Meet our Staff!

Becky Angelilli
B.S. in Criminal Justice
Becky
graduated from VCU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She worked with the Chesterfield County
Police as an Evidence Technician. She
was among the first civilians hired to complete the crime scene investigations
for the department. Becky has lived in
the area her entire life. She has two
boys who also attend Bridge Academy. Becky and her family have a heart for missions both locally and internationally. They have been traveling to Nicaragua for the past 6 years, where they have made lifelong friendships.
Courses offered: Bible (5th-7th), Intro to CSI, Creative Writing (6th-8th), Space and Earth, Bible: Character Building (7th-9th), Health with Life Skills (6th-8th), Life Skills 9th-12th, Forensic Science, Environmental Science, and Criminal Justice
Contact: mbangelilli@verizon.net

Kacy Barbour
Associate of Science–General Education
Kacy grew up in East Tennessee, where she casually attended Northeast State Community College. She enjoyed the classes and teachers so much that she just kept going back until they told her she unintentionally had enough credits for a General Studies degree in 2021. Kacy and Wes met in September 2011 and got married 9 months later in June 2012. Their journey has taken them to North Carolina and several areas in Virginia, but they know the Lord called them to plant roots here in Chesterfield. Kacy and Wes have four children: Noah, Braylan, Coralynn, and Koda. They are a family of mixed schooling, with a couple of children at Bridge and a couple of children in public schools. They have thoroughly enjoyed their time at Bridge, watching their children grow and thrive in this environment, and are looking forward to getting to know the Bridge community better while serving here. Kacy serves on the Women’s Ministry Team at Parkway Baptist Church. She enjoys planning service projects and fellowship events alongside her Sisters in Christ.
Courses offered: History 1, Introduction to Coding (1st-3rd grades), and Exploring Coding (4th-5th grades)
Contact: noahsmomma427@hotmail.com


Savanna Bruce
earning her teaching degree
Savanna Bruce has been a part of the Bridge Academy family since her Sophomore year and is currently pursuing her dream of becoming an elementary teacher. Her goal is to teach elementary students at a homeschool co-op like Bridge Academy! She plans to remain at John Tyler Community College for another year, her 3rd year of college, before transferring to Longwood University to finish her degree. Savanna loves children and exploring ways to ignite their imaginations in learning. Savanna loves farm life and enjoys singing and playing her cello.
Courses offered: Exploring Languages: French & Spanish (1st-3rd grade), P.E. with Health (1st-3rd) & P.E. with Health (4th-6th grade)
Contact: savannabruce318@gmail.com

Millette Carter

Paul Cochran
B.M. - Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance

Sarah Cochran
B.A. in Psychology
Sarah was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She attended both the University of Richmond and the University of Louisville, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology. She and her husband, Paul, live in the Chester area with their two sons, Paul, Jr. (18) and Thomas (12). Sarah has been homeschooling for 13 years and has been part of Classical Conversations as well as other homeschool co-ops in the area. She has always loved working with children through the years in AWANA, Bible Fellowship classes, and summer camps. She and Paul have enjoyed their ministry at Ironbridge Church for 20 years now and look forward to teaching at Bridge Academy for years to come.
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Alicia Collins
Bridge Academy Administrator
Alicia’s work with children began as a volunteer teacher for an inner-city program for underprivileged children. After marrying her dream fellow, Steve Collins, and moving out of state, she began working for KinderCare Child Care Center as a preschool teacher. She was promoted quickly to the Health and Safety Coordinator, and finally to the Center Director position, where she developed and implemented the center’s first curriculum. After the birth of her daughter, Emily, she felt led to stay home with her, followed by her son, Carter, a few years later. Alicia and Steve have lived in Chesterfield County since 2004 and served in the home-school community since 2006 by tutoring in local co-ops as well as individual students. She began homeschooling Emily in the 5th grade and Carter in the 2nd grade. Emily graduated from Liberty University at 20 years of age with a B.A in History the week before she married the love of her life, Austin Kirtlan. Carter earned a masters degree in Executive Leadership and Project Management at the age of 21 year after earning a B.A. in Business with a concentration in Project Management, also from Liberty University.
Contact at: bridgeacademy@comcast.net

Lilly da Silva
¡Hola! My name is Lilly Da Silva, I was born in Nyack, New York, but was raised in San José, Costa Rica for 15 year where I learned my Spanish and accent. I have being married to my best friend and hero Kenneth for 26 years. I praise the Lord for the honor to have homeschooled our 3 children, Bryant, Brendan, and Bianca for 17 years. I have tutored Spanish at home, co-ops, private tutoring, and have translated for clients and staff as needed at the PRC. As a former youth minister, I mentored them to reach out to others and to also be still and hear God’s heart beat. I have volunteered at the United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol at the Southside Composite Squadron, as the squadron photographer and closet manager which gave me the opportunity to work with cadets. I’m excited about the 2019 - 2020 school year at Bridge Academy!
Courses offered: Exploring Languages: French and Spanish (1st-3rd grades), Spanish 4th-5th, Spanish and ASL 6th-8th, Spanish I, Spanish II & Spanish III
Contact: lilly2you@gmail.com

