Meet the Team
Seattle Administration
Kristin Berman
Interim Head of School
Kristin is the interim head at Bridges Seattle. She previously served as director of the Phoenix Program and director of academics at Bridges Los Angeles. Kris also previously served as head of school at The Quad Preparatory School for Twice Exceptional Children in New York City. She received her Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut.
Over her career Kris has held many roles: teacher, curriculum developer, administrator, Coordinator of Gifted and Talented in New York City, and then as a professor of education, teacher trainer and consultant, she has specialized in differentiated curriculum and instruction, gifted education, and arts integration in content areas. She has also worked with teachers, administrators, and parents throughout the United States, as well as in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. She served on the Advisory Committee for the Development of Education for All Students for the Bhutan Foundation, and worked extensively with Bhutanese educators and policy makers on developing special education for the country. Kristin has also served on the Board of The Association for the Education of Gifted Underachieving Students (AEGUS). Kristin has authored several publications on arts, creative leadership, and 2e educational models. Kris loves trekking and has an affinity for all of nature’s creatures.
Interim Head of School
Kristin is the interim head at Bridges Seattle. She previously served as director of the Phoenix Program and director of academics at Bridges Los Angeles. Kris also previously served as head of school at The Quad Preparatory School for Twice Exceptional Children in New York City. She received her Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut.
Over her career Kris has held many roles: teacher, curriculum developer, administrator, Coordinator of Gifted and Talented in New York City, and then as a professor of education, teacher trainer and consultant, she has specialized in differentiated curriculum and instruction, gifted education, and arts integration in content areas. She has also worked with teachers, administrators, and parents throughout the United States, as well as in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. She served on the Advisory Committee for the Development of Education for All Students for the Bhutan Foundation, and worked extensively with Bhutanese educators and policy makers on developing special education for the country. Kristin has also served on the Board of The Association for the Education of Gifted Underachieving Students (AEGUS). Kristin has authored several publications on arts, creative leadership, and 2e educational models. Kris loves trekking and has an affinity for all of nature’s creatures.
Megan McCall
Assistant Head of School Megan grew up on Oahu in Hawaii. She earned her BA in Social Studies at Chaminade University in Honolulu, spent the next 25 years curating her own professional development opportunities, and recently completed a Masters Degree in Independent School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. Shaped by her own experiences as a 2E student, Megan knew early on she wanted to be part of reshaping the educational environment for future students who did not fit the traditional structure. She started her career at Assets High School in Honolulu teaching Study Skills, Linguistic Structures, and Assistive Technology to gifted students with language-based learning differences. After moving to Seattle in 2004, she spent a year at Morningside Academy as a 4th-9th grade teacher. She worked at Seattle Academy (SAAS) for 19 years as a Study Skills teacher, advisor, coach, instructional coach, trip leader, and Director of Learning Support before joining Bridges Academy. Outside of work, Megan is adjusting to the quiet of an empty nest with her husband since her young adult twins moved out. She enjoys outrigger canoe paddling, science fiction, board games, and watching stand up comedy. She is excited to be part of the uniquely flexible and student-centered opportunities Bridges Academy can provide students. |
Balazs Dibuz
Upper Division Director and Resident Maker Balazs hails from Seattle, where he earned his undergraduate degree in the Comparative History of Ideas at the University of Washington. After teaching English and American Literature in Hungary, and starting a family that quickly grew to include three children, Balazs returned to the States where he earned a master's in Comparative Literature from IU Bloomington. Balazs began his career in education as a middle school language arts and social studies teacher at Quest Academy, a school for gifted children in Illinois. After growing into an administrative role as Director of Teaching and Learning, Balazs moved to the Ancona School, where he held a similar position for six years. Balazs is a published author and national speaker. Balazs is a builder of houses, geodesic domes, and, most recently, tear-drop style camper trailers. He is a life-long fixer and mender (handy with everything from sewing machines to power tools), has studied project-based learning with PBLWorks and design thinking with IDEO, and has helped several schools design and implement maker spaces, school gardens, and STEAM curricula. He is excited to bring his experience and passion for teaching (and learning) to Bridges and the 2E students we serve. |
