Meet the Team
Keri Borzello
Head of Schools
Keri Borzello's career has spanned nearly 25 years through various roles in independent schools throughout California, including teacher, coach, admissions director, development officer, marketing director, principal, and head of school.
Keri has a B. A. from UCLA and an Ed.M. in School Leadership from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education. In addition, Keri graduated from the prestigious National Association of Independent School Fellowship Program for Aspiring School Heads. Keri has presented both domestically and internationally on topics including Strategies and Best Practices to Help Students with Learning Differences and ADHD Achieve Success, Factors Affecting Special Education Teachers’ Feelings of Burnout and Perceptions of Mindfulness-based Practices to Build Social and Emotional Competence, The Benefit of a Multimodal Education, and Inclusion in Faith-Based Schools.Most recently, Keri was part of a research team at Harvard University investigating the impact of teacher preparation strategies and was invited to serve as a facilitator for professional development programs offered by Harvard's Principal Center.
Outside of school, Keri enjoys spending time with her partner, Kristine, their two boys, Ethan and Henry, and their two dogs, Monkey and Pinchy. Keri’s interests also include watching baseball, hiking, and traveling.
Head of Schools
Keri Borzello's career has spanned nearly 25 years through various roles in independent schools throughout California, including teacher, coach, admissions director, development officer, marketing director, principal, and head of school.
Keri has a B. A. from UCLA and an Ed.M. in School Leadership from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education. In addition, Keri graduated from the prestigious National Association of Independent School Fellowship Program for Aspiring School Heads. Keri has presented both domestically and internationally on topics including Strategies and Best Practices to Help Students with Learning Differences and ADHD Achieve Success, Factors Affecting Special Education Teachers’ Feelings of Burnout and Perceptions of Mindfulness-based Practices to Build Social and Emotional Competence, The Benefit of a Multimodal Education, and Inclusion in Faith-Based Schools.Most recently, Keri was part of a research team at Harvard University investigating the impact of teacher preparation strategies and was invited to serve as a facilitator for professional development programs offered by Harvard's Principal Center.
Outside of school, Keri enjoys spending time with her partner, Kristine, their two boys, Ethan and Henry, and their two dogs, Monkey and Pinchy. Keri’s interests also include watching baseball, hiking, and traveling.
Seattle Administration
Jennifer Allen
Assistant Head/Founding Director Dr. Jennifer Allen is an experienced teacher, principal, and special services director. She holds a master’s in teaching with an endorsement in gifted education and a doctorate in leadership and professional practice. She is the proud parent of two 2e kids and serves on the Northwest Gifted Child Association board of directors. |
Aaron Mackinnon
Head of Upper Divisions (7-12) Aaron MacKinnon is a creative and dynamic educational leader who has worked across various culturally diverse and contemporary educational settings across Australia. His career within education has spanned 17 years, primarily as a visual arts teacher and educational leader in high school education (7-12). |
Brian Chu
Administrative Assistant to Head of School Brian Chu has worked at Bridges Los Angeles since 2020 as an administrative assistant and director of COVID-related responses and services. He has worked in various educational settings, including teaching English to students ages 2-18 in Beijing, China, serving in the AmeriCorps program City Year in San José, California, and working at a nonprofit after-school setting in San Francisco's Chinatown. |
Tuan Dao
Admin. Assistant to Assistant Head/Founding Director & Division Head Tuan Dao was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. In 2018, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications with minor in Psychology at University of New Mexico. He volunteered as a youth group leader, where he developed his passion for education. As a life long scholar and educator his goal is to support students. Outside education his interests are being outdoors, gardening, photography and cooking. |
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. 
Quentin Bechtol
Building & Grounds Quentin Bechtol is an engineer, handyman, and jack-of-all-trades. Born and raised in Southern California, Quentin has been close to the Bridges community for several years through his wife, and fellow staff member, Amy Faigin-Bechtol. As a twice-exceptional individual, he understands and appreciates the unique culture of the Bridges community. 
Cleressa Brown
Assistant Cleressa is a proud Seattle native. She knew at a young age that education was her way out of her environment and her way to make change in her community. Cleressa is proud of her roots and background. She graduated from Hampton University, a HBCU, with her Bachelors of Arts in History. She obtained her Masters in Teaching from Antioch University. Cleressa has a vast array of experience in education spanning over 10 years from teaching middle school math to case management and mentorship. Her passion is building a student-centered model that is trauma-informed. Cleressa enjoys music, socializing, and good food! 
Christopher DiLorenzo
Physical Education Teacher Christopher DiLorenzo graduated from Chapman University with a B.A. in liberal studies. For the past ten years, he has gained extensive experience working with kids in physical education as a YMCA lead teacher for first and fifth-grade students. Most recently, Christopher has worked as a teacher for the Desert Sands Unified School District in La Quinta, California. His passion lies in teaching kids the fundamentals of sports and watching his students develop their athletic skills. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three young boys. 
