Academic Advisors Who Make a Difference

Victoria Ostertag has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2016. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is being able to use her experience to assist her families with their homeschooling journey. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Victoria was a homeschool co-op teacher and administrator and a competitive speech and debate coach; she homeschooled both of her children from K-12. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Earth Science as well as a master’s degree in Administration. Victoria lives in Pennsylvania, where she enjoys hiking, reading, exercising, and Bible study. Her favorite vacation was a trip to Germany and Austria.

Merri Cleavland has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is getting to know families. She has homeschooled her three children for 17 years, with her youngest attending her school, Free State Academy. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Merri worked in the fields of Elementary Education, Reading Intervention, Music, and ESOL; served as the Director of Huntington Learning Center and Executive Director of Free State Academy; and was also a private piano studio proprietor. Merri holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music & Piano Pedagogy as well as a master’s degree in Education with a Reading Specialist Certification. Merri lives in Virginia during the school year and New York in the summer. She enjoys playing piano, reading, prophecy, and politics as well as spending time with her dog. Her favorite vacation was Hawaii.

Kacy Clowser has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is working with families to find and create an individualized pathway for education that meets their child where they are and makes learning interesting and engaging. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Kacy was an assistant principal and a classroom teacher. She holds a master’s degree in Masters in Educational Leadership, a Principal and Supervisory Certification K-12, Elementary Education PK-6, Special Education PK-12, Middle Level Language Arts 6-9, Middle Level Mathematics 6-9, Middle Level Science 6-9, Highly Qualified-Social Studies PK-12, an Online Teaching and Learning Certificate, a Level II Teaching Certificate, and a Google Level I Certificate. Kacy resides on the East Coast, where she enjoys going to the beach, having campfires with family and friends, and spending time with her two cats. Her favorite vacation destination is anywhere with a beach.

Tai Conley has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Miss Tai taught in public schools for seven years. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping families customize their child’s learning. She has been homeschooling her own children for more than 10 years. Miss Tai holds a bachelor’s degree in Education as well as a teacher license and certification. She lives in the eastern part of the country and loves exploring new places and playing sports with her family. Miss Tai’s favorite travel destination was Mexico.

Likesha Davis has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is building relationships with families and scholars, seeing how their interests evolve, helping scholars learn and grow. She’s also been helping other families homeschool their children for the past five years. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Likesha was an instructional assistant, an elementary school teacher, a graduate coach, an Americorps member (Read Across America and 4-H), and Teach for America Corps member. Likesha holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences, a Master of Education in Education, and an MA in Reading. Merri lives in South Florida, where she enjoys baking cookies, reading, chilling at the beach, serving with her church, playing Roblox and board games, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite vacation was St. Thomas.

Kristin Douglas has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2017. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping other families find success in educating their children with curriculum choices and resources that suit them well. She has also homeschooled her three children since 2017. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Kristin taught elementary grades in private and public school. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education. Kristin lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where she loves being outdoors and enjoys walking or relaxing at the beach with family and friends as well as her golden retriever. Her favorite vacation was hiking in the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Alane Evans has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping students and their families find solutions that make their education work for their own unique situations as well as interacting with students from all over the world. She has also been homeschooling her children for the past six years. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Alane spent five years in higher education administration, including admissions, student affairs, and registration and also worked in guidance at a private school.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and is working toward a master’s degree in Theological Studies. Alane resides in Connecticut, where she enjoys reading, lifting weights, and game nights with her family and her rescue greyhound. Her favorite vacation was to Virginia, visiting historic Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Jamestown, and the beach.

Laura Gilbert has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is being able to use her experience and education to help families achieve success and meet their goals with homeschooling. She homeschooled both of her children (her son from grades 6-12 and her daughter from grades 5-10), who were very different types of homeschool students and were homeschooled for different reasons. She believes this helps her relate to the many different needs families may have. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Lauren was a K-3 multi-age classroom teacher for five years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education K-6 with an ESOL endorsement. Lauren resides in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where she enjoys E-biking, kayaking, hiking, boating, crochet, volunteering at an animal rescue, and spending time with her dog and two cats. Visiting China and Hong Kong was Lauren’s favorite vacation.

