Jeanne Bilyeu

Jeanne Bilyeu is an only child, born and raised in Cincinnati, who grew up on the east side of town in Milford. She continued her education at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS where she studied Music Education and graduated magna cum laude receiving a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Following her graduation, Jeanne returned to Cincinnati to pursue her dream of teaching music.

After a brief stint teaching music, and a short detour in non-related fields, Jeanne discovered a passion for enriching the lives of senior citizens. Serving as the Activity or Program Director in nursing homes and senior living communities from February 2003 until January 2022, Jeanne provided engaging programs for several area senior communities.

Jeanne has also enjoyed avocational participation in various Cincinnati Community Theater Groups usually as the Vocal and/or Orchestral Director since 1996. Her experience with Acting Up in Mason, a group specifically for children 18 and under, has enabled Jeanne to realize her dream of teaching by enhancing the musical education of the young people involved in the shows on stage.

All of which brings us to Jeanne’s current role as Program Director of the Friendship Circle Cincinnati. The opportunity to create a program new to the Cincinnati area that focuses on pairing exceptional children and their families with teen volunteer befrienders through the Friends@Home program, and creating fun and educational group opportunities for all involved stakeholders together and in smaller groups defined by need, was an opportunity that Jeanne couldn’t let pass. She is very excited to serve the Jewish and Special Needs Communities in the Greater Cincinnati area through the development of the Friendship Circle of Cincinnati!