Melissa Bertrán’s life from Caracas to Portland | Humans of Catlin Gabel

Melissa Bertrán mid-class  Photo by Charlie Broad

Melissa Bertrán’s career at Catlin Gabel School (CGS) has been the culmination of perseverance and a lifelong passion for education—a riveting cross-continental journey. 

Starting in the fall of 2021, Melissa Bertrán began working at CGS as a full-time Spanish Teacher. Currently, she teaches five classes in the Upper School, including regular Spanish courses and honors electives. Bertrán is also the Modern Language Department Head, which includes attending various department meetings with administrators and teachers alike. 

Behind Bertrán's current position, is a tumultuous path that began in Caracas, Venezuela, her birthplace. 

“It’s kind of messy and beautiful and loud,” said Bertrán, describing Caracas. Bertrán appreciates the cosmopolitan aspects and the nature of her birth city. However, despite its allure, Bertrán acknowledged the danger of living in Caracas. 

According to the U.S. Department of State, Venezuela is categorized as a “Do Not Travel” country. The agency cites the risks of “arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” as well as crime and civil unrest. 

The threatening aspects of living in Venezuela motivated Bertrán to leave her home country, even though she wished to stay. “Since I was born, everyone was trying to leave because there are not a lot of opportunities,” said Bertrán. 

In the late 2000s, recognizing the risks of a life in Venezuela, Bertrán made the decision to move to the United States. Her husband, at the time, was a dual citizen of Venezuela and the U.S., with clientele in New York City. It was during this time that Bertrán also became pregnant with her first son.

Her husband’s connections through work made the move to New York City ideal and easy.

However, Bertrán’s time in New York City was short-lived. “New York is expensive and super urban,” said Bertrán. In 2012, her family began looking for a different place to live. 

Bertrán’s family wanted to move somewhere less vivacious than New York City. That's when her family offered a recommendation. Bertrán said, “It was the craziest thing, we just said ‘Why don’t we go to Portland?’”

She had never been to Portland before, yet, that June they decided to make the trip. “I thought it was the smallest place I’ve ever been,” said Bertrán, reminiscing of her exuberant time in Caracas. Nonetheless, in 2012 they made the move to the Pacific Northwest. 

After the move, Bertrán began searching for schools for her son and that's when she found CGS. “We came and visited and I absolutely loved it,” said Bertrán. Promptly she enrolled her son at CGS.

“It was my dream job to come and work [at Catlin], too,” said Bertrán.

In 2001, Bertrán began her teaching career while at college in Caracas. She taught literature and grammar in Spanish and was a tutor. 

Bertrán had worked at the Swiss embassy in Caracas as a tutor for ambassadors and expats, as well as for the biggest construction company in Brazil. Once she reached Portland, Bertrán continued her one true passion of teaching.

Bertrán made friends with Lauren Reggero-Toledano, another CGS Upper School (US) Spanish teacher who encouraged Bertrán to begin substitute teaching US Spanish classes on occasion. Her time substitute teaching lead to Bertrán applying for a permanent teaching position after a vacancy freed in the Spanish department. 

Disappointingly for Bertrán, she did not get the job. “Which I think they regret,” she half-jokingly said. However, it would not be the last time Bertrán applied for the job.

After being denied the job at CGS, Bertrán worked at Northwest Academy—another private school in downtown Portland—for a few years. It didn’t take much time for Bertrán to be thrust back into the rigorous application process at CGS though.

The year 2021 would mark Bertran’s second opportunity to work with CGS. “Enrique [another CGS Spanish teacher] called me, and was like ‘Do you want to apply again?’” Bertrán said. Her patience would prove successful as Bertrán earned the job that she had long wanted.

As a teacher and advisor to students, Bertrán is making a positive impact on the CGS community. One of Bertrán's advisees, senior Violet Kozak, appreciates Bertrán’s kindness and willingness to help with her academics. 

“[Teaching] is the only thing I like to do,” said Bertrán. However, the most important value for Bertrán is her family. Regardless of where she is, Bertrán wants to be close to family. 

With two children currently enrolled at CGS, it is safe to say that Bertrán is glad to be working at CGS. Future students of hers might even look forward to fascinating curriculum ideas Bertrán has: music movements, immigration problems, or the Puerto Rico-US relationship.