Catarsha Atkins
Financial Grants and Contracts Compliance Officer
With BRIDGES since: 2002
What brought you to BRIDGES?Fate! Situations occurred and I ended up having to carefor my 3 little cousins plus my four children which caused me to needpublic assistance. I ended up having to go to The Work Place, which was asubsidiary of BRIDGES in which they help unemployed people find jobs.While I was attending, I built relationships with staff who started torecognize my talents, education and strengths and decided to refer me tothe current Accounting Controller at BRIDGES at that time. August 19th,2002 was my first day of healing from what the "corporate world" hadput me through.
The best part of my job is:Knowing you have a second family that cares as much asyour personal family.
One word to describe me is:Humbled
Peggy Blakney
Work Bridge Employment Retention Counselor
With BRIDGES since: 2007
What
brought you to BRIDGES?
I was looking for a Company where I could make a difference in the lives of others.
The
best part of my job is:
Talking with the participants and assisting them in making decisions that will positively change their lives and help them gain self-sufficiency.
One
word to describe me is:
Persistent
Jicara Boone
Development Officer
With BRIDGES since: 2008
What brought you to BRIDGES? I've been a member of the BRIDGES Family since 1997 when I became a participant in the Bridge Builders program. Since my graduation from the program in 1999, BRIDGES and the work that all of it's programs does has held a special place in my heart. I've come to BRIDGES to be an advocate for the great work that this staff does and to help spread its mission in the Memphis Community.
The best part of my job is: Introducing BRIDGES to a new crop of Memphians who might not have been brought through our doors in any other way.
One word to describe me is: Enthusiastic
Jim Boyd
President/CEO
With BRIDGES since: 1995
What brought you to BRIDGES? The opportunity to work on critical issues in the life of a city I love.
The best part of my job is: I get to work with extraordinary staff and members of the board to shape a vision and plan of action to support youth and young adults in building a great community.
One word to describe me is: Hopeful
Randy Brown
Director of Building Operations
With BRIDGES since: 1978
What brought you to BRIDGES? I came as a part-time summer hire 31 years ago.
The best part of my job is: Seeing growth in people.
One word that describes me is: Dependable
Allison Brownlow
Development Associate
With BRIDGES since: 2005
What brought you to BRIDGES? Ever since graduating from Bridge Builders in 1999 it had been a dream of mine to fundraise for BRIDGES and give back to the organization that has given me so much!
The best part of my job is: No matter how tough my day may be I can walk out of the office knowing two things for sure: that I so incredibly blessed to work with the amazing BRIDGES staff and that the work that I do is making a difference in the life of a participant. Who could ask for more?
One word to describe is me: Passionate
Lee Bryant
Future Builders and O2E Intern
Mollie Merry Campbell
Director, Future Builders & O2E
With BRIDGES since: 2007
What brought you to BRIDGES? I was drawn to BRIDGES because they work on read world justice issues in the most innovative, engaging, and meaningful ways
The best part of my job is: Working with people who are just as passionate as I am, and standing together to improves the lives of Memphians.
One word to describe me is: Passionate
Peggy Carroll
Human Resources Director
With BRIDGES since: 2002
What brought you to BRIDGES? I believe strongly in the vital work being done by BRIDGES, and I wanted to be a contributor to this work from within the BRIDGES organization.
The best part of my job is: Working with the dedicated staff and participating through them and with them in making a difference in Memphis.
One word to describe me is: Creative
Kristin Casto
Employment Counselor
kcasto@bridgesusa.org
Keisha Caver
Retention Specialist
kcaver@bridgesusa.org
Marci Charles
Director of BRIDGES Experiential Learning Center/Challenge Course Manager
With BRIDGES since: 2006
What brought you to BRIDGES? I went to school for Adventure Experiential Education and knew I wanted to lead an adventure program, manage a challenge course and provide teambuilding. I also knew I wanted to work for a organization that was truly helping the community. I truly desired for this organization to be located in a urban setting, however a facility like this did not exist at the time when I graduated from Baylor University. Challenge Courses are usually set out in the rural areas. In 2004, everything changed and BRIDGES built this facility, answering my call to live out my dream. I heard about the facility and I knew I wanted to work for BRIDGES, at all costs. I pursued the position and in 2006 I came aboard. I know I am doing exactly what I desire to do in my life and this is exactly what I was designed to do.
The best part of my job is: I love helping people and taking journeys with them. I love nothing more than walking with them down a path that leads to self-discovery, arms them with the skills needed to work better within a group setting and encourages them to rely on others. I love seeing someone identify their greatest fear, climb towards that fear, summit that fear and finally conquer that fear. They may never go 40 feet in the air again, but they can say, "I did it!" and as a result they realize the content of their character and how to apply that to their everyday lives.
One word to describe me is: Adventurous
Chaka Conway
Employment Counselor Supervisor
With BRIDGE since: 2009
What brought you to BRIDGES? Several factors contributed to my decision to come to BRIDGES; although the main factor was that BRIDGES has a great reputation in the community , making a difference in the lives of youth and adults.
