Teachers Who Nurture a Love of Learning

Desiree Brennan has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the students and the staff. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Desiree was a teacher at a private Catholic middle school and a tutor with Brilliant Grades tutoring company. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, with a minor in Education and an emphasis in Spanish. Desiree also has teaching licenses for Illinois, Nevada, and California. She enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music, and practicing archery. Desiree traveled the world as a military child, living in Japan and Hawaii, and has visited and lived in several states–with trips to Texas and Washington, DC ranking as her favorites.

Jenny Cyphert has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is watching her students grow through the year. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Jenny taught preschool and trained and mentored new teachers for 10 years. Jenny holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She enjoys reading, baking, crafting, and spending time with her family (including two dogs and a bearded dragon). Her favorite trip was a cruise to the Caribbean.

Megan Gasca has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is getting to see students from all over the world flourish. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Megan taught in pre-K-8th grade inclusive education classrooms as well as English Language Learners and refugee populations. She has also taught private in-home homeschool education abroad and taught in Mexico City. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master of Education degree in Elementary Education, and a K-8 teaching certificate. Megan enjoys reading, learning about learning, hosting a book club once a week, and spending time with her family and two dogs. Her favorite vacation was to her grandmother’s home in Limerick, Ireland.

Michelle Glasso has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is getting to work with families from all over the world and working with teachers that have the same passion for teaching. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Michelle taught in a Catholic school for 26 years and also homeschooled her own children from 7th to 12 grade. She holds a Master of Science in Education degree as well as a New York State teaching certificate for grades pre-K-6. Michelle enjoys reading, swimming, dancing, and spending time with her family and dog. Her favorite vacation spot is Lake George, New York.

Zoe Green has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the support she gets from her co-workers, and the wonderful students she works with. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Zoe spent 20 years as a classroom teacher. She holds a master’s degree in Education and enjoys reading. Her favorite vacation was to Thailand.

Deanna Stock has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is being part of a Godly staff and helping many amazing families and students from all around the world. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Deanna was a preschool director and instructor, as well as an Elementary Title I reading and math instructor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University. Deanna enjoys running, being with her family (especially her niece and nephews) and two dogs, and working with her family at their family-owned and run cafe. Her favorite vacation is SeaWorld Ohio because it was the only time she was able to travel with her entire family as well as her extended family.

Samantha Todd has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the amazing work environment. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Samantha taught ELA in middle and high school. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English as well as a minor in Political Science. Samantha enjoys traveling, reading, crafting, worshiping, and spending quality time with her husband. Her favorite trip was to Jamaica.

Megan Zysinski has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the connections she makes with her students and their families. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Megan taught Pre-K for seven years and was an elementary school substitute teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Childhood/Special Education and a master’s degree in Literacy. Megan enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, reading, and trying new activities. Her favorite trip was to Hawaii.

Drew Bellesfield, referred to as Mr. Bellesfield or Mr. B, joined Bridgeway Academy in 2021 and is from Eastern Pennsylvania. He worked at a local public school for two years and has coached youth sports for almost two decades. Drew holds a Bachelor’s degree from Drexel University. He appreciates the professionals at Bridgeway Academy and admires families who take an active role in their children’s education. In his free time, he enjoys sports, cooking, reading, and spending time with family. His favorite vacation spot is Bermuda, and he has two dogs, Abby (a Goldendoodle) and Sadie (a Bernedoodle). He teaches ELA.

Samantha Goetz, referred to as Mrs. Goetz, joined Bridgeway Academy in 2024 and is from the USA. She has experience as a public school K-5 Title I teacher and PBIS Coach, holding a BA in Elementary Education. Samantha is passionate about how we can all learn from anywhere. In her free time, she enjoys watching scary and funny movies, coloring, attending concerts, theater, festivals, and theme parks. Her favorite vacation destination is Bermuda, and she has a hound mix dog. Samantha teaches Chemistry/Math.

Nolan has a passion for education, a passion which includes the strong belief that every student is a unique, and capable, learner. He graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts degree with completed majors in both Social Work and History before continuing on to obtain his Masters of Education from the University of Pennsylvania. He has taught in both high school and middle school settings as a lead teacher, experiences which helped him learn the strong, and varied, capabilities that each student possesses. As a teacher 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.

Kelly Boyd has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2019. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is getting connected with students around the world. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Kelly worked as a financial analyst for Lockheed Martin prior to going back to school for her teacher certificate. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a master’s degree in Education and Standards Reform, as well as a Secondary Teaching certificate. Kelly enjoys gardening, baking, hiking, exercising (running, yoga, and lifting), spending time with her dog, and searching for new coffee shops. Her favorite vacation was to Lake Placid, New York.

Jenelle Fernandez-McDuffie has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the supportive environment from administration and staff as well as working with and getting to know her students. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Jenelle taught Spanish in public schools for 16 years. She holds a Master of Education in K-12 Online Blended Learning: Curriculum and Development. Jenelle enjoys Zumba, oils, exercise, travel, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite vacation was to London.

