Sarah Hughes
K – 8 Learning Center Teacher
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“The thinking machine will not be quiet.” ~Voltairine de Cleyre (1866-1912)

Growing up in Austin, Texas — deep in the heart of the hill country — I was interested in outdoor excursions including hikes on the greenbelts, dips in the natural springs, cavern explorations, frolicking through bluebonnets, or perched in a tree, admiring the Technicolor bursts made by the sun setting in the Texas sky. As I got older, art and music consumed a large portion of my life, as I played the cello for ten years. Busy hands make busy brains, or is it the other way around?

I obtained an English degree from the University of Texas at Austin. After being accepted into the New York City Teaching Fellows, I obtained a Masters of Science in Teaching from Pace University, with an Emphasis on Teaching Students with Disabilities. Having a degree in both special and general education truly informed my desire to provide authentic educational instruction to all students, no matter how varied or differentiated. I taught in a specialized district for students with autism in New York City for 4 years. I also had the privilege to support families and young children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by using the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach, teaching social, motor, and verbal behaviors as well as reasoning skills. My years as an ABA Therapist inspired me personally and professionally, as I learned that the window of opportunity rarely closes for a child, but someone might need to help keep that window open. I began to think of my job as “keeping the window open.” I also realized the true power of communication, and constantly strive to help all children find their voice, however that might look. During my last year in New York City, I also worked as an Educational Therapist, providing one-on-one, multi-sensory tutoring that was individualized according to the needs of each student, grades K-8. The focus was teaching students fundamental skills, including reading, writing, reading comprehension, math, study strategies, focus, and motivation. I also volunteered at the Brooklyn Free School where I learned freedom and democracy are not just textbook concepts-but a way of living and learning-for our children as well as ourselves.

After moving to Portland, I became an Autism Specialist with Columbia Regional Program through Portland Public Schools. Children with ASD are like many children, in that they learn best when ideas are presented in a meaningful way. I am excited at the opportunity to be part of the everyday community at Trillium! Education should not involve one person acting on another, but rather educators and children working with each other. Authentic collaboration is essential for extraordinary learning for teachers and students. I aim to nurture and empower all of my students.

In my free time you might find me knitting or sewing, as I am an avid crafter. I practice Shadow Yoga and enjoy Bar Method classes. You might also find me on an outdoor excursion with my partner of five years, Kevin, and our Chihuahua-terrier mix, Sissy.

Michelle Dobos
9th-12th Learning Center Teacher
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Bio coming Soon