As one of the founders of Bridges Academy, Joan has been with the School since its inception in the Fall of 1997. Just prior to helping start Bridges Academy, Joan worked as a field/family therapist at SageWalk, The Wilderness School. Throughout her 30 year career, Joan has worked in various capacities in the family services field. Joan worked at Parental Stress Service (PSS) of Alameda County on the 24-hour hotline, providing counseling and teaching parent education. During this time, Joan also helped develop curriculum and facilitated groups for both Mandela House and for a program called Families in Recovery. Joan earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Sociology from the University of California at Davis and holds a Masters Degree in Counseling from California State University at Hayward. Joan has been a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the State of California since 1989.

Kelley Joined Bridges Academy in the Spring of 2004 as a Mentor. Prior to joining the Bridges Academy team, Kelley worked with high school students and their families for over 30 years in a counselor role. Kelley has a wide-range of expertise in counseling students and their parents, both in one-on-one and in small group situations. He has taught numerous classes and seminars on parenting skills and family life and has extensive experience in planning, organizing and leading student recreational programs, humanitarian efforts and community service activities. Kelley holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with an emphasis in Youth Ministry from Corbin College.

James has been working with at-risk youth for nearly 10 years. Prior to joining Bridges Academy in August of 2004, James worked as a field instructor at SageWalk, The Wilderness School for three years, after which time he was promoted to Field Director for one year. In addition to being the Shift Supervisor, James is also the Outings Coordinator for Bridges Academy and is responsible for planning and facilitating both Outdoor Adventure Education and other outings. James holds a first degree black belt in Aikido and is the program facilitator and instructor for the Bridges Academy Aikido Program. When asked about his favorite part of the Bridges Academy program, James said, "I enjoy the Positive Peer Environment at Bridges Academy in that promotes accountability and self awareness as tools for personal growth, rather than dependence on external authority figures."

Dan joined Bridges Academy as a mentor in January of 2006. Prior to joining Bridges Academy, Dan worked in the health/fitness industry for 12 years. Dan attended the California State University at Bakersfield on a full-ride wrestling scholarship. When asked about being a mentor at Bridges Academy, Dan said "I really enjoy working with the boys and am extremely thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such a fantastic team."

Maria joined the Bridges Academy team in June 2000, working in various capacities that include being a mentor and most recently as the Plan Coordinator. Prior to joining Bridges Academy, Maria worked with elementary and high school students at the Bend/LaPine school district as a volunteer. Maria holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science from the University of Oregon.

Mark joined Bridges Academy as a mentor in 2002. Mark has more than eight years experience working with at-risk youth in various capacities. Prior to joining Bridges Academy, Mark worked at the Eastern Oregon Youth Correctional facility and Kirkland Institute for abused boys. Mark is a graduate of the Oregon Juvenile Justice Training Academy.

Matt joined Bridges Academy as a mentor in 2008. Matt has 8 years experience working with youth with special needs. He was a Senior Field Instructor for the Second Nature Wilderness Program for 3 years. Matt has worked as a Team Building Facilator and has taught outdoor education. In addittion to being a mentor, Matt works in the office, making appointments, talking with parents, and updating the Bridges Academy Website. Matt graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2003.

Coming Soon

Glenn has been working at Bridges Academy for many years now making sure everything runs smoothly through the night. Glenn has been known to bake homemade goodies for the parent workshops and as snacks for the students from time to time.

Maureen is currently serving Bridges Academy in many ways. In 2008, Maureen accepted the position of "Admissions Counselor" where she uses her skills to connect to parents, as well as continuing to act as the School Nurse. Maureen joined Bridges Academy as the School Nurse in the Fall of 2003. Prior to joining the Bridges Academy, Maureen worked as a case manager in a workers comp clinic in Kansas City, implementing health and wellness programs within corporations to reduce and prevent work-related injuries. Maureen also has experience as a nursing instructor in a variety of disciplines at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE. Maureen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing with a minor in Psychology from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN.

Paige Tapia joined Bridges Academy in December 2007. After 10 years in the temporary staffing industry, both medical and professional and with her background in office and employee management, she brings many talents to the Bridges team. Paige is a Utah native, but has lived in Oregon most of her life. She has traveled extensively which gives her a good background with diverse types of people and cultures. She also has three children ages 19 – 24, two of whom are boys, which helps her build a strong rapport with our students and understands their needs and behaviors. Paige is currently the Director of Support Services which entails office administration, human resources and bookkeeping services. Attending school in Gresham, Oregon and Salt Lake City, Utah, Paige has earned advanced training in medical office management and terminology. She also has had extensive training and possesses certificates in all aspects of human resource management, conflict resolution and sales.

Vicky is the master facilitator of the Bridges Academy Addictions Studies Program. Prior to joining Bridges Academy, Vicky worked as a primary counselor at a 75 bed inpatient/outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Pennsylvania. In addition to working with Bridges Academy students, Vicky helps other at-risk teens in high schools throughout Central Oregon. Vicky also works in the counseling department at Oregon State University-Cascades.