Invest in Coaching
The most important part of Portico is one-on-one coaching. Portico leaders meet monthly with coaches in a virtual one-hour Copilot coaching session.
Our approach helps develop an understanding of what it takes to build a school that serves all kids well and stay focused on a shared vision for readiness that is holistic to create systems change. Portico coaches help school leaders solve problems through systemic change.
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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. Read Full Bio
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Courtney Spelber
Available to coach: High SchoolsWith a career spanning over two decades in education, Courtney Spelber has dedicated her professional journey to enhancing students’ academic experiences and holistic well-being. Beginning as a teacher, she transitioned into administrative roles, eventually assuming the pivotal position of principal at Ocean View High School. Currently serving as the Director of Student Services at the Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD), Courtney leads the MTSS team, prioritizing meaningful connections with each student. HBUHSD holds a steadfast belief in honoring every student’s individuality and providing equitable opportunities for growth and success. Read Full Bio
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Joann Hulquist
As a recently retired elementary and middle school administrator from the Beaverton School District in Oregon, Joann Hulquist has a wealth of experience in education. Prior to her administrative roles, she served as a classroom teacher for grades two through six and as an ESL Teacher, demonstrating her commitment to diverse student populations. Joann Hulquist also serves as an Adjunct Professor for George Fox University’s Administrative Licensure Program, imparting her knowledge and expertise to future educational leaders. Read Full Bio
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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. Read Full Bio
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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. Read Full Bio
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Ken Parshall
Ken Parshall, a seasoned educator with a wealth of experience in school leadership, currently serves as a leadership coach and school improvement consultant, leveraging his extensive background to support educational institutions. Previously, he held the role of Superintendent in Jefferson County School District, Central Oregon, following successful tenures as Assistant Superintendent in Salem-Keizer Schools and principal in various Oregon districts, including Crook County and McKay High School. Read Full Bio
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Kyle Laier
Available to coach: Community Schools, Elementary Schools, High Schools, Middle Schools, SuperintendentsWith over 22 years of experience in education, Kyle Laier’s career stems from early experiences coaching youth, fostering a passion for supporting others in achieving their aspirations. As a former school and district leader in Oregon and California, he is drawn to mentoring colleagues and aspiring leaders. His coaching philosophy, rooted in curiosity and community-building, seeks to cultivate supportive relationships among leaders, driving transformative outcomes for students across diverse educational landscapes. Read Full Bio
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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. Read Full Bio
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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. Read Full Bio
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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. Read Full Bio
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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… Read Full Bio
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Shirley Brock
Shirley spent 20 years as a middle school administrator, working in both a rural small district and in the Beaverton School District in Oregon. Her focus has always been on relationships between staff and students and the critical role it plays in school improvement and student achievement. Shirley believes that schools must create a shared understanding of their responsibility to and priorities for students and families, as well as how each person has a vital role moving the school forward to reach their goals. Read Full Bio
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Ted Zehr
With over 12 years of experience as a high school principal in schools ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 students, coupled with two years as the Executive Director of Secondary Schools in the Hillsboro School District, Ted Zehr brings a wealth of leadership expertise to the education sector. Following retirement, he continued his dedication to education by serving as an interim middle school principal and assisting a small district in establishing an online school to meet the needs of students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read Full Bio