Teachers Who Nurture a Love of Learning

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 lives in northeastern Pennsylvania, where she 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.

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 St. Mary’s 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 resides in Georgia, where 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.

Danae Cooper has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the encouragement and support from all the teachers and families, as well as seeing the smiling faces of her students every day. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Danae taught kindergarten and obtained certificates in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She resides in Pennsylvania, where she enjoys baking, shopping, and spending time with her family and her dog. Her favorite vacation was a trip to Jamaica.

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 resides in Pennsylvania, where 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 lives in Fort Worth, Texas, where she 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 lives in Rome, New York, where she 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 lives in Texas, where she enjoys reading. Her favorite vacation was to Thailand.

Colin Hickey has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. His favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is getting to work with students from all over the world. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Colin was a substitute teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education. Colin resides in New York and enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, traveling, and snowboarding. His favorite vacation was spent in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Anna McCall has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is everything…especially her students, families, and fun and supportive colleagues. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Anna taught special education for 16 years and has been teaching online since 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia, a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Oglethorpe University, and a special education certification in Georgia from Georgia State University. Anna resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, music, spending time with her husband and son (and two cats), and watching football. Her favorite trip was to Yellowstone National Park in 2020.

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 lives in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, where she 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.

Melissa Tardif (Mrs. Tardif) joined Bridgeway Academy in 2024 and truly enjoys having students from all over the world. Mrs. Tardif was a classroom teacher for more than a decade and has privately tutored students from kindergarten through high school. She has a Bachelor of Science-Elementary Education and a minor in Creative Writing. Melissa lives in Maine and loves spending time with her husband and children, whom she homeschools. She also enjoys traveling to Prince Edward Island, reading, and everything about summer!

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 resides in Florida, where she 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 resides in Albany, New York, where she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, reading, and trying new activities. Her favorite trip was to Hawaii.

Je’Tua Amos has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2023. Her favorite part about being a teacher is the opportunity to educate young minds. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Je’Tua worked at various schools and has been homeschooling her own children for the past 10 years. She is a BrainPOP certified educator and also holds a teaching license in Mississippi, where she resides with her husband, children, dog, and two cats. In her spare time, Je’Tua enjoys spending time with her family, quilting, crocheting, and gardening. Her favorite trip was whitewater rafting in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

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.

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 lives in southeastern Pennsylvania, where she 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.

Katrina Brown has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2019. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the students and their families. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Katrina taught for more than 25 years and also homeschooled her children for over 25 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Theology, a master’s degree in Counseling and Theology, and is finishing up her Master of Education. Katrina resides in Pennsylvania, where she enjoys singing in a community chorale, being outdoors, playing piano, and reading books. Her favorite vacation is to any beach.

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 resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she enjoys Zumba, oils, exercise, travel, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite vacation was to London.

Christina Gill-Lindsey has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the creativity that she can apply by teaching with technology. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Christina was a pre-K-12 health teacher and also homeschooled her own children for eight years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mental Health and Human Services and also has a Professional Certification as a grade K-12 health educator. Christina lives in Maine, where she enjoys photography, digital art, writing, yoga, cooking, and spending time with her dog and chickens. Her favorite vacation was to Bavaria.

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 resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and 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.

Tom Herndon has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. His favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is working with students near and far. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Tom spent two decades teaching in the classroom with two-year and four-year college science departments. He holds a master’s degree in Science Education from North Carolina State and lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he enjoys trail running, cycling, gardening, and spending time with his four dogs, three cats, four snakes, two lizards, turtle, and fish. Tom’s favorite vacation was a trip to Nepal.

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 taught at the University of Southern Mississippi for two years and at Hancock County High School for four years. 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 son with Bridgeway for the past three years. Elizabeth resides in Resaca, Georgia, where she 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 resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she 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 resides in Toledo, Ohio, where 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.

VanEssa Lewis (Ms. Lewis) has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2023. Her favorite thing about teaching at Bridgeway is meeting kids from all across the country. VanEssa holds a specialist degree in School Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades and Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Social Studies, Science, and ELA. Before joining the Bridgeway team, she taught 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade ELA, Science, and Social Studies. VanEssa lives in Georgia, and while she is not teaching enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her grandsons.

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.

