u2019s embraced life in Northern California as both a teacher and a young professional finding her place in a new community.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/photo-lily-sanfran.jpg” alt=”Lilly and Friends” title_text=”Lilly and Friends” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”62%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (above) Lilly and friends in San Francisco (“the City”).<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font_size=”25px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n That idea of community\u2014so central to her LES experience\u2014continues to guide her daily life and teaching philosophy.<\/p>\n \u201cLos Encinos impacts my daily perception of the importance of community no matter where I am in the world,\u201d she reflects. \u201cI always look for a pocket of people I can be close to, share the same values, and enjoy life with.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s no surprise, then, that Lilly regularly brings LES-inspired traditions into her own classroom. From social-emotional learning routines to hands-on history activities like a Revolutionary War STEM project centered on the Boston Tea Party, she carries forward the spirit of experiential learning she first encountered as a student.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (photo gallery below) Mr. Myers and Ms. Anthonyson’s “LES Tea Party” challenge that Lilly experienced in 5th grade. Seen here, the Class of 2026.<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”2608,2610,2609,2611,2613,2612,2616,2614,2615,2617,2618″ posts_number=”3″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||4px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font_size=”25px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Her connection to LES runs deep\u2014and even began professionally there. As a camp counselor and counselor-in-training at Camp Los Encinos, she experienced what she describes as a \u201cfull circle moment,\u201d returning to the campus where her own journey started, this time as a mentor.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/video-interview-2018.jpg” alt=”2018 Video Interview with Lilly” title_text=”2018 Video interview with Lilly” url=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/2018\/09\/21\/477\/” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” align=”center” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Click the image above to open a new window with a 2018 video interview. Lilly was a senior in high school at the time.<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font_size=”25px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n These days, her classroom keeps her busy in ways only teaching can.<\/p>\n \u201cA typical day in the life of a teacher is honestly exhausting to list,\u201d she jokes. \u201cI regularly shapeshift into an educator, PE coach, tech support specialist, conflict mediator, event planner, motivational speaker, and occasional amateur detective with a concentration in handwriting detection.\u201d<\/p>\n Still, it\u2019s exactly that variety — and her sharp sense of humor — that keeps the work engaging.<\/p>\n Lilly always knew she wanted to teach, though she admits there was a brief moment when she considered acting. “In some ways,” she laughs, “teaching still gives me an audience every day.” More seriously, she says the classroom offers the perfect opportunity to help students grow in confidence while staying creative and connected to others.<\/p>\n Her strongest memories from LES center around the traditions that helped shape her sense of belonging: the Virginia Reel, the winter show, and especially Sports Day\u2014a favorite she proudly notes is what it is today in part because of her dad\u2019s involvement.<\/p>\n And the relationships she formed there still matter.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/vimeo.com\/274801812?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (above) Sports Day 2018 video. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/virginia-reel-riley.jpg” alt=”Virginia Reel with Riley” title_text=”Virginia Reel with Riley” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font_size=”25px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n She remembers her kindergarten buddy, Riley Blanchard (pictured with Lilly above, at the Virginia Reel in 2012), and stays connected with members of the LES community to this day. In fact, those long-lasting ties are one of the things she treasures most.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/photo-lily-ilene.jpg” alt=”Lilly, Ilene, and Friends” title_text=”Lilly, Ilene, and Friends” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (above) LES friends keep in touch long after graduation.<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font_size=”25px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n She even sees her former head of school, Ilene Reinfeld, regularly at Friendsgiving and Christmas Eve gatherings. Recently, she met up with Ilene and Angie Shellow (alumni parent and current President of the LES Board) in San Francisco when they were visiting for a conference. Angie, she says, is one of several \u201cfaux-moms\u201d from her LES years who continue to celebrate milestones and support her long after graduation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lilly-Ilene-Angie.jpg” alt=”Lilly, Ilene, and Angie” title_text=”Lilly, Ilene, and Angie” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (abovef) Ilene Reinfeld (left) and Angie Shellow meet up with Lilly in San Francisco during a CAIS conference they attended for Heads\/Trustees in February ’26.<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font_size=”25px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n That continuity across generations of educators has influenced the way Lilly supports her own students. She recalls a moment on the Wolf Camp overnight trip when she struggled with anxiety and couldn\u2019t fall asleep. Two teachers stayed with her in the cabin until she did\u2014an act of care she now pays forward.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I take my 5th graders on our nature retreat,\u201d she says, \u201cI always make sure to visit every cabin to say goodnight each night we\u2019re away.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s a quiet but powerful example of how the lessons teachers share with their students often echo far beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n Family also remains an important part of Lilly\u2019s story. Her younger sister Willow ’16, another LES alum, is finishing her undergraduate degree at American University in Washington, D.C., after interning for Senator Alex Padilla. She plans to remain in the capital and work on upcoming midterm election campaigns.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/photo-lily-park.jpg” alt=”Lilly and Willow” title_text=”Lilly and Willow” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (above) Lilly’s younger sister Willow ’16 visits her in San Francisco.<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ text_font_size=”25px” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Today, Lilly continues building community wherever she goes\u2014whether with her students, friends in San Francisco, or fellow LES alumni. When it comes to LES, she sums it up simply:<\/p>\n \u201cLove all of my LES friends\u2014they are for-lifers.”<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/photo-lily-headshot.jpg” alt=”Lilly Gaven headshot” title_text=”Lilly Gaven headshot” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (above) Lilly Gaven, M.Ed.<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia|600|||||||” text_font_size=”26px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n RAPID RESPONSE TIME<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia|600|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Favorite Food:<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Thai<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia|600|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Favorite Movie:<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Legally Blonde<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia|600|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Currently Watching?<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Survivor<\/em> and Girls<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia|600|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Currently Reading?<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Measure <\/em>by Nikki Erlick<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia|600|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Favorite Book:<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Big Little Lies <\/em>by Liane Moriarty<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia|600|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Favorite Band\/Singer:<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cage the Elephant<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia|600|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Favorite Quote:<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Georgia||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n “All good things are wild and free.” \u2013Henry Thoreau<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”2px||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/losencinosschool.org\/alumni-page\/alumni-news-spring-2026-home-page\/” button_text=”Newsletter Spring 2026 Home Page” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Return to Newsletter Home Button” _builder_version=”4.11.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_border_radius=”50px” button_text_size_tablet=”” button_text_size_phone=”18px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”We want to hear your story!” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
(below) Virginia Reel 2012 yearbook page.<\/i><\/p>\n