Jennifer Lykins received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. She has been teaching for 13 years. Currently, Jennifer works as a K-5 Science Enrichment Teacher at Clermont Elementary School in Lake County. Jennifer hopes to deepen her understanding of the most current evidenced-based practices for meeting the academic and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. Through the Bridges program, she is acquiring relevant knowledge and skills to her current position. As the science enrichment instructor, she works with 100% of her schools population. Her knowledge gained throughout the Bridges program has been applicable to these students, as well as having allowed her to share resources she is learning about with her peers. After graduating from UCF, she plans to increase her effectiveness with identifying and matching student needs with the resources and strategies that will lead them towards success; she hopes to potentially move into a district coaching role in the future. Jennifer encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because as classrooms become increasingly diverse, it is our responsibility to develop our educational toolbox to match the needs of the students we serve.
Samuel Davis received his undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Central Florida. He has been working in special education leadership for 14 years. Currently, Samuel works as a behavior specialist at Cypress Park Elementary School in Orange County. Samuel hopes to gain knowledge on in depth research that involves increased student achievements for students with disabilities; he would like to be able to provide resources for schools, teachers and administrators in matters of evaluations, identification, educating and assessing students with disabilities. Through the Bridges program, he is gaining relevant knowledge and skills; he stated that he is taking an Applied Behavior Analysis class, and that just looking at the syllabus has fostered new ideas. After graduating from UCF, he plans to pursue a doctorate in special education, and possibly pursue a leadership role within his current county. Samuel encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because he has only taken two classes so far and has already been able to absorb plentiful information that will benefit both teachers and students.
Jennifer
Anton received her undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of North
Carolina Charlotte. Currently, Jennifer works as an Exceptional Student
Education teacher for students receiving support in general education
classrooms at Osceola Elementary in Volusia County. Jennifer hopes to become a
teacher leader by implementing what she is learning where she currently teaches
as well as throughout her career. Through the Bridges program, she is gaining
in depth knowledge of the RTI process, and has found evidence based practices
that are applicable to her and other classroom teachers. After graduating from
UCF, she plans to maintain a position with Volusia County Schools and would
like to apply the skills she is learning to be more involved with interventions
and would like to experience more collaboration among her colleagues. Jennifer
encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because she believes the
opportunity to learn from distinguished educators and researchers is amazing.
She stated that they are learning the most current research in teaching
students with disabilities, and evidenced-based practices so they can do what
is proven to work.
Pam
Augello received her undergraduate degree in Specific Learning Disabilities/ Social
Science from Florida Southern College. She has been teaching for 25 years.
Currently, Pam works as an ESE instructor at Lockhart Elementary School in Orange
County. Pam hopes to become a more effective ESE teacher by learning and
applying evidence-based practices in her small groups. Through the Bridges
program, she is obtaining knowledge and skills that are relevant to her current
position, as what she has learned has directly aligned with her current
position as an ESE teacher. After graduating from UCF, she plans to continue
working in her current position and possibly becoming an intervention
specialist. Pam encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because
they will gain knowledge of evidence-based strategies that can be used
effectively in any classroom.
 
 Jennifer Gilbride received her undergraduate degree in
Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education from Notre Dame College
in Manchester, New Hampshire. She has been teaching for 15 years. Currently, Jennifer works as a fifth grade
inclusion teacher at Minneola Elementary Charter School in Lake County.
Jennifer hopes to become more knowledgeable about intervention resources so
that she may better help the teachers as well as the students at her school.
Through the Bridges program, she is gaining knowledge and skills that are
aiding and assisting her in her daily work. These skills will benefit her
school and colleagues as she is able to implement this knowledge every day when
supporting teachers and students. After graduating from UCF, she plans to
remain teaching at Minneola Elementary Charter. Jennifer encourages others to get involved in Project
Bridges because the project is wonderful; the advisors are great and welcoming.
You gain amazing information and come away with so much knowledge.
Claudine
Henderson received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Stetson
University. She has been teaching for 15 years. Currently, Claudine works as an
academic coach at Orange City Elementary in Volusia County. Through the Bridges
program, she is learning new and effective methods to help students who are
struggling academically. After graduating from UCF, she hopes to use the
knowledge she acquires through this program to work at the district level to
change the RTI process and provide students the necessary supports to be
successful. Claudine encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges
because it provides you with the opportunity to be involved with professionals
from your field that bring rich conversations and experiences to every class;
you are given relevant resources that will lead to positive change in the lives
of students.
