Bridges Leadership Institute

Dr. Marrielle Myers (she/her) is a professor of mathematics education. Dr. Myers supports K-5 teachers' and leaders' work toward teaching mathematics for social justice and developing the political knowledge needed to dismantle systemic racism.

Dr. Lateefah Id-Deen, Associate Professor at Kennesaw State University, investigates culturally responsive instructional practices that promote student-teacher relationships, affirm mathematics identities, and cultivate belonging in mathematics classrooms.

Dr. Zandra De Araujo started her career as a high school mathematics teacher. She is currently the Chief Equity Officer at the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center and an author of numerous publications.Her research examines teachers’ instruction with students who are primarily English learners.

Amber Candela is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Her research focuses on the professional development of mathematics teachers.

Erin T:  Erin Turner is an assistant at the University of Arizona. She began her career in education teaching a 4th/5th grade dual-language classroom in Phoenix, Arizona.Her work examines how mathematics instruction can draw upon children’s multiple mathematical funds of knowledge in ways that support mathematical understanding and a sense of agency. 

Erin Smith is an assistant professor of mathematics education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Erin is committed to supporting elementary teachers to implement equitable mathematics instruction and increasing access to rigorous mathematics instruction for multilingual learners.

Rosalyn Miller is a curriculum consultant with The Math Learning Center. Based in Ellensburg, Washington, she has 30+ years of experience in public education as a classroom teacher, K-12 teaching and learning coordinator, and workshop leader. Rosalyn has experience with mathematics curriculum and assessment design, as well as developing and delivering learning experiences for educators. She is committed to supporting mathematics educators in providing equitable learning experiences for all students.

Kim Morrow-Leong is an experienced mathematics education specialist and consultant with a demonstrated history of working productively with teachers in the area of mathematics education leadership. Skilled in lesson planning, educational technology, instructional design, leadership, and curriculum development, Kim holds a PhD and MEd in mathematics education leadership from George Mason University.

LaKeshia Cooper is a curriculum consultant for The Math Learning Center. Before that, LaKeshia served as an elementary and middle school teacher in Grades 4–8 in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana. She also served as a K–4 math interventionist while supporting teachers in their implementation of Bridges. As a Bridges educator, LaKeshia appreciated how the use of visual models and student collaboration provided access for all her students and developed their mathematical confidence. LaKeshia lives in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Susan Hammer is a curriculum consultant with MLC. She was a classroom educator and was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching in 2016.

Mike Wallus is the vice president for educator support at The Math Learning Center. He has 17 years of experience as a classroom teacher, and in 2012 he was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Previously, Mike was an elementary mathematics coordinator and curriculum director in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area.

Melissa is a professional learning developer at The Math Learning Center. Prior to working at MLC, she was a teacher and coach in Philadelphia.

Jaime has been with The Math Learning Center for two years now as a Curriculum Consultant. She loves working with teachers across the country. She has a passion around assessment as well as supporting all learners to develop and foster a positive math identity (ask her about HS algebra and her own math identity). Jaime has taught Bridges in grades K-5 as well as worked in school and district Math leader positions in Denver and Aurora, Colorado. Jaime’s current favorite authors are Elena Aguilar, Gholdy Muhamad and Julia Aguirre. She also loves time in the Colorado mountains with her husband and 3 children.

Summer Pettigrew graduated from The College of Charleston in 2004 with a degree in Elementary Education and holds her National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist. She has taught both 5th and 6th grade in Charleston County. In her 19 years in the district, she has served as a classroom teacher, Innovation Coach, Technology Instructional Coach, and most recently, Springfield Elementary’s Math Coach. Before coming into the role of Math Coach, Summer taught Bridges 2nd Edition as a fifth grade teacher for 4 years. She has since been working with the teachers she supports in piloting Bridges 3rd Edition.

Mrs. Williams graduated from Clemson University with an Early Childhood and Elementary Education degree. She began her career in Charleston County in 2000 as a 5th grade teacher at Charles Pinckney Elementary School. In 2008, she moved to Stono Park Elementary School and served there for 4 years as a 5th grade teacher, Instructional Resource Teacher and a Lead Teacher. She graduated from The Citadel in 2009 with a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. In 2012, she became the Assistant Principal at Springfield Elementary and, in 2017, was named the principal.

Tisha Jones, Senior Manager of Assessment at The Math Learning Center, previously taught math to elementary and middle school students and undergraduate and graduate math methods courses at Georgia State University.

Alyson Eaglen is a Professional Learning Developer for The Math Learning Center. Before joining MLC she worked as an Instructional Facilitator of Mathematics for Loudoun County Public Schools.

Prior to joining The Math Learning Center as a curriculum consultant, Jenn Christensen was an elementary classroom teacher for 27 years. Over the course of her teaching career, Jenn has come to embrace the beauty and creativity of math. She loves to talk with children about how they are thinking, and she continually learns from them.

