Staff: Lila Denton

Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Lila first discovered her passion for mentorship as a camp counselor at age 17, where she witnessed the profound impact a consistent, loving adult can have on a child. Beyond her six summers at camp, Lila found fulfillment by helping young achievers learn in the classroom. While earning her degree at California Polytechnic State University, Lila volunteered at a bilingual elementary school where she encountered students from nuanced backgrounds and worked hard to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers. Shortly after graduating, Lila obtained her TEFL certification and began teaching virtually in underserved classrooms in Taiwan, before moving to Madrid, Spain. Placed in a rural secondary school on the outskirts of the city, Lila put her English degree and Spanish minor to serve as a Language and Culture Assistant, working hard to earn the trust of her adolescents. While Lila is passionate about education, her favorite part of being in the classroom is forming one-on-one connections with students.

Upon moving to Central Oregon in early 2024, Lila couldn’t believe her luck when she found the role as a "Professional Friend" and is beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve the communities and families of La Pine.

In her free time, Lila enjoys running, playing board games, and exploring the outdoors. She looks forward to discovering Central Oregon and creating long-lasting change with Friends of the Children.