Tutor Biographies
Michele Herring (English)
Michele has been enjoying her homeschool journey with her husband and four kids and dove right into learning alongside them. Homeschooling for 12 years, she has learned that she loves teaching and sharing her joy of various subjects. She has tutored for 6 years with Classical Conversations and looks forward to tutoring now at Bridge Tutorial Ministries. Even though she received her degree in accounting at the University of Maryland, some of her favorite classes were art history, tennis and Shakespeare. She looks forward to teaching the Advanced Literature and Composition class this upcoming school year.
Kym Kent (Algebra I and Pre-Algebra)
"Master the fundamentals and everything else will follow." "The Formula is your friend!"
These are just two of several "math mottos" for Kym Kent, who teaches Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 at BTM. Homeschooling for over fourteen years, and having graduated two of her six children, Kym has been involved in classical Christian homeschool tutorial settings for over eleven years, taught elementary and middle/high school math in homeschool tutorials for over six years, and in 2017 launched Bridge Elementary Tutorial, where she serves as Director and also teaches math. While her degree is in Economics with a minor in Sociology, her passion lies in training, motivating, and challenging young minds for the Kingdom of God. She lives in Bowie with her husband and six children.
"Master the fundamentals and everything else will follow." "The Formula is your friend!"
These are just two of several "math mottos" for Kym Kent, who teaches Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 at BTM. Homeschooling for over fourteen years, and having graduated two of her six children, Kym has been involved in classical Christian homeschool tutorial settings for over eleven years, taught elementary and middle/high school math in homeschool tutorials for over six years, and in 2017 launched Bridge Elementary Tutorial, where she serves as Director and also teaches math. While her degree is in Economics with a minor in Sociology, her passion lies in training, motivating, and challenging young minds for the Kingdom of God. She lives in Bowie with her husband and six children.
Chadren Aten (Advanced Math and Algrebra II)
Mrs. Aten is a married mother of three and is excited to be returning to Bridge Tutorial Ministries. She grew up in Illinois where she received a BS of Mathematics and Secondary Education from Bradley University. She taught high school Mathematics in public schools for 4 years. Since leaving the public schools, Mrs. Aten has tutored students in her home. She has experience teaching Basic Mathematics, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, and AP Statistics. This year, she is looking forward to teaching Algebra II and Advanced Mathematics.
Mrs. Aten is a married mother of three and is excited to be returning to Bridge Tutorial Ministries. She grew up in Illinois where she received a BS of Mathematics and Secondary Education from Bradley University. She taught high school Mathematics in public schools for 4 years. Since leaving the public schools, Mrs. Aten has tutored students in her home. She has experience teaching Basic Mathematics, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, and AP Statistics. This year, she is looking forward to teaching Algebra II and Advanced Mathematics.
Christina Rafter (Science)
“Inquiring minds want to know” was a phrase that Christina Rafter picked up from one of her favorite college professors and it has been a slogan for her ever since. To Mrs. Rafter, it’s come to represent learning simply for the joy of learning,which is something she strives to pass on to every student. Mrs. Rafter was homeschooled and is currently homeschooling two of her three children. She tutored throughout college and went on to work two years in Anne Arundel County public schools. After her oldest daughter was born she left the school system to raise her children and later began working again as a private tutor. Mrs. Rafter is very excited about her first year with Bridge Tutorial Ministries, and is looking forward to introducing her students to all the wonders of God’s creation.
“Inquiring minds want to know” was a phrase that Christina Rafter picked up from one of her favorite college professors and it has been a slogan for her ever since. To Mrs. Rafter, it’s come to represent learning simply for the joy of learning,which is something she strives to pass on to every student. Mrs. Rafter was homeschooled and is currently homeschooling two of her three children. She tutored throughout college and went on to work two years in Anne Arundel County public schools. After her oldest daughter was born she left the school system to raise her children and later began working again as a private tutor. Mrs. Rafter is very excited about her first year with Bridge Tutorial Ministries, and is looking forward to introducing her students to all the wonders of God’s creation.
JanElle Seegars (History)
JanElle Seegars is a teacher at heart and loves to help children of all ages discover the "joy of learning." She has 3 years of teaching experience in a private, christian setting and 7 years of homeschool experience. JanElle is a graduate of The University of South Carolina with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. JanElle and her husband, Derrick, have two amazing children and reside in Upper Marlboro.
Martin Orcurto (Home Tech. and Computer Tech.)