Jenn Ranum brings expertise from 20 years as a classroom teacher and instructional leadership team member, as well as her experiences using Bridges, to her work with new and existing Bridges districts. Jenn enjoys modeling lessons, engaging in and talking about math with students, coaching teachers and administrators, writing blogs, facilitating Getting Started and Support Workshops for Bridges and Bridges Intervention, and presenting at various math conferences across the United States.

Natalie has been an elementary teacher, math coach, university professor, principal, and curriculum director during the course of her 27 year tenure in education. She is currently the Director of Content at the Math Learning Center and strives to provide access to rich mathematics for all students through teacher education and curriculum development.

Patrick Vennebush is the Chief Learning Officer at the Math Learning Center, overseeing the areas of content development, professional learning development, educator support, and research.

Nicole Rigelman is a professor of mathematics education at Portland State University and the Education Program Officer at The Math Learning Center. Nicole is passionate about supporting instruction focused on deepening students’ mathematical thinking and is the co-author of Catalyzing Change in Early Childhood and Elementary Mathematics: Initiating Critical Conversations.

Nataki McClain is a Bridges curriculum consultant who has 23 years of K–5 teaching and math coaching experience. In both the public and private sectors of education, Nataki has worked to build safe, nurturing classroom environments where all voices are shared, heard and valued. In addition to serving as the diversity coordinator and advocate for marginalized students, she established the first after-school math and science enrichment program for girls at a local elementary school.

Annelly Rodas is a professional learning developer at The Math Learning Center, where she began as a curriculum consultant in 2019. Prior to joining MLC, Annelly was an educator in the New York City public school system. During her time with the New York City Department of Education, Annelly served as an elementary dual language educator and later as a math coach. She has experience supporting diverse learners, engaging multilingual learners in the math classroom, and developing learning experiences for math educators. Annelly is committed to helping schools establish equitable math practices. This commitment is rooted in her early experiences as a math coach.

Dr. Marrielle Myers (she/her) is a professor of mathematics education. Dr. Myers supports K-5 teachers' and leaders' work toward teaching mathematics for social justice and developing the political knowledge needed to dismantle systemic racism.

Sharon Pare was a classroom teacher in Newport, Vt for 36 years. She is now in her third year as a curriculum consultant with The Math Learning Center.

Jenina Rothstein works as an elementary curriculum specialist at Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose ISD #877. She has over 25 years of teaching experience.

Amy Hoff is a 1st/2nd grade multiage teacher at Discovery Elementary School in the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose ISD #877 school district. She has over 10 years teaching experience.

Karisma Morton is an Assistant Professor of Math Education at the University of North Texas. In her work with elementary educators, she emphasizes equitable math teaching practices.

Shelly Scheafer is the Senior Manager for K-2 Content Development at The Math Learning Center. Prior to this position, Shelly was a Bridges teacher, interventionist, and math coach.

Michelle Vilapriño González is a Curriculum Consultant for The Math Learning Center. Prior to joining MLC, Michelle was an educator in the New York City public school system. She taught in various classroom settings including dual language, monolingual, and ICT. These classroom experiences give Michelle a unique perspective on supporting diverse learners and ignite her passion for Bridges, and its impact on developing students’ math identities and their desire to be mathematical thinkers.

Corey Drake is the senior director for professional learning at The Math Learning Center. She began her career in education as a middle school special education teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. Corey is committed to supporting teachers in using curriculum materials to teach diverse groups of students in equitable ways.

Mike Wallus is the vice president for educator support at The Math Learning Center. He has 17 years of experience as a classroom teacher, and in 2012 he was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Previously, Mike was an elementary mathematics coordinator and curriculum director in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area.

Dr. Joswick has been a part of the math educational community for over 20 years with experience K-20. She is currently the Elementary Math Coordinator for Aurora Public Schools.

Jennifer Amato has been teaching for 10 years with a focus on math for the last six years. She is part of the Aurora Public Schools Math Leadership Team and has integrated community values into the Bridges curriculum to make it more relevant for her students and school team.

Julie Tylman is a highly experienced EdTech industry veteran, working at Pearson Education for over 20 years before moving to Derivita in late 2022.

Andrea Manston brings 27 years of experience in education, having served as a 5th grade teacher, math coach, and currently as the K-12 Math Coordinator for Fargo Public Schools. She has overseen and assisted with adoption and implemention of Bridges in Mathematics in two school districts, and has supported other districts as a workshop leader.

Alyssa Gilbertson brings 19 years of experience in education, having served as a first grade teacher, instructional coach, and currently as the Elementary Math Facilitator for Fargo Public Schools. Since Fargo's adoption in 2021, she has provided guidance for the implementation of Number Corner and Bridges.

Lori Bluemel lives in Missouri and has been an educator for 20+ years, mostly teaching Grades 5 and 3. Lori joined the Math Learning Center as a curriculum consultant in 2016.

