Bridges is thrilled to welcome Jordan Miller to our counseling team! He brings a dynamic mix of experience, energy, and a passion for helping students grow—both mentally and physically.
Opening Deal
From an early age, Jordan was always moving. Whether it was basketball, soccer, football, capture the flag, or kickball, Jordan was the kind of kid who was one of the first to be picked and always there to cheer on his teammates. Games, in all forms—card, video, board, or field—have always been his thing. “Any type of game or movement—I am there for it!”
At Fort Vancouver High School, Jordan found his community. He played football, basketball, and track (and even gave cross country a shot). As an athlete, he was celebrated for his spirit and leadership. “I like building people up,” he says. “If we’re on the same team, we’re going to support each other and get better together.” That team-first mentality shaped his identity and eventually pointed him toward a career in school counseling and coaching.
Playing the Hand
With his sights set on a future in counseling, Jordan attended Northwest Christian University (now Bushnell University) in Eugene, Oregon. When he first visited campus, he was quickly sold on the small class sizes and the numerous education-focused course offerings.
He played basketball and ran track while studying Psychology. After completing his undergraduate degree, Jordan immediately enrolled in the School Counseling master’s program, earning his graduate degree in 2016.
Perhaps more important than the degrees he received, Jordan met a fellow student, Racquel, who later became his wife.
Raising the Stakes
His passion for working with youth took him to a variety of settings: a mental health clinic in Springfield, a youth detention center in Colorado, and even the island of Oahu, where he worked as a special education teacher and coached at Hawaii’s largest high school—James Campbell High. There, he fell in love with the welcoming “aloha spirit” and the inclusive basketball community while he soaked in stunning views of the city skyline and Diamond Head from his classroom. “Basketball can be really cutthroat, but in Hawaii it was all about playing hard and building each other up,” he notes.
In 2019, Jordan and Racquel returned to the Pacific Northwest with their growing family. They now call Troutdale home with their two children, Langston (6) and Kana (4). After returning to Oregon, Jordan coached track at Central Catholic for five years and was the elementary school counselor at KariosPDX Learning Academy, a non-profit charter school.
All In at Bridges
“The opportunity to apply my strengths as both a counselor and an athlete,” was a key motivator for joining the Bridges community. Bridges’ mission, strong sense of community, and encouragement to creatively combine physical fitness with mental wellness all played a role in his decision.
Looking forward, Jordan’s goals include building a fitness program that blends movement, community, and teamwork—something he views as integral for students’ overall well-being. “I’m looking forward to building a program that enhances the overall health—both physical and mental—of the students,” he shares.
Off the Felt
When he’s not on the move, you’ll likely find Jordan at a table with a deck of cards in hand. He always has a pack (or three) nearby and loves strategic games like poker and “Golf”—a rummy-style draw-and-discard game. “Card games are all about strategy, but they also create a space to connect.”
Jordan’s calm, reflective nature is deeply rooted in his experience as a father and counselor. “Since becoming a dad, I’ve become a lot more reflective to ensure I’m truly present—whether I’m at home with my family or at school with my students.”
We’re thrilled to have Jordan as part of the Bridges community and can’t wait to see how his energy, empathy, and creativity help shape future student success.