Kim Day

Elisabeth Fiordelise
B.S. in Education
Elisabeth holds a degree in Elementary Education and taught 2nd and 4th grades prior to choosing to stay home and homeschool her children. She worked at Classical Conversations for the past several years, tutoring both Foundations and Essentials (a writing and grammar program). Music has been a constant part of her life. She studied piano for 15 years and has spent her adulthood accompanying choirs, playing in worship bands, and directing children’s musicals. Elisabeth has taught private piano lessons for the past 14 years, which combines two of her favorite things – children and music. Her husband Pat pastors Kingsland Baptist Church, and she enjoys supporting his ministry by directing the children’s ministry and playing the piano in the worship band. They have 3 children-John (17), Alyssa (15), & David (11).
Classes: Math 6, General Music with Keyboarding, MS History, MS English: Level A, MS English: Level B, and Geography (8th-9th)
Contact: efiordelise@gmail.com 804-502-6253

Jackie Fowler
B.A. in English
B.A. in Radio, TV and Motion Pictures
MLS
Jackie graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in English and Radio, TV and Motion Pictures. After graduation, she worked as a writer for the 5:00 and 10:00 newscast at WRAL - TV in Raleigh, NC. She decided to leave her job at the TV station to pursue her desire to teach and became certified in English Education. She has taught middle and high school English =, honors English, Political Economic and Legal Systems, music and drama while in the classroom. She holds a Master's degree in Library Science and was school librarian before leaving to homeschool her first child. Her Husband is a military chaplain and they have fie children. She loves spending time with her family and is thankful the Lord used the army to bring her to the area.
Classes: Learning through Games: Cross Curricular Review and Reinforcement (1st-2nd), Math 3, Discovery (3rd-4th), Math 4, STEM/Robotics, Robotics: Level A, Drama (6th-8th), American Literature, World Literature and Creative Writing, Critical Thinking, and Forensic/Drama (9th-12th)
Contact: fowlerfun@yahoo.com


Melissa Futrell
AD in Nursing -RN (Pediatrics, NICU)

Amber Harger
AD in Nursing

Julie Hobbs
B.S. in History & Political Science with a concentration in International Affairs
Classes: World History I, Modern American History & Government/Economics
Contact: juliehobbs4@yahoo.com
Ellen Kelsey
B.S. in Biblical Studies
Masters in Theology
Ellen graduated from International Seminary with a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies and a Masters of Arts in Theology. She has served in many positions her the years in ministry ranging from music to christian education for adults and children. Teaching the Word of God is Ellen's passion and Gad has opened many doors for her to use her gift in the classroom, as well as writing curriculum. Ellen has also worked in early childhood education serving as an administrative assistant and bus driver for two local daycare facilities. She homeschooled both of her children, who are now grown with children of their own. Ellen and her husband enjoy playing golf and serving in their church leadership team.
Classes: Defending your Faith: Apologetics & Why Christianity: World Religions
Contact: jerem29@msn.com

Allison Kincaid
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Science
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health ( in process)
Courses Offered: Art (1st-2nd), Art (3rd-4th), Art (5th-6th), Art (6th-8th), Art with Drawing (6th-9th), and Art with Drawing (8th-12th)
Contact at: beachpossum@gmail.com


Emily Kirtlan
B.S. in History
Ashley Knickerbocker

Theresa Krebs
B.S. in Chemistry & Biology w/specialization in Biotechnology
Masters of Science in Microbiology
Masters Ed in Exercise Physiology
Theresa Krebs attended George Mason University, where she earned undergraduate degrees in both Chemistry and Biology, with a specialization in Biotechnology. She went on to pursue post-graduate studies at Northwestern University and finished her work at the University of Virginia, earning a Master of Science in Microbiology and a Master of Education in Exercise Physiology. She has taught as a graduate assistant at the University of Virginia in both Nutrition and Microbiology, as an Adjunct Professor of Biology at John Tyler Community College, and as a teacher in Richmond area homeschool co-ops in both math and science. She currently lives in Chesterfield with her ruggedly handsome husband, Martin and their five children. Ironically, Theresa’s childhood dreams were to have a career through which she earned lots of money and to have no children. (Incidentally, Martin says that his dream as a child was to crush the dreams of others.) In 2007, after much deliberation, prayer, and resistance (kicking / screaming), Theresa and Martin accepted God’s calling to home educate their children. They are truly grateful for the privilege and for yet another reminder that God's ways are so much higher than ours. She has learned to fully immerse herself in the home-educator lifestyle, achieving mastery of both the laminator and Ford E350 (respect the van). She is still in the process of learning as she asked her husband to write her bio for her.
Classes: Precalculus T/F1
Contact: sevenkrebs@gmail.com

