Joshua Adkins received his undergraduate degree in Physical Education from the University of South Florida. He has been teaching for 5 years. Currently, Josh works as a teacher in self-contained middle and high school classrooms. For the past 5 years, he taught students with exceptionalities. While in the Bridges program, he hopes to better understand how to be a more effective teacher for smaller ESE populations. This program has given Josh a close-knit, professional community of fellow students. After graduating from UCF, he is hoping to work for four more years in the school system and later instruct Education majors. Josh encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because it is a great opportunity to grow.
Alisa Barrios received her undergraduate degree in K-12 Physical Education from the University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 9 years. Currently, Alisa name works as an ESE/Support Facilitator at River Springs Middle School in Volusia. For the past 9 years, she has worked as a Physical Education teacher, followed by an ESE teacher for grades 6-8. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to enhance her understanding of how to better support her students. This program has given Alisa the opportunity to make professional connections while staying informed with current trends. After graduating from UCF, she wishes to continue teaching Exceptional Student Education in Volusia County and work towards building a better support facilitation model. Alisa encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because it is a great opportunity to make connections with other teachers within the field.
Rebekah Carrasquillo received her undergraduate degree in General Studies of Education from the University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 4 years. Currently, Rebekah works as an ESE teacher at Prairie Lake Elementary in Orange County. For the past 4 years, she taught students with exceptionalities in grades 3-5 as a Support Facilitator, specifically focusing on the areas of Mathematics and Reading. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to better equip herself with the skills, knowledge, and tools to provide support and interventions for her ESE students. This program has given Rebekah the opportunity to meet knowledgeable people who are highly experienced in the field of Special Education, and has provided her with tools and strategies relevant to her career. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to continue teaching students with disabilities. Rebekah encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because it is a wonderful opportunity to further her education and to increase her knowledge of special education.
Kim Charles received her undergraduate degree in Organizational Management from Nyack University. She has been teaching for 6 years. Currently, Kim works as a 3rd grade teacher at Durrance Elementary School in Orange County. For the past 6 years, she taught students in a General Education classroom. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to learn new strategies and techniques to make her a more effective educator. This program has given Kim the knowledge and skills to be able to make a difference in her students’ lives as she matriculates through the program. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to use the acquired skills to advance student knowledge, seeking positions that advance her professional expertise. Kim encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because it is a great way to develop and to serve others.
Dana Christy received her undergraduate degree in Exceptional Education from the University of South Florida and an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from University Central Florida. She has been teaching for 24 years. Currently, Dana works as a Varying Exceptionalities Teacher at Imperial Estates Elementary in Brevard County. For the past 24 years, she taught students with varying exceptionalities as both an Exceptional Education teacher and as an Inclusion General Education teacher. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to increase her knowledge of the MTSS process in order to move into a leadership role to support teachers. This program has given Dana the knowledge and skills to implement research-based practices to increase learning for all students. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to continue her position and become more involved with the MTSS team in her current school. Dana encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because she is confident that this program serves as a great support to students and teachers.
Catherine Detres received her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Kean University. She has been teaching for 3 years. Currently, Catherine works as ESE teacher at Prairie Lakes Elementary School. For the past 3 years, she taught Pre-K students with disabilities. While in the Bridges program, she seeks to aid her knowledge and to apply appropriate interventions for all students. This program has given Catherine the knowledge and skills to be able to apply interventions to students with exceptionalities. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to continue as an ESE educator and to share her knowledge with her team. Catherine encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because it allows you to advance your career, learn about ESE interventions, and to better education.
Jenny Hill received her undergraduate degree in Exceptional Student Education Bowling Green State University. She has been teaching for 16 years. Currently Jenny works as a Program Specialist for the Lake County School District. For the past 16 years, she has delivered high quality educational programs for teachers, simultaneously serving as a staffing specialist. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to increase her knowledge about MTSS, learn how to analyze student data, and determine effective evidence-based interventions to meet the individual needs of students. This program has given Jenny knowledge about MTSS and evidence based interventions that she will be able to apply when attending school based problem solving meetings. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to continue the work in her current position as a district ESE staffing/program specialist, assisting school teams with the MTSS and intervention process. Jenny encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because the program content is beneficial and it will advance your career!