Anne Mollman has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is that Bridgeway cares about the students, families, and staff and finds a way to foster a love of learning while still holding to high standards of education. Anne has been homeschooling her own children since 2012; three have graduated and she is currently homeschooling six children. She holds a degree in Marine Science from the University of San Diego; she also is nationally certified as a virtual teacher for multiple subjects. Anne resides in California, where she enjoys hiking, camping, running, surfing, and tending to her two dogs, two bunnies, and nine chickens. Her favorite trip was to Redwoods National Park in northern California.

Sandra Moreno (Ms. Moreno) has taught with Bridgeway Academy since 2023. She loves teaching, learning, and sharing that passion with students, families, and colleagues. Ms. Moreno attended the University of Texas as a computer science major and has a Master of Education from Sam Houston University. Before joining Bridgeway Academy, she taught for three years at a brick-and-mortar school and 11 years as a virtual teacher. Sandra’s favorite place to travel was the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. She also enjoys reading, drawing, walking, and cooking.

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 resides in Florida, where she enjoys camping, going to amusement parks, walking with her husband, and spending time with her dog. Her favorite vacations are cruises in the Caribbean.

Robin Pearce Lebedev has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is that the students are eager to participate and the staff is very kind and helpful. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Robin taught in public and private school classrooms for over 30 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry; she also has a master’s degree in Teaching and owns a California teaching credential. Robin resides in California and Chicago and enjoys traveling, missions, and playing with her grandsons. She’s been to too many places to have a favorite, but Robin enjoyed recent trips to Romania, Africa, and Italy.

Kathryn Reitmeyer has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is the Bridgeway community and the families. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Kathryn spent 25 years as an educator and also homeschooled her children for nine years. She lives in Waterville, New York, where she and her husband enjoy being outside hiking, riding ATVs, snowmobiling, and visiting 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 and currently resides in Iowa. 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.

Christine St. Clair has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020, and her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is her students. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Christine was a preschool teacher for six years and a K-12 English as Second Language teacher for 14 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Reading, and has certifications for K-6, English 7-12, ESL K-12, and program specialist instruction. Christine resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she enjoys yoga, meditation, reading, and being a mom to her child and her dogs. Her favorite vacations were to Paris and Maui.

Holly Strickland has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is her students and her flexible work schedule. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Dr. Strickland taught middle school science for 34 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Development. Dr. Strickland lives in Cleveland, Georgia, where she enjoys watching movies, visiting antique shops, scrapbooking, and spending time with her two cats. Her favorite vacation was to Aruba.

Lisa Vanderbloemen has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is enlightening her students. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Lisa taught at Oak Park Middle School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as a Ph.D. in Oceanography. She resides in The Villages, Florida, and enjoys golfing and spending time with her dogs. Her favorite vacation was to St. Thomas.

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 lives in West Virginia, where she 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.

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 resides in Pennsylvania, where she enjoys walking, hiking, playing the piano, and photography. Her favorite vacation was her senior year trip to England.

Hannah Bottita has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher assistant with Bridgeway Academy is having the opportunity to help students from all over the world. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Hannah was a fifth grade teacher’s assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Hannah resides in California, where she enjoys hiking, camping, and going to the beach. Her favorite trip was to Hawaii.

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 lives in Florida and 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 resides in Mississippi, where she enjoys beautification activities, researching, and spending quality time with her family. Her favorite trip was to the Bahamas.

Chloe Cuington has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2023. Her favorite parts about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy are the fun students and the staff support. Before joining Bridgeway, Chloe spent three years teaching adults software and computer science. She holds a certification in computer science and lives in Dallas, Texas, where she enjoys playing tennis, painting, and playing with animals, including her four hamsters. Chloe’s favorite trip is visiting the Dallas Zoo.

Holly Davis has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2023. Her favorite part about being a teacher with Bridgeway Academy is contributing to fellow homeschooling families. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Holly was a preschool and first-grade teacher and homeschooled her own children for 10 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Pre-K/primary education and resides in Texas, where she enjoys reading, fellowshipping with friends, and traveling. Holly’s favorite trip was to Bulgaria.