Jack Wilkins
Assistant to the Head of School Jack Wilkins was born a Seattle native. He earned a Bachelor's of Computer Science degree from Washington State University. Jack’s experience working with kids comes from his time as a staff member and proud 10-year plaque holder of Camp Sealth, on Vashon Island. He is excited to step into a new role and help everyone at Bridges have a great school year and achieve their goals! Outside of work, Jack enjoys video games, tabletop roleplaying games, board games, reading, golf, bowling, and playing pool. |
Nhu Nguyen
Admin and Marketing Assistant Nhu is a Seattle native with an Associate’s Degree from Seattle Central College, where she cultivated her passion for design and social media management. Nhu has five years of experience in the service industry. Her commitment to giving back to her community is evident through her involvement with the youth group at her church, where she has enjoyed working with students. Beyond her professional pursuits, Nhu finds joy in exploring the outdoors, cooking, and embarking on adventures through travel. |
Seattle Faculty and Staff
Cameron Aaron
Network Administrator and Technology Teacher Cameron Aaron's career spans neuroscience, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and aerospace medicine. He is a Bridges Academy alumn and later went on to complete a double major in computer science and psychology, a minor in cognitive science, and a certificate of arts and technology. His innovative project, "Genetic RefleXions"—a magic mirror, that simultaneously displays genetic information and a person's reflection—garnered the esteemed 2021 Ammerman Center Bridget Baird Award. Cameron's professional background features positions at leading technology companies such as GitHub, SpaceX, and Dutchie. As a member of TED-Ed's club council, Cameron collaborated with the TED-Ed team to develop educational programs for schools. Cameron enjoys raising awareness and promoting understanding of twice-exceptional individuals. He is thrilled to teach at the Seattle Bridges campus. |
Abby Abé, MPH
Intern Abby Abé, a local of the Pacific Northwest, obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Washington University. During her undergraduate years, she also pursued double minors in Writing Studies and Sociology. Her academic journey continued as she earned a master's degree in Public Health with a specialization in Global Health from Southern New Hampshire University. Abby has a deep-rooted passion for youth development, evident through her ongoing volunteer work and prior experience working with teenagers in the public school system. Beyond Abby's professional pursuits, she indulges her creativity as a freelance visual artist and finds joy in outdoor activities such as hiking, engaging in various active hobbies, baking, thrifting, and reading. |
Adrien Andre
Phoenix Language Arts Adrien grew up in Seattle and holds a bachelor's degree in studio art from Whitman College. As a writer and artist fascinated by note-taking since middle school science class at Seattle Country Day School, Adrien has a daily practice of sketchnoting that dovetails beautifully with leading-edge instruction in language arts and math. Professionally, Adrien focuses on developing reading and writing skills in gifted students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and autism. Adrien brings a unique perspective to this work having navigated the 2e educational experience herself as an undiagnosed 2e student with ADHD, homeschooling her 2e child who is now thriving at Bridges, and being on both sides of the IEP process as a parent and professional educator within Seattle Public Schools. In her free time, Adrien enjoys running, endless reading, yoga, sewing, and photography with her backpacking husband and teenager, and she dreams of writing a book on visual tools to support Universal Design for Learning. |
Garrison Brain
Phoenix STEM Teacher Garrison Brain was born in Anchorage, Alaska, where he was raised with a passion and appreciation for the outdoors. While attending the University of Idaho to study mechanical engineering, Garrison soon realized his passion was in education. He enrolled at the University of Anchorage, graduating with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. As a 2e individual, Garrison believes his experience overcoming his learning differences will help him better understand, relate, and guide his students. He looks forward to creating a learning environment where students feel empowered, supported, and understood. In his free time, Garrison enjoys rock climbing, camping, golfing, Dungeons & Dragons, video games, computer building, and board games. |
Cassandra Condos