Heather Harvey
Counselor Heather Harvey was born and raised in Upstate N.Y. about 30 minutes south of Rochester. Heather received an associate’s degree in substance abuse counseling, a bachelors degree is sociology with a minor in psychology from SUNY Geneseo, and a masters degree from South West University in school counseling. She has been working in a small rural school district with pre-k through 12th graders as a crisis counselor/behavioral specialist. Heather loves children and cannot wait to be part of this wonderful school. She has a wonderful husband and three beautiful daughters. When not working, she loves spending time with her family and reading. |
Lou Bechtol
Emotional Support Lou Bechtol is our resident canine classroom support. In terms of degrees, she has none (she cannot read). In terms of pedigrees, she also has none. However, she excels at doting eye contact, tail wags, long, lazy cuddles, and looking very pathetic when she wants a snack. Around campus she can often be found in the lap of a student, or in an unoccupied comfy chair, occasionally under a table looking for crumbs. It is her pleasure and privilege to serve the Bridges community. 
Garrison Brain
5/6th 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 where he graduated with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. As a 2e individual, Garrison believes his experience overcoming his own 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 has taught art for Phoenix and Middle Schoolers at Bridges Academy, Los Angeles for the past 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 managing the art curriculum, she enriches the students’ day by running various clubs during lunch to improve social skills and promote peer acceptance. Cassandra holds a BA in Art from California State University, Northridge. During her free time, she enjoys archery, camping, hiking, and painting. 
Amy Faigin-Bechtol
High School Humanities, Electives, & Brides Academy Online Amy Faigin is a neurodivergent educator, activist, and individual. Diagnosed as autistic at age thirteen, she attended Bridges Academy, a school for twice-exceptional students. After graduating from high school, she pursued a degree in digital media at Otis College of Art and Design, and began work as an independent designer. Amy now teaches at Bridges Academy, instructing in entertainment design, technological history, and mentoring students through their self-directed Young Expert program. She also works with the Ed Asner Family Center as a spokesperson, educator, and co-leader of their LGBTQ+ group. Amy is certified in 2e education through the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education. 
Madison Holt
7/8th Humanities Teacher Madison Holt grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland. She graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor of science in education and a secondary in language arts & English. Upon graduation, she taught the 7th and 8th grade at several 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. In her free time, she serves as an Executive Board Member of Chabad at Indiana University and spends time with her beloved Aussiedoodle, Leo! |
Megan Jones
7th-12th Math Teacher Originally from Fairbanks, Alaska, Megan Jones is a recent transplant to Seattle. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics as well as a minor in Medieval Studies from the University of Notre Dame. In addition, she has a Master of Science in Education from the University of Dayton, Ohio. Certified and licensed to teach Mathematics in the State of Washington, Megan has taught mathematics for nine years on the middle and high school level. Her courses have included: AP Statistics, Probability and Statistics, Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Pre-Calculus. Megan carries a deep passion for teaching neurodivergent students. Recognizing that classroom assignments should not follow a "one-size-fits-all" model, she focuses heavily on project-based learning that meets the individual academic needs of each student. 
Julien MacQuarrie
High School Humanities Teacher Julien is a Texas native with teaching experience in a wide variety of subjects, grade levels, and teaching environments. A first generation college graduate, he holds a Bachelor of General Studies from West Texas A&M University and a Master of Theological Studies from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. As a 2e individual, Julien knows well the gifts and challenges of Bridges students. His experience graduating from college and graduate school has helped him to accept and overcome limitations which help him to guide students with similar experiences. In his spare time he is a home cook, an avid reader, a writer, and spends time outdoors. He is committed to lifelong learning and hopes to spread that passion to his students. 
Val Monticue
7th-12th Science Teacher An Oklahoma native, Val Monticue studied Engineering & Applied Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. In their fifteen-year teaching career, Val has taught conceptual physics, AP Physics C: Mechanics, engineering design, and statistics. They have also served as a coach for FIRST Robotics, the world's leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing robotics and STEM education. As a National Board-Certified Teacher, they completed a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction in 2020 and served for six years as President of the NorCal and Nevada section of the American Association of Physics Teachers. 
Patricia Sciortino Drama and Improv Teacher Pat Scortino began her career as a professional actress and comedian. She taught at Bridges in LA, created the award-winning program Enter Laughing, and works as an educational consultant and learning specialist. Pat has a BA in psychology and a master’s in special education. 
Charles Smith
4th Grade Teacher Assistant Char Smith is an educator with a background in twice-exceptional education both as a student and as a 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 fiancee, two pugs, and a kitten named Jiji. 
