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BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KIM KENNEY
Kim’s love for design and problem-solving began at the age seven when her grandmother introduced her to a Singer sewing machine. She studied design atOregon State University, earning a B.S. in Apparel Design with a Minor in Merchandising Management. At OSU, she directed the Annual Fashion Show and served as Student Ambassador to her college…
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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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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: LUKA, CLASS OF 2025
When we posted our first teacher spotlight back in February, we envisioned expanding the VIP introductions to include the broader community that makes our school so special. Our administrative staff. Our board members. Our volunteers. And one day, even our students. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Luka, a recent Bridges graduate who is currently…
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BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: CATHY REYNOLDS
From Northern Ireland to Portland, Oregon, Cathy Reynolds has built her life around public service, leadership, and compassion. A successful HR executive and proud Bridges parent, Cathy brings her deep understanding of people and purpose to her role on the Bridges Board.
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Our Executive Director Gives Testimony in Support of Safety, Stability, and Compassion for Portland’s Kids
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at City Hall, leaders from three Portland schools, including our own Executive Director, Beven Byrnes, delivered clear, compelling testimony urging the Portland City Council to reject proposed mid-year cuts to the City’s Impact Reduction Program (IRP) and other vital sanitation, safety, and outreach services. Representing students from preschool through high school,…
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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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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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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…
