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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: ANTHONY LEONETTE, SCHOOL COUNSELOR
We are delighted to shine our staff spotlight on Anthony Leonette, our dedicated and deeply compassionate school counselor. Anthony’s life story is one of courage, resilience, and an extraordinary commitment to ensuring young people feel seen, understood, and valued. His journey — from rural Ohio to the heart of our Bridges community — has shaped…
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: ZACH ZEUTZIUS, PARAEDUCATOR
Every great story has a hero’s journey — and for Zach Zeutzius, that story begins right here at Bridges Middle School. Once a Bridges student learning to embrace his differences, Zach now helps the next generation feel seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are. His life reads like a full-circle screenplay about compassion,…
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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: JESSICA CONSLA
If you ask Jessica Consla why she became a teacher, she’ll tell you it’s because she’s always been curious about people—their stories, their challenges, and the unique strengths they bring to the table. That curiosity, combined with her own experiences as a student who once struggled in school, has shaped the thoughtful and compassionate educator…
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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: AMANDA HILAND
Bridges is delighted to welcome Amanda Hiland to our team this fall! Amanda brings with her a lifelong love of writing, a passion for the stars, and years of experience working alongside students with learning differences. Her story shows how early friendships, creativity, and curiosity led her to a career dedicated to helping every student…
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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: MELISSA PERRONE
We’re pleased to introduce Melissa Perrone to the Bridges community! Melissa brings a deep love of reading and writing, a passion for math, and a strong commitment to helping students discover their confidence. With a winding path that took her from a tight-knit school in Illinois to classrooms across Portland, Melissa’s journey is rich with…
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: DR. CARRIE HALL, PRINCIPAL
For many in our community, Dr. Carrie Hall needs no introduction. Whether she’s personally welcoming students and families at drop-off or advocating for students’ rights and needs, Carrie has always embodied the spirit of Bridges. A Small Town Start Carrie grew up in the small rural town of Fernley, Nevada. Surrounded by animals, a big…
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: RYLIE LEON, PARAEDUCATOR
At Bridges, we know that for many of our students, this is the first place they’ve ever truly felt like they belonged. Our goal is for that sense of safety and connection to extend to the whole family—and Rylie Leon’s story is a powerful reflection of that mission. Early Years From a very young age,…
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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: TODD VALENTINE
After spending the latter part of this past school year supporting our students as a substitute, we’re excited to welcome Todd Valentine to our full-time Ravens’ teaching team! Todd brings a vibrant blend of science expertise, humor, and heartfelt connection to his work with students, and he’s deeply committed to helping neurodiverse learners discover their…
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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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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: KAREN PANE, OFFICE MANAGER
At Bridges Middle School, our front desk is often the first stop for students and families—and the person behind it plays a huge role in setting the tone. That’s why we’re so grateful to have Karen Pane as our office manager. With a warm heart, quick mind, and first-hand experience as a Bridges parent, Karen…
