Hi, I'm Dorothy Gillian

I am a highly experienced Realtor, having dedicated myself to the industry since 2006. As a lifelong resident of Forest Park, I possess extensive knowledge about my community and the surrounding areas. In addition to my real estate work, I actively contribute to the Forest Park community by serving as the president of the Chamber of Commerce since 2018.

I firmly believe in investing in the community where I work, as it enhances my capabilities as a Realtor. My business philosophy is built on patience and compassion for my clients, coupled with a blend of professionalism and market expertise. My specialization lies in guiding clients through the process of downsizing, or as I like to call it, "rightsizing." Collaborating closely with clients, I explore various options for their next move.

I understand the challenges that accompany one of life's significant transitions, be it buying or selling a home, and I consistently prioritize making the process as seamless as possible. For me, easing my clients through this pivotal life event is of the utmost importance.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES)

Licensed in Illinois & Wisconsin

Real estate is my profession, but homes are my true passion. 

Being at home, cooking, entertaining, decorating, sitting by the fire; all the things that make a house feel like a home! A homebody at heart, my goal is to guide you along the way to finding the home that turns you into a homebody like me.  My journey into the world of real estate was sparked by a lifelong curiosity about home design, a passion that led me to pursue a Master's in Architecture from the University of Kansas, which I proudly achieved in 2011. I worked for several years as an architect, focused on healthcare design. Living and working in the city was what I had always dreamt about, but my health and my desire for more human interaction led me to make a pivotal decision. In 2016 I transitioned into Real Estate, joining my mom Dorothy. Without knowing it I had been mentored by her since she started her career in 2006. I heard so many calls and witnessed so many client interactions that it felt like I already knew how to be a good realtor, from watching her. 

Living with cystic fibrosis since infancy, I've faced challenges that have shaped who I am as a person today. My positive attitude, instilled by my parents, guided me through health struggles that intensified in my late 20s. A breakthrough medication, Trikafta, transformed my life in early 2020. Before Trikafta my quality of life was very poor, I worked only part time, coughed non stop, had little to no energy and was constantly in and out of the hospital. Since Trikafta, I am back working full time, have a social life again, have energy to cook, and most incredible of all have welcomed a beautiful baby girl with my husband Mike. I always said the world needed more people like my mom, so I went ahead and named my daughter after her. We call her Dottie ♥️ 

The struggles that I have gone through and the life that I have lived has made me a stronger realtor in that I can fully relate to my clients and meet them where they are in life. In every interaction, I bring not only my professional expertise but also a genuine understanding of the emotional significance that a home holds. I am here to guide you through the process, ensuring that your real estate journey is not just successful but also a joyful and fulfilling experience.  There is nothing I value more than being at home with my family, because I know what it’s like to have almost not had that. My goal is to find you a space that gives you the same feeling.