Art Teacher Cassandra Condos is an art teacher who joined the Seattle team for our inaugural year after teaching art for at the Bridges Academy Studio City campus for five years. Cassandra believes that students foster a higher level of thinking through the arts, which carries over to learning other academic subjects and life outside of school. In addition to art, Cassandra is passionate about supporting students through school-based clubs during lunch, which improve social skills and promote peer acceptance. Cassandra holds a B.A. in Art from California State University, Northridge. She enjoys archery, camping, hiking, and painting during her free time. |
Christopher DiLorenzo
Physical Education Teacher Christopher DiLorenzo graduated from Chapman University with a B.A. in liberal studies. Prior to joining Bridges for our inaugural year, Chris spent 10 years gaining valuable experience working with kids in physical education as a YMCA lead teacher and teaching PE in the Desert Sands Unified School District in La Quinta, California. Chris's passion lies in teaching kids the fundamentals of sports and watching students develop their athletic skills. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three young boys in his spare time. |
Heather Harvey
Counselor Heather Harvey was born and raised in Upstate New York about 30 minutes south of Rochester. Heather received an associate’s degree in substance abuse counseling, a bachelor's degree is sociology with a minor in psychology from SUNY Geneseo, and a master's degree from South West University in school counseling. Prior to Bridges, Heather worked in a small rural school district with pre-k through 12th graders as a crisis counselor/behavioral specialist. Heather has a wonderful husband and three beautiful daughters. When not working, she loves spending time with her family and reading. |
Madison Holt
7-8 Humanities & 9-12 Writing Seminar Teacher Madison "Moose" Holt grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education from Indiana University, where she taught 7th and 8th-grade students across various middle schools in the Bloomington area. Her classroom management strategy focuses on positive reinforcement and building relationships with students based on vulnerability, respect, and patience. Beyond her academic pursuits, Moose plays an active role in her community by co-managing a Moishe House and working as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Medgar Evers pool. Moose holds a wilderness first responder certification and has spearheaded a five-week backcountry expedition for her Michigan-based summer camp for the past two summers. |
Leo Holt
Aussiedoodle Leo, the Aussiedoodle/Border Collie mix, was rescued by Moose during the summer of 2021 and has been faithfully by her side ever since. Leo's name, which stands for "Love-Each-Other," pays homage to Moose's alma mater, Indiana University. Leo is set to take on the role of a classroom dog, eagerly anticipating countless belly rubs and gentle pats on the head. Diligently advancing through his training, Leo is brimming with excitement at the prospect of mastering new tricks! |
Ashley Klimper
Performing Arts Teacher Ashley grew up in the Seattle area where her love for the performing arts began. She attended a conservatory in New York City, Circle in the Square Theater School where she studied musical theater. While she was in New York, she worked as a teaching artist for local public schools. Ashley has taught all over the country bringing theater to different communities while working with Missoula Children’s Theater. Born and raised in the beautiful PNW, Ashley is thrilled to be back in the Seattle area doing what she loves most. When not teaching young minds Ashley can be found with a good book or crafting! |
Leslie Larkin
Phoenix Humanities Teacher A native New Yorker, Leslie Larkin came to Seattle in 1995 to get her Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Washington. She worked as a freelance flutist for a while before discovering her true passion in education. Leslie taught elementary music for over 20 years and has a master’s in Curriculum Instruction and Arts Integration from Lesley University. When she is not figuring out fun ways to incorporate the arts into the general curriculum, she can be found hanging out with her wonderful 2e son, her husband, 3 cats, and dog in Shoreline. She is thrilled to be part of the Bridges community. |
JoeAnna McDonald
7-12 Math Teacher JoeAnna McDonald earned her M.A. in mathematics from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa in 2021. During her graduate studies, JoeAnna instructed several sections of Math for Elementary School Teachers, where she provided future educators with tools to facilitate student comprehension. In the classroom, JoeAnna enjoys guiding students on their mathematical journey as they improve problem-solving skills, deepen their logical reasoning, and, perhaps most importantly, gain confidence in themselves and their own abilities. JoeAnna has spent several summers living and working as a line cook, auditor, and employee recreation supervisor in Yellowstone National Park. She loves tapping into her skills gained in the kitchens of Yellowstone when she cooks and hosts dinners for her friends and family. JoeAnna enjoys scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding, thrift shopping, hiking, and camping in her free time. |