Anne Van Loen
4th Grade Teacher Anne Van Loen moved to Seattle from Maryland as a newlywed 24 years ago. They promptly purchased a Ballard home, rescued a couple of dogs, and started a family. She came equipped with a BA in English, an MA in education, and a TESOL certification. Since then, she has been an expeditionary learning classroom teacher, interventionist, reading specialist, tutor, and world/home schooling 2e mom. Travel remains an inspiration and is something that she has been fortunate enough to share with her family. Accompanied by her partner and two middle schoolers, she set off on a 14-month adventure around the world. Back in the Pacific Northwest, she enjoys camping, long walks with the dogs, reading, playing soccer, sailing, and outsmarting escape rooms. Anne is excited to join the Bridges Seattle team. |
Shannen Johnson
Security Guard Born and raised in Tacoma WA, Shannen is proud to patrol and ensure the safety of the students and staff at Bridges. Shannen studied Aerospace Engineering and specialized in astronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has worked various jobs that have drawn him to enjoy working with people. In his free time he reads non-fiction and historical fiction. He also enjoys the outdoors and camping. 
JoeAnna McDonald
7th-12th 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 in Yellowstone National Park as a line cook, auditor, and employee recreation supervisor. She loves tapping into her skills gained in the kitchens of Yellowstone when she cooks and hosts dinners for her friends and family. In her free time, JoeAnna enjoys scuba diving, stand up paddle-boarding, thrift shopping, hiking, and camping. 
Julie Price
Spanish Teacher Julie was born and raised in LA and moved to the Palm Springs area in 1992, where she taught French, Spanish and ESL at the same high school for the last thirty years. She moved back to LA last year to be closer to her son and family, and taught French and Spanish at the LA Bridges campus last year. She received her Bachelor's Degree in French, and her Master's Degree in Education Administration. She is credentialed in French, English, Spanish and ELD. Before moving to Palm Springs, she taught in the Hart School District for six years and several private schools in the LA area. She has traveled extensively to Europe and has been lucky enough to have visited every country in Western Europe. She enjoys learning about and experiencing different cultures and tries very hard to introduce an appreciation for various cultures in her language classes. She is an avid Dodger fan and in addition to her other languages, she speaks fluent Baseball! Music is also a big part of her life as she sings and plays the piano. She integrates music into her lesson plans as much as possible as it is a great way to learn vocabulary and pronunciation. 
Kellyn Seren
Custodian Kellyn was born in Honduras and completed her schooling at the Dr. Jose Ramon Villeda Morales Institute in Comayagua, Honduras. She enjoys going to new places, cooking, and spending time with her children. While most of her large family is still in Honduras, she lives with her kids and uncles here in the US. Kellyn says she enjoys working at Bridges because everyone puts their best effort into making Bridges a welcoming and exceptional place for students to learn and grow. 
Olivia Stein
5/6th Humanities Teacher Olivia Stein grew up in Portland, Oregon. In 2019, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Seattle University with a humanities for teaching major and a minor in psychology. In 2020, she received her full teacher certification from Seattle University's Masters in Teaching Program. While studying at Seattle University, Olivia was a standout varsity athlete on the track & field and cross-country teams. She served as team captain and earned school records in the 10,000m and 6,000m events. Before joining Bridges, Olivia taught social studies at University Cooperative School. Outside of the classroom she enjoys live music, hiking and spending time with friends and family. 
Jiaying Wang
Intern Jiaying Wang is from China. She received her bachelor's degree in teaching and psychology and this June will graduate from the University of Washington with her master's degree in learning science and human development. Before joining Bridges, Jiaying taught Chinese, math, and music. She enjoys exploring various strategies to cultivate students’ self regulated learning, improving students’ creation, motivation, engagement, and achievement. Jiaying is a talented pianist and earned a top score (level 10) on her Chinese national piano amateur certificate. In her spare time, she likes traveling, cooking, and video games. |
Los Angeles-Based Management and Operational Support
Chris Wiebe
Assoc. Head & Dir. of Coordinated Programs & Services chris.wiebe@bridges.edu Dr. Chris Wiebe serves as director of coordinated programs for the Bridges Ed Group, including Bridges Online, 2e Media, 2e Center, and Bridges Grad School. |
Anna Schaerf
Director of Counseling Services anna.schaerf@bridges.edu Anna Schaerf earned her MS in counseling, marriage, and family therapy from Cal State-Northridge. She has been at Bridges since 1999. |
Eileen Brennan
Director of Advancement eileen.brennan@bridges.edu Eileen Brennan previously served on the Board of Trustees as Development Committee chair and co-chair of the Board. Her son graduated from Bridges in 2008. |
Shane Brennan
Business Office shane.brennan@bridges.edu Shane Brennan has worked as an instructor and administrator at Bridges Academy since 2012. |
Susan Baum
Director of the Bridges 2e Center susan.baum@bridges.edu 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 robin.schader@bridges.edu 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. |
Kayla Waesche
Admissions Associate kayla.waesche@bridges.edu Kayla Waesche has worked in education and film production in Los Angeles. |
Peter Godwin
Member, Bridges Board of Trustees peter.godwin@bridges.edu 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
Chair, Board of Trustees ellen.rosen@bridges.edu 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. |