Anastajia Dempsey has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being a teacher assistant with Bridgeway Academy is that everyone is exceptionally nice and understanding, and that the learning and teachings are effective for student and teacher progression. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Ana taught on many different platforms as a head English teacher. She holds two associate’s degrees, one in Early Childhood Education and one in Liberal Arts. She also has a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing and is working on her master’s degree in screenwriting. Ana resides in New York, where she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, traveling, studying, watching movies, and trying new restaurants. Her favorite trips have been to Paris, Hawaii, and Aruba.

Helen Green-Esterly has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being a teacher assistant with Bridgeway Academy is seeing the kids’ faces when they learn something new. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Helen was a teaching assistant with Bridgeway for two years and taught in college for 12 years; she also homeschooled her children during the pandemic. She holds a Master of Education degree and resides in the U.S. Helen enjoys watching SpongeBob Squarepants with her kids and spending time with their cat. Her favorite vacation is to Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Vivian Graupner has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being a teacher assistant with Bridgeway Academy is sharing the journey in learning, because together she and her students can explore new concepts and watch uncertainty become confidence. The opportunity to strive for each student’s unique personal excellence is what makes the journey a successful and exciting adventure. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Vivian tutored online (elementary through college level coursework); she also tutored math and facilitated a “Fun with Numbers” program at her local library, featuring “fractivities” and cyphers among other math-themed activities. Vivian also homeschooled her children from K-12. She holds a degree in Accounting as well as certification in software integration and instruction. Vivian resides in Pennsylvania and enjoys camping, exploring new places, being outdoors, cuddling with her dog, and relaxing on a comfy chair with a good book. Her favorite trips have been to her grandparents’ cabin on Lake Champlain and to visit family in Switzerland.

Yazmin Irigoyen has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher assistant with Bridgeway Academy is that it allows teachers to use and create fun, interactive methods for students so they can learn the subject and stay engaged. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Yazmin taught Spanish 1 and 2 in middle and high school; she also homeschooled her children for a year. Yazmin has a bachelor’s degree with a minor in Spanish and resides in Texas, where she enjoys running, dancing, and swimming. Her favorite vacation is to Disneyland and Universal Studios in California.

Vee Johnson has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher assistant with Bridgeway Academy is having a community with her co-workers and classes and learning to work together. Vee’s philosophy on teaching is, she teaches the way she wishes someone would have taught her, because not everyone learns the same and virtual teaching shouldn’t limit teachers or students in any way. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Vee was a behavior therapist and middle school educator. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Florida teaching certification. Vee lives in south Florida, where she enjoys sewing, gardening, swimming in the ocean, hiking in the mountains, painting, cooking, and generally exploring with her service puppy. Her favorite trip was an impromptu adventure Key hopping in Florida after she missed an exit.

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 resides in Georgia, where she enjoys painting, art, traveling, reading, and her two leopard geckos.

Melissa Poliska has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being a teacher assistant with Bridgeway Academy is interacting with students and teachers. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Melissa was a child care aide at a medically fragile daycare center and a paraprofessional for a preschool program. She was also homeschooled for most of her school career and assisted in homeschooling her younger siblings. Melissa resides in Pennsylvania and enjoys art, fashion design, hiking, and kayaking. Her favorite trips were to South Korea and Portland, Oregon.

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 resides in Texas, where she enjoys taking morning walks, exercising, gardening, and replenishing old furniture. Her favorite trip is to Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

Ijara Rodgers joined Bridgeway Academy in 2023. She enjoys establishing relationships with students and watching them grow. Ms. Rodgers lives in Texas and loves to visit the beaches in Monterey, California. She previously worked as a teacher assistant and Instructional Paraprofessional in a special education classroom. She has an associate degree in American Sign Language and is working towards getting her Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a concentration in Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Health Studies.

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 resides in West Virginia and enjoys playing computer games and taking pictures of nature and animals. Her favorite trip was to Colonial Williamsburg.

Allana Williams joined Bridgeway Academy in 2023. She loves hearing the different perspectives of different students. Mrs. Allana says, “They all bring so much to the classroom to make learning interesting and fun!”. Allana previously taught in a private school for 2 years and in online education for 7 years. She has a Bachelor’s in Education from Malone University. Allana lives in Florida and homeschools her two oldest children. She loves reading, going to the beach, and visiting Hilton Head Island.