Tutor Biographies
2021-2022 BTM TUtors:
Moira Ballard (Multimedia/Digital Arts)
Moira Ballard earned a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Digital Production Arts from Clemson University. She has worked at several video production studios in Washington, DC. Mrs. Ballard also worked as a contracting Graphics Designer and Video Editior in the Video Production Services of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. She has homeschooled her four children for the past 9 years. In addition to homeschooling, Mrs. Ballard works as a freelance photographer, graphics designer, and video editor. She resides in Upper Marlboro with her husband, Tim, of almost 17 years; along with their children.
Moira Ballard earned a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Digital Production Arts from Clemson University. She has worked at several video production studios in Washington, DC. Mrs. Ballard also worked as a contracting Graphics Designer and Video Editior in the Video Production Services of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. She has homeschooled her four children for the past 9 years. In addition to homeschooling, Mrs. Ballard works as a freelance photographer, graphics designer, and video editor. She resides in Upper Marlboro with her husband, Tim, of almost 17 years; along with their children.
Kelly Blake (American History)
Kelly is the proud mother of four children, two girls and two boys, and has been homeschooling for 17 years. She graduated her oldest in 2017 and her second in the midst of the 2020 pandemic last May. A native-born Marylander, she attended Hampton University and the University of Maryland at College Park where she received her degree in Early Childhood Education. Kelly taught Kindergarten in the Montgomery County Public School System for four years before embarking on her full time career as mom. She enjoys intentional family time spent experiencing new adventures or movie and game nights. She also enjoys themed party planning and decorating. Teaching little ones in Children’s Ministries has been a long standing calling for Kelly, and she has served twice as the Children’s Church Director of her church. While she has been most comfortable educating younger children, homeschooling has allowed her to broaden her range and teach various ages at homeschool co-ops. This year, she is excited about the opportunity to follow God’s lead to teach American History, to assist her brother in his passion for engaging teens in personal finance, and to continue working with the fun, gifted, and God-fearing ladies on the BTM Leadership Team for a fourth year. Alongside Martin, her wonderful husband of 25 years, Kelly helps with the operations of their eye care practice in Pasadena. They are enjoying watching God’s plans unfold for their daughters in college and graduate school and welcome their input in preparing their third high school senior for life beyond homeschool at a four year university. Kelly loves living and doing community life in Bowie.
Kelly is the proud mother of four children, two girls and two boys, and has been homeschooling for 17 years. She graduated her oldest in 2017 and her second in the midst of the 2020 pandemic last May. A native-born Marylander, she attended Hampton University and the University of Maryland at College Park where she received her degree in Early Childhood Education. Kelly taught Kindergarten in the Montgomery County Public School System for four years before embarking on her full time career as mom. She enjoys intentional family time spent experiencing new adventures or movie and game nights. She also enjoys themed party planning and decorating. Teaching little ones in Children’s Ministries has been a long standing calling for Kelly, and she has served twice as the Children’s Church Director of her church. While she has been most comfortable educating younger children, homeschooling has allowed her to broaden her range and teach various ages at homeschool co-ops. This year, she is excited about the opportunity to follow God’s lead to teach American History, to assist her brother in his passion for engaging teens in personal finance, and to continue working with the fun, gifted, and God-fearing ladies on the BTM Leadership Team for a fourth year. Alongside Martin, her wonderful husband of 25 years, Kelly helps with the operations of their eye care practice in Pasadena. They are enjoying watching God’s plans unfold for their daughters in college and graduate school and welcome their input in preparing their third high school senior for life beyond homeschool at a four year university. Kelly loves living and doing community life in Bowie.
Bryan Brooks (Personal Finance)
Bryan is a 27-year veteran in the communications/network industry. He currently works for the Network Platforms team in Intel’s Data Platforms. Inc. Over the past 20 years at Intel he has worked in the embedded, communications and Internet of Things (IOT) Groups. He has served in various roles including technical marketing engineer for network processors, market development manager for various worldwide original design manufacturers (ODMs), sales enablement manager for IOT where he led a team focused on training, tools, content / collateral creation and field communication. Most recently, he has worked as a marketing manager in the network platforms group focused on network transformation and the new wireless technologies of 5G infrastructure. Before joining Intel, Bryan worked at Motorola Incorporated where he worked in wireless technologies as a strategic planner and product marketing engineer after developing software for various satellite and cellular projects. Apart from his corporate roles, Bryan has been an active investor in the financial and real estate markets for the past 20+ years. He currently runs three businesses focused on real estate development and property management in and around Baltimore, Maryland and Phoenix, Arizona. He focuses on retirement planning, project management and the strategy associated with selecting, rehabilitating, and renting / reselling residential real estate where he has 10+ properties under management. Bryan earned his MBA from Arizona State University and holds a B.S.E.E. from University of Maryland, College Park. In his free time, Bryan enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, hiking, playing tennis and volunteering for the United Way Big Brothers program.