Martin Orcurto has a passion for teaching and loves assisting in the growth of his students and their education. He is a graduate of Washington Bible College and Capital Bible Seminary. Over the years, he has taught youth and adults in a pastoral role, wrote and led discipleship seminars, taught college classes, and substituted in elementary and secondary schools. Martin served for 14 years as the Senior Director of Operations for a division of L-3 Communications where part of his responsibility was to provide the IT infrastructure. As a part of this responsibility, he oversaw the research and procurement of IT software and hardware solutions for the division. He is currently the Director of Operations for Good News Jail and Prison Ministry.
Martin Orcurto has a passion for teaching and loves assisting in the growth of his students and their education. He is a graduate of Washington Bible College and Capital Bible Seminary. Over the years, he has taught youth and adults in a pastoral role, wrote and led discipleship seminars, taught college classes, and substituted in elementary and secondary schools. Martin served for 14 years as the Senior Director of Operations for a division of L-3 Communications where part of his responsibility was to provide the IT infrastructure. As a part of this responsibility, he oversaw the research and procurement of IT software and hardware solutions for the division. He is currently the Director of Operations for Good News Jail and Prison Ministry.
Yadira Segura (Spanish)
Mrs. Yadira Segura has been homeschooling her five children for 10 years. She was born and raised in Guatemala, Central America, where she graduated in Business Administration and continued her studies at Benedict College Columbia SC. Teaching is her second passion especially Spanish/English as a second language. Returning to us for a third year, she is excited to share with the students a passion to learn, explore the culture, and enjoy the beauty and benefits of knowing the Spanish language. She reminds her student that’s never too early nor late to learn a new language, it can open many doors of opportunities in the future.
Mrs. Yadira Segura has been homeschooling her five children for 10 years. She was born and raised in Guatemala, Central America, where she graduated in Business Administration and continued her studies at Benedict College Columbia SC. Teaching is her second passion especially Spanish/English as a second language. Returning to us for a third year, she is excited to share with the students a passion to learn, explore the culture, and enjoy the beauty and benefits of knowing the Spanish language. She reminds her student that’s never too early nor late to learn a new language, it can open many doors of opportunities in the future.
Linda Towles (Piano)
Linda Towles has a passion for teaching and loves music as well. She majored in Elementary Education and minored in both music and missions. She has used her education major to teach in two different Christian schools, but mainly to homeschool her own six children and to start Bridge Tutorial Ministries when she had high schoolers. She has used her music minor to teach piano for over 30 years. She loves being involved in the lives of her children and now 5 grandkids, cooking for as many people as possible, doing home projects, keeping a beat with any percussion instrument, and Sunday mornings are her favorite time of the week.
Linda Towles has a passion for teaching and loves music as well. She majored in Elementary Education and minored in both music and missions. She has used her education major to teach in two different Christian schools, but mainly to homeschool her own six children and to start Bridge Tutorial Ministries when she had high schoolers. She has used her music minor to teach piano for over 30 years. She loves being involved in the lives of her children and now 5 grandkids, cooking for as many people as possible, doing home projects, keeping a beat with any percussion instrument, and Sunday mornings are her favorite time of the week.
Lisa Cash (French)
Lisa Cash, mother to two high school boys, began her journey as a homeschooling mom in 2006. She tutored Classical Conversations for 7 years at both the Foundations and Essentials levels, and has been tutoring French at Bridge since 2017. Mme Cash studied French at the Washington International School for 9 years with native French speaking teachers. Mme Cash has traveled numerous times to France and other French speaking countries and is excited to share her love for the language with the students at Bridge.
Lisa Cash, mother to two high school boys, began her journey as a homeschooling mom in 2006. She tutored Classical Conversations for 7 years at both the Foundations and Essentials levels, and has been tutoring French at Bridge since 2017. Mme Cash studied French at the Washington International School for 9 years with native French speaking teachers. Mme Cash has traveled numerous times to France and other French speaking countries and is excited to share her love for the language with the students at Bridge.
Nicole Kennedy Green (Middle School English)
Nicole is a former Pre-school and Kindergarten teacher and has homeschooled her own three children for eleven years. A self-proclaimed extreme extrovert, Nicole enjoys homeschooling in environments where she and her children have ample opportunity to share educational and social experiences with other families. In addition to homeschooling her children, Nicole also finds pleasure in being actively involved in her church, cooking for her family and friends, reading, public speaking and date nights with Damon, her husband of 21 years. The Green family lives in Bowie, Maryland with their very temperamental, but greatly loved pet rabbit, Thumper.
