HSP Educational Transition Services

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What We Do

Educational Transition Specialists support all students, families and caregivers, and local school teams with equal opportunity during the transition from hospital to home and back into a school environment. We center equity for each student and family and function as trauma informed system navigators, setting goals for student engagement success.

Primary reasons students work with an education transition specialist include: 

• Harm done at school
• Disconnected/unenrolled
• Additional family/guardian support
• 504/IEP advocacy
• Multiple systems/new foster placement
• Students needing a new (alt) learning environment
• GED access
• Complex medical situation​

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Student Support

Support for the student begins with equity and opportunity as they prepare to discharge from the hospital and head back to school. We build quick and honest relationships with families/caregivers, then connect them to local resources embedded in school districts and communities across the state.

Hospital To School Student Transition Planning (PDF)

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Tiered Levels of Transition Support Defined

Green - Tier I:
What is included? Student centered needs assessment for return to school, continued outreach to school partners, organization and facilitation of return to school, general student follow up, parental support group referral and school support. 
Estimated Timeline after discharge: 2 to 4 weeks
Who fits in this description? Students returning to school, needing a structured handoff to the next school team, parental support would be beneficial.

Yellow - Tier II: 
What is included? All green level support. Student and guardian needs assessment and goal setting, 2 times a week check points and audits on participation and progress, monthly progress meeting with student, guardian and school team. 
Estimated Timeline after discharge: 1 to 3 months
Who fits in this description? Returning to school, low motivation, headed home after HSP stay, the school team needs support.

Red - Tier III:
What is included? All green and yellow level support. Ongoing progress meetings with student, guardian, school partner and community resources and partners, 3 times a week check points and audits on participation and progress
Estimated Timeline after discharge: 3 to 6 months
Who fits in this description? Dropped out, no plans to return to school, headed home after HSP stay, limited support at discharge. 

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Resources & Links

Family and Guardian Support:
Oregon Family Support Network
https://ofsn.org/

Reach Out (Warm Line) 
https://www.​reachoutoregon.org
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FACT Oregon
https://www.factoregon.org/

School Partner Support:
Hospital to School Student Transition Planning (PDF)

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HSP Educational Transition Services
11611 NE Ainsworth Circle
Portland, OR 97220
Ph: 503-560-7675
​Fax: 503-262-4216

Administrator
Amy Marquardt-Dustin
adustin@mesd.k12.or.us

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Office Hours (M-F) - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

HSP Educational Transition Services follows Multnomah Education Service District Ainsworth facilities for emergency / weather closures. Please visit FlashAlert or consult your local television / radio station for emergency / weather closure information.

Administrative Assistants
Tana Cyr
tcyr@mesd.k12.or.us
​(503) 290-4621
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Xochitl Tombleson
xtombleson@mesd.k12.or.us
(503) 262-4200

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Meet the Educational Transition Services Staff

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Nick Jensen, Transition Specialist II

Nick Jensen
Transition Specialist II
njensen@mesd.k12.or.us
Cell: 503-560-7675

Nick is an extrovert who enjoys nature, adventure and secret spots for solitude. He has been a transition specialist with the Hospital School Program since 2019. Along with transition support from hospital to school, he serves as a district Postvention Trainer and on the advisory board for MESD's East County Bridges. 

Away from the hospital classrooms, you will find Nick roaming around the PNW with his wife, two kids and dog.​

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Emily Hubert, Transition Specialist I

Emily Hubert
Transition Specialist I - Doernbecher Children's Hospital
ehubert@mesd.k12.or.us
​Cell: 971-336-0366

Emily has been working in the Hospital School Program since the fall of 2018. She started in the program as a substitute teacher. After having the privilege of subbing at many sites, she quickly fell in love with the program and is excited to be permanently on board. Supporting students' education in a crisis stabilization environment each day is what motivates her. Creatively collaborating with all staff, to ensure a successful and trauma informed educational experience for these kiddos while at the hospital is a true honor. Born and raised in Portland, Emily never wanted to veer far from the beautiful PNW outdoor environment. After receiving a Family and Human Services degree with a minor in Special Education from the University of Oregon, Emily moved to Seattle for 10 years to try something new. Her creative career has always involved innovatively working with kids in one form or another. You will find Emily backpacking with her husband Gregg, two kids and fluffy dog Nellie in her spare time. She loves to catch any live music show, relax in her backyard, and play games with her family. 

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Nan Elpers, Transition Specialist I

Nan Elpers
Transition Specialist I - Providence Willamette Falls
nelpers@mesd.k12.or.us
​Cell: 971-806-1708

​Nan (she/hers) is new to the Hospital School Program and worked with young adults transitioning out of the foster care system previously. She is originally from Kentucky and has been making her way west, getting a BA in Psychology and Feminist and gender studies in Colorado and teaching middle school students how to do community organizing. Nan moved to Portland during the pandemic, where she has been volunteering, working with youth, and trying to get used to not using an umbrella. She cares deeply about assisting young people in transition as they navigate through social structures like school, hospital, and home. Nan thinks that treating the whole person and helping students integrate all their identities and beliefs is key to the specialist-student connection, as well as student success. Being a small part of a student's educational and personal journey is a privilege. When Nan is not in office, she can be found at home with her 17-pound cat Louis watching Great British Baking Show or listening to Esther Perel's podcast and attempting to bake herself. ​