Leadership Team For The 25-26 School Year

Monica Andreski earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Walsh University in 2009 and her Master of Science in Nursing Education from Benedictine University in 2015. She has held various nursing roles, from bedside care of pediatric oncology patients to staff development and education. For the past 10 years, Monica has taught future nurses, and currently teaches at Walsh University. Monica met her husband Matt at a college praise and worship service, and they have been married for 15 years. They have four wonderful daughters, ages 2-12, whom they have homeschooled for the last 6 years. They consider themselves a dynamic team where both "mom and dad" are teachers. The Andreskis are active in their church’s music ministry, with Matt serving as the director. They are passionate about helping others grow closer to God through music and praise. As a family they enjoy reading, games, and outdoor activities like camping, horseback riding, raising chickens and turkeys, swimming, and biking. Monica is excited to bring her love of science and learning to Bridges next year!

Mrs. Andreski teaches 8th Grade Science.

 Stacey Baker received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Kent State University with a focus in Interior Design. She has taught art for many years while homeschooling her children. Currently all 6 of her boys attend Lake Center Christian School where she is actively involved in their school day. Whether it is decorating the showcases, volunteering at events, listening to Bible verses or assisting with  the school’s annual auction; her heart is to show the love and service of Christ in any way that she can. She loves to create beauty in every way possible whether it is in someone's home, painting a canvas, or in her flower garden. Her husband and boys love all things athletic and you can usually find her cheering on her crew wearing yellow and blue! 

Mrs. Baker teaches Elementary Art.

Emily earned her BS in Education as an Intervention Specialist from Malone University in 2006, and went on to complete her Masters degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in 2010. She taught in various special education roles at Cuyahoga Falls High School during these four years. From 2010-2012, she taught science at Heritage Study Center in Hudson. She and her husband, Tim, decided that her primary role would then be to stay home with their children - they now have five ranging in age from 4-16 years. Together, Tim and Emily own Artisan Coffee Shop in Akron, and Emily serves a supporting role by filling in as needed at the cafe and working on social media at home. If she finds a few free minutes, Emily enjoys gardening, cooking, and sewing. 

Mrs. Bechtel will be teaching Physical Science.

Betty Besse has been married to her husband, David, for 39 years. She is the mother of three homeschooled kids, all grown-up now, and grandmother to two sweet little boys with another grandchild due in June of 2026. Betty has an Associates Degree in Banking and Finance and in Business Administration and worked in the banking industry before kids came along. She has been serving as a coach for speech and debate through an organization called Christian Communicators of America for 17+ years and is passionate about speech and debate and teaching! She loves to help young people sharpen their skills in the areas of public speaking and critical thinking and tries to make the subjects fun and interesting for her students. Betty has been a Christian from a young age. She loves God and loves to share His Word with others. She enjoys being grandma, reading, leading Bible studies for the ladies at her church, and gardening.

Mrs. Besse will be teaching Speech Class and Debate.

Stage Door's owner, founder, and instructor is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but has made Ohio her home since 1998.  She has been involved in performing, teaching, or directing for almost all of her adult life. She attended Grace College in Indiana for her undergraduate work, and Rider University / Westminster Choir College in New Jersey for her Master's work in Vocal Pedagogy, studying under the direction of Margaret Cusak & Garyth Nair.  She continued her vocal study with Mrs. Jacqueline Smith in Philadelphia.  Her professional musical theater credits span several states and include performances at the Forrest Theater-Philadelphia, Cherry Lane Theater-New York, The Bickford Theater-New Jersey, Wagon Wheel Playhouse-Indiana, and Players Guild-Ohio.  She has performed as a soloist with several orchestras, including both Philadelphia and Cleveland, as a background & touring vocalist with various Contemporary artists & composers and various commercial advertising agencies, including jingles for "Huggies", "Trident", and "Sanka."
She has taught vocal music at Lake Center Christian School, Cairn University, and Penn State University-Berks, and directed over 100 musical theater productions and 22 different choirs or ensembles. Some of her favorite recent directing ventures include Sound of Music, Les Miserables, Guys & Dolls, Little Women, Songs for a New World, Pirates of Penzance, Music Man, and Beauty and the Beast.  
Debbie's favorite role is being a mother of two awesome adults and now "Nana" to three wonderful grandchildren. She feels as though her students are like family as well, and she is grateful for the opportunity to work with them. She is thrilled to be working with her Bridges students this year!

Mrs. Cardy will be teaching Drama.

 Laura Carmany received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Business Administration from Malone College, where she formed her love for Spanish and the cultures of those who speak it while studying for a semester in Costa Rica and participating in many service learning trips to Central America. She has also had many opportunities to work while traveling as well as starting her own business, The Wholesome Hive, making all-natural body and home care products. Before their four kids came along, she and her husband lived in Alaska and worked at Alyeska Ski Resort as well as substitute taught for the Anchorage School District. They also did a stint teaching English in Ecuador. Now she enjoys traveling, hiking, and exploring with her family and teaching them about living a sustainable lifestyle and appreciating God's creation.