Jaime Goulet has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2016. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is meeting families from all over the world and helping them find success in their homeschooling journey. She finds it fulfilling to forward her knowledge as an educator and former homeschooling parent and makes it a priority to encourage both students and parents throughout the school year and be there to hold their hand every step of the way. She homeschooled her oldest child for four years and her youngest for three years. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Jaime served as a YMCA Director of Early Childhood Program, a substitute teacher, an elementary school teacher, a private tutor, a youth ministry teacher, and a missionary in Africa to work with school-aged children. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. Jaime resides in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, where she enjoys long-distance running, watching her boys compete in sports, cooking with her husband, traveling with her family, listening to music, playing soccer, playing guitar, and reading books, including the Bible. Her favorite vacations have been to the African countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and South Africa, as well as the Caribbean islands. Her family also has a giant schnauzer.

Leana Herman has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is working together with families to bring the best education to their children and helping them reach their educational milestones. Ms. Leana also enjoys making a difference and providing guidance and confidence to the families she serves. She has also been homeschooling her children since 2020. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Ms. Leana was a lead preschool teacher for 10 years, running several classrooms at a time. She also taught English as a second language to children in China and Korea. She holds a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education as well as a TEFL certificate and is working her way toward an English degree. Ms. Leana was born and raised in California but moved to Texas in 2021, where she enjoys hanging out with her two daughters, going to the beach, camping, taking road trips, and going on coffee dates, as well as spending time with her two dogs. Ms. Leana also loves to crochet and read.

Stacey Hughes has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2011. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is meeting and working with families and students from all over the world. She also homeschooled her three sons for three years. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Stacey taught kindergarten and first grade for eight years while also serving as an Athletic Director for eight years. She holds a degree in Early and Middle Education from Liberty University. Stacey resides in South Carolina, where she is a Level 3 extreme sport whitewater kayaking instructor and enjoys traveling to deep gorges where she paddles difficult-to-access rivers. She also volunteers for “Team River Runner,” which is a program for wounded and retired veterans who want to learn to kayak. Stacey’s favorite vacation was an archaeological dig in Hazor, Israel, where she dug up artifacts from King Solomon’s palace.

Angela Loych has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping families find curriculum and educational strategies to help their child blossom and enjoy learning. She also taught one year of formal preschool lessons with her youngest daughter and a friend’s daughter, and assisted with her children’s cyberschool lessons during the pandemic. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Angie taught second grade and was an online tutor, mental health counselor, and substitute teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Angie resides in central Pennsylvania, where she enjoys movies and games with her family, reading, knitting, and yoga. Her family has a dog, a cat, gerbils, and fish. Angie’s favorite vacation was Jamaica, where she’s traveled twice with her husband.

Tammy Lyons has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2016. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is using her homeschooling and educational experiences to bring hope and encouragement to her families, and helping students meet their educational goals as high schoolers and seeing them graduate. Tammy also homeschooled her two children, from kindergarten to 12th grade, spanning 17 years. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Tammy taught in a brick-and-mortar classroom for four years and also gained 30 years of experience guiding, advising, and evaluating homeschoolers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Tammy resides in western Pennsylvania, where she enjoys hiking, gardening, camping, and traveling. Tammy’s favorite vacation was Glacier National Park in Montana. Her family has two kittens.

Laurie Micali has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2017. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is speaking to her students and families and helping them find how their student learns best. She finds it very rewarding when families realize that homeschooling is what they’ve been looking for. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Laurie taught first and third grades in New Jersey for 10 years and also taught online for two years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Psychology as well as a Master of Arts in School Counseling, both from Rider University. Laurie resides in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where she enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and two children, playing board games, watching movies, and taking walks. She also loves baking with her daughter. Her favorite vacation was to Grand Turk island in Turks and Caicos.

Stephanie Mills has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2015. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is assisting families in finding success in education for their students, even when they may have been previously discouraged or had negative experiences. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Stephanie taught first and third grades for 15 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Elizabethtown College as well as a Master of Education from DeSales University; she is also certified in English as a Second Language. Stephanie resides in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where she enjoys baking, reading, watching her son play baseball, and helping with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. She also enjoys spending time with her two dogs and taking trips to the beach.

Christina Mondolo has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping families find alternative ways to educate their children and choose their curriculum. She also has been homeschooling her two children for the past five years. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Christina taught first grade, fourth grade, and middle school social studies. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona and earned her teaching credentials from Cal State – Los Angeles. Christina resides in Los Angeles, where she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and dog. Her favorite vacation was Amsterdam, and she also enjoyed living in Panama for two years with her family.

