Randall Children's Hospital

Joseph grew up in Brooklyn, NY and, even though life had other plans, he never wanted to become a teacher. He attended public school and was a decent enough student. For his undergraduate years, he escaped from NYC (to Westchester!) and finally realized the library was his key to graduation. After earning a degree, he taught English as a Second Language for several years in Europe before moving to Portland, OR in 2001. Joseph was in awe of the old growth cedar trees and surprised by strangers saying hello to him. In the spirit of giving back to his community and pursuing his interest in sustainable economics (which was piqued by reading Small is Beautiful, Economics as if People Mattered) he did a year of service for the AmeriCorps. In 2003, Joseph started working for MESD’s Hospital School Program. He was hired as an Educational Assistant and earned his Masters Degree in Special Education at night school. Teaching in a hospital setting was an opportunity to be part of a vital support network for students impacted by medical challenges. Quickly, he realized two more important things about himself: It felt really good to help people and it was extremely important to work alongside thoughtful, compassionate people. 

When Joseph is not teaching, he serves on the board of a music and theatre arts education non-profit in St. Johns called Cathedral Park Performing Arts Collective that, along with a friend, he and his wife founded in 2015. Cristina, his wife, and Charley Bear, are his bedrock. ​

Lori feels truly blessed to be part of the Hospital School Program; serving students and families at Randall Children’s Hospital since 2006. Lori holds a BA in Psychology/Mental Health from Western Washington University and earned her teaching certification in Elementary and Special Education from Seattle Pacific University. Lori is passionate about supporting students who struggle to find success in school. She believes in the true potential in every student. She loves working alongside her supportive and talented coworkers and learning from her students while she supports their education. When not working with students, you will likely find Lori stream-side with a fly rod in hand, and her wife and a miniature schnauzer by her side. Bird watching, fly fishing, camping and time with family and friends keep her grounded and energized. 

Education: I received my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oregon in 2001 with a Family and Human Services Major and Minor in Special Education. I went on to receive my Master’s Degree from U of O in 2002 in Early Childhood / Elementary Special Education.

Teaching Experience: After graduation I moved to Southern California and began my teaching career. I taught for the Junior Blind of America in Los Angeles for 3 years while earning my California degree from Cal State LA in Teaching Moderate to Severe Disabilities. In 2005, I moved to Santa Barbara and taught at the Devereux Foundation for 1 year. I then transferred to Santa Barbara School District for the next 3 years. I moved back to Oregon in 2009 and I have been teaching for the MESD from 2009-2013 in the Functional Living Skills Program.I then was excited to start with the Hospital School Program in 2013.

Hobbies: My favorite hobbies include hiking, canoeing, and making arts and crafts.

Favorite Book: My favorite book is… this is tough one! The Harry Potter series reminded me what it was to be a child reader again. I was traveling in Thailand when the 5th book came out and I spent the entire day wandering Bangkok looking for an English copy.

Lisa was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. At the age of thirteen, her family moved to a quiet, little town on the Washington coast with a population of less than 400 people. Despite living in the US now for many years, Lisa feels she still brings a little “Canadianism” with her wherever she goes.Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a degree in Teaching in Special Education from Portland State University. She has been teaching since 1997 and joined the Hospital School Program team in 2010. She has worked with various hospital sites within HSP, including Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and the Child Adolescent Psychiatry Unit at Providence Willamette Falls, bringing a well—rounded perspective and knowledge base to each teaching session. Lisa is passionate about the students she is lucky to teach and feels grateful to be a teacher with the Rehabilitation Program at Randall Children’s Hospital. 

When not at work, Lisa spends her time hanging out with her husband, John, her two children when they come visit, as well as her four incredible chickens, Brick, Lucy, Carol and Nancy, and her cat, Otis. She loves reading, cooking, collecting costumes, and spending time outdoors.

I grew up on Vashon Island (between Tacoma and Seattle in the Puget Sound). I have lived in Portland for the last 15 years, and I definitely consider Portland my home. I have two young children and spending time with them is my favorite pastime. I really enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hiking in the forest with my family. 

I absolutely LOVE working in the hospital school program. In fact, I pursued my teaching degree specifically so that I could work as a teacher in the hospital school program and was blessed to get a job with HSP right after I completed my graduate program in 2016. One of my favorite things about working in the hospital school program is of course having the opportunity to work with the coolest, strongest, bravest (the list goes on) students and their incredible families. I love working with students, their families, and their home school teams to find creative solutions for making school a place where students feel like they are valued and they can do well. ​