ORABSE Educator Awards 2025 - Nikki Thrower

A proud Grant High School graduate, Nikki Thrower was raised in Northeast Portland and shaped by her family's deep roots in education. Growing up in the halls and fields of Grant, where her father worked as a teacher and coach, Nikki developed a strong sense of community and purpose. She credits her parents—and programs like SEI, Saturday Academy, and CDEP—for instilling values of service, compassion, and a love of learning.

Nikki earned her bachelor's degree in Educational Studies from the University of Oregon and her Master’s in Education from Lewis & Clark College. With 18 years in education, she currently serves as a school counselor in the Beaverton School District, where she is known for her relationship-centered, strengths-based approach. She is a fierce advocate for student voice and belonging, and she proudly co-leads her school’s Black Student Union.

Her leadership includes roles on Equity and Wellness teams, Crisis Support, and Counselor Leadership cohorts. She also spent seven years as an adjunct professor and supervisor in Lewis & Clark’s school counseling program. A skilled group facilitator, Nikki has led youth and adult workshops through Step Up, Heart of Facilitation, and The Center Consultancy’s equity trainings.

Nikki is married to Ethan Thrower, a social worker and author. Together, they’re raising two daughters, Kaiyah and Kaelyn. Outside of work, Nikki enjoys concerts, sporting events, and quality time with family, friends, and her sorority sisters.