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After School Community of Practice: Sharing Wisdom, Strengthening Schools | Tuesday, 4pm

November 19, 2024 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm PST
This Counterpart is designed to empower school leaders through community and collaboration.
This group is a supportive network where you can:
- Share the joys and challenges of leading a school.
- Learn from the expertise of experienced colleagues.
- Discover innovative solutions to everyday dilemmas.
- Develop your leadership skills in a collaborative environment.
Explore topics like:
- Building a positive school climate
- Fostering student engagement
- Navigating parent communication
- Supporting early learners
- Effective use of data
- Peer-to-peer learning opportunities through facilitated discussions and breakout sessions.
- Actionable strategies to implement in your own school community.
Leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and equipped to tackle any challenge with confidence!
Portico Coaches
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Jocelyn Bigay
Driven by a commitment to Creating Access, Bridging communities, and Leading with Equity, Jocelyn Bigay has dedicated her career to transformative work within the secondary education system. With experience spanning various roles including high school teacher, middle school assistant principal, alternative education principal, and district-level manager, she has championed change and improved outcomes for historically underserved students.
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Carlos Hernández
In the dynamic landscape of education, school leaders often find themselves navigating a myriad of challenges, from daily tasks to unforeseen emergencies, all while bearing the weight of impactful decision-making. Recognizing the pressures school leaders face, Carlos Hernandez believes in the transformative power of collaborative support that comes from coaching.
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Carmen Gelman
Carmen has made a profound impact as an educational leader, with a strong reputation across Oregon for her commitment to culturally sustaining practices and amplifying student and family voices. Her previous roles include school administration positions in Beaverton and Springfield, and a consulting position with Inflexion supporting schools in Oregon and California. Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Distinguished Latino Educator Award and the COSA President’s Award.
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Kate Barker
Kate Barker’s illustrious 34-year career includes 17 years as a principal, cultivating vibrant cultures despite challenges like poverty and diversity. Her education, including a master’s in Special Education and a reading endorsement, equips her with strategies for equitable practices. Driven by a passion for collaboration, Kate believes in the power of relationships to optimize growth. She aims to create a trusting space where leaders can flourish.
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Manuel Colón
Manuel Colon served as the Chief Academic Officer for the Anaheim Union High School District in Anaheim, CA. With a distinguished career in education, Manuel held key roles including Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services and Principal at Savanna High School and Sycamore Junior High School within the same district. He was also an ACSA Certified Coach and served as an AVID Regional Coordinator for the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
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Matt Coleman
Dr. Matt Coleman is the CEO of Inflexion, where he leverages his deep-rooted expertise in school systems change to drive impactful educational reform. With a career spanning various roles—from educational assistant to assistant superintendent—Matt’s experience encompasses every level of secondary education.
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Paul Coakley
Dr. Paul E. Coakley brings over a decade of diverse educational leadership experience to his role as Superintendent of Multnomah Education Service District (ESD), a position he assumed in July 2021. Beginning his career as Principal of Hudson Park Elementary School in Rainier, Oregon, Dr. Coakley swiftly progressed to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction in Rainier before transitioning to Centennial School District, where he held positions as Assistant Superintendent/Human Resources Director and Superintendent.
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Rachael George
Rachael’s journey from battling wildland fires with the U.S. Forest Service to extinguishing educational challenges in the classroom reflects her unwavering commitment to making a profound impact. A pivotal conversation in Grangeville, Idaho prompted her transition, leading her to embrace a role in education. Recognized as a member of the ASCD Emerging Leaders Class of 2015, Rachael currently serves as the Executive Director of Elementary Programs and Prek Principal in the Oregon Trail School District. Prior to this role, Rachael served as the Executive Director of Student Services, a building principal at the middle and elementary level, as well as…
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Todd Miller
Todd Miller has left an indelible mark on education through his multifaceted roles and unwavering dedication to student success. As Superintendent of Santiam Canyon School District since 2013, he has overseen comprehensive operations and collaborative budget development, resulting in enhanced student opportunities, improved climate and culture, and upgraded infrastructure and technology. His transformative leadership extends to coaching with Portico, where he leverages his vast experience to empower school leaders for the benefit of all students.
Meeting Dates:
This group will meet monthly on approximately the third Tuesday of the month at 4pm Pacific.
- September 24, 2024
- October 22, 2024
- November 19, 2024
- December 17, 2024
- January 28, 2025
- February 25, 2025
- March 18, 2025
- April 22, 2025
- May 20, 2025
RSVP to Secure Your Spot
Portico Facilitator

Michelle Liebhardt
Michelle is a lifelong learner with a passion for education. With experience in research, technology, and consulting, her focus has always been on improving student experiences. Believing in the power of curiosity-driven learning, she champions educators who empower students through engaging experiences. Currently, her work centers on helping schools move beyond traditional systems to create a more meaningful learning environment.
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