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Rethinking Middle School: Meeting the Moment for Neurodiverse Learners
For 14 years, I’ve served as Executive Director of a middle school built for neurodiverse students. Every day, I see the same truth play out: the traditional middle school model—designed around uniformity, compliance, and pace—doesn’t work for neurodivergent learners. It wasn’t built for them.Across the country, we are seeing rising numbers of students diagnosed with…
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BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: BODO HEILIGER
For Bridges Middle School Board Member Bodo Heiliger, education has always been more than academics. It’s about creating spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated. His life story, from multilingual beginnings in Europe to leading the International School of Portland, reflects both resilience and a deep belief in the power of inclusive, child-centered…
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BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KARA BADER
When you meet Kara Bader, you’re immediately struck by her warmth, curiosity, and sincere compassion. A Bridges parent and board member, Kara brings a unique blend of professional expertise, nonprofit experience, and lived understanding of the neurodiverse community. Her journey — from the Montana mountains to a leadership role strengthening our mission — reflects both…
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BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JENNIFER ROLLINS
If you ask Jennifer Rollins about her path to Bridges Middle School, she’ll tell you it’s been a journey filled with curiosity, courage, and a dash of serendipity. A longtime board member, Jennifer has helped navigate Bridges through some of its most transformative years — from legal transitions and new campuses to the school’s evolution…
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: BEVEN BYRNES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
An Unorthodox Path That WorkedIf there’s one thing Beven Byrnes wants you to know, it’s this: her journey to educational leadership was anything but traditional—and that’s exactly what makes it work. Growing up in Portland, Beven’s upbringing was anything but ordinary. With two trailblazing moms who both worked at OHSU—one a pharmacist, the other a…
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A Safe Haven for Neurodiverse Children and Their Families in Uncertain Times
In today’s ever-changing world, uncertainty seems to be a constant. From global events to personal challenges, many families are navigating uncharted waters, searching for stability and support. For neurodiverse children and their families, these challenges can be even more overwhelming. At Bridges Middle School, we understand the importance of providing a safe, inclusive and nurturing…
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2024 Annual Fund Coming Soon
In late November, we will launch our 2024 Annual Fund drive. As a valued member of the Bridges community, we hope you will support this annual fall campaign. It is instrumental in raising funds to support our daily operating budget. Annual Fund contributions help close the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a…
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![“Bridges [is] a place that the whole family belongs to.”](/wp-content/uploads/Bridges-Gala-008-scaled.jpg)
“Bridges [is] a place that the whole family belongs to.”
We know that Bridges may be the first time our students experience a sense of belonging. Our goal is for that feeling to extend to the whole family. For Rylie, a former student turned volunteer, and her parents Alix & Cathy, Bridges was the first time their family looked forward to school. Rylie said it…
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Advocating for Our Neighborhood
As we all spend this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday held up in our homes, trying to stay safe and warm, I find myself reflecting on the spirit of service that Dr. King stood for and I am feeling grateful to be part of Bridges’ incredible community. While reflecting on our role of service…
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Bridges Celebrates 25 Years! Help Commemorate this Momentous Occasion
We are thrilled to be celebrating 25 years of exceptional learning, and we need your help to commemorate this momentous occasion. Since 1998, Bridges Middle School has stayed true to its mission, to provide a safe and enriching academic environment where students with learning differences can explore their role in the world as learners and…
