Bridge Academy

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.

Teaching: Health with Life Skills, Forensic Science, Environmental Science, Middle School English through Creative Writing & Social Director

Contact at: mbangelilli@verizon.net

Alicia Collins

Bridge Academy Administrator 

Alicia’s work with children began as a volunteer teacher for an inner-city program for under-privileged 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 shortly before she married the love of her life, Austin Kirtlan. Carter is currently pursuing a masters degree, after earning a B.A. in Business with a concentration in Project Management, also from Liberty University.  

Contact at: bridgeacademy@comcast.net

Paul Cochran

B.M. - Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance

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!

Teaching: Spanish I, Spanish II and Spanish III

Contact at: Lilly2you@gmail.com

Elisabeth Fiordelise

B.S. in Education

Elisabeth Fiordelise holds a degree in Elementary Education and taught 2nd and 4th grades prior to choosing to stay home and homeschool her children. She has enjoyed working for 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 (15), Alyssa (13), & David (9).

Teaching: Math 5, Math 6, General Music, MS History and Geography

Contact at: efiordelise@verizon.net

Debby Hallcom

A.A.T Computer Programming

Technical Teaching Degree

Various IT certifications

Hi, my name is Debby Hallcom. I’m the youngest of five children – born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and lived here all my life! I’m a born-again believer and love singing, leading in worship and teaching children about hearing the voice of the Lord. I’m married to the love of my life, David Hallcom, and together we have a blended family of 4 grown adult children and one grandchild.  We love serving the Lord together and staying active in our community and the local church where we teach children about worship and Direct the Richmond School of Supernatural Ministry at Harvest Renewal Church in RVA. We also have published mus

Contact at: Debby Hallcom debbyhallcom@gmail.com or text at 804-919-2945

Teaching: IT Fundamentals & Technology / STEM

Aimee Harrison

B.S. in Psychology

Julie Hobbs

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

Teaching: American Military History, World History I, American History & Government/Economics 

Contact at: juliehobbs4@yahoo.com

Allison Kincaid

B.F.A. in Arts

Allison is a graduate of Colonial Heights High School and had an interest in art at an early age.  With the support of her high school art teacher, who was instrumental in her life, she was given the opportunity to have her work displayed at the Virginia Art Museum. After graduating, she attended John Tyler Community College and VCU.  After graduating from college, she worked in the Richmond area as an interior designer where she had the privilege of being on the design team for the Richmond Capitol renovation project. She became a stay at home mom after having her children  Jordan, age 22 and a current VCU art student, Jonathan, age 18 and a student at VCU, and Landon, age 14 and a sophomore at Bridge Academy.  After teaching elementary and middle school art at a private Christian school where her children attended, she decided that she and her family needed a change and joined the family of home schoolers.  It's one of the best decisions she ever made.  It opened the opportunity for her to spend quality time with her family to share her passion for art with area children.

Teaching: 1st-2nd Art, 3rd-4th Art, 5th-6th Art, 5th-7th Art and 8th-12th Art

with Drawing

Contact at: beachpossum@gmail.com

Emily Kirtlan

B.S. in History 

Ashley Knickerbocker

Melissa Mathes

Cathrine Mireles

B.A. in English & M.E in Teaching

Ed. S in Christian Educational Leadership 

Cathrine graduated from Mississippi College with a major in English and a minor in mass communications. She holds a master’s in education, Post-Master’s certificate in PK-12 administration and supervision, and an Educational Specialist degree in Christian Educational Leadership; she is currently working on her Ph.D. at Regent University. She taught the last four years at a local Christian school, and before that, she taught 20 years in the public school system. She has taught all levels of English from 6th grade through all high school classes (Elements of Literature, American Literature, British Literature, AP Language and Composition, and AP Literature and Composition.  She has also taught Drama/Theater at the middle school level and Spanish I, II, & III.  She took French classes all 8 semesters of college from French I, II, & III, French Grammar, and French Literature.  She is an active member of a local church and serves in many capacities, including the leadership team and teaching connect group classes. She enjoys getting to know her students, helping them develop a love for literature and writing, and integrating faith into the English classroom.

Teaching: Drama, British Literature, World Literature, French I, French II and French III

Contact: cathrinemireles@gmail.com

Shirley Musik 

B.S. HSC & A.S. LA / Certified in CI and IC/TC

Memberships:

Registry of Interpreters fro 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.

Teaching: American Sign Language I and American Sign Language II

Contact at: 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 has most recently accepted the Lead Pastor position at Second Branch Baptist. 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.  

Teaching: Speech

Contact at: 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.

Teaching: Personal Finance / Consumer Math

Contact at: jnplummer@verizon.net

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 moved  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’ve tutored for classical conversations for 6 years. We’ve been at Bridge academy for 4 very blessed years. As homeschoolers, we’ve built things, broken things, blown stuff up, and even did an unintentional genetics experiment with gerbils (evidently misidentified as two females). I currently work part time at St Mary’s as a pharmacist. I totally love my job and encourage you to join the Air Force and go to pharmacy school. I expect a wonderful year as I add an additional role as part of the Bridge Academy family!

Teaching: Chemistry 

Contact at: dereed6789@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!

Teaching: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Basics in Literature and Foundations of Literature

Contact at: kgs429@gmail.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.

 Teaching: Anatomy and Physiology, Biology and Precalculus

Contact Info: jennyLsmith930@gmail.com

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. 

Teaching: Leader Academy 

Stephanie York

B.S. in Psychology

Masters in Education 

Teaching: 

English 5

5th - 6th English 

English 6

5th - 7th Exploring Oceans and Space

7th-8th Literature with Writing

7th-8th Advanced English with Writing

General Science

Physical Science 

Psychology

Contact at: csjjjyork@verizon.net

Anne Zell

Anne Zell was born and raised in the heart of America, Medina, Ohio. As the youngest and only girl, she and her four brothers grew up riding horses and jet skies. She met her husband, Ken, in Medina and they have 4 boys. After several  work related moves they settled in Chesterfield Virginia in 2011.  After her  first son, Cooper, was was born she decided to homeschool.  Cooper is 18 years old and a college freshman, Carsten is a 16 year old high school sophomore, Aiden is 13 and Ace is 10.  Anne has always had a passion for working with children in church and other ministries. She also used her passion to serve students as a tutor in Classical Conversations. She began her journey with Bridge Academy five years ago when her oldest two boys began taking classes with us and is excited to now serve the students of Bridge Academy. She has enjoyed being part of Bridge Academy and looks forward to continuing to serve the homeschool community alongside them. 

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.

Debbie Starnes 

Lunch Lady Extraordinaire