Paula Muehler lives in Wisconsin, where she has been an educator for 32 years. During her career, Paula has been a classroom teacher for grades K-8, an Interventionist and district coach. Paula found the developmentally appropriate math curriculum she had been searching for seven years ago when her district adopted Bridges. She appreciates how Bridges students learn through an  inquiry based approach with hands-on manipulatives and visual models. Paula joined The Math Learning Center as a Curriculum Consultant in 2016.

Beth Chinderle is a joyful educator with experience serving as a classroom teacher and math curriculum specialist. She enjoys partnering with Bridges educators through her curriculum consultant role with MLC.

Dr. Julia Aguirre’s work at the University of Washington Tacoma focuses on mathematics teaching and learning, and culturally responsive mathematics instruction. She is committed to preparing a new generation of teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach rich and rigorous mathematics.

Dr. Maria del Rosario Zavala (she/ella) is a mathematics educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in culturally responsive mathematics teaching and the learning sciences.

Amber Candela is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Her research focuses on the professional development of mathematics teachers.

Melissa Boston is a professor of mathematics education at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is interested in supporting mathematics teachers at all grade-levels to use classroom observations tools to reflect on and enhance their practice.

Jilian Whaley is an accomplished Mathematics Specialist renowned for her leadership in transforming education. With over two decades of experience, Jilian has been instrumental in shaping mathematics curriculum, professional learning, and instructional frameworks. Her expertise lies in developing and implementing high-quality, equitable practices to elevate student achievement.

Katie Colon is a kindergarten Spanish Immersion teacher in Delaware. With a background in teaching multilingual learners, she focuses on implementing equitable mathematics and language instruction for diverse students.

Leigh is the Math Specialist at Milton Elementary School. She loves supporting her teachers with the implementation of Bridges and fostering an “everyone can do math” mindset with her students.

Pete is a 5th grade math teacher at Milton Elementary School in Milton, Delaware. He enthusiastically supports his students in forming positive math identities and connecting with the Bridges curriculum.

Erika Whitesides graduated from Meredith College in 2000 with a degree in Child Development with a Elementary Teacher Certification. She began teaching kindergarten in Wake County, NC before moving back home to teach in Gaston County, NC. In Gaston County, she taught 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade and then moved to a Title I Reading Teacher position after obtaining her Master’s in Literacy from Queens University in Charlotte, NC. She then spent seven years working with teachers and principals as a Curriculum and Academic Facilitator for English Language Arts. Now she has made a new home in Charleston, SC teaching kindergarten and second grade at Springfield Elementary. Erika has taught Bridges 2nd Edition as a kindergarten and second grade teacher and is now piloting Bridges 3rd Edition with her second graders.

Stephanie D’Alonzo, an Elementary Math Instructional Coach in her district, enhances student math performance by fostering teacher effectiveness through collaboration, co-teaching, modeling, and reflection. She also leads Professional Development. She was formerly a second grade teacher and K-2 Math Coordinator.

Kerri Urzillo, Math Instructional Coach for preK-grade 5, enhances teacher impact on student math learning through collaboration, PD, and reflection. Formerly a second grade teacher, her coaching draws from athletic motivation.

Erin Smith is an assistant professor of mathematics education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Erin is committed to supporting elementary teachers to implement equitable mathematics instruction and increasing access to rigorous mathematics instruction for multilingual learners.

Rosalyn Miller is a curriculum consultant with The Math Learning Center. Based in Ellensburg, Washington, she has 30+ years of experience in public education as a classroom teacher, K-12 teaching and learning coordinator, and workshop leader. Rosalyn has experience with mathematics curriculum and assessment design, as well as developing and delivering learning experiences for educators. She is committed to supporting mathematics educators in providing equitable learning experiences for all students.

Kim Morrow-Leong is an experienced mathematics education specialist and consultant with a demonstrated history of working productively with teachers in the area of mathematics education leadership. Skilled in lesson planning, educational technology, instructional design, leadership, and curriculum development, Kim holds a PhD and MEd in mathematics education leadership from George Mason University.

Erin T:  Erin Turner is an assistant at the University of Arizona. She began her career in education teaching a 4th/5th grade dual-language classroom in Phoenix, Arizona.Her work examines how mathematics instruction can draw upon children’s multiple mathematical funds of knowledge in ways that support mathematical understanding and a sense of agency. 

Dr. Julia Aguirre’s work at the University of Washington Tacoma focuses on mathematics teaching and learning, and culturally responsive mathematics instruction. She is committed to preparing a new generation of teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach rich and rigorous mathematics.

Dr. Maria del Rosario Zavala (she/ella) is a mathematics educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in culturally responsive mathematics teaching and the learning sciences.

Dr. Lateefah Id-Deen, Associate Professor at Kennesaw State University, investigates culturally responsive instructional practices that promote student-teacher relationships, affirm mathematics identities, and cultivate belonging in mathematics classrooms.

Tisha Jones, Senior Manager of Assessment at The Math Learning Center, previously taught math to elementary and middle school students and undergraduate and graduate math methods courses at Georgia State University.