Academic Advisors Who Make a Difference

Crafting Accredited Learning Paths for Each Unique Student

Most students don’t thrive in an one-size-fits-all setting. Your dedicated academic advising team uses a proprietary research-based methodology aligned with the best curriculum to give your student an individualized homeschool program that will transform their learning.

Victoria Ostertag
Manager of Advising
Families call me:
Mrs. Ostertag

I worked as an Environmental Scientist for an EPA contractor, then as a Managing Underwriter for an environmental insurance company. I left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom and homeschooled my two boys, from K-12, who had very different learning styles. During our homeschooling years, I taught at co-ops and coached competitive speech and debate for teams that traveled nationally. Having used all forms and methods of homeschooling and varied types of curriculum, I love being able to use my experience to assist my families with their homeschooling journey.

I hold a B.S. in Environmental Earth Science and a M.S. in Administration.

Nolan Blau
Families call me:
Mr. Blau

I have a passion for education, a passion which includes the strong belief that every student is a unique, and capable, learner. I graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts degree with completed majors in both Social Work and History before continuing on to obtain my Masters of Education from the University of Pennsylvania. I have taught in both high school and middle school settings as a lead teacher, experiences which helped me learn the strong, and varied, capabilities that each student possesses. As an academic advisor with Bridgeway Academy, it is these unique strengths inherent to each student that I seek to foster through consistent guidance and support – iterating both academic rigor as well as personal development.

Merri Cleavland
Families call me:
Mrs. Cleavland

Merri Cleavland holds a Master’s Degree in Education, a Reading Specialist Certification and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Piano Pedagogy.

Tai Conley
Families call me:
Mrs. Conley

My love of learning began as a child when I would line my stuffed animals along my bed and read stories to them. I always had a passion for helping children. My journey through education began in the public schools teaching first, third, and fourth graders, and for the past seven years I’ve had the opportunity to homeschool my children. I absolutely love working with students and families, and it is with great privilege that I have the chance to help guide you through this beautiful journey! I hold a bachelor’s degree In Elementary Education.

Likesha Davis
Families call me:
Mrs. Davis

I am a servant leader with over 20 years of work in education and am dedicated and passionate about positively impacting and shaping K-6 trajectories, all while making a difference in their lives. It has been my experience that people will truly learn and grow when they see that the people entrusted to help facilitate their learning are ones they can trust, respect, and model in every area of life. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in a special program concentrating in Social Sciences and Liberal Studies and earned a master’s in Education from The Johns Hopkins University.

Kristin Douglas
Families call me:
Mrs. Douglas

I taught kindergarten, second grade, and third grade for 10 years. Leaving the classroom has allowed me to teach my own three children, and I love it! I truly enjoy coming alongside and helping families who are embarking on this same homeschooling journey.

I hold a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education.

Alane Evans
Families call me:
Mrs. Evans

I have a background in education administration in secondary and graduate institutions. Over the years, I have also worked in a variety of roles leading children and youth in city programs, mission organizations, public schools, and church. I currently volunteer as the head of children’s ministry in my local parish. My family started our homeschool journey in 2017 when my oldest daughter entered kindergarten. I am pleased to be able to put my experiences to use in helping other homeschooling families at Bridgeway.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in History.

Jaime Goulet
Families call me:
Mrs. Goulet

I have served in many facets of education! I was a supervisor for an early childhood program and worked in several early childhood centers, taught third grade for three years in the Palm Beach School District, provided private tutoring for families, participated in local homeschool co-op groups, homeschooled my two boys, currently teach in children’s ministry, and I am currently finishing up my Online Instruction Endorsement. I love using my experiences to assist families in their homeschooling journey, customizing each program to the child’s needs and creating meaningful connections with the families I serve.

I hold a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.

Leana Herman
Families call me:
Mrs. Herman

Hello, my name is Leana, and I was a preschool teacher for ten years. I have since ventured into the elementary realm, and I enjoy every minute of it. I have my teaching certificate in early childhood, and I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree in English. As a former preschool teacher, I understand the importance of family and developing the whole child. For this reason, I love working together with families to bring the best education to their children and helping them reach their educational milestones.

Stacey Hughes
Families call me:
Mrs. Hughes

I taught kindergarten and first grade for eight years before becoming a P.E. coach and athletic director for eight more years. I love advising at Bridgeway because we provide the opportunity for our students to pursue their dreams and goals.

Angela Loych
Families call me:
Mrs. Loych

I have 17 years of experience with students and families in a variety of roles, including second-grade teacher, mental health counselor, online educator, and substitute teacher. In my spare time, I volunteer with the children’s ministry at my church and am a Girl Scout Troop Leader for my two daughters.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Grove City College.