Traci McGrath
Courses Offered: 7th - 9th P.E. (Fridays, 5th period)
Contact: mcfamilyguy@yahoo.com
Shirley Musik
B.S. HSC & A.S. LA / Certified in CI and IC/TC
Memberships:
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
VA Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Richmond Metropolitan VA Registry of Interpreters for Deaf
Mrs. Musik is a nationally certified interpreter with The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. She has taught Sign Language at the university, community college, high school levels as well as community classes at a variety of churches. She has been in the field of Deafness for more than thirty years and loves to teach willing minds. She was married for 35 years and looking forward to joining her husband one day in their heavenly home. The mother of three sons, seven grandchildren and one great-grandson…so far. She is excited and looking forward to working with the Bridge Academy faculty, staff and students.
Classes: American Sign Language I, American Sign Language II and American Sign Language III
Contact: musikshirley94@gmail.com

Chris Palmer
B.S. Education
MAR Church Ministry
MDIV Leadership
Chris, a graduate of Liberty University, became the Pastor to Students at Ironbridge Baptist Church in February 2010, and accepted the Lead Pastor position at Second Branch Baptist in 2018. Chris and his wife Dee have four children. Chris is very serious about the Christian life, and his heart’s desire is to see God change the world that he lives in. As a former youth minister, Chris led his youth to become “world-changers” just as the disciples were used by God to change the world. He continues to speak at youth camps, colleges, retreats, conferences, public schools, churches, and more, as well as serving his own congregation of Second Branch Baptist.
Courses Offered: Speech
Contact: chrispalmer.me@gmail.com

Renee Plummer
B.A. Business Administration
Renee graduated from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN with a degree in Business Administration. After working for 7 years in the finance and mortgage industries, she and her husband, Jonathan, were blessed with a daughter. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated from Baton Rouge, LA to Chester, VA where they decided she should be a stay-at-home mom. In 2003, as their daughter began to reach school-age, they felt lead to homeschool and have since continued to do so for both their daughter and son. During this wonderful journey of homeschooling, Renee has participated in many co-ops, including a Latin co-op which she began in her home, which continued for 8 years.
Courses Offered: Personal Finance & Latin I
Contact: jnplummer@verizon.net

Julia Poynter
B.S. in Public Health
Julia is a former Bridge Academy student who was homeschooled from kindergarten through high school. She is recently married, and she and her husband live in Midlothian, Virginia. She knows what it takes to successfully homeschool, and she earned a full academic scholarship to college. In three years, Julia earned her degree from Liberty University, completing the requirements of the Honors Program and graduating summa cum laude. During her college years, she worked as an intern for the Communications Coordinator at Richmond City Health District. Additionally, she worked for Central Virginia Health District in the Population Health department. Julia has considerable experience in tutoring, editing, and working with children. She was an English major before switching her degree to Public Health. Julia loves academics and has a hard time picking her favorite subject. She is excited to be back at Bridge Academy, assisting homeschool families.
Classes: Foundations of Literature, British Literature and Anatomy & Physiology
Contact: julpoynter@gmail.com

Debbie Reed
B.S. in Biology / PharmD
I am originally from the actual center of the universe (sorry, Ashland); East Aurora, NY, home of Motorola, Moog, and Fisher Price. I graduated from SUNY Binghamton with a biology degree and SUNY Buffalo School of Pharmacy with a pause in between to join the Air Force. I’ve been homeschooling at least one of my three sons since 2006. Much to their dismay, I could happily spend the entire day doing math problems. I tutored for classical conversations for 6 years. We have been blessed to be at Bridge academy since 2015. I currently work part time at St Mary’s as a pharmacist. I love my job and encourage you to join the Air Force and go to pharmacy school. I am a huge fan of the oxford comma. Since 2019, I’ve had the pleasure of tutoring the next generation of excellent chemists. Lab is my favorite part of class. Occasionally we get to blow things up. Come join us!
Courses Offered: Chemistry
Contact: dereed6789@gmail.com