Carissa
Kase received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the
University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 5 years. Currently, Carissa
works as a 4th grade Reading Inclusion Instructor at Astatula
Elementary in Lake County. Carissa
hopes to become a true teacher leader in her area of special education. Through
the Bridges program, she is acquiring knowledge and skills to translate what
she learns directly into her classroom and help others on campus. After
graduating from UCF, she hopes to move into a special education role where she
can see more ESE students throughout the day. Carissa encourages others to get
involved in Project Bridges because it is a great opportunity and is full of
people who are supportive. 
Matthew
Kostecky received his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Kutztown
University. He has been teaching for 6 years. Currently, Matthew works as a
self-contained ESE instructor at Mainland High School in Volusia County.
Matthew hopes to gain knowledge on behavior strategies, accommodations for
general education teachers, and data tracking and use for transition. Through
the Bridges program, he is gaining knowledge and skills for RTI; as his school
is an RTI school most of these strategies are being implemented. After
graduating from UCF, he plans to continue his education and eventually become a
transition specialist. Matthew encourages others to get involved in Project
Bridges because it is a great program and really pushes you to be great.
Cherie
Meshulam received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the
University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 11 years. Currently, Cherie
works as a third grade general education instructor at Lockhart Elementary
School in Orange County. Cherie hopes to become more of a resource for
diagnosing intervention needs as well as in providing interventions to
students. Through the Bridges program, she is gaining the skills needed to
address problems that often first start in the general education classroom.
After graduating from UCF, she plans to continue working with and for children.
Cherie encourages others to get involved with Project Bridges because the project will increase your knowledge of RTI/MTSS, your skills in providing interventions, and your ability to help all students to show growth.
Liz
Tucker received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Saint Leo
University. She has been teaching for 3 years. Currently, Liz works as a 6th
grade English/Language Arts Instructor for children of varying exceptionalities
at Tavares Middle School in Lake County. While in the Bridges program, she hopes
to learn more interventions and accommodations for secondary level students.
This program has given Liz the ability to apply the information discussed in
her classroom and share with others at her school. After graduating from UCF,
she hopes to move to the district level to train other educators on Response to
Intervention and Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Liz encourages others to get involved in Project
Bridges because it is a great learning opportunity, and will push you to want
to make your school better.
Kristine
Rundall received her undergraduate degree in Exceptional Education from the
University of Central Florida. She has been teaching for 15 years. Currently, Kristine
works as a support facilitator at Cypress Creek in Volusia County. Kristine hopes
to further her knowledge using current research to implement interventions and
learning strategies. Through the Bridges program, she is obtaining knowledge
and skills that are relevant to her teaching pedagogy and will allow her more
expertise to offer her colleagues. After graduating from UCF, she plans to
further her education and pursue a doctoral degree in Education. Kristine
encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because it is a wonderful
professional development opportunity in learning current research practices,
behavior practices, and continuing effort and beliefs in education.
Michelle
Ohman received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Saint Leo University.
She has been teaching for 8 years. Currently, Michelle works as a Support
Facilitator for exceptional students at Lake Weir Middle School in Marion
County. While in the Bridges program, she hopes to expand her knowledge and
toolbox to help students and teachers be more successful. This program has
given Michelle the knowledge and tools to do what she is already doing, but do
it better. After graduating from UCF, she hopes to continue teaching special
education. Michelle encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges
because the more people who are adequately trained to help special education
populations, the better!
Lisa Salazar received her undergraduate degree in Speech Communication (Public and Cultural) from the University of South Florida. She has been teaching for 11 years and is currently a support facilitation teacher for grades K-5. Through the Bridges program, Lisa wants to acquire the knowledge that will enable her to increase successful learning experiences for students with disabilities. She hopes to be able to offer more effective resources for teachers of students with disabilities. After graduating from UCF, she wants to obtain a doctorate in special education and eventually acquire a leadership role in her district. Lisa inspires others to get involved in Project Bridges because the knowledge that is gained through the program can have a positive impact on the lives of our students.
Keri Nass received her undergraduate degree in Exceptional Student Education from Daytona State College. She has been teaching for 3 years. Currently, Keri works as a self-contained EBD teacher for 9-12th grade students at Mainland High School in Volusia County. Keri hopes to gain further knowledge and strategies to help struggling and at-risk students achieve success in the classroom. Through the Bridges program, she is gaining the skills needed to address problems that often first start in the general education classroom. After graduating from UCF, she plans to become an academic coach or intervention specialist and to further her education by obtaining her doctorate. Keri encourages others to get involved in Project Bridges because the knowledge gained through the program is immeasurable! Project Bridges is a family where we all collaborate, share and support each other to gain further knowledge through our experiences and expertise in the fields of education.
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