Jillian Arena, the owner and Administrator of Willow Branches of Healing, has a lengthy background in caring for troubled youth. Her career began 20 years ago when she worked at her first residential treatment center and since then it's been her passion to evolve in the field. She later obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University Zanesville and worked as a drug and alcohol counselor as well as a case manager for diverse populations. While growing her passion and career, Jillian was amid raising her three sons. 
Jillian had two main goals upon opening her group homes for kids. To create a healing, safe, and person-centered environment for the youth served so that they have the time and ability to work through their trauma, mental illness, and addiction to continue to heal broken relationships and to prosper moving forward. Having a safe, family centered environment with celebrated holidays and meals with everyone gathered around the table is important and things that many of our children we serve have never had. The other goal was to create a valued and appreciative environment for the talented individuals that work at Willow Branches to grow within their positions and to feel that they are doing God's work. Willow Branches of Healing isn't just a job. It's a mission!