Bridge Academy

Psalm 32:8

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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

Barbour
Stephanie Barr
B.F.A., Art Education, VCU
Arts in Healthcare, University of Florida

Stephanie graduated from VCU with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Art Education and is certified K-12. She created a homeschool arts program at the Petersburg Area Art League while homeschooling her 3 boys. In 2015, Stephanie left the art league and started Pens, Paper & Paint LLC, a mobile arts education business, serving families throughout the Richmond region. In 2019, she completed a rigorous Arts in Healthcare program at UF and began delivering quality visual arts programming to senior living and dementia care residents in the area. Stephanie has two homeschool graduates (2019, 2021), a 9th grader currently attending Bridge Academy and is an active member of Second Branch. In her spare time, you can find Stephanie in her flower beds, creating mixed media art pieces and enjoying the area's arts and cultural events. 

Courses offered: Discovering Art (1st-2nd grade), Art Adventurers (3rd-4th), Art Explorers (4th-5th), Cell Phone Photography (6th-8th), Fine Arts & Crafts (7th-12th), Fiber Art (8th-12th), and Watercolor & Gouache
Contact: penspaperpaint@gmail.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

M.C.M - Masters in Church Music 

Paul has grown up in Richmond, Virginia where he attended Virginia Commonwealth where he received an undergraduate degree in piano performance and then a Masters in Church Music from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Paul has happily served as the Worship Pastor at Ironbridge Church since 1998. He and his wife Sarah have schooled their boys, Paul and Thomas, at home for the last 14 years and enjoy giving back to the homeschool community by teaching at Bridge Academy. Working with students to encourage them to grow not only as Christians, but also as musicians has really been a blessing in his life.

Courses: Guitar and Worship Band 
Contact: paulc@ironbridge.org

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.


Serving as: Homeschool Guidance Consultant 
Contact: pfcochran@msn.com

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

Derek Futrell
B.A. in Music Education, Masters of Divinity in Worship Leadership,
Masters of Theology in Applied Theology

Derek grew up in Virginia Beach, VA and was called to ministry at 15. He has served in various pastoral roles of churches in VA, NC and SC. He has been the lead pastor of Parkway since 2017. He holds a BA in Music Education from Gardner-Webb University (where he met his wife Melissa), an MDiv and a ThM from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. God has blessed him and Melissa with five children: Elijah, Isaac, Sam, Esther, and Anna. Derek and Melissa’s first calling is to make disciples of their children raising them with a biblical worldview, helping them to see the need for Christ in the world, and releasing them to follow God’s call wherever that might lead them. Derek is passionate about leading the church to be on mission for Christ to make disciples who make disciples to send out church planters and missionaries. He loves
the Word of God, music and worship, his family, fun, cooking, singing and teaching.

Courses Offered: Music (3rd-5th) , 9th-12th Group Vocals with Performance and Government / Economics (high school)
Contact: derekfutrell@gmail.com

Melissa Futrell

AD in Nursing -RN (Pediatrics, NICU)


Melissa Futrell was born and raised in South Carolina. She holds an associate degree
in nursing from Gardner-Webb University, where she met her husband, Derek, who is
the Senior Pastor at Parkway Baptist Church. They have lived in Virginia since 2002.
Melissa and Derek have five children (17, 16, 14, 11, and 10 year old) whom they have
homeschooled since 2009. Melissa and her family have been a part of Classical
Conversations communities for many years, where she has previously tutored
Foundations, and currently tutors Essentials. Melissa is not currently working as a
Registered Nurse but enjoys homeschooling, baking cakes for her kids, and serving in
ministry alongside her husband Derek, and is excited to become a part of Bridge
Academy.

Courses Offered: History through Literature 1, Exploratory (1st-2nd), Science 5, Science 6, and Anatomy and Physiology
Contact: derekmelissa1@gmail.com

Amber Harger

AD in Nursing


Amber was born and raised here in central Virginia. She holds an AD in Nursing and has been a nurse for 12 years. She currently works PRN at Southside Medical Center on the Cardiac/Telemetry unit. She is studying to get her Intensive Care Fellowship certification. She is married to her high school sweetheart of 16 years, Jeremy. They have 3 beautiful daughters- Leah (13), Ellie (11), and Evelyn (8). Amber and her family are active members of The Heights Baptist Church. 

Contact: Hargers4@comcast.net

Julie Hobbs

B.S. in History & Political Science with a concentration in International Affairs


Julie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Samford University with a concentration in International Affairs. During her 19 years of home educating her children, she has been a tutor at Classical Conversations, as well as United States History, Government, Economics and British Literature various co-ops. She loves connecting with the students and helping them want to achieve more than they imagined.


