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. 


Contact: noahsmomma427@hotmail.com

Wes Barbour


Wes grew up in East Tennessee, where he became a life-long Tennessee Volunteers sports fan. It was in East Tennessee that he first was hired as a retail manager at age 21. As a retail store manager, he has moved all around Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia, and that is what brought his family to Chesterfield through God’s sovereignty. Wes and Kacy have four children: Noah, Braylan, Coralynn and Koda. Their family enjoys worshiping and serving together at their church home, Parkway Baptist Church. Wes has a long history with sports and athletics. Growing up, Wes participated in just about any sport available to him. His very favorite sport to play in school was football, but he was also active in swimming, basketball, golf and karate during his off season. Wes is currently coaching Noah’s baseball team for Chesterfield Little League. He enjoys playing golf with Braylan and turning the family drive way into a spirited, family basketball game.


Contact: Contact: wesbarbour1@icloud.com

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

M.B. 

COMING SOON!


Laura Burke

B.A in Communications & Missions 


Laura has a background in cross-cultural ministry- working in the inner cities of East St. Louis, and Chicago, as well as most recently leading a non-profit ministry on the Route One corridor with mostly Spanish-speaking families. She has a B.A. in Communications and Missions from Evangel University, and competed on the
University’s Forensics team. While enjoying the various speech categories, Laura fell in love with Readers Theater, Children’s storytelling, and Dramatic Interpretation of Poetry and Prose. These days, Laura’s focus is on homeschooling her 2 amazing kids, volunteering in many different areas of her church, walking her obnoxious Labrador Retriever, and searching out delicious ethnic restaurants for date nights with her husband,
Jeff.

Courses: Forensics: Drama & MS Drama
                                                             Contact: jlb1016@verizon.net

Millette Carter

MORE TO COME!

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).


Contact: efiordelise@gmail.com 804-502-6253

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.

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 (19, 17, 15, 13, and 12 years old) whom they have homeschooled since 2009. Melissa and her family have been a part of Classical Conversations 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 be a part of Bridge Academy. 

Contact: derekmelissa1@gmail.com

Mercy Granell
B.A. International Affairs

Mercy attended the University of Mary Washington where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Affairs, and attended the College of Education for History and Social Studies. After teaching in Chesterfield County for three years, she transitioned into full-time ministry at her Church where she was the Kids Director for six years. During her time in
ministry, she oversaw curriculum, family resources, and events for kids ages preschool – 5th grade. After having her second child, she transitioned out of ministry to pursue being home with her kids, with the intention to homeschool her children. She still plays an active role at her church as a girl’s high school small group leader.

Contact: mercy.granell@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

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 Master of Arts in Theology. She has served in many positions over her years in ministry ranging from music to Christian education for adults and children. Teaching the Word of God is Ellen's passion and God has opened many doors for her to use her gift in the classroom, writing curriculum and speaking at women's conferences. 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 enjoys traveling, playing golf, and working in her garden.


Contact: jerem29@msn.com

Jennifer Kidd 

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.


Contact at: beachpossum@gmail.com

Camie King

Elementary Education  & Psychology


Camie grew up in the Richmond area and attended the College of William and Mary and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. She taught in the public school system for seven years in Henrico County and after marrying her sweetheart, she taught for three years in a private school in Paradise Valley, AZ.  After having children, God called her to school her own.  She now has a junior at Liberty, a high school senior, and a junior.  Her three children, Braden, Ella, and Ethan have all attended Bridge Academy.  She is excited to get back to the basics of teaching elementary students again! 


Contact: azroyale2000@gmail.com

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: 5th-6th Early American History, 5th-6th Modern American History, Renaissance & Reformation, Global History: WWI & WWII, Civics through Critical Thinking, High School American History, 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!

Contact: aknickfit@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

Ashley Pate
Masters in HA  
Ashley graduated from Liberty University with her Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration. She is a Radiologic Technologist with 12 years of experience. In addition, Ashley has pursued continuing education and taught Radiation Physics, Radiographic Pathology, and other courses at a local healthcare professional college. God has opened up opportunities for her to homeschool her two children Kamdyn and Joshua. Ashley and her family are active members of The Height's Baptist Church and serves in many capacities to help the church and community. Ashley's hobbies include reading, painting, and traveling with her family. Her family has 2 dogs named Trixie and Tilley and a cat named Thomas. Ashley is looking forward to a great school year and is honored to have the opportunity to teach your children at Bridge Academy. 

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. 


Administrative Assistant

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

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!

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

Tasha West

B.S. Health & Sports 

K-12 Teaching Certificate in Health & Physical Education 


Tasha is a former colligate athlete who grew up in the Sunshine State, Florida. She discovered her love of sports which opened up an opportunity for her to earn a full scholarship to the University of Richmond where she met her husband Randy, a former football player. While there, she earned her B.S in Health and Sport Science which led her to complete her teaching certification in K-12 Health and PE education. She taught in the public school system for 17 years before leaving to homeschool her two children. Tasha's teaching style is very high energy which creates a very engaging and lively environment. In her free time, she enjoys learning "the ways of old" such as gardening, food preservation including fermenting and the not-so-scary world of pressure canning.  

Tasha is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Bridge Academy family and looks forward to teaching in a Christ-centered environment.

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
 

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

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

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.


Contact: juliehobbs4@yahoo.com 

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!