Nicole is a former Pre-school and Kindergarten teacher and has homeschooled her own three children for eleven years. A self-proclaimed extreme extrovert, Nicole enjoys homeschooling in environments where she and her children have ample opportunity to share educational and social experiences with other families. In addition to homeschooling her children, Nicole also finds pleasure in being actively involved in her church, cooking for her family and friends, reading, public speaking and date nights with Damon, her husband of 21 years. The Green family lives in Bowie, Maryland with their very temperamental, but greatly loved pet rabbit, Thumper.
Cherisse Bracey (Middle School Math)
Cherisse grew up in New York City where she studied engineering and worked as a senior medical examiner for 14 years with Blue Cross Blue Shield. After marrying her husband Michael 24 years ago, she moved to Maryland. They have a very creative teenage son, Graig, whom they have homeschooled for the past 15 years. Cherisse has had the opportunity to tutor and teach mathematics at various levels, ranging from first grade through Calculus 2, and looks forward to sharing her appreciation for the subject with others. In addition to enjoying a student’s “Eureka” moment, she also loves books, enjoys working jigsaw puzzles, tinkering, and learning new things.
Cherisse grew up in New York City where she studied engineering and worked as a senior medical examiner for 14 years with Blue Cross Blue Shield. After marrying her husband Michael 24 years ago, she moved to Maryland. They have a very creative teenage son, Graig, whom they have homeschooled for the past 15 years. Cherisse has had the opportunity to tutor and teach mathematics at various levels, ranging from first grade through Calculus 2, and looks forward to sharing her appreciation for the subject with others. In addition to enjoying a student’s “Eureka” moment, she also loves books, enjoys working jigsaw puzzles, tinkering, and learning new things.
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.
Jenny Simonson (Middle School Social Studies)
Jenny and her husband have homeschooled their two girls for the past 7 years. She grew up in Wisconsin where she completed her Masters degree in Early Childhood Education at UW Stout. After moving to Maryland, she taught for DCPS and AACPS for 14 years in a variety of positions including classroom teacher, interventionist, ELL teacher and science lab teacher. She completed her Masters Degree in Reading and School Administration from Johns Hopkins. She enjoys traveling to new places, reading and relaxing at the beach. Jenny is looking forward to her first year of teaching at Bridge.
Jenny and her husband have homeschooled their two girls for the past 7 years. She grew up in Wisconsin where she completed her Masters degree in Early Childhood Education at UW Stout. After moving to Maryland, she taught for DCPS and AACPS for 14 years in a variety of positions including classroom teacher, interventionist, ELL teacher and science lab teacher. She completed her Masters Degree in Reading and School Administration from Johns Hopkins. She enjoys traveling to new places, reading and relaxing at the beach. Jenny is looking forward to her first year of teaching at Bridge.
Kelly Blake (Etiquette and Life Skills)
Kelly is the proud mother of four children and has been homeschooling for 12 years, graduating her oldest in 2017. 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 most loved role as mom. Kelly is excited about the opportunity to follow God’s leading to engage teens in an area she has always enjoyed learning tidbits about herself. She enjoys intentional family time spent experiencing new adventures.
Kelly is the proud mother of four children and has been homeschooling for 12 years, graduating her oldest in 2017. 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 most loved role as mom. Kelly is excited about the opportunity to follow God’s leading to engage teens in an area she has always enjoyed learning tidbits about herself. She enjoys intentional family time spent experiencing new adventures.
Cherie Roberts (Science)
Cherie has been a professional educator for over 25 years. She currently lives in Millersville, MD with her husband, Jim, and her three daughters, Elise, Emily, and Ennette. Her experience as an educator includes teaching middle and high school science for Frederick County Public Schools, public programming at the Maryland Science Center, adult education for an inspection and engineering company, and 10 years of homeschooling her girls. Cherie's goal for every class is always to build upon kids’ natural curiosity, to enhance appreciation for God’s incredible creation, and to inspire a love of learning.
Cherie has been a professional educator for over 25 years. She currently lives in Millersville, MD with her husband, Jim, and her three daughters, Elise, Emily, and Ennette. Her experience as an educator includes teaching middle and high school science for Frederick County Public Schools, public programming at the Maryland Science Center, adult education for an inspection and engineering company, and 10 years of homeschooling her girls. Cherie's goal for every class is always to build upon kids’ natural curiosity, to enhance appreciation for God’s incredible creation, and to inspire a love of learning.