Tammy Lyons
Families call me:
Mrs. Lyons

I spent four years teaching elementary school and over 25 years working as a homeschool evaluator/advisor. In addition, I homeschooled my own two children from grades K-12. I love working at Bridgeway because it allows me to use my education and my personal experience with homeschooling to help and encourage others.

I hold a B.S. in Elementary Education.

Laurie Micali
Families call me:
Mrs. Micali

I taught first and third grade in public school for over a decade before becoming a Bridgeway advisor. I enjoy helping my Bridgeway families figure out the pieces to their curriculum puzzle to best meet their child’s needs.

I hold a B.A. in Elementary Education and Psychology and an M.A. in School Counseling Services.

Stephanie Mills
Families call me:
Mrs. Mills

I taught in a public elementary school in both first and third grades for many years before becoming an advisor with Bridgeway. I love being able to help provide families with the tools that they need to be successful with homeschooling!

I hold a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.Ed in Computers in Education K-12.

Christina Mondolo
Families call me:
Mrs. Mondolo

I have been in the field of education for over 18 years and I have taught online for 2 years. I love homeschooling my own two children. We were able to live in Panama for two years while I was educating them from home. I got my Bachelors degree from Cal Poly Pomona in California.

Holly Morgan
Families call me:
Mrs. Morgan

After teaching in both public and private schools for 13 years, in everything from elementary to alternative middle school to high school science, I joined the amazing advisor team here at Bridgeway. I’ve been here seven years now and work as a high school advisor, one of the heads of our community building/community service initiative, and leader of three of our online clubs. I love being able to fully customize each student’s education for how they best learn. I also love being able to give them a head start on their future career path.

I hold a B.S. in Middle Childhood Education.

Evelyn Ochoa
Families call me:
Mrs. Ochoa

My name is Evelyn and I live in the beautiful state of California.  I have many years of experience working with students at various levels of education with a variety of educational goals. Prior to working at Bridgeway, I worked as a College Advisor for 9-12 grade students, as a Physical Education Teacher and Substitute teacher.  I look forward to helping all of our Bridgeway families and guiding students through their educational journeys.

Kristy Rhoads
Families call me:
Mrs. Rhoads

As a homeschooling mom of two, I enjoy helping families pursue educational freedom and customized learning for their children. I currently teach in my local community at several homeschool co-ops. I am passionate about helping students succeed, and partnering with parents on the homeschooling journey.

I hold a B.S. in Behavior Science and an M.A. in Human Services – Counseling.

Ashley Rose
Families call me:
Mrs. Rose

I taught first and third graders in public school for nine years. I left teaching when I had my daughter and started working for Bridgeway when she was 7 months old. I have learned that there isn’t a “one size fits all” in education. Homeschooling allows families to tailor their child’s education in a way that is perfect for them. I love connecting with families and helping them do what is best for their children in this journey!

I hold a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a M.Ed. in Administration.

Christine Rosak
Families call me:
Mrs. Rosak

In 1991 I stepped into my first classroom, and throughout the years I have taught preschool, third grade, fourth grade, elementary music, and middle school language arts.

I hold a B.A. in Elementary Education/Bible and a M.S. in Education.

Dana Sanders
Families call me:
Mrs. Sanders

I have worked in Social Work and Education for many years. I enjoy helping a student achieve success, whether large or small. My own children have varied learning styles, which furthers my understanding that each student has individual needs. It is an honor to help students find their own success! When I am not working, I enjoy reading, running, gardening, and spending time with my family and dog! I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science and a Master of Higher Education Administration degree.

Darlene Sanderson
Families call me:
Mrs. Sanderson

I taught Montessori school ages 3 to 5 for two years and taught first and second grade for 18 years in private school. I was a member of the Instructional Support Team, which was involved with individualizing instruction for struggling learners. I have been advising Bridgeway’s homeschool students for eight years. I enjoy helping students and families find their strengths and helping them to overcome negative experiences with learning.

I hold a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.

Angela Schmoyer
Families call me:
Mrs. Schmoyer

I was a Learning Support teacher for four years in an inner city school before taking some time off to be a stay-at-home mother to my two children. I love working for Bridgeway because I am able to use my degree to create curriculum that best fits a student’s learning style and ability.

I hold a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education.

Siera Schwartz
Families call me:
Mrs. Schwartz

My experience in education has taken me through a broad spectrum of student ages. I have experience being a lead teacher in a daycare center and a middle school Family and Consumer Sciences teacher. Both experiences have allowed me to grow in my understanding of what teaching the whole child looks like. I strongly believe that each student and family deserves to have caring, supportive relationships during their adventure in education. I also volunteer as a children’s leader for a local Bible study ministry and am very active in my local church family.

Sonia Siciliano
Families call me:
Mrs. Siciliano

Hi! I am happy to be a part of the Bridgeway family! I was privileged to be a classroom teacher for 30 years, working with students from kindergarten through eighth grade. I have also worked with college students, supporting them as they embarked on their own teaching careers. I am excited to be able to support students and parents at Bridgeway Academy.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. I am certified as an Elementary Education teacher as well as Bilingual/Bicultural (Spanish) teacher.

