“A smile can inject joy into someone else’s life.” This quote reflects upon THS staff member, Rena Pajarillo. Rena has a smile that glows. She is a very positive & friendly person who radiates kindness. Her passion for our students shows in her daily work.

Rena Pajarillo (Pah ha rrreee oh) grew up in Milpitas, California and graduated from Santa Clara High School, the same school her mom & siblings graduated from. Her college career consisted of San Joaquin Delta College (Associates of Science), Tillamook Bay Community College (Associates Transfer Degree) and Oregon Tech where she earned a BA of Science in Applied Psychology.

She began her THS career in October 2023 as an ELD EA. You have probably seen her around the school as she helps her students. She spends her off-work hours enjoying her many hobbies such as assembling 1000-piece puzzles, dancing, singing (no, she says she is not a pro at dancing or singing,) hiking and visiting our beaches. Her super-hobby power is crocheting. Rena can crochet anything! She is a master at it! So, if you ever want some crochet tips…just ask her.

Rena loves living in Tillamook and especially enjoys that it is “quiet and safe” and has fresh mornings with the sound of “cow convos” and aroma. Rena doesn’t have children, but has a lot of family in the military (Air Force & Army) scattered across the nation. Her little Jack Russell-Wire Rat Terrier, Meeko keeps her company at home.

When asked if there was any other “interesting fact” about herself, Rena replied, “I am NOT Hawaiian (everyone thinks I am) but I did live on Oahu for 9.5 years and I loved it!

If you see Rena around our halls, be sure to start a conversation, she will brighten your day!