Bryan is a 27-year veteran in the communications/network industry. He currently works for the Network Platforms team in Intel’s Data Platforms. Inc. Over the past 20 years at Intel he has worked in the embedded, communications and Internet of Things (IOT) Groups. He has served in various roles including technical marketing engineer for network processors, market development manager for various worldwide original design manufacturers (ODMs), sales enablement manager for IOT where he led a team focused on training, tools, content / collateral creation and field communication. Most recently, he has worked as a marketing manager in the network platforms group focused on network transformation and the new wireless technologies of 5G infrastructure. Before joining Intel, Bryan worked at Motorola Incorporated where he worked in wireless technologies as a strategic planner and product marketing engineer after developing software for various satellite and cellular projects. Apart from his corporate roles, Bryan has been an active investor in the financial and real estate markets for the past 20+ years. He currently runs three businesses focused on real estate development and property management in and around Baltimore, Maryland and Phoenix, Arizona. He focuses on retirement planning, project management and the strategy associated with selecting, rehabilitating, and renting / reselling residential real estate where he has 10+ properties under management. Bryan earned his MBA from Arizona State University and holds a B.S.E.E. from University of Maryland, College Park. In his free time, Bryan enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, hiking, playing tennis and volunteering for the United Way Big Brothers program.
Trina Ferguson (English/Writing, American Government)
Trina has a B.S. degree in Psychology and has worked with children ages 2 – 17 since 1996 in schools, day care centers, church, homeschool co-ops, as well as through internships in Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education. She began homeschooling in 2009 and resides in Bowie with her wonderful husband, her three children, and their Yorkie. Trina loves working with children and having fun using games and hands on activities to teach about God through various subjects. She wrote and published a book, in 2016, about her homeschooling journey and how God used homeschool to change her life. Trina believes, every body has a story to tell and something to share. She is looking forward to combining this belief with her love of teaching to usher young people into a world of their own creation through education.
Trina has a B.S. degree in Psychology and has worked with children ages 2 – 17 since 1996 in schools, day care centers, church, homeschool co-ops, as well as through internships in Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education. She began homeschooling in 2009 and resides in Bowie with her wonderful husband, her three children, and their Yorkie. Trina loves working with children and having fun using games and hands on activities to teach about God through various subjects. She wrote and published a book, in 2016, about her homeschooling journey and how God used homeschool to change her life. Trina believes, every body has a story to tell and something to share. She is looking forward to combining this belief with her love of teaching to usher young people into a world of their own creation through education.
Lawrence Ferguson (Science)
Lawrence has a B.S. degree in Chemistry from Norfolk State University and has worked with youth as a Youth Ministry Leader for over 15 years, a youth mentor for 5 years and taught Middle School General Science and Math during the summer of 1996. He has also taught a science class at Norfolk State in 1998 and has substituted for science classes at a local Co-op. His family began homeschooling their children in 2009 and Lawrence resides in Bowie, Maryland, with his amazing wife and their three children. Lawrence learned at an early age that “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” - MX
Lawrence has a B.S. degree in Chemistry from Norfolk State University and has worked with youth as a Youth Ministry Leader for over 15 years, a youth mentor for 5 years and taught Middle School General Science and Math during the summer of 1996. He has also taught a science class at Norfolk State in 1998 and has substituted for science classes at a local Co-op. His family began homeschooling their children in 2009 and Lawrence resides in Bowie, Maryland, with his amazing wife and their three children. Lawrence learned at an early age that “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” - MX
Anna Fogg (Art, Art History, Yoga)
Folk Artist, 500 eRYT Yoga Instructor and Essential Oil Specialist, Anna believes that by creating and crafting the life you choose to live, one gives true honor to the original artist and Creator of all. A 25 year homeschooling veteran, Anna (and husband, Reon) graduated 7 of her own children from homeschooling, aged 32-18, finishing in 2019. The youngest three Fogg kids are presently in University. Anna now spends days teaching her own Bohemian Yoga in big gyms, small studios and in private lessons. Her Bohemian Yoga Retreat business takes people to paradise for adventure. She teaches Art and Art History for the University of The Virgin Islands for foreign students. She’s also a quilt designer and does commission work for painting murals and large canvases in private homes and hotels. You might also find Anna with dirty hands in her cottage gardens, reading an epic historical fiction favorite tome or making playdough with her 2 grandbabies.