Lauren Singer
Families call me:
Mrs. Singer

I previously taught grades 9-12 for 3 years in a public school setting. I was the Director of Student Activities and Dean of Students for 2 years. I love working with students and families to help find a way of schooling that is customized and specialized to them so that they are able to be successful within their education. There is nothing more powerful than knowing that a student is earning their education and enjoying it, which is something you can never take away.

I hold a B.S. in  Biology, an M.Ed  in Instructional Technology, and a Leadership and Management in Education Certificate.

Sarah Skaar
Families call me:
Mrs. Skaar

I bring with me ten years of experience teaching English and English as a second language in public and private schools. I have also been the director of a small, education program for the past 5 years.  I hold a Bachelors Degree in psychology and am a Virginia state licensed teacher for grades PreK–12.  I am also nearing completion of a Masters Degree in library and information science. I have a lifelong love of learning and hope to share that positivity with the families and students of Bridgeway Academy.

Jill Sooy
Families call me:
Mrs. Sooy

I worked for seven years in a Montessori school where the curriculum and teaching methods allowed for an individualized education. At Bridgeway Academy, I am able to continue the process of helping students and families find that perfect fit for their education journey and help them reach their goals. I hold a B.A. in Psychology and Sports Medicine, a Master of Education, and a Master of Library and Information Science. My licensures include K-12 Reading and K-12 Library/Media.

Nicole Steimling
Families call me:
Mrs. Steimling

I have worked with children from preschool to high school for over 20 years including homeschooling my daughter. I have worked in various states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Connecticut. I love seeing children grow and learn in the ways that work best for them. I have my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and master’s classes in Teaching English Language Learners K12.

Ashley Tatman
Families call me:
Mrs. Tatman

I have worked in education for the past 15 years. I taught in the traditional classroom setting for 6 years and then became a middle school and elementary school principal. I love what homeschooling can provide for students and families, meeting all students where they are at.

I hold a BA in Liberal Studies, a Master’s in Education and a Master’s in Administration.

Briana Temos
Families call me:
Mrs. Temos

I worked in Alternative Education for four years, two years in an Emotional Support middle school classroom, and two years as a Mental Health worker for high school students. I have four children of my own, ranging in ages from 9 to 16. When they were younger, I ran my own successful childcare service in my home for six years. I have been a substitute teacher for grades K-12 in the public school system for the last four years. I also have Special Education and Pre-K teaching experience. I truly understand and have seen that the traditional school classroom setting does not work for everyone. I am proud that I get to help students and families with the best possible education experience that is made just for them!

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, which includes many psychology and writing courses. I am also Guest Teacher-certified for grades K-12.

Lauren Trimboli
Families call me:
Mrs. Trimboli

I have 15 years of experience in educational settings. I have worked in a public school setting as a teaching assistant with students in grades K-3, as an early intervention teacher and an itinerant teacher in a Pre-K program, and most recently as a second-grade teacher in a technology-focused private school.  I am motivated to find the best individual path for each student that I encounter, and I feel that all students deserve the chance to reach their maximum potential. I truly want my students to enjoy their education and feel internally motivated to accomplish their own goals.

Patrick Wilcox
Families call me:
Mrs. Wilcox

I have a background as both a classroom teacher and a city planner. I am a husband, father, and recovering Detroit Lions fan. I am passionate about helping students make the best choices for their future while also building knowledge and experience. I believe each of us has hidden potential waiting to be unlocked. Education is so important – both for the ways in which it enriches us and the doors it unlocks. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Lee University. I am also working on becoming completely fluent in Spanish.

Betsy Joy Wilcox
Families call me:
Mrs. Wilcox

I have worked with children since I was a kid myself. I love the energy and excitement youth brings. I taught in a traditional classroom setting for five years, teaching middle school English and history. I now have two small children of my own. My days are filled with working for Bridgeway, playing with my kids, and going to many musical concerts with my best friend, my husband. I truly love working for Bridgeway because we acknowledge that every child learns differently, and we endeavor to support your unique educational journey!

I hold a B.S. in Middle Grades Education from Lee University.

Jessica Yost
Families call me:
Mrs. Yost

I have worked in various positions in education for over 20 years! I taught many different subjects from grades pre-K through 7, I was a director of a preschool, created curriculum for literacy development for preschool and kindergarten, and homeschooled one of my children. I’m so excited to be able to provide encouragement and support to my students and families at Bridgeway!

I hold a Business Management degree from Weber University and an Early Childhood degree from Penn State University.

Start Your Homeschool Journey at Bridgeway

Our teachers are passionate about your child’s education. Learn more about the members who make up the Bridgeway education team! 

Meet Our Teachers