Our mission

Our mission is to inspire and empower all youth to have agency over their education and their lives. 

We provide multi-faceted and culturally-appropriate resources and educational opportunities to ensure all East County students have the supports they need to complete high school.

Education Connection Specialists

  • Adrián Neri Reyes

    Transition Specialist, East County Bridges (ECB)

    Adrián is originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, where he received his Bachelor’s in Communication and Information. He speaks both English and Spanish.

    Adrián has outreach and support experience providing peer outreach and education within the LGBTQ and immigrant labor communities.

    When not working, Adrián loves to travel, dance, and work within the community.

    anerireye@mesd.k12.or.us

    Call or text Adrián at (971) 517-7959

  • Gabriele Ross

    Reconnecting/ Attendance Liaison, Parkrose SD

    Gabriele brings more than three decades of working as an advocate for youth and families. She came to the US as a volunteer for Action Reconciliation Service for Peace, a German organization founded by survivors of the Nazi regime. In her free time, she paddles and peddles.

    rossgab@parkrose.k12.or.us

  • Juani Santiago

    Connections Coordinator, Gresham-Barlow

    Juani grew up in the Portland-Metro area but was born in Michoacan, Mexico. She speaks English, Spanish, and an Indigenous language called Purépecha, and is truly passionate about helping and working with our students and their families.

    santiago39@gresham.k12.or.us
    Call or text Juani at 971-220-2788

  • Melissa Donnini

    Centennial High School

    Melissa was born and raised in the Northeast and has been living and working in the Portland Metro area for almost two decades. For the past several years she has been helping students in the Centennial School District find their pathway to high school completion. She enjoys collaborating with colleagues and community partners to support students and families holistically.

    Reconnections Office at Centennial (503) 762-6123

    Call or text Melissa at (503) 519-1410

    melissa_donnini@csd28j.org

  • Ying Cha "Cha"

    Transition Specialist, East County Bridges (ECB)

    Cha has been supporting and advocating for students in the education system for over 15 years. She specializes in supporting students with unique backgrounds and students in Special Education.

    Cha graduated from Humboldt State University with a major in Psychology. She speaks English and Hmong. Her passion is to help others make a difference in their lives. During her free time, you can find her playing video games, kickboxing, and dancing.

  • Representative from David Douglas

    David Douglas

  • Representative from Reynolds

    Reynolds

East County Bridges Advisory Group