Alison Handy has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is interacting with students from all over the country and world. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Alison taught social studies in public schools for four years and taught a semester of U.S. History at the college level for a local leadership college. Alison also began homeschooling her children at the start of the 2021-22 school year. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the College of William and Mary, a Master of Arts degree in History from Old Dominion University, and secondary teaching certifications for Virginia and California. Alison enjoys singing and performing with her group, the Vocal Group Fond Memories, singing on the worship team at my church, cross stitching, crocheting, spending time with her dog, and watching old TV shows. Her favorite trip was a cruise to Bermuda.

Elizabeth Hicks has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is meeting students from all over the world, facilitating their learning, and seeing the level of engagement our students have. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Elizabeth has taught two years at the university level and four years at public high school. During that time, she developed educational resources to be used by NASA and the State of Mississippi. Since 2019 she has been an Adjunct Science Instructor for Southern New Hampshire University. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Science Education and was the recipient of the 2017 Herb Handley Outstanding New Science Teacher Award from the Mississippi Science Teachers Association. She has also homeschooled her child with Bridgeway for the past three years. Elizabeth enjoys going on adventures as day trips or weekend trips to national parks and historic sites and cites as well as kayaking. Her favorite vacation was a trip to Crystal Spring, Florida, where she and her family kayaked into the springs and swam with manatees.

Lorrie Horn has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is bringing her experience and love for teaching to Bridgeway Academy, where she can help make a positive impact on her students’ lives from the comfort of their own homes. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Lorrie taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts and English as a Second Language in New York City classrooms for 13 years. She also homeschooled her son during the pandemic. Lorrie holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stony Brook University and is also a certified ELA and ESL teacher. Lorrie enjoys spending time with her family and friends and taking long walks with her dog. Her favorite trip was to Arizona.

Maryalice Lester has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the enthusiasm of the students and commitment of the families. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Maryalice taught high school English for 18 years, K-12 English at Ohio Virtual Academy for 13 years, and with the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) for three years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Education from California State University, East Bay, and a Master of Education in Online Teaching and Learning, Instructional Design. She enjoys writing, creating pottery, volunteering, doing bead loom work, and spending time with her dog. Her favorite vacations were childhood summers spent in Ocean City, New Jersey.

Melissa Lindahl (Ms. L) has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2017. Over her 20+ years of teaching, she has taught biology, chemistry, Earth science, health, physics, and middle school science. She has a permanent NY teaching certification: 7-12 Biology and General Science. Ms. L says the best part of being a teacher at Bridgeway is interacting with her students. When she is not teaching, she works as a barista, loves a good cup of coffee, and makes soaps, candles, scarves, and necklaces. Melissa loves to travel to Maine, and her favorite subject in school growing up was Art.

Yvonne Morris has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the people she works with and the encouragement she gets from others. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Yvonne spent 23 years as a teacher and has been an online teacher for the past 12 years; she also homeschooled her children for 12 years. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Deaf Education, Gifted Education, Science Education, and Math Education, as well as a master’s degree in Instructional Technology or Computer Education. Yvonne enjoys camping, going to amusement parks, walking with her husband, and spending time with her dog. Her favorite vacations are cruises in the Caribbean.

Kathryn Reitmeyer has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part of being a teacher with Bridgeway is the support from coworkers and the opportunity to make a positive impact on students. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Kathryn spent 20+ years teaching in a traditional classroom. She and her husband enjoy being outside hiking, riding ATVs, snowmobiling, and traveling to visit family.

Natalie Meyer Schira has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2023. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is her students as well as the “knowledgeable, communicative, and authentic” team with whom she works. Before joining Bridgeway, Natalie taught in a traditional classroom for nine years and has been a virtual instructor for the past three years. She holds degrees in literature and secondary education from Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame. Natalie enjoys spending her free time practicing her faith, reading, watching her beloved Chicago Cubs, and singing. Her favorite trip was to Walt Disney World in Florida.

Nicole Wilkins has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2019. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is working with people from around the world. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Nicole was an English teacher in South Korea, an online EFL teacher, and English teacher in South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English Education and has been homeschooling her own children for three years. Nicole enjoys hanging out with her family and dog, playing video games, listening to music, reading stories, hiking, swimming, snowboarding, and traveling. Her favorite vacation was to Venice, Italy.

Sarah Wilt has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is working with students from so many places and diverse backgrounds. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Sarah spent over 10 years working in alternative education environments, including theater, Girl Scouts, juvenile detention, and various summer programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education: English and a minor in History from Juniata College. Sarah lives in Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, where she enjoys long walks with her dog, birding, being outdoors with nature, meditation, journaling, reading (long books and manga/comics), playing video games, watching anime or Netflix, and learning new things. Her favorite travel experience was when she studied abroad during college in York, North Yorkshire, England.