Elizabeth Honeycutt received her undergraduate degree in English Education from the University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 18 years. Currently, Beth works as an 11th grade general education teacher at Titusville High School in Brevard County. For the past 18 years, she taught English, Language Arts, and Intensive Reading. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to learn strategies that help her students and to strengthen her own understanding of learning disabilities. This program has given Beth strong leaders and role models in Education. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to be more effective in her classroom. Beth encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because as more students with exceptionalities are identified, the more educators should participate to helps students.
Lisa King received her undergraduate degree in Exceptional Education from the University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 8 years. Currently, Lisa works as a Supported Unit Teacher at Meadowlane Intermediate School in Brevard County. For the past 8 years, she taught students with autism, Down syndrome, and other health impairments. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to fill her toolbox with more valuable resources in order to aid her students’ learning. This program has given Lisa the knowledge and skills to be able to move into a leadership role within Exceptional Student Education. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to continue teaching in the Supported Unit, improving her classroom as much as possible before taking on a different position. Lisa encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because it gives teachers the opportunity to receive a higher education without financial stress.
Marquilia Martin received her undergraduate degree in Exceptional Student Education from the Bethane-Cookman University. She has been teaching for 1 year. Currently, Marquilia works as an Intensive Reading teacher at Wekiva High School in Orange County. For the past year, she taught 9th and 10th-grade students with IEP’s. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to absorb essential information in order to apply knowledge in her own classroom and to relay it to other classrooms. This program has given Marquilia the knowledge, flexibility, and diversity to succeed in a positive environment. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to advance her career with the necessary tools and resources to improve striving student progress. Marquilia encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because the professors are amazing and the information is important to better our schools and students.
Kenna Moceri received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education (K-6) from the University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 8 years. Currently, Kenna works as an MTSS Facilitator at Oak Park Elementary in Brevard. For the past 8 years, she taught K-6 students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 groups as she guided teachers through the process of MTSS. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to learn everything she can about the MTSS process so students can receive the interventions or services needed to close the gap. This program has given Kenna the knowledge and skills to be able to help all of her students. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to continue working with students and to help them close their gaps in learning. Kenna encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because this program gives teachers tools to help striving students.
Shannon Reife received her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 8 years. Currently, Shannon works as an ESE Support Facilitator at South Seminole Middle School in Seminole County. For the past 8 years, she served students struggling with English Language Acquisition, along with being an IEP case manager. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to learn about appropriate interventions that will help her students. This program has given Shannon a welcoming environment and the knowledge to become a more effective educator. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to train teachers on interventions through MTSS. Shannon encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because it is extremely informative and helps you become an overall better educator.
Alexis Rotstein received her undergraduate degree in Elementary and Exceptional Education from the University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 9 years. Currently, Alexis works as an ESE Coordinator at Odyssey Prep Academy in Brevard County. For the past 9 years, she provided students with ESE services, wrote IEP’s, and organized parent meetings. While in the Bridges program, Alexis hopes to help her school meet the needs of all learners. This program has given Alexis the skills to support school and teachers with using data to drive instruction. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to continue her track in helping all students. Alexis encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges to help all students grow and learn!
Michele Santos received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Elementary Education from William Paterson University. She has been teaching for 13 years. Currently, Michele works as a first grade inclusion classroom teacher classroom at Horizons Elementary in Polk County. For the past 13 years, she taught students with behavioral and academic disabilities. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to gain in depth knowledge on the various RBS and practices in order to be an effective special education teacher. This program has given Michele the knowledge and skills to grow as a professional in Exceptional Student Education. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to work in a self-contained special education setting, possibly taking on a leadership role to help with the MTSS process. Michele encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because it is an amazing program where you can grow personally and professionally.
Elyse Scanlon received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 4 years. Currently, Elyse works as an ESE teacher at Mater Brighton Lakes Academy in Osceola County. For the past 4 years, she been in charge of coordinating and scheduling ESE meetings, providing services, and completing IEP’s, 504’s, EP’s, FBA’s, and some MTSS Tier 3. While in the Bridges program, she hopes learn more about MTSS/ESE, laws, research, strategies, and advocacy. This program has given Elyse the resources to improve herself as a professional while receiving positive support from outstanding professors. After graduating from UCF, she is hoping to get her Ph.D. in leadership and policy. Elyse encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because it is fun, you learn a lot, and you make great connections.