Our staff
Contact us
- Phone: 971-722-7680
- Fax: 971-722-7771
- Address: Willow Creek, Third Floor, Area #307
241 SW Edgeway Drive,
Hillsboro, Oregon 97006 - Map and driving directions
Brianna Guaman-López, Administrative Assistant
I am the daughter of parents who immigrated to the United States in 1985 to give me and my siblings a better quality of life. I was born in Tacámbaro, Michoacán, Mexico. When I was 12 years old, my parents decided to bring me and my brothers to the United States to be with them. When I arrived in Hillsboro, Oregon, I realized how difficult life is for people who work in farm labor or agriculture. My mom worked in a plant greenhouse and my dad used to work in a vineyard. My family and I worked on the strawberry, grapes, and really whatever we could find to pick. When I was 15, like my mother did, I worked in a plant greenhouse and realized it’s a very tiring job.
For work reasons, I did not finish my studies. In 2017 a friend informed me of HEP and in just six months I graduated with the great help of the teachers and the program.
Now, I’m a HEP graduate! After graduation, I took writing classes at Portland Community College (PCC). I understand the challenges that HEP students experience day-to-day, however, I am a testament to the fact that if one proposes to do something, it can be achieved.
I’ve always known my passion to be to serve my community. When the opportunity of this job became available at PCC HEP, I saw the possibility of helping others who have the goal of studying to improve their lot in life. I believe what I experienced during my time in the program and much that I have learned being part of the team will be very helpful to me. Now I’m here to contribute to your well-being.
Maribell Fallas, Instructor
I was born into a family that always believed that “the most important thing was to get an education”, although my parents did not have this opportunity. They always encouraged our education regardless of challenges and barriers.
In 2000 we moved from Costa Rica to the United States and settled in Arizona where we stayed for 4 years. In Arizona, I studied English at Chandler Community College. My husband’s job relocated us back to Costa Rica, but I always had the hope to return to the United States. In 2013, we relocated to Oregon and today I work at Portland Community College – Rock Creek as an HEP instructor for students trying to attain their high school equivalency. Working at PCC is a dream come true as I always said “One day I wish to teach at a Community College”. It is a great satisfaction to have the opportunity to help you, the migrant and seasonal farm working community.
Hugo Espinoza Garcia, Instructor
I was born in Peru where I studied Engineering and a Master’s in Education. I worked for many years in my country in kindergarten, elementary, high school, and adult schools. Peru being a nation with many limitations, it motivated me to put my effort into helping from my career to improve the educational level, especially of those most in need.
I have lived in Portland for 4 years. Arriving at HEP-PCC was a great opportunity in my new life, since it allows me to put my knowledge and experience at the service of people who are struggling to improve themselves and achieve their goals. I identify with the HEP students since each one puts their effort and dedication into achieving the diploma, which is synonymous with overcoming and self-improvement. I highly value and admire the students who, beating many difficulties, managed to get ahead and show that every effort has its fruits.
I feel happy and committed to sharing the work at HEP-PCC with people of great personal and professional quality who, even though they are from different countries, agree to join efforts to support the achievement of the objectives of the program and of each student who joins it.
Luis Casta?eda, Recruiter
I was born in Sullivan City, Texas to a migrant mother from Jalisco, Mexico. After a few months in Texas, I would go on to move around the American Southwest. I was raised in California and Colorado, where I dropped out of high school. A few years later, in New Mexico, I obtained my GED. I went on to graduate from The University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts in Chicano Studies.
I have been in higher education for over five years now working in bilingual outreach and recruitment. I started working with migrant and seasonal farm working families in 2023 when I was hired to do the recruitment for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at PCC.
I am now excited to join HEP because it gives me the opportunity to work with the entire farm-working family. I personally know the impact that obtaining a GED can have on a person and their family. There is nothing I enjoy more than helping hard-working families advance their education and better their lives. I look forward to serving you!
Beto Espíndola, Director
I am Beto Espíndola, born on a ranch called La Crucillera in the county of Chinicuila, Michoacán, México. At the age of 12 due to my parents’ drive in hopes of a better life, in 1976 we immigrated to the United States. My father was a bracero (contracted laborer) towards the end of this program and yet another migration era between Mexico and the United States- he was contracted to work in the agricultural fields in California- my mother had already been in the United States before we all immigrated, who, for a year on the insistence of my father left her five children in care of a neighbor in order to unite with him in California. To this day, Mom states this to be the hardest thing she ever had to endure. Now, I simply see it as a necessary sacrifice for the wellbeing of the entire family. Consequently, we (my sisters and I) will always be grateful to our parents for the sacrifices made in the hope of a better future.
Now, after many years later, when I reflect on why I worked in education and social advocacy most of my life and currently at PCC HEP, I always end up at the same place: HEP makes a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and the community, and it fulfills a personal need to serve the migrant and seasonal farm worker (MSFW) community. This connection was fostered by my own work experience in agricultural labor across the Pacific Northwest, and, the fact that I dropped out of school due to family responsibilities. HEP gave me the possibility to continue with my education (when I needed it the most and perhaps without my full understanding then) and this fact has never been forgotten.
PCC HEP serves you in order to attain the high school equivalency (HSE), proceeded by placement in higher education (including English as a Second Language), etc., and provides support services to ensure you graduate and continue with your education. Your motivation, sacrifice, and dedication will be crucial to the successful pursuit of your studies! PCC HEP, guided by its mission, supports your effort and is fully committed to serving you. Welcome!