Stacey Batzel has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is that Bridgeway is a family and that there is abundant support and learning opportunities. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Stacey was a Teaching Assistant for seven years, a public school teacher for seven years, and a private school teacher for three years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education as well as certificates in Elementary Education, Mid-Level English, and Mid-Level Math. Stacey enjoys reading, spending time with her family and dog, attending church, singing in her choir, and watching movies. Her favorite vacation is Disney World in Florida.

Marsha Absher, also known as Mrs. Absher or Mrs. A, joined Bridgeway Academy in 2024. She hails from North Carolina and brings over 29 years of experience in public education, along with 2 years in private Christian education, teaching grades 3-9. Marsha holds a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, and has earned National Board Certification in Early Adolescence English Language Arts. She is excited to express her Christian faith and interact with others who share a desire to grow in their faith, appreciating the kindness and warmth of her new community. During the pandemic, Marsha homeschooled for one year. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, knitting, Cricut crafting, stained glass, sewing, and walking with friends. One of her favorite places is Juneau, Alaska. Marsha has two cats, and her favorite subjects in school were English and history.

Rocio Elena Cruz is originally from El Salvador, but she grew up in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Her journey in education has been incredibly fulfilling—she holds two master’s degrees, one in Spanish Linguistics and Literature, and the other in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). With over 10 years of teaching experience, she has had the privilege of helping students from all walks of life, guiding them in language learning and cultural understanding. She has a deep passion for teaching, and nothing brings her more joy than seeing her students grow in confidence and ability. It has been an amazing experience, and she is excited to continue this journey of growth and learning with her students!

Kendra Bearer has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2023. Her favorite part about being with Bridgeway Academy is working with kindhearted people who share similar beliefs and values. Before joining Bridgeway, Kendra gained experience working in daycare. She enjoys walking, hiking, playing the piano, and photography. Her favorite vacation was her senior year trip to England.

Rebecca Bryan has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2023. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is supporting the teachers and watching the students get excited about the topic they are learning about during class. Before joining Bridgeway, Rebecca homeschooled her children for 13 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental safety and health, a minor in biology, and a master’s degree in safety and loss prevention. Rebecca enjoys spending her free time kayaking, camping, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite trip was to the Grand Canyon.

Laquita Collins has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being a teacher assistant with Bridgeway Academy is watching the students elevate in their studies from home. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Quita was a teacher’s assistant, a substitute teacher, a youth instructor, a camp counselor, and a J.A. instructor. Quita enjoys beautification activities, researching, and spending quality time with her family. Her favorite trip was to the Bahamas.

Carolyn Lester has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is working with the students and teachers. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Carolyn taught preschool through eighth grade as well as adult health education and is in her fifth year homeschooling her own children. Carolyn graduated with honors in Early Childhood Education and enjoys painting, art, traveling, reading, and her two leopard geckos.

Rosetta Pouncy has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being a teacher assistant with Bridgeway Academy is interacting with the students, as well as the supportive staff and Bridgeway’s outstanding professional development training. Rosetta holds a teaching certificate in mathematics (4-8) and enjoys taking morning walks, exercising, gardening, and replenishing old furniture. Her favorite trip is to Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

Lisa Tomlin has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher assistant with Bridgeway Academy is working online and being able to reach people from around the world. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Lisa tutored college students for two years, served as a substitute teacher for five years, and tutored ESL students for five years. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Education as well as a West Virginia state teaching license. Lisa enjoys playing computer games and taking pictures of nature and animals. Her favorite trip was to Colonial Williamsburg.

Glorie Vazquez, known as Mrs. V, joined Bridgeway Academy in 2024 and is from North Carolina. She is an English Language Arts teacher for middle school students. Glorie holds a BA in English and an AA in Accounting. She appreciates the sense of community and collaboration at Bridgeway Academy, which fosters creativity and personalized learning. Glorie has not homeschooled but enjoys baking and gardening. Her favorite travel destination is Mexico, and she has two dogs (a Chihuahua and a Shih Tzu). Reading was her favorite subject growing up.

Tammy Kindig, known as Ms. Tammy, joined Bridgeway Academy in 2024 and lives in Northeast Pennsylvania. She has over 23 years of experience teaching all grade levels, subjects, and electives in her local co-op, with her favorite being Elementary. Tammy is an avid reader and has participated in many authors’ book launch teams. Her favorite vacation spot is the beach, and she has one dog (a Border Collie-Whippet) and raises chickens and turkeys. Her favorite subject is Reading.

Gabriella Fernandez, known as Ms. Fernandez, joined Bridgeway Academy in 2024 and is from the Southeast, specifically South Carolina. She has been a nanny and tutor for the past six years and is currently a Junior Psychology student at Clemson University. Gabriella is excited to help out in the classroom and make a positive impact in education. Her favorite activities include taking walks by a lake and baking treats. Her favorite travel spot is San Sebastián, Spain, and she has a 4-year-old golden retriever. English was her favorite subject in school.