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)


Allison is a graduate of Colonial Heights High School and went on to pursue her love of art by attending John Tyler Community College before graduating from VCU. She worked as an interior designer for many years and later became an art teacher at Richmond Christian School. During her career as a designer, she had the privilege of being on the design team for the renovation of the Richmond Capitol. Feeling led in a different direction, Allison became involved in the homeschool community where all three of her children, Jordan, Jonathan, and Landon graduated, Landon from Bridge Academy. She has been teaching elementary, middle school and high school art at Bridge Academy for the past 6 years. Approximately six years ago, Allison began working part time with those battling addictions. It was through the merging of her love of teaching and her desire to help others that led her down another path. She began working at a substance abuse recovery facility in expressive art therapy helping those in recovery express through art what they cannot express in words. This led her back to school where she obtained her BS in both Art and Addiction studies at Liberty University graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2019. She is currently working on her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University full time with the future plans to become a therapist.


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

Jordan Kincaid 
B.A. Communication Arts

Jordan graduated from VCU in 2016 with a B.A. in Communication Arts. She is currently a freelance Illustrator and is contracted with Owl Crate Worldwide and McGraw-Hill and has most recently joined the Bridge Academy family.  Bridge Academy students will be very pleased with the most up-to-date and fresh ideas she plans to present in her classes: Drawing, Graphic Design, and Digital Design. She and her mother, Allison Kincaid (also teaches Art at Bridge Academy), will be co-leaders of the Yearbook Club. Jordan is so excited to a part of the Bridge Academy family!  

Classes: Animation, HS Art with Drawing, Graphic Design & Digital Design

Emily Kirtlan

B.S. in History 


Emily is a graduate of Liberty University where she received her undergraduate degree in History. The best word to describe Emily is kind. Her heart is one of service and thoughtfulness and it shows in all she does. Austin, the man writing this bio about Emily, is also her best friend, man of her dreams and dashing husband since 2016. Her passions in life are reading, baking and her puppies. She has decided to apply her degree to pursuing her desire to serve the homeschool community. As a former homeschool student herself, Emily is passionate about home education and knows what it takes to be successful on this unique journey. She believes that education is a powerful tool and wants to help students cultivate a love for learning. She is excited to serve the families of Bridge Academy! 

Courses Offered: Renaissance & Reformation, Eat Around the world (middle school), Eat Around the World (high school), Global History: Wars, Espionage & Covert Operations, Civics through Critical Thinking, Movies as Literature, and Medieval British Literature: Literary Lessons through Lord of the Rings
Contact: etkirtlan@gmail.com

Ashley Knickerbocker

B.S. in History

Ashley began teaching at Bridge Academy in 2016. She was raised in Chesterfield County and received a history degree from VCU. She and her husband, David feel blessed to homeschool their three boys, Nathan (15), Justis (13) and Joshua (8), who also attend Bridge Academy. Her teaching experience began at ICCS Preschool during college and she has continued teaching both at home and in classroom settings since then. She taught art and PE as an enrichment course for Classical
Conversations for 6 years and served as a CC lead teacher for 2 years before coming to Bridge Academy. She worked as a personal trainer and fitness instructor for eleven years at Chester Fitness. Both she and her boys love Bridge Academy and look forward to being part of this coop for years to come!

Courses Offered: History through Literature 4, English 4, STEM/Robotics, Latin II, and Health & Nutrition (high school)
Contact: aknickfit@gmail.com

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


Traci has been homeschooling her children for 23 years. She and her husband, Mark have 6 children, 3 are high school graduates and pursuing further education from MBA's to BA's while the other 3 children attend Bridge Academy. She and Mark are originally from Upstate NY, and lived in Delaware for 12 years before moving to Amelia Court House, Virginia 6 years ago. They have a passion for God, family, friends, and physical fitness. They both enjoy hiking, sports, working out and especially enjoy planning fun events for their children to promote team building, foster close relationships, and life lessons in sportsmanship.  Being outside incorporating body movement is especially important in this electronic era.  Traci wants children to realize the positive relationship between physical activity, health, and their mental well-being. 


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

Krystal Sadler 
B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Elementary Education 
Masters in Teaching

Krystal was born and raised in Southern California before moving to Richmond, Virginia. She attended Lee University for three years before transferring to VCU where she graduated with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Teaching. She has the privilege of doing life with her husband, Josh, and their three beautiful girls: McKayla Grace, Shayne Elizabeth, and Caydence Hope. She is also very active within her church as a Worship Leader and the Women’s Ministry Director. After teaching in both Henrico County and Chesterfield County for six years, she felt the Lord calling her to homeschool her girls in 2016 and she has never looked back! Bridge Academy has been such a blessing to her family in their homeschooling journey, and she is honored to play a small role in serving other homeschool families in return.