Mrs. Carmany will be teaching Intro to Spanish 1 and Intro to Spanish 2.

 Ashley received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Spanish Education from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. Mrs. Cole taught for five years at Chapel Hill Christian School before deciding to stay home with her kids. Ashley and her husband have two awesome boys whom she has homeschooled for the past eleven years. As a family, they enjoy spending time together, attending church, reading, playing games, traveling, camping, soccer, and exploring new places. Mrs. Cole has traveled to many countries around the world and even studied abroad in Costa Rica. She loves Jesus, making learning fun, tea, staying healthy, the outdoors, experiencing different cultures, eating new foods, and teaching many different subjects. It is a joy for her to see and learn how God’s hand has been evident throughout the history of the world.  She looks forward to teaching at Bridges this year! 

Mrs. Cole will be teaching Elementary Math Enrichment, Elementary American History, and Jr. High American History & Geography, and is a  Bridges’ Executive Director and the Teacher Liaison.

Linnea Cook received her Bachelors of Science degree in Middle Childhood Education from Malone University and her Masters of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University. She taught in Canton Local Schools for 11 years. For five years, she taught and tutored part-time online while homeschooling. She enjoys the hands-on approach to science that she used while working for the National Inventors Hall of Fame through teaching the Camp Invention Summer Program. She has been married 20 years to her husband Ryan, who is a Family and Marriage Therapist as well as a professor at the University of Mount Union.  They have 5 fabulous kids between the ages of 15 and 4. Linnea and Ryan both love sports and have enjoyed the opportunity to coach their children in basketball, baseball, and hockey. As a couple, they have done pre-marriage counseling with engaged couples for many years and have helped run parenting and marriage seminars. Her desire is to bring light to those around her by reflecting the love of Christ in practical ways. Linnea loves reading with her kids, being outside, sudoku puzzles, playing the piano, traveling, eating Blizzards, and cheering for the Cleveland Guardians. 

Mrs. Cook will be teaching 7th Grade Science, Algebra 1, and Geometry.

Luke received a Bachelor of Science in Biology Pre-Med degree from the University of Akron with plans to go to medical school for podiatric medicine. The Lord changed his path to go to seminary school instead where he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Liberty University with a focus in homiletics. He has worked as a youth pastor, helped plant a church in Akron, and now works at the Haven of Rest Rescue Mission full-time. He has been married to his wife, Noel, for 3 years and has a baby boy named Graham. He enjoys sports, gardening, backpacking, and raising chickens. He is passionate about the Bible and explaining all of God’s creation through the lens of Christ. 

Mr. Cramer will be teaching Biology.

Brittany Dowler received a B.A. in English from Kent State and her M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition with a concentration in Literature from the University of Akron. She had hopes of teaching college writing and literature, but God had other plans for her! She began working at a law firm right after graduation, and worked as a paralegal for years until starting her own business in 2017, writing and editing content for other small businesses. She continues to run her business while homeschooling her two children.  She absolutely loves teaching and inspiring others! In her free time, you can find her curled up with a good book and a hot cup of coffee, tending to her garden, or working out. Brittany loves all things related to health and fitness. Her family enjoys walking and biking the towpath near their home, being in nature, playing games, boating, reading good books, and working on puzzles. She looks forward to teaching at Bridges this year!   

Mrs. Dowler will be teaching Writing Fundamentals and 9th/10th Literature.

 Erica Fill received a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Bowling Green State University for grades K-12. Mrs. Fill taught art for three years at Waterloo Local Schools before her girls were born. She enjoys learning about health and fitness and is constantly looking for ways to improve the health of her family. She is currently teaching flag classes through Simply Praise, a dance ministry she started with a friend. She and her husband, Dan, homeschooled their two daughters - Jocelyn graduated in 2021 and Mischa graduated in 2023!  She enjoys being outside soaking up the summer sun, spending time with her cat, Linnycat, and doing crafty things like card making and crocheting. This is her eleventh year being a part of Bridges. She looks forward to getting her students to move!

Mrs. Fill teaches Physical Education (2025-26 school year).

Vivian Geraghty received her B.A. in AYA Integrated ELA Education and English from Walsh University. She taught for several years as a 7th-grade ELA teacher at Jackson Local Schools. Additionally, she taught in various capacities in grades K-5, including in an intensive special education program. When not teaching, she enjoys attending church, spending time with family, running, reading, and writing. Besides being a child of God, her favorite role is being Aunt Love to her beautiful niece and nephew. This is her second year at Bridges, and she is looking forward to the opportunity to help students grow. 

Ms. Geraghty will be teaching Composition through Great Books.