The best part of my job is: The best part of my job is actually seeing a participant reach milestones toward self sufficiency.
One word to describe me is: Genuine
Sherry Crane
Director of Administration/Assistant to the President
With BRIDGES since: 2002
What brought you to BRIDGES? Looking for employment - a referral from my friend Catarsha.
The best part of my job is: Supporting those who bring about a positive change in the community.
One word to describe me is: Positive
Judy Creek
Work Bridge Lead Job Developer
With BRIDGES since: 2006
What brought you to BRIDGES? I worked with the TN Commission of Indian Affairs for 10 years (6 yrs as Field Representative and 3 yrs as the West TN Indian Commissioner). I brought a young, single mother (Native American) to Bridges to start the program and was immediately interested in the program. I ended up speaking with Rita Hayes that day about the program and stayed in touch with her. I started at Bridges as a volunteer then came on board to work with Jean Miller and the Hope VI program (Practice Makes Perfect). I loved it and have been here ever since that time. I always tell people "I love my job and my job loves me" -- I get as much or more from working with the participants as they may get from working with me.
The best part of my job is: It gives me an opportunity to give back through the experiences and wisdom I have learned over the years
One word to describe me is: Positive
Carol Cross, RN
CNA Coordinator
Gail Currie
Work Bridge Employment Counselor
With BRIDGES since: 2007
What brought you to BRIDGES? Seeking new interest.
What's the best part of your job? Interaction with participants in program.
One word to describe me is: Gracious
Alicia Davis
Bridge Builders Program Specialist
With BRIDGES since: 2007
What brought you to BRIDGES? I came to BRIDGES in order to further impact and affect the community by positively influencing the minds and lives of young people.
The best part of my job is: The ability to be yourself in the workplace, the relationships that are formed among coworkers , and the overall vision this organization has.
One word to describe me is: Incomparable
Jenice Davis
Bridge Builders Recruitment & Facilitation Specialist
With BRIDGES since: 2007
What brought you to BRIDGES? The energy of BRIDGES staff and the mission lying within the work is what brought me to the organization.
The best part of my job is: Being able to wear so many different hats at one time-- great experience.
One word to describe me is: Passionate
Sherry Davis
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
With BRIDGES since: 2007
What brought you to BRIDGES? Originally layoff and referral by DHS, but work experience landed me a job.
The best part of my job is: Meeting and working with a diverse group of dedicated individuals to achieve a common goal.
One word to describe me is: Kind
Stephanie Dennis
Assistant Program Coordinator for O2E and FUBU
With BRIDGES since: 2003
What brought you to BRIDGES? Being a participant of the Bridge Builder program.
The best part of my job is: It allows me to be my best self in a structured, productive environment.
One word to describe me is: Considerate
Kristin Fox-Trautman
Vice President of Youth Development
With BRIDGES since: 2007
What brought you to BRIDGES? I was drawn to BRIDGES because of its powerful mission of inspiring and training leaders to transform our community AND because of the passionate and diverse staff and youth with whom I am privileged to do this important work every day!
The best part of my job is: working with the talented and committed Youth Dept staff to create quality opportunities and experiences for youth to recognize and live out their full potential as positive change agents in our community.
One word to describe me is: Grateful
Angela Garland
Work Bridge Retention Specialist
agarland@bridgesusa.org
Alice Gordon
Receptionist
agordon@bridgesusa.org
Brooks Greene
Work Bridge Employment Counselor
With BRIDGES since: 2009
What brought you to BRIDGES? My passion and zeal for empowering people who are in need of resources and assistance for bettering themselves in job skills and training.
The best part of my job is: Knowing that a participant is fully satisfied at the end of the day because I've helped them or touched their life in a special way.
One word that describes me is: Creative
Zach Nahmias
PeaceJam VISTA AmeriCorps Volunteer
With BRIDGES since: 2009
What brought you to BRIDGES? The incredible PeaceJam program brought me to BRIDGES!
The best part of my job is: The best part of my job is interacting with youth and improving our wonderful city!
One word to describe me is: Optimistic
Toria Neal
Trainer
With BRIDGES since: 2006
What brought you to BRIDGES? The love I have to help those who want to overcome obstalces.
The best part of my job is: When a participant comes back and tells me that I helped them turn their life around.
One word to describe me is: Compassionate
Latricia Nelson
Work Bridge Data Management Coordinator
With BRIDGES since: 1999
What brought you to BRIDGES? My passion for being part of a team that shares the time, gives the attention, care and tools needed to individuals for leaping into the next stage of opportunity.
The best part of my job is: Challenges--when I know I have given everything within my ability to ensure as a team we have connected that 1000th piece to the puzzle.