Tom Siner
B. S. Computer Science
Computer Engineering
My wife, Diane, and I have three grown children that all spent time homeschooling, as well as time in private and public school. Our youngest attended Bridge Academy, and our older two have graduated from Liberty University and made us grandparents! I am a graduate of James Madison University with a B.S. in Computer Science, and completed a post-graduate certificate in Computer Engineering at Iowa State University. In over 30 years of experience as an engineer, I have enjoyed developing cutting edge technologies and products for home entertainment (DVD) and digital theatres, cryptographic data protection systems where I hold two patents, and currently design and develop software for LTE and 5G cellular base-stations. I like to say that I can explain everything about your cell phone except how to actually use it – you need to ask your kids for that help! I have a passion for building new things, and teaching allows me to express my excitement to a new generation. I hope my enthusiasm shows! I love helping students find answers to that age-old question, "How will I ever use this in life?", and seeing their eyes light-up as they begin to understand something new. I am returning to Bridge Academy after a break of a few years. I have previously taught Physics, as well as introductory classes to computer programming and electronics/robotics. This year I will be teaching both Physics and Pre-Calculus.
Classes: Precalculus & Physics
Contact: tom@circleoaks.com

Karyn Sisson
B.A. in Business Administration
Karyn graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Business Administration. She has worked in the business world as a manager, a buyer, and a bookkeeper. In addition, she has experience in proofreading and editing for a textbook publisher. Karyn and her husband have three children and homeschooled for over twenty years. Her daughter and sons are now homeschool graduates, and by God’s provision, all three received full academic scholarships to college. Karyn has tutored and taught co-op classes in a variety of subjects at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She loves teaching students at Bridge Academy!
Courses Offered: English 3, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Foundations of Literature, English through Short Stories
Contact: kgs429@gmail.com

Lynn Snipes
A.A. in Psychology and Culinary Arts

Debbie Starnes
LPN
Lunch lady extraordinaire.

Megan Tanner


Shae Weyant
Masters in Elementary Education
Patricia Whitaker
Patricia graduated from the University of Connecticut with an honors degree in Family Studies. She was a CPS investigator for 15 years, which solidified her desire to stay home to raise her children! Fortunately her husband agreed and they have enjoyed the journey with their daughters, now 16 & 19 and her older son, 31. The family also cared for both of her parents who had dementia until their recent passings. Patricia has led several local women’s groups and enjoys networking and helping people find resources. Along with teaching leadership principles she loves serving, organizing, camping and watching a great mystery movie with the family.
Classes: Leader Academy
Contact: mspatriciaw@comcast.net

John Wolfgang
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
BS in Electrical Engineering
BS in Computer Engineering
John Wolfgang, who will be teaching Introduction to Robotics A, has a background in electrical, computer, and software engineering, with a masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. He currently works in technical sales for Vicom Infinity out of NYC. During his time in undergrad at West Virginia University, John was first introduced to robotics, and he enjoyed co-coaching a FIRST Robotics high school team after completing grad school.
John and his amazing wife Jennifer (who generously wrote this bio for him) began homeschooling their 6 children 12 years ago, and graduated their oldest in 2020. John enjoys spending time with family, sharing Bible-based personal finance teaching with anyone who will listen, practicing yoga, avoiding most white-colored foods, serving in leadership at his home church, Parkway Baptist, and “getting in my steps.” His favorite color is orange, his favorite snacks are Himalayan salted dark-chocolate almonds and Garden Salsa SunChips, and he grew up in Hershey, PA (and yes, it really used to smell like chocolate there before they moved the chocolate factory).
Courses Offered: Introduction to Robotics: Level B
Contact: johnjwolfgang@gmail.com
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Justin York
Justin was among the first students to attend Bridge Academy and graduated with us in 2016. In 2019 he earned his Associate’s Degree in Engineering from John Tyler Community College. After attending Liberty University for one year, he transferred to VCU and is currently working on his B.S. in Computer Science and Software Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. (Class of 2022!) Justin’s interest in computers and engineering was sparked when he took a Robotics class with Tom Siner (a fellow teacher at Bridge) during his first year at Bridge Academy. Justin recently became engaged to his high school sweetheart, who he also met at Bridge Academy. He currently works at Green Top Sporting Goods in the archery department, and has numerous interests that include archery, gaming, and programming.
Classes: Introduction to Robotics: Level A & Robotics: B
Contact: JustinYorkBridge@gmail.com

Stephanie York
B.S. in Psychology and Masters in Education
Contact at: csjjjyork@verizon.net

Jenny Smith
B.S. in Biology
Masters in Education
I grew up in Bon Air, Virginia. From a young age, I enjoyed school and playing sports, but found a passion playing field hockey with my older sister. I played field hockey at Lynchburg College where I received a B.S. in biology. After graduating, I began working in the fast-paced pharmaceutical industry in Philadelphia, but decided to move back to Richmond where I grew up and return to school at VCU for my masters in teaching. Soon after returning, I became reacquainted with Cam, who I met while attending Lynchburg College years prior. Fast forward a few years… We have recently been blessed with two incredible children, June and Brooks. During my teaching tenure in Chesterfield County Schools, I noticed I wanted to empower the students with not only the subject matter I was teaching, but more importantly, responsibility, morals and values.
Currently on maternity leave. We can't wait to have Jenny with us again!