Folk Artist, 500 eRYT Yoga Instructor and Essential Oil Specialist, Anna believes that by creating and crafting the life you choose to live, one gives true honor to the original artist and Creator of all. A 25 year homeschooling veteran, Anna (and husband, Reon) graduated 7 of her own children from homeschooling, aged 32-18, finishing in 2019. The youngest three Fogg kids are presently in University. Anna now spends days teaching her own Bohemian Yoga in big gyms, small studios and in private lessons. Her Bohemian Yoga Retreat business takes people to paradise for adventure. She teaches Art and Art History for the University of The Virgin Islands for foreign students. She’s also a quilt designer and does commission work for painting murals and large canvases in private homes and hotels. You might also find Anna with dirty hands in her cottage gardens, reading an epic historical fiction favorite tome or making playdough with her 2 grandbabies.
Lynn Jerdal (English Literature)
For the past decade, Lynn’s primary focus has been homeschooling and educating her five children, one daughter and four sons ages, 9-19. Prior to that, her professions included paralegal work, working for the Jesus Film, dance instruction and gaining editorial and writing experience working with various magazines, print media and blogs. Occasionally, she contributes to local publications. She received a B.A. in English from Westmont College, a small Christian college in Santa Barbara, California, where she met her husband, Andy, and acquired her profound passion for literature, especially Irish and Russian literature, minority voices and, her guilty pleasure, crime novels. Lynn has lived in the Annapolis area for over thirty years, but grew up in Boise, Idaho, and holds fast to her deep love for the mountains and the outdoors. Through it all, Jesus has been apex of her life.
For the past decade, Lynn’s primary focus has been homeschooling and educating her five children, one daughter and four sons ages, 9-19. Prior to that, her professions included paralegal work, working for the Jesus Film, dance instruction and gaining editorial and writing experience working with various magazines, print media and blogs. Occasionally, she contributes to local publications. She received a B.A. in English from Westmont College, a small Christian college in Santa Barbara, California, where she met her husband, Andy, and acquired her profound passion for literature, especially Irish and Russian literature, minority voices and, her guilty pleasure, crime novels. Lynn has lived in the Annapolis area for over thirty years, but grew up in Boise, Idaho, and holds fast to her deep love for the mountains and the outdoors. Through it all, Jesus has been apex of her life.
Jualecia Malone (Health, Science)
Jualecia is a native of Savannah, Georgia who attended DODDS (Department of Defense Dependent
Schools) in Germany for 1 st through 12 th grades. She is a graduate of Howard University’s Physician
Assistant (PA) program and former adjunct faculty member of Howard’s PA program. She and her
husband have been married for 19 years and have homeschooled their four children for the past 11
years. Jualecia has served in youth ministry at her church for over 15 years and is looking forward to
becoming part of the tutor team at Bridge Tutorial.
Jualecia is a native of Savannah, Georgia who attended DODDS (Department of Defense Dependent
Schools) in Germany for 1 st through 12 th grades. She is a graduate of Howard University’s Physician
Assistant (PA) program and former adjunct faculty member of Howard’s PA program. She and her
husband have been married for 19 years and have homeschooled their four children for the past 11
years. Jualecia has served in youth ministry at her church for over 15 years and is looking forward to
becoming part of the tutor team at Bridge Tutorial.
Ana Miller (American Sign Language I & II)
In 1st grade Ana Miller began leaning American Sign Language (ASL). After learning the alphabet she and a friend used it like a secret code to talk during class. She never forgot the “secret code” and once she was in college she formally took ASL. Ana graduated with a degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado. Through high school and college she was an assistant teacher and then teacher in the sciences. She loves to make learning fun and seeing students’ faces light up as they begin to understand new concepts.
In 1st grade Ana Miller began leaning American Sign Language (ASL). After learning the alphabet she and a friend used it like a secret code to talk during class. She never forgot the “secret code” and once she was in college she formally took ASL. Ana graduated with a degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado. Through high school and college she was an assistant teacher and then teacher in the sciences. She loves to make learning fun and seeing students’ faces light up as they begin to understand new concepts.
Cathy Kolb (Geometry)
I have a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Mathematics Education from Towson University. I taught in the PGCPS system for 8 years and prior to becoming a teacher, I worked as a CPA for 16 years. My husband, Bill, and I have 5 children. We also have 4 wonderful grandchildren with another coming in May. This will be my third year at Bridge Tutorial Ministries and I love it here. I love teaching and I especially love math. When not teaching, I like to spend my time with family and friends, especially my children and grandchildren. A few of the things I enjoy are reading, puzzles and playing games.
I have a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Mathematics Education from Towson University. I taught in the PGCPS system for 8 years and prior to becoming a teacher, I worked as a CPA for 16 years. My husband, Bill, and I have 5 children. We also have 4 wonderful grandchildren with another coming in May. This will be my third year at Bridge Tutorial Ministries and I love it here. I love teaching and I especially love math. When not teaching, I like to spend my time with family and friends, especially my children and grandchildren. A few of the things I enjoy are reading, puzzles and playing games.