Jules Pierson
9-12 Biology & 7-8 Science and Math Teacher Meet Jules – a devoted wife, mom, sister, friend, coach, and an all-around vibrant goofball! With a teaching career spanning since the 1980s, Jules continues to exude boundless energy and creativity. She holds a sociology degree from California State University at Northridge and a higher education certificate from Harvard. Embracing her role at Bridges with passion, Jules is dedicated to instilling a love for science in children, encouraging them to become budding scientists, explore the great outdoors, and contribute to the preservation of our planet. Having shared her knowledge across 7 states and 4 countries, Jules is equally dynamic whether teaching cliffside or in the traditional classroom setting. Her unwavering commitment to inspiring young minds and fostering a sense of wonder for the world around us underscores makes her the perfect fit for our 2e learners! |
Jackie Rebolledo
9-12 Humanities & Spanish Teacher Jackie Rebolledo joins us at Bridges with over seven years of teaching experience. She is known for her positive attitude, contagious energy, and enthusiasm. Jackie earned a degree in Law and Justice Degree from Central Washington University. She loves bringing culture to life for students and is also a native Spanish speaker. Jackie's passions extend beyond teaching to playing the guitar and piano, singing, salsa dancing, and going on nature walks. |
Charles Smith
9-12 Humanities and Phoenix Teacher Assistant
Char Smith is an educator with a background in twice-exceptional education
as a student, teacher, counselor, and camp instructor. Born and raised
in the Pacific Northwest, he has a passion for learning (and writing)
about local history, exploring the natural wonders that our region
has to offer, and working to build connections between communities of
twice-exceptional learners.
He is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in Education from
Western Governors University and currently lives in south Seattle
with his spouse, two pugs, and a kitten named Jiji.
9-12 Humanities and Phoenix Teacher Assistant
Char Smith is an educator with a background in twice-exceptional education
as a student, teacher, counselor, and camp instructor. Born and raised
in the Pacific Northwest, he has a passion for learning (and writing)
about local history, exploring the natural wonders that our region
has to offer, and working to build connections between communities of
twice-exceptional learners.
He is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in Education from
Western Governors University and currently lives in south Seattle
with his spouse, two pugs, and a kitten named Jiji.
Los Angeles-Based Management and Operational Support
Mark Long
CEO, Bridges Education Group [email protected] Mark Long is an experienced school executive who most recently led 21 schools in Sydney NSW with a passion for differentiated learning and a strong focus on identifying and nurturing the gifted & talented and 2e students. |
Anna Schaerf
Director of Counseling Services [email protected] Anna Schaerf earned her MS in counseling, marriage, and family therapy from Cal State-Northridge. She has been at Bridges since 1999. |
Shane Brennan
Business Office [email protected] Shane Brennan has worked as an instructor and administrator at Bridges Academy since 2012. |
Kayla Waesche
Associate Director of Admissions [email protected] Kayla Waesche has worked in education and film production in Los Angeles. |
Susan Baum
Director of the Bridges 2e Center [email protected] Dr. Susan Baum served on the NAGC Board of Directors and is a Past President and Founder of the Association for the Education of Gifted Underachieving Students. |
Robin Schader
Member, Bridges Board of Trustees [email protected] Dr. Robin Schader received her Ph.D. from UConn. Her work focuses on talent development, particularly with respect to the role of parents. |
Jann Leppien
2e Center Executive Board Member
Dr. Jann Leppien is an instructor at Bridges Graduate School and formerly was an associate professor at Whitworth. She received her Ph.D. at UConn.
2e Center Executive Board Member
Dr. Jann Leppien is an instructor at Bridges Graduate School and formerly was an associate professor at Whitworth. She received her Ph.D. at UConn.
Peter Godwin
Member, Bridges Board of Trustees [email protected] Peter Godwin is an attorney for start-up technology and telecommunications ventures. His son started at Bridges in the Phoenix program and graduated in 2019. |
Ellen Rosen
Co-Chair, Board of Trustees [email protected] Ellen Rosen is an attorney and pro photographer who has served as chair of the Board since 2014. One of her children graduated from Bridges in 2016. |