One word to describe me is: Optimistic
Ardra Perry
Work Bridge Employment Counselor
With BRIDGES since: 2007
What brought you to BRIDGES? I heard about alot of great things going on at Bridges; I wanted to be a part of it.
The best part of my job is: Helping individuals become self-sufficient.
One word to describe me is: Dedicated
Emily Phillips
Bridge Builders Recruitment & Retention
With BRIDGES since: 2007
What brought you to BRIDGES? Working with youth in a program that really makes a difference in the community and in the youth themselves is what brought me here.
The best part of my job is: The best part of my job is seeing the impact we make on youth everyday, especially seeing it in their faces when they realize they matter and can make a difference!
One word to describe me is: Passionate
Katie Prestigiacomo
BELC Training Specialist
With BRIDGES since: 2009
What brought you to BRIDGES? Bridge Builders originally brought me to BRIDGES. After graduating from the program in 2004 I joined the summer staff and from there have been given the opportunity to work with many other BRIDGES departments.
The best part of my job is: My job gives me the opportunity to make a difference my community and city every day. Things as simple as having a recycling box next to my desk all the way to working with the youth and adults on how to effectively work as a team. It all makes a difference.
One word to describe me is: On-point
Mikkel Quam
PeaceJam VISTA AmeriCorps Volunteer
With BRIDGES since: 2009
What brought your to BRIDGES? Rhodes brought me to BRIDGES by championing experiential education as the clear course to social justice.
The best part of my job is: realizing that youth are not just our FUTURE, but also our PRESENT; they are today's renewable resource ready to be unwrapped and transform all our tomorrows.
One word to describe me is: Observant
Megan Richardson
Bridge Builders Senior Intern
With BRIDGES since: 2008
What brought you to BRIDGES? I knew Bridge Builders was looking for a Senior Intern and I wasn't sure if I could fit it into my already hectic schdule, but having the opportunity to see a familiar program from a totally different perspective seemed like a perfect opportunity I had to explore.
The best part of my job is: The best part of my job is having the ability to give back to a program that gave so much to me as a high school participant; it is kind of like recycling!
One word that describes me is: Compassionate
Bob Rogalski
Vice President of Finance & CFO
With BRIDGES since: 2005
What brought you to BRIDGES? The opportunity to help improve the community my family and I live in.
The best part of my job is: Working with co-workers to maximize financial resources while improving results.
One word to describe me is: Persistent
Ellen Rolfes
Development Officer
With BRIDGES since: 2009
What brought you to BRIDGES? Fate!
The best part of my job is: Building bridges between the community and the programs.
One word to describe me is: Determined.
Sydney Shearer
FUBU and O2E Intern
sshearer@bridgesusa.org
Angelia Skipper
Job Developer
With BRIDGES since: 2009
What brought you to BRIDGES? I wanted to work with an organization who cares so much about the community.
The best part of my job is: Helping others and explaining to others the benefits of the organization.
One word to describe me is: Compassionate
Tommy Slavings
Training Specialist
With BRIDGES since: 2008
What brought you to BRIDGES? As a former participant of Bridge Builders, I saw the impact that BRIDGES had and I knew that I wanted to be part of what they were doing.
The best part of my job is: I can see the change that we are having on people's lives and on our community and that is the best reward that I could ever ask for.
One word that describes me is: Driven
James Smith
Maintenance
With BRIDGES since: 2004
What brought you to BRIDGES? I was looking for a new venture to branch out on.
The best part of my job is: What I do to help people who need my services.
One word to describe me is: Loving
Patricia Stansberry
Work Bridge Employment Counselor
With BRIDGES since: 2008
What brought you to BRIDGES: I heard about the programs and classes offered to Families First recipients.
The best part of my job is: The one-on-one interaction with the participants.
One word to describe me is: Energetic
Patrick Tamburrino
CIO
With BRIDGES since: 2008
What brought you to BRIDGES? Wanting to be more involved in non-profit IT Operations and strategic planning.
The best part of my job is: The team that I get to work with every day.
One word to describe me is: Thorough
Katina Taylor
Office Training Coordinator
With BRIDGES since: 1999
What brought you to BRIDGES? BRIDGES gave me an opportunity to share my gifts and talents with others.
The best past of my job is: Impacting and empowering people everyday.
One word to describe me is: Cooperative
Temika Thomas
Data & Logistics Specialist for the Youth Dept.
With BRIDGES since: 2004
What brought you to BRIDGES? My Instructor Peggy Carroll recommended me for a position at BRIDGES after completing an Office Professional Class at The Work Place.
The best part of my job is: my Co-Workers and being able to work with a variety of young people, and the unique experience of incorporating poetry into my job which is one of my biggest passions.
One word to describe me is: Creative
Ann Wallace
Racquel Ward
Front Desk Receptionist
With BRIDGES since: 2009
What brought you to BRIDGES? I came to BRIDGES looking for a better environment to work in.
The best part of my job is: The best part of my job is meeting and greeting different types people on a daily basis.
One word to