Beth Quinlan Pritchett (Civics, Running)
Beth love’s learning and enjoying new experiences and that is why she is so excited to be joining the Bridge team this year. She grew up in Canada and studied both in Canada and England. Beth has two Bachelor degrees in Politics and Economics and Counseling and Education, as well as Graduate certificates in both Computer Science and Teaching. She has worked with both secular and biblical counseling of young children and women. She has taught special needs programs from high risk youth to young offenders, as well as teaching English as a Second Language, young adults and higher education around the world. She is fascinated by different cultures and different systems of government and looks forward to teaching Civics this year at Bridge. She assisted her husband as a youth pastor, coached homeschool running and PE for 5 years and tutored at Classical Conversations, while also teaching the Essentials of the English Language for 9 years. Fitness and nutrition are passions of Beth’s. She is a Marathon runner and loves getting families moving and being healthy together. God has blessed her with the greatest adventure of all with homeschooling her two children for the last 13 years.
Beth love’s learning and enjoying new experiences and that is why she is so excited to be joining the Bridge team this year. She grew up in Canada and studied both in Canada and England. Beth has two Bachelor degrees in Politics and Economics and Counseling and Education, as well as Graduate certificates in both Computer Science and Teaching. She has worked with both secular and biblical counseling of young children and women. She has taught special needs programs from high risk youth to young offenders, as well as teaching English as a Second Language, young adults and higher education around the world. She is fascinated by different cultures and different systems of government and looks forward to teaching Civics this year at Bridge. She assisted her husband as a youth pastor, coached homeschool running and PE for 5 years and tutored at Classical Conversations, while also teaching the Essentials of the English Language for 9 years. Fitness and nutrition are passions of Beth’s. She is a Marathon runner and loves getting families moving and being healthy together. God has blessed her with the greatest adventure of all with homeschooling her two children for the last 13 years.
Christina Rafter (Science)
Christina Rafter loves to learn, and that is something she strives to pass on to every student. Christina was home educated and is currently homeschooling her four inquisitive children. She developed an enthusiasm for tutoring in college and went on to work two years in Anne Arundel County public schools in special education, mathematics and the sciences. After her oldest daughter was born she left the school system to raise her children and later began working again as a private math tutor. In 2014 Christina was introduced to Bridge Tutorial Ministries and was excited for the opportunity to teach some of her favorite sciences in the classroom again, while still being able to pursue her passion for home education. Christina lives on Kent Island and when she’s not dreaming up new ways to teach cellular respiration or cracking science puns she enjoys reading books with maps, cooking without recipes, and long walks with her family--the more scenic the better.
Christina Rafter loves to learn, and that is something she strives to pass on to every student. Christina was home educated and is currently homeschooling her four inquisitive children. She developed an enthusiasm for tutoring in college and went on to work two years in Anne Arundel County public schools in special education, mathematics and the sciences. After her oldest daughter was born she left the school system to raise her children and later began working again as a private math tutor. In 2014 Christina was introduced to Bridge Tutorial Ministries and was excited for the opportunity to teach some of her favorite sciences in the classroom again, while still being able to pursue her passion for home education. Christina lives on Kent Island and when she’s not dreaming up new ways to teach cellular respiration or cracking science puns she enjoys reading books with maps, cooking without recipes, and long walks with her family--the more scenic the better.
Shekeyla Smith (English Literature)
Shekeyla Smith originally hails from Wayne County, North Carolina and currently resides in Clinton, Maryland with her husband of 17 years and her two home educating children. Shekeyla holds degrees in both English and Business and Professional Communications as well as a certification in Technical Writing. She has taught students ranging in ages 0 to adult with the bulk of her time spent educating high school students. Shekeyla truly enjoys riveting conversations and fresh points of view, thus, her classes thrive on discussion and student input. When she’s not advocating for or teaching youth, Shekeyla enjoys volunteering for various organizations, baking, getting outdoors, reading and most of all spending time with her family. Shekeyla is excited to step back into the teaching arena and especially excited to be doing so with an organization as prestigious as Bridge Tutorial Ministries.
Shekeyla Smith originally hails from Wayne County, North Carolina and currently resides in Clinton, Maryland with her husband of 17 years and her two home educating children. Shekeyla holds degrees in both English and Business and Professional Communications as well as a certification in Technical Writing. She has taught students ranging in ages 0 to adult with the bulk of her time spent educating high school students. Shekeyla truly enjoys riveting conversations and fresh points of view, thus, her classes thrive on discussion and student input. When she’s not advocating for or teaching youth, Shekeyla enjoys volunteering for various organizations, baking, getting outdoors, reading and most of all spending time with her family. Shekeyla is excited to step back into the teaching arena and especially excited to be doing so with an organization as prestigious as Bridge Tutorial Ministries.
