Get to know us

No matter where you’re at on your high school education journey, our team at East County Bridges is here to help you get back on track. We’re here with resources and support to help you find success on whatever educational path you take.

Get to know our Education Connection Specialists and East County Bridges Advisory Group below.

A group of smiling staff members with East County Bridges.

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.

    melissa_donnini@csd28j.org

    Call or text Melissa at (503) 519-1410

    Reconnections Office at Centennial (503) 762-6123

  • 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.

East County Bridges Advisory Group