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What Does Neurodivergent Mean? A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Learning Differences
Businesses and schools are currently preparing for neurodiversity week, and as such, it and similar terms like neurodivergence are being used across several media, some talking about the importance of inclusion, others explaining why some kids take 3 hours to finish homework. In that sea of technical to educational information, it gets to a point…
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Beven Byrnes Featured on 101 FM News KXL for Women’s History Month
Bridges Middle School and Executive Director Beven Byrnes were recently featured on FM News 101 KXL as part of the station’s Women’s History Month coverage.
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5 Reasons the S.O.A.R. Soirée Matters
Each year, the Bridges community comes together for an evening that is equal parts celebration, connection, and impact. The S.O.A.R. Soirée isn’t just a gala — it’s a reflection of who we are, what we believe, and how we show up for our kids.
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A Message to Our Bridges Parent Community
Amidst all the joyful preparation happening across our school community—from the Lunar New Year to Autistic Barbie—I wanted to take a moment to speak honestly with you about the heaviness many of us are feeling in light of the horrific events unfolding in Minnesota, Maine, and right here in Portland.
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Autistic Barbie and Bridges: A Conversation About Representation on FOX 12
We were honored to have our Executive Director, Beven Byrnes, featured in a live interview on FOX 12 Now with Greg Nibler, a weekday livestream highlighting breaking news and important local conversations.
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Bridges Executive Director Spotlighted During National School Choice Week on KATU Afternoon Live
During National School Choice Week, KATU Afternoon Live featured an important conversation about how families can find educational environments that truly meet their children’s needs — and Bridges was proud to be part of that discussion.
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Bridges Middle School Awarded National ASE Larry Marone Grant
We’re proud to announce that we have been selected as a 2025-2026 recipient of the ASE Larry Marone Grant, a national honor recognizing excellence in art education within special education settings.
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Supporting Neurodivergent Students in Middle School: cityCURRENT
We’re thrilled to share that Beven Byrnes, Executive Director of Bridges Middle School, is now featured on the cityCURRENT Show, a nationally syndicated program celebrating changemakers and community impact. In this inspiring episode, Beven—also a mom, advocate, and author—shares her personal journey and deep conviction that education must be designed to meet students where they…
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From Portland to the World: Why This Moment for Neurodiversity—and Bridges—Matters
Last week, a conversation that began with a single idea—representation matters—traveled farther than we could have imagined. According to our media release report, coverage of Bridges’ response to the autistic Barbie resulted in over 500 media placements across major national outlets, regional newsrooms, and international publications, with a potential reach exceeding 135 million readers worldwide.
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Belonging, in a Box: Why Mattel’s Autistic Barbie Matters
When Mattel introduced its new autistic Barbie, it did more than add another doll to the shelf—it opened a door. For many children and families, that door has been closed far too long.