Dawn Bernhardt (American Literature)
I love to coach kids in their writing and hopefully help them find a love for writing! For the past five years, I have been teaching middle school and high school writing and grammar at homeschool tutorials. I currently homeschool two of my high school children and have successfully graduated my oldest two children. In addition, I have been teaching K-12th grade through the public school system as a Home and Hospital teaching for the past 21 years. After receiving my B.A. in Psychology/Human Development from St. Mary’s College of MD, I continued my studies in Education at the College of Notre Dame. Before homeschooling, I taught in the classroom with AACPS and the Head Start program. I am passionate about Jesus Christ, missions, and my family! I love spending time with my family, playing games, worshipping, and reading.
I love to coach kids in their writing and hopefully help them find a love for writing! For the past five years, I have been teaching middle school and high school writing and grammar at homeschool tutorials. I currently homeschool two of my high school children and have successfully graduated my oldest two children. In addition, I have been teaching K-12th grade through the public school system as a Home and Hospital teaching for the past 21 years. After receiving my B.A. in Psychology/Human Development from St. Mary’s College of MD, I continued my studies in Education at the College of Notre Dame. Before homeschooling, I taught in the classroom with AACPS and the Head Start program. I am passionate about Jesus Christ, missions, and my family! I love spending time with my family, playing games, worshipping, and reading.
Alicia Brown
I am a ministry wife, mother of five adult children, and a former homeschool mom who is passionate about learning. For the past fourteen years, I have taught literature, grammar and composition, and rhetoric to students at a classical Christian school. I have also served as a TRiO Upward Bound instructor at Prince George’s Community College. My passion for equipping students academically has also allowed me to have customized classes and tutoring sessions for middle school and high school students in the areas of English, Latin, and mathematics. In addition to teaching core content classes, I enjoy preparing students for the SAT, ACT, and the college admissions process. Viewing teaching as a ministry, I desire to see students embrace a biblical worldview as they are equipped for the Lord’s calling upon their lives.
I am a ministry wife, mother of five adult children, and a former homeschool mom who is passionate about learning. For the past fourteen years, I have taught literature, grammar and composition, and rhetoric to students at a classical Christian school. I have also served as a TRiO Upward Bound instructor at Prince George’s Community College. My passion for equipping students academically has also allowed me to have customized classes and tutoring sessions for middle school and high school students in the areas of English, Latin, and mathematics. In addition to teaching core content classes, I enjoy preparing students for the SAT, ACT, and the college admissions process. Viewing teaching as a ministry, I desire to see students embrace a biblical worldview as they are equipped for the Lord’s calling upon their lives.
Alyce Olson (Digital Photography)
Alyce has always enjoyed teaching children. She has 7 years of teaching experience in a private, Christian setting and 1 year of homeschool experience. She has been teaching photography for 4 years, and has been an active photographer for more than 15 years. Alyce is a graduate of Washington Bible College with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Alyce and her husband have 3 beautiful daughters and they have lived in the Bowie area for more than 15 years.
Alyce has always enjoyed teaching children. She has 7 years of teaching experience in a private, Christian setting and 1 year of homeschool experience. She has been teaching photography for 4 years, and has been an active photographer for more than 15 years. Alyce is a graduate of Washington Bible College with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Alyce and her husband have 3 beautiful daughters and they have lived in the Bowie area for more than 15 years.
Monica Wilson (Spanish)
Monica loves to learn and to teach students to love learning. She has a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix (2011), and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish, with an emphasis in Education, from Goucher College (1993). She is presently an educational consultant, tutor, and homeschool educator. Her experience includes former Spanish teacher and Christian education coordinator for children and youth programs. Mrs. Wilson is an experienced educator of audiences Pre-K through adult. Her specialties include: language acquisition, Spanish instruction, curriculum writing, standards-based education, classroom management, home school education, learning styles, technology as a tool for instruction, and team-building. In her free time, Mrs. Wilson enjoys family time, board games, painting, swimming, and exercising.
Monica loves to learn and to teach students to love learning. She has a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix (2011), and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish, with an emphasis in Education, from Goucher College (1993). She is presently an educational consultant, tutor, and homeschool educator. Her experience includes former Spanish teacher and Christian education coordinator for children and youth programs. Mrs. Wilson is an experienced educator of audiences Pre-K through adult. Her specialties include: language acquisition, Spanish instruction, curriculum writing, standards-based education, classroom management, home school education, learning styles, technology as a tool for instruction, and team-building. In her free time, Mrs. Wilson enjoys family time, board games, painting, swimming, and exercising.
