Administration & Faculty

A seed was planted in Tina in the early 70’s as a student in a team-taught 4^th-6^th grade "open classroom" in Oxnard, California. The walls of three classrooms were opened and the team was facilitated by 3 male teachers.

Before she knew it, she had graduated from the University of California at Davis with her BS in Child/ Human Development. She continued her education at San Francisco State University and earned a Masters Degree in Special Education and a Communication Handicapped Credential with an emphasis on teaching the Deaf and Hearing- Impaired. READ MORE>

KINDERGARTEN      Tori Cervantes     Tori.Cervantes@BRIDGEScharter.org

Tori always new she had a passion to teach children. As a child she spent much of her time mentoring children as a Girl Scout who earned her Gold Award. Before coming to BRIDGES, Tori taught in private preschool programs for fourteen years, which included several years as a Lead Teacher at Camp Amgen . Her philosophy of education is to make sure that she nourishes the whole child, which mirrors BRIDGES’ philosophy. Children learn more from hands on activities than from a book and questions. Teaching students how to learn and problem solve are key concepts. The role of the teacher is to facilitate a learning environment where children feel empowered to learn. Mutual respect amongst students and teachers with open communication are key components in maintaining an effective learning environment. READ MORE>

KINDERGARTEN      Teresa Williams        Teresa.Williams@BRIDGEScharter.org

Teresa has been working with children and their families here in the Conejo Valley since 1996. She was inspired to teach after working as a parent volunteer both in the classroom and through the parks & rec. programs. She taught primary physical education at Banyan Elementary for four years before enlisting in the AmeriCorps program. This two year commitment included training in the field of child development and family resource services. READ MORE>

1st GRADE    Marsi Gore     Marsi.Gore@BRIDGEScharter.org

Marsi was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and received her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge.  She later earned her Master in Education in Crosscultural Teaching.

Many Bridges families know her from Horizon Hills where she started as a parent in the program and went on to teach there for 7 years. She often joked that her daughter moved on and she stayed.  During her time at Horizon Hills, Marsi focused on the importance of whole child education, conflict resolution, S'cool Moves and Positive Discipline. 

Marsi believes very strongly in creating a joy-filled, positive and experiential learning environment that will keep her students enthusiastic and eager to come to class. 

Marsi enjoys hanging out at the beach, cooking and baking, reading and above all, spending time with family and friends.

1st GRADE              Heather Wood                Heather.Wood@bridgescharter.org

2nd/3rd GRADE    Elena Perez     Elena.Perez@BRIDGEScharter.org

Elena began working with children over ten years ago as a mentor and tutor for young teens in the San Fernando Valley while she was attending Pepperdine University in Malibu.  Soon, Elena discovered a passion for working with young people and helping them meet their social, emotional, and educational needs. 

After graduation Elena spent several years at the Multicultural Learning Center in Canoga Park, a Dual Immersion independent charter school with LAUSD.  Elena also spent several years at MUSE School, a Reggio inspired project based learning school.  At these schools Elena has been able to share her passions of languages, constructivist, and progressive education. 

Elena is a spirited and knowledgeable educator who cares deeply about her students and the school community. Elena’s classroom is infused with a strong sense of community and mutual respect.  She invigorates her students with her natural joy for life and curiosity. 

Elena’s students become particularly excited about reading and writing, through Elena’s own passion and commitment to literacy. She has trained with Lucy Calkins at the Reading and Writing Institute at Columbia University since 2005.  This year she is excited to share her passions at BRIDGES by training, collaborating, and working with teachers and students.  

2nd GRADE     Debi Greene        Debi.Greene@BRIDGEScharter.org

Debi Greene graduated from Cal State University Northridge. She went on to earn her teaching credential at Cal Lutheran University where she is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Education. Debi spent the last few years teaching in the Moorpark Unified School District, including a K/1 classroom. She also has extensive background in the health food industry, and believes strongly that exercise and nutrition play a huge role in academic success.  READ MORE>