Bridges Oregon Welcomes New Team Members Across Departments to Support Expanded Services and Community Impact
Salem, Oregon – Bridges Oregon announces the hiring of several new staff members across multiple departments, strengthening our statewide services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Oregonians. These new hires expand our capacity in accounting, advocacy, youth services, domestic violence and sexual assault support, operations, and DeafBlind access services.
Each individual brings relevant experience and commitment to advancing our mission: improving communication access, safety, and opportunity through direct services and advocacy. Their roles are critical to meeting the growing needs of the communities we serve across Oregon.
Accounting Department
Yazeed Alkhatib
Accounts Payable and Data Entry Specialist
Deaf / he, him, his
Yazeed is an Accounts Payable and Data Entry Specialist at Bridges Oregon, Inc. He was born in the Bronx, New York, and spent his childhood in Jordan before moving back to New York in 2012. It was then that he began learning both English and American Sign Language (ASL), embracing bilingual communication.
He attended St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf and New York School for the Deaf, then went to Gallaudet University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Risk Management and Insurance. With a deep appreciation for numbers, he values their ability to provide clear, definitive answers—either right or wrong, with nothing vague. His analytical mindset and attention to detail are key strengths in his professional role.
Outside of work, Yazeed enjoys watching anime, reading manga, and immersing himself in foreign films and TV shows. Recently, he discovered a new passion for snowboarding
Advocacy Team
Zachary DeLoya
Deaf and DeafBlind Advocate
Deaf / he, him, his
With a strong background in advocacy and case management, Zachary has been supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community since 1998, working in California, New York, and Washington. Since August 2019, he has gained valuable experience as an advocate with the Washington Advocate for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, providing essential client support and services.
Now joining Bridges Oregon, Zachary brings a deep passion for empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and individuals with speech-related disabilities. He strongly believes in the importance of teamwork and collaboration, ensuring that clients receive the best possible support in an environment of respect and positivity.
Dedicated to fostering inclusion and advocacy, Zachary is eager to contribute to Bridges Oregon’s mission. Outside of work, he enjoys Japanese cinema and is a longtime fan of Godzilla movies.
Hanna Davidowitz
Advocate
Deaf / she, her, hers
Hanna joins Bridges Oregon with various experiences. She went to Gallaudet University in Washington, DC for a Master’s Degree in International Development, and received her second Master’s Degree from the University of Arizona in Human Rights Practice.
Hanna is from Albany, Oregon, and she grew up in Oregon with her family. Her experience and knowledge will bring a significant amount of knowledge and experience assets to the team and agency. Hanna is eager to begin her work with victims and survivors, ensuring she serves them to her best ability.
As Bridges Oregon continues to be an emerging leader in the community, the nonprofit organization remains the only dedicated Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing direct service in Oregon that provides advocacy and accompaniment services. Hanna’s first day was October 1, 2024.
Youth & IDD Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services
Carolynn Quinn
Youth Advocate
CODA / she, her, hers
Carolynn is passionate about advocating for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDIDD). In her role at Bridges, she is dedicated to ensuring that young people with IDD have a voice and access to the opportunities they deserve—whether in education, employment, or independent living. She believes in breaking down barriers, fostering inclusion, and empowering individuals to advocate for themselves.
Beyond advocacy, Carolynn serves her community as a volunteer firefighter, always ready to step up and assist when needed. As a proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), her experiences have shaped her commitment to accessibility, communication equity, and bridging connections between the Deaf and hearing communities.
When she is not working or firefighting, Carolynn enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest. Whether hiking through the mountains or paddleboarding in the early morning hours, she finds solace in nature.
At the core of everything she does—whether advocacy, firefighting, or outdoor adventures—is a deep commitment to community, connection, and making a meaningful impact.
Yair Davidowitz
Youth Advocate
Hard of Hearing / he, him, his
Yair was born abroad to a multicultural and multilingual family who has extensively shaped his world to be focused around the
Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) community once he identified himself as a hard of hearing individual. Yair has extensive experience with working with the Youth in serving the D/HH community with direct language access and culturally competent services. Yairs’ experience serving adults and children who are D/HH has given him a specialized understanding of the unique challenges facing this population. Over the past 5 years, Yair has been highly invested in supporting youth in both their personal and professional growth by improving ways to empower them, protect their rights, and ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes. With the experiences he himself had, Yair has served as a fierce advocate of multiple state organizations addressing issues impacting the Deaf community in both Arizona and New Jersey.
Access Services – Co-Navigator Program for DeafBlind Oregonians
Brenda Duval
Co-Navigator
Deaf / she, her, hers
Brenda Duval is a proud Deaf Pacific Northwest native with deep roots in the Deaf community. Born to Deaf parents, Brenda’s connection to Deaf culture and the importance of communication access has been at the heart of her life’s work. She is a dedicated advocate for Deafblind individuals, tirelessly supporting their autonomy and ensuring equal communication access. Brenda specializes in assisting with transportation and healthcare coordination, and is deeply passionate about empowering the community through personalized support.
With a background in interpreting, Brenda has spent many years bridging gaps in communication, using her skills to empower others. Her commitment to supporting the Deafblind community is matched only by her love for her family. Brenda is a proud mother of two adult children and grandmother to four grandchildren, and shares her home with three beloved dogs who bring her endless joy.
Outside of her professional life, Brenda enjoys cooking and spending time in nature. Her love for the outdoors and culinary creativity are just a few of the many ways she finds balance and fulfillment in her busy life.
Eric Calbert
Co-Navigator
Deaf / he, him, his
Eric is dedicated to supporting DeafBlind individuals in accessing essential resources and fostering independence. Having grown up alongside DeafBlind friends, Eric developed a deep understanding of the community’s diverse experiences, with a particular focus on transportation assistance and advocacy for equal access.
He is passionate about promoting autonomy and self-determination, working to ensure that DeafBlind individuals have the tools and opportunities to navigate their lives with confidence. His approach is rooted in respect, collaboration, and a commitment to meaningful support.
Outside of his work, Eric enjoys creating video projects, capturing the beauty of nature through photography and videography, and expanding his knowledge of tactile communication techniques to further strengthen connections within the DeafBlind community.
Operations Support
Derian Hallberg
Operations Support Specialist
Deaf / he, him, his
Derian was born into a hearing family and uses bilateral cochlear implants. He underwent extensive speech therapy during his childhood. He began learning American Sign Language (ASL) in his junior year of high school, and it was then he first felt a deep connection to Deaf culture. Derian continues to learn every day and is open to correcting himself in order to improve his understanding of both the Deaf and hearing worlds.
While he never had a clear vision of his career path, Derian earned his Bachelor’s degree in ASL Studies from Western Oregon University. Having experienced the struggles of not fully understanding his identity as a Deaf individual growing up, he is committed to continually deepening his knowledge of ASL and Deaf culture.
When Derian discovered Bridges, he recognized it as an opportunity to enhance his skills and expand his understanding. He is also motivated by the knowledge that his work is making a meaningful difference, one day at a time, within this organization.
At Bridges Oregon, our growing team reflects our ongoing commitment to serve with cultural and linguistic competence, and to uplift the diverse needs of our community. We look forward to the impact these team members will have across Oregon as we continue to expand access and create opportunities for all.
For more information, visit www.bridgesoregon.org or contact Executive Director Chad A. Ludwig at chad@bridgesoregon.org.