At Bridges, fostering creativity and emotional growth is a cornerstone of student success. We’re thrilled to welcome Arianna Cropp, our new counselor and art therapist, whose unique blend of artistic expertise and therapeutic support is primed to make a lasting impact.
A Unicorn with Artistic Roots
Arianna grew up in the vibrant Sellwood neighborhood, where her family’s deep community ties instilled much love for the area. “I loved growing up in Sellwood,” she says, reflecting on the many generations of her family who have called Oregon home—including her great-great grandparents and her mom’s grandfather, who worked as a motorman on the Sellwood trolley.
Art has always played a major role in Arianna’s life. Her mother, a freelance artist, worked on everything from greeting cards to rubber stamps, and her great-uncle, CJ Fulton, was a renowned Oregon landscape painter. These creative influences guided her from a young age, cultivating her love for the arts.
Growing up in Portland in a family that goes back many generations definitely makes Arianna special, some may even liken her to a “Unicorn” in today’s Portland.
A Circuitous Journey to Art Therapy
Arianna’s path to art therapy began at Western Oregon University where she initially planned to become a teacher. A Freshman-year work study grant with an after-school program put her in charge of a large group of kids. This experience made her rethink her education plans resulting in a change to a fine arts major with a focus in ceramics and printmaking. While she didn’t fully give up on her teaching goal, she realized it would need to include art as the educational medium.
Being a recent fine arts graduate during the financial crisis of 2008 left Arianna with few options. She moved home and found a childcare job at the local YMCA. In this role, she had the opportunity to individually support children on the autism spectrum and those going through emotional challenges. “It became clear to me that I wanted to help students beyond the classroom,” she recalls. Inspired by these one-on-one student experiences, she pursued a degree in Art Therapy Counseling at Marylhurst University, graduating in 2013.
Building a Legacy at the Serendipity Center
Following her graduation, Arianna joined the Serendipity Center, a therapeutic school for at-risk students. During her first assignment as a skills trainer, Arianna saw an opportunity to make a greater impact at the school. She submitted an art therapy program proposal that was enthusiastically accepted. The program allowed students to express themselves creatively while building confidence and social skills. “For many students, art was the highlight of their week,” she says.
Arianna spent six years at Serendipity, where she helped students overcome challenges through creative expression. Her work there solidified her belief in the power of art as a therapeutic tool and reinforced her desire to continue supporting students with individualized care.
Why Bridges?
Arianna was drawn to Bridges Middle School because it offered the perfect combination of counseling and art therapy. “This role is a dream come true—working in a school setting where I can integrate both counseling and art therapy,” she says. The school’s commitment to individualized support and creative educational approaches aligns perfectly with her philosophy.
Future Goals
At Bridges, Arianna is excited to bring new art therapy programs to the school and incorporate ceramics into the curriculum. “Art offers students a way to express themselves that goes beyond words,” she explains, “and I’m excited to help them discover their artistic potential.”
Outside of Work: Family, Ducks, and Creativity
Arianna lives in Milwaukie with her two young sons, Seven and Nino, both of whom are neurodivergent and have ADHD. She also has four beloved pet ducks—Waffles, Butterball, Charles, and Lemon—and a goldendoodle named Ziggy who keeps everyone entertained at home.
When she’s not at Bridges, Arianna enjoys working in her home ceramics studio. She notes, “The whole ceramics process is so transformative and can be used symbolically as an art therapy element.” She’s passionate about finding new ways to blend her love for art with her commitment to helping students thrive.
We are thrilled to have Arianna Cropp as part of the Bridges team. Her passion for creative therapy, her dedication to individualized student support, and her deep love for the arts make her a valuable addition to our community. We can’t wait to see the positive impact she will have on our students!