Courses Offered: Science 1, Science 3, Science 4, History 6, Science 6, Early Childhood Education, World History I, World History II, Algebra II and Precalculus
Contact: kasadler84@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


Lynn grew up in Pennsylvania as a PK (preacher's kid) until after graduation when she joined the Army. She has lived in Virginia since 1997 but still claims her Yankee roots. Lynn has an AA degree in Psychology from Allegany College in Cumberland, MD then followed her true passion by earning a Culinary Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University, Norfolk VA campus class of 2003. Lynn has worked in the food world as a barista, sweets baker, fine dining, B&B breakfast chef, prepared food production and instructor for SCCA co-op & Edible Education. I love to share food knowledge with the "1 no-thank you bite" rule to expand the tasting palate.  My husband Phil & I have 2 sons Caleb & Eli who are both students at Bridge Academy. 

Courses Offered: Fun with Food (2nd-3rd), Fun with Food (4th-6th), Introduction to Baking (7th-12th), Advanced Baking, Culinary Arts (HS) and Culinary Arts (middle school) and Mom's Make-Ahead Meals (moms only)
Contact: lynnsnipes@live.com

Debbie Starnes

LPN

Lunch lady extraordinaire. 

Megan Tanner

B.S. in Biology with High School teaching certification

“What can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them” (Rom1:19). It’s so true! Biology is the incredible study of the life that God has created. I developed a love for the “study of life” at university. Unfortunately, I grew up, with most people, confused about how the bible and science work together. After graduating, I had the privilege to teach a group of homeschool students, who opened my eyes to the facts of Creation Science. They changed my life! Since then, I have loved learning and teaching about God’s hand at work in creation. I’ve had the joy of teaching in public, private, coop and international schools, everything from science to ESL. He has allowed us to serve him in full-time ministry in NC, Richmond, VA, and for seven years, overseas in Central Asia. My family returned to the States in 2019 and are excited to join Bridge Academy this fall!

Courses Offered: Biology (Tuesdays 1st period as well as 5th period- extended class times)
Contact: m3g4ntanner@gmail.com

Susan Tignor
B.A. in Psychology
M.A. in Psychology with an Endorsement in Guidance Counseling

Susan graduated from Wake Forest University with a B.A. in Psychology.  She then received her M.A. in Psychology from James Madison University and an endorsement in Guidance Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University.  Susan and her husband, Rob, have two children.  Lucy is a junior at Liberty University, and Christopher is in tenth grade at Bridge Academy.  Susan taught math at Elkhart-Thompson Middle School and at Banner Christian school for seven years.  She is excited for the opportunity to teach math at Bridge Academy.  

Courses Offered: Math 7 (contact for individual tutoring)
Contact: sctignor@gmail.com

Shae Weyant

Masters in Elementary Education 


“Shae graduated from Liberty University with her Master’s in Teaching: Elementary Education and immediately started working in the private Christian school sector. While she loved her time teaching private school, she really felt the Lord calling her to make a change and begin homeschooling her two children, Lacey and Lincoln. When she mentioned the idea to her husband Ricky, he was completely on-board, and they haven’t looked back since! Being able to continue her teaching career through her switch to Bridge, has really shown first-hand the provision of God in her life. She can now spend more time with her family, volunteer more at her church, and create connections with her students at Bridge that hopefully last a lifetime! 

Courses Offered: Kindergarten, Science 2, English 2, Math Games & Reinforcement, and I.T. Fundamentals: Workplace Readiness

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

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 


Stephanie was born and raised in Chesterfield County, Va. She attended VCU and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education. Upon graduating she began teaching elementary school in Chesterfield County. Several years later, she and her husband, Chris, were blessed with their first son and Stephanie left the teaching profession to stay at home. She later returned to work at her church as director of the preschool and daycare where she implemented a private Kindergarten program. As their family grew, Stephanie eventually felt led to homeschool her three boys and has been doing so for the past 11 years. Two of her boys have graduated; one is now working fulltime and the other attends Liberty University and is a member of the LU Archery Team. Her youngest is quickly approaching graduation and has plans to attend college as well. During her years of homeschooling, Stephanie has taught numerous homeschooling classes ranging from elementary age to high school at various co-ops. During the summer months you can find her poolside coaching for a local swim team or cheering on her youngest who has been involved in the sport year round for many years. She is also very active within her church and serves in leadership as the Children’s Church Director and assists with the Women’s Ministry . 

Classes: Exploring Geography and Cultures (1-2), Discovering Geography & Cultures (3-4), English 5, Math 5, English 6, Exploring Biology (4th-6th), Geography with Social Studies (6th-7th), English with Writing (7th-8th), Analyzing Literature (8th-9th), General Science, Physical Science & Psychology

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!