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 fourteen 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. 

Riley moved to Portland from Iowa to be closer to her family. She graduated with a bachelor’s in kinesiology, exercise science from Iowa State University and has a background in the fitness industry. 

 

Riley is passionate about inspiring progress and helping others reach their goals. She spends her free time weightlifting, hiking, trying new things, listening to and making music, and spending time outdoors. Outside of work, she also loves to travel and spend time with her boyfriend, dog, and cat. 

Alaina is currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology at Pacific University. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in psychology and neuroscience from Arizona State University. She has experience working as both a direct support professional and behavior therapist and is passionate about helping people reach their goals. 

 

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

Priya moved from the midwest to Portland to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology at Pacific University. She earned a Masters degree in Psychology from Pacific University and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Marquette University. 

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She is passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives and helping them achieve their goals. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, painting, exploring new places, working out and watching movies and shows.

Jeri has a love for helping people and animals. Her experience includes working as a lifeguard and a camp counselor. She is passionate about animal rights and standing up for people with diverse abilities. Jeri has a bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College and a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School.

 

Outside of work, Jeri loves caring for her two awesome rescue dogs, going to concerts, off roading, and camping.

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.

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.

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. 

Nicole grew up in Southern California and received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho in Marriage and Family Studies/Psychology. She fell in love with the Pacific Northwest when she visited Seattle recently and she is a new Oregon resident!

 

She is currently in an online master’s program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling and 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.

Shaianee recently moved to Oregon from Texas with her partner and 3 cats (Honey, Pansy, and Milky). She graduated from Texas State University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Social Work.

 

Shaianne loves meeting new people and learning about their interests. She is passionate about helping people develop new skills and reach their goals, big and small! She spends her free time perfecting her banana bread recipe, playing video games, and exploring the outdoors. She is currently working towards her masters degree in School Counseling.

Melissa grew up in Southern California and has lived in Portland for six years. She is working toward her BA in Social Science and Psychology from Portland State University. Involved within the I/DD community for over fifteen years, Melissa has worked as a Certified Nurses Assistant, Care Provider, and Job Coach, as well as a Carer in England working with adults who have epilepsy and high support needs. 

 

Melissa enjoys her career and in her recreational life she sings in a local band, plays guitar, spends time with her two dogs Linus and Finn, and maintains an active and healthy lifestyle.

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!

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 moved to Alaska in the winter on her own upon turning 19 in the late 90's. She lived there 7 years where she hunted for northern lights, frequently hiking, camping and exploring, commercially fished salmon and learned how to quilt and knit. Just under two decades ago she worked in a contained special needs elementary age classroom as a Classified Teacher. 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 helps raise 2.5 kids to navigate from childhood to adulthood. She shares her love of all animals and food cooked in butter with her family and friends. Her home is lovingly covered in pet hair and a low rumble of noise with 1 dog Matilda aka Potato and 3 cats Barlow, Captain Furbraham "Cheddar" pictured, and the newest family member Queso. Queso was recently found in the desert in California. She had been abandoned, and Carrie found her while on a four-state road trip with her boyfriend and dog. Cheddar and Queso are our adventure kitties, and love 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.