CORE Team
Claire Matanguihan - CORE HS Instructor (she/her)
Claire was born and raised in Guam and moved to Portland to pursue college in 2016. She fell in love with this amazing city and rest was history! She graduated college in 2020 with her Bachelor's degree in Social Work and carried many different types of jobs to get to know her Portland community before settling into working for Impact NW in 2023. During her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, connecting with new people, listening to music, and picking up new arts and crafts activities.
Education: Bachelors of Science in Social Work from University of Portland
Jessie Davidson - CORE High School Instructor (they/them)
Jessie is one of CORE's High School Program Instructors that facilitates Jobs 101 and Pathways to Trades at high schools throughout the Portland area. They have a diverse work history with experience in fields ranging from retail to conservation work, and apply the lessons they've learned in their own job searches to the curriculum they give to students. Outside of the office Jessie loves to cook and spend as much time outside as possible. They are also a proud parent to their two cats, Solo and Rey.
Education: Bachelors of Arts in Sustainability, International Development from Arizona State University. Masters of Science in Global Food Security and Nutrition from University of Edinburgh.
Nicole Burnett - Multco Case Manager (she/her)
Nicole has been working for Impact NW for seven years in the CORE Program. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She started her career working for Portland Parks and Recreation right out of high school, where she discovered her passion for working with youth, engaging with individuals from infants to seniors. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her cat, collecting oddities, thrifting, DIY projects and traveling.
Education: BA in Child and Family Studies with a focus on Youth and Youth Work from Portland State University
Isis Friedman - Multco MPA Instructor (she/her)
Isis grew up in California and Oregon. She is passionate about teaching her students and learning along the way. She likes to make paper portraits of pets and collects houseplants. She loves to travel to the Caribbean and soak up the sunshine. Loves Sushi and Pho. She has two beautiful pitbull dogs aka couch hippos.
Education: Bachelors degree in Industrial Design, CADD Certificate
Dwayne Friedman - Washco MPA Instructor (he/him)
Dwayne moved to Oregon in 2003 from Michigan and has lived in 5 different states prior. He has gained valuable manufacturing experience in scientific glassblowing, automotive, granite fabrication, welding, and plastic fabrication. He is passionate about empowering youth and young adults by helping them develop skills for their careers or further education. In his free time he loves to travel to foreign countries to soak up the sunshine, try local cuisines, and learn about diverse cultures. He joined Impact NW in March 2023.
Education: Associates of Applied Science in Welding Technology from Portland Community College
Brennan Wilkinson- Washco MPA Career Coach (he/him)
Brennan has spent the last six years recruiting in technical and manufacturing spaces. His job was filling open positions, but his passion was building relationships with the candidates he worked with. Whether it be writing a resume, preparing for an interview, or building a 5 year plan, Brennan is your guy. Born and raised in Colfax, CA, Brennan is just as comfortable at home as he is on the American River. In his free time, you can find him at hardcore shows, watching horror movies, or winning another Victory Royale in Fortnite.
Education: BA in Strategic Communication
Claudia Cedeno - CORE Program Manager (she/her/ella)
Claudia has been with Impact NW for six years, primarily in the Youth and Family Department. Passionate about youth mentoring and family engagement, she has focused on enhancing connections between youth, their families, and the services offered by Impact NW. Born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua, Claudia moved to Oregon in 2008. Since then, she has actively participated in SUN Community Schools, where she was introduced to Jobs 101, which she took with a different agency during high school. In her free time, she enjoys writing, playing Sims 4, and connecting with friends for meaningful conversations while eating a good plate of nachos and pulling Tarot cards.
Education: BS in Human Development and Sociology minor, Masters of Arts in Human Services with a Family Studies emphasis from Warner Pacific University.
Destiny Bucasas - Youth and Family Assistant Director (she/her)
Destiny has dedicated over 10 years to working with high school-aged youth and young adults in the Portland Metro area. Originally from Oahu, Hawaii, she made the move to Portland in 2014. Fun fact: despite spending half her life on an island, she still doesn’t know how to swim! In her free time, Destiny enjoys watching shows and movies, as well as spending quality time with her family. She finds great joy in taking youth and young adults on industry site tours, witnessing their excitement and curiosity as they explore new interests; or not.
Education: BA in Child and Family Studies with a focus on Youth and Youth Work, and a Minor in Secondary Education from Portland State University.