Holly Morgan has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2012. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is engaging with her students and families to customize their learning experiences and staying in touch with them over the years to build connections as they implement their learning path and work toward graduation and their future goals. She was also homeschooled for several years growing up. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Ms. Holly spent 12 years teaching in private and public schools, spanning fifth grade, special education, and high school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from Colorado Christian University and has taken a variety of master’s-level courses to expand her skills. Ms. Holly resides in Tennessee, where she enjoys sewing, quilting, building stories in online games, adaptive gardening, spending time with her dog and cockatiel, and writing (she’s a three-time published author). Her favorite vacation was Yellowstone National Park.

Evelyn Ochoa has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping families along their educational journey, and she plans to homeschool her children once they’re old enough. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Evelyn worked as a college advisor, a PE teacher, and an alternative education teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology as well as a master’s degree in Educational Technology. Evelyn resides in Monterey County, California, where she enjoys DIY crafts, trying new restaurants, spending time with her two dogs, and taking nature walks. Her favorite vacation was to Nayarit, Mexico.

Kristy Rhoads has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2018. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping families navigate homeschooling through high school. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Kristy was her children’s homeschool teacher from grades K-12 and also served as a homeschool co-op instructor. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science as well as a Master of Science degree in Human Services (Counseling). Kristy resides in Pennsylvania, where she tends to her backyard chickens and enjoys traveling, volunteering, and knitting. Her favorite vacation was to Hawaii.

Ashley Rose has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2015. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is working with families from all over the world. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Ashley was a first grade and third grade teacher. She also homeschools her daughter. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education as well as a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She resides in West Virginia, where she tends to her backyard chickens and enjoys converting the family bus into an RV and traveling. Along with their chickens, Ashley’s family has a dog, two cats, and a rabbit. Her favorite vacation was to Costa Rica.

Christine Rosak has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is being able to help parents succeed in homeschooling, helping families choose courses that fit the needs of their children, providing encouragement and tips, reviewing the sample work that is submitted, reading stories that the students write, and watching them progress in their skills in all subject areas throughout the year. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Christine taught third and fourth grades, elementary music, and middle school language arts in various private Christian schools; she also served as a substitute teacher for all grade levels and courses. Christine also has experience homeschooling her two daughters. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Bible from Florida Bible College as well as a master’s degree in Education from Cairn University. She resides in Pennsylvania, where she enjoys hiking, reading, playing the piano, baking, playing pickleball, and traveling. Her favorite vacation was spending 10 days exploring Colorado–including riding on horseback through Rocky Mountain National Park, visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park, climbing through ancient Pueblo dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, and swimming in the world’s largest hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.

Darlene Sanderson has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2011. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping her students feel successful. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Darlene worked at a Montessori preschool, a traditional preschool, taught first and second grade, and was part of an Instructional Support Team. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and resides in Pennsylvania, where she enjoys biking, hiking, yoga, baking, reading, and spending time with her dog.

Angela Schmoyer has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2013. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping families pave their way through the homeschooling process while using her education to enhance their experience. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Angela was a middle school special education teacher. She holds dual degrees in K-12 Special Education and K-6 Regular Education from Kutztown University. Angela resides in Pennsylvania, where she enjoys boating on the Chesapeake Bay with her family, skiing, hiking, and spending time with the family’s two dogs and cat. Her favorite vacation spot is the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

Siera Schwartz has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is hearing the wins for each individual student as they go through their journey in education and learning about their interests and course content that has sparked their interest. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Siera worked in a 3-year-old preschool classroom and then in a middle school classroom for five years. She holds a bachelor’s degree as well as a teaching license in Family and Consumer Sciences. Siera resides in Iowa, where she enjoys reading, sewing, going on walks with her family, cooking, and spending time with the two family dogs. Her favorite vacation was traveling to Africa and having the opportunity to talk to people who have a very different culture than her own.

Sonia Siciliano has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is working with families closely and seeing how the students go from struggling learners to being successful Bridgeway students; she also loves meeting people from all around the world. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Sonia worked for 30 years as a classroom teacher grades K to 12, including 17 years as an adjunct at the local state university, plus 25 years as an in-home tutor and home instruction teacher. Sonia also homeschooled her son for nearly two years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Educational Technology, and is certified in K-8 Elementary Education as well as Bilingual/Bicultural (Spanish) for grades K-8. Sonia resides in New Jersey, where she enjoys crafting, making original and personalized T-shirts and other items, reading, helping others solve tech problems, and spending time with her dog and cat. Her favorite vacation was in the mountains of North Carolina.

Lauren Singer has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2016. Her favorite parts about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy are the relationships and successful learning environments that she creates with her families as well as individualizing courses for the families. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Lauren served as a Director of Student Activities and Dean of Students as well as a teacher in grades 9-12 for three years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Master of Education degree in Instructional Technology, and is certified in Leadership and Management as well as MTSS. Lauren resides in Maryland, where she enjoys outdoor activities, watching soccer games, spending time with her family and two dogs, and reading. Her favorite vacations are the Outer Banks and Costa Rica.

Sarah Skaar has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is supporting her families. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Sarah served as an English teacher, ESOL teacher, counselor, and school librarian; she also homeschooled her child for one year. She holds a master’s degree in Library Science and is a licensed English teacher for grades 6-12, a licensed ESOL teacher for Pre-K-12, and a licensed media specialist. Sarah resides in Virginia, where she enjoys hiking, gardening, reading, and connecting with her family, dog, two ats, and fish. Her favorite vacations involve relaxation in a new and fun location.

Jill Sooy has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is partnering with her families to make the homeschooling process a smooth and joyful experience. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Jill worked at a Montessori school for seven years, did online reading tutoring, and worked for two years in higher education as a financial aid counselor. She also homeschooled her children from preschool through early elementary years. Jill holds a Master of Education degree in Library and Information Science and is certified for K-12 reading. She resides in Medina, Ohio, where she enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, reading, and outdoor activities like running, walking, and biking. Her favorite vacations are cruises, especially to Bermuda St. Thomas, and Alaska.

Nicole Steimling has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2022. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping families make a plan for their child’s education that works for them and seeing them succeed, as well as meeting families from all over the world. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Nicole taught students from preschool to high school in public and religious schools in three states. She also worked as a daycare manager and ESOL tutor and has homeschooled her daughter for two years. Nicole holds a CT Teaching Certificate for grades 1-6, a CT ESOL certificate for K-12, and is eligible for Florida Certification. She resides in Florida, where she enjoys spending time with her family and two cats, thrift shopping, visiting Disney World, and enjoying the warm winters. Her favorite vacation is Disney World.

Ashley Tatman has been with Bridgeway Academy since late 2021. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is helping families find alternatives to traditional school settings. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Ashley was an elementary school teacher, instructional coach, and principal. She holds master’s degrees in both Education and Administration, and has multiple subject and administrative credentials. Ashley resides in Sonoma County, California, where she shuttles her three young children to various activities and spends time with her family and two dogs. Her favorite vacation is anywhere warm, with a beach; she also enjoyed traveling to parts of Europe.

Briana Temos has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2019. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is getting to work with students and families from all over the world, leading clubs, and providing an awesome educational experience for Bridgeway students. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Briana was a K-12 substitute teacher, served as a mental health worker in alternative education for grades 5-8, and was an associate emotional support teacher for grades 5-8. Briana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kutztown University and resides in Blandon, Pennsylvania, where she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs; making charcuterie boards, teaching charcuterie classes, and going to the beach. Her favorite vacation spot is Corolla, in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Lauren Trimboli has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2020. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is getting to know so many families from around the world, hearing their stories, and helping them make their homeschooling journey the best it can be. She also loves problem-solving and finding curriculum matches and education solutions for her students. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Lauren was an early intervention lead pre-K teacher, a kindergarten extension teacher, an Itinerant teacher for special needs students in local schools, and an elementary school teacher. Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Studio Art as well as a master’s degree in Elementary Education. She resides in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where she enjoys reading, painting, playing with her dog, running, skiing, and spending time with her daughter and my husband. Lauren also enjoys competitive game nights and relaxing movie nights with her family as well as teaching live online art classes at Bridgeway. Her favorite vacation spot is North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Patrick Wilcox has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2021. His favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is working with families to find the perfect fit for their students. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Patrick was a fifth grade classroom teacher for two years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in K-6 Education and resides in Staunton, Virginia, where he enjoys watching old movies with his wife Betsy Joy (also a Bridgeway Advisor), hiking, and spending time with family. Patrick’s favorite vacation was to Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan.

Betsy Joy Wilcox has been with Bridgeway Academy since 2017. Her favorite part about being an Advisor with Bridgeway Academy is building relationships with families and nurturing student success. Prior to joining Bridgeway, Betsy Joy was a secondary English and history classroom teacher as well as a Virginia Regional Director of the VMSA (VA Middle School Association). Betsy Joy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and she resides in Staunton, Virginia, where she enjoys hosting dinner parties, visiting new restaurants with friends, cooking new recipes, watching old movies with her husband Patrick (also a Bridgeway Advisor), going to concerts, supporting local art, and being a doula (birth coach). Her favorite vacation was to Slovenia.