Ismael, has always enjoyed helping to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Seeing people succeed is truly his passion. His love for helping others was learned at an early age, as Ismael’s grandparents were both special education teachers and they played a significant role in his life.

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Ismael has over fifteen years of experience working in different support and management roles. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Portland State University. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, running, swimming, biking, yoga, trying new food, reading, and volunteering. One of his lifelong goals is to complete a full triathlon. His role of being a husband and father is his favorite, along with spending time with his wife, daughter, and son. 

Erin earned a Bachelors in Sociology with a Concentration in Human Services from the State University of New York at New Paltz.

 

She has been working in this field for over 20 years, and loves mentoring others to develop their potential. Her favorite part of being a Direct Support Professional is building connections and community. She is delighted to be a part of Believe and Achieve, an agency whose values and goals align so closely with her own.

 

In her other roles, Erin is a massage therapist at a chiropractic office, where she enjoys the immediate gratification of helping someone physically improve.

 

She is the parent to an absolute goofball of a 10 year old, and they are looking forward to fostering pets from the animal shelter.

 

She enjoys camping, hiking, comedy shows, eggs benedict, podcasts, blanket forts, estate sales, road trips, sassy talk, and sitting in the sunshine.

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Greta grew up in the midwest and recently fulfilled her dream of moving to the Pacific Northwest. She graduated from Ball State University in Indiana with a focus on sociology and psychology of human development.

 

She has 5 years experience in applied behavior analysis and special education. Her strengths include connecting with people and helping them reach their goals.

 

She is a fan of thrifting, painting, and quality time with loved ones and her precious cat named Lux.

Nicole grew up in Southern California and received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho in Marriage and Family Studies/Psychology. She also holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has a passion for helping others become their most authentic and truest selves.

 

She loves music, soccer, painting, going for walks outside, and visiting local farmer’s markets and coffee shops.

Before joining Believe and Achieve Melia spent 7 years working as a Special Education Instructional Assistant, helping and supporting students with their education and academics, along with building social and emotional skills. 

 

Melia has also volunteered with coaching soccer and basketball for Unified Sports. In her free time Melia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys kayaking, camping, hiking and time at the beach.

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For over 20 years Becky has been supporting, volunteering and working with friends who have diverse abilities. She believes in radical kindness + empathy, disruptive compassion and the driving desire to build up and support all those around her. Becky earned her degree in Elementary Education from Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles with the dream of getting a Master’s degree in Special Education. Life had other plans for Becky and she moved back to Oregon where she had the honor of becoming a social worker for over 6 years at a Brokerage in Portland. Since then, she’s been busy as a para-educator with PPS, the Ministry Lead for a program called Safe Families for Children, and a Special Olympics volleyball coach, undoubtedly the best sport in the world. 

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Becky has also found great joy in being married to her BFF and surrounding herself with 8 beautiful kids! 3 being human, 4 feathered (chickens) and 1 beloved furry and feisty cat named Birdie. If it were up to Becky, she would have a never ending supply of cats in her life. In Becky’s spare time you can usually find her outside on a hike, walk or run, in her garden, backpacking, drinking all of the coffee while snuggling one of her many children. 

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Melissa is completing the coursework to obtain her degree in Human Services from Clackamas Community College. The pandemic afforded her the opportunity to reevaluate her career path and she realized that going back to school was the best course of action. With graduation in sight, Melissa is excited to work with clients at Believe and Achieve.

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An animal lover at heart, Melissa’s service dog, Mia, is her constant companion unless she is at Oregon Donkey Sanctuary (ODS) where she volunteers. The donkeys at ODS are well-suited to providing a little healing to any who seeks it.

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She loves crafting, reading, gardening, home improvement, walking outside, and has recently started painting.

 

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Alaina has a Doctorate degree in clinical Psychology from Pacific University. She earned two Batchelor's degrees in Psychology and Neuroscience from Arizona State University, and her Masters degree from Pacific University.

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She has experience working as both a Direct Support Professional and Behavioral Therapist and is passionate about helping people reach their goals.  

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In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, painting, being around animals, and trying new activities!

Lorissa is originally from Southern California. She moved to the Pacific Northwest about 4 years ago. Before joining Believe and Achieve, she worked as a full-time caregiver for adults and children. She also has experience with working as a BT (Behavioral Therapist) and a site teacher in after school programs. She is currently attending PCC for the Family and Child Studies program.

 

During her free time, she enjoys taking her dog to the park for long walks, working in the neighborhood garden and cooking. When not exploring the outdoors, she attends Brazilian jiu- jitsu class. 

Hannah grew up in Portland and graduated from Whitman College with a Bachelor's degree in Art and Hispanic Studies. She is passionate about helping others and making a difference in other people's lives. 

 

Outside of work she enjoys trying new food spots, creating art, playing sims, shopping, traveling and taking care of animals!

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Gabe has lived in the Hillsboro/Beaverton area his whole life and is currently a student at Portland State University. He hopes to become a teacher in the future, as he loves supporting his community.

 

Gabe loves doing performing arts and is a part of Forest Grove’s Theatre in the Grove. In his free time he likes learning to cook, spending time with his friends, family, and watching movies.

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Debbie has a background in design and brings a wealth of knowledge. She has over 20 years of experience in working with and supporting people with diverse abilities. She has helped staff and offered good ideas for support. She has a great lens in focused support needs as well.

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Judy has background in business, is an author of a book, and has some very good life experience. She brings her background in business to the table and is passionate about helping people with diverse abilities live a more fulfilling life. Judy has over 20 years of experience working around people with diverse abilities.

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Kevin has a background in the Navy. He brings over 20 years of experience in working with people with diverse abilities. He has a can-do attitude and he also has experience working as a general contractor in this field of work.

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Jennifer. C has a background in the medical field. She brings over 18 years of experience working with people with diverse abilities. 

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We are very happy to have all of our parent providers on board with us! They all offer unique perspectives, and they help our staff with teaching how to use different approaches based on experience.

Carrie is from Oregon, born in Eugene. Growing up she lived in all the west coast states with her family who settled down in Beaverton in the early 90's. She is a graduate of Portland State University with a Bachelors in Fine Arts. Carrie finds great joy in living an authentic life and helping those close to her achieve that in their life as well.

 

She shares her love of all animals, and enjoys hiking/adventuring with their dog and family. Carrie looks forward to the golden hour every day. She especially loves this time of day above 6000ft while backpacking on the John Muir Trail, or watering her vegetable/flower garden.

Marisol has lived in Portland, Oregon, her whole life. She loves exploring the city and trying new food. She has two years of experience working as a DSP.  

 

Marisol enjoys helping people reach their goals, and seeing them succeed. During her free time, she loves hanging out with her Son and her pets. She also loves going to the beaches, parks, rivers, and hiking.

Coryn has a background in supporting people with diverse abilities along with assisting her family with diverse abilities. She has experience providing transportation services for children with special needs or who have been placed in alternative care.

 

At Believe and Achieve, she continues to share an immense amount of care, knowledge, and support for those who wish to embrace life with their fullest potential. She loves empowering others, helping them to discover their own passions.

 

She grew up in Kansas and Nevada, gaining a sense for traveling and learning about other cultures, places and people. A love for yoga has earned her certification as an instructor, while furthering her yogi education, strength and lifestyle. She is passionate about all art mediums, as she agrees art is a conduit for all to freely explore their experiences and joys in life.

 

Coryn currently attends PSU for 2 degrees, in filmmaking and speech and hearing sciences. Outside of being a Life Skills Trainer and student, Coryn explores volunteering around Portland, PSU, and LGBTQIA+ events. She enjoys filmmaking, writing, attending book club, hiking, playing tennis, playing her keyboard, cooking, watering plants, and having deep conversations with her partner and cat about dinner.

 

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Lia is currently pursuing her lifelong dream of a career in psychology in the Portland area. Lia has a deep passion for mental health, physical wellness, and self-development. She has spent the last ten years finding immense fulfillment in helping others navigate challenges in life, transitions, and interpersonal relationships.

 

In her free time, Lia enjoys exploring Oregon's natural wonders with her dog, drawing inspiration and peace from the outdoors.

 

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Mackenzie moved to Oregon about three years ago, after living in Arizona for 7 years. She graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and minors in Sociology and Psychology.

 

Mackenzie has always had a passion for helping people with diverse abilities; she started her journey helping others in 7th grade, assisting the special education classroom at her middle school and high school. She has job experience in being a direct support professional for children and adults, and as a special education assistant.

 

Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys going to the gym, seeing live music, thrifting, crafting, and spending time with her husband and cat.

 

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Justin has seven years of experience as a Direct Support Professional. Justin's background includes an Associate's degree in General Studies from Clackamas Community College, along with studies in arts, communication, and music theory.

Justin is passionate about helping people, and this shines through in his work. He brings a unique set of skills to his role, including a talent for listening, a calming presence, and a great sense of humor.

Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time with his 10-year-old daughter, who is his favorite person in the world. His interests include playing drums and guitar, writing and recording songs, drinking coffee, attending concerts, listening to music, collecting CDs, spending time with family and friends, hiking, yoga, beach trips, working out, building LEGOs, making YouTube videos, drawing, arts and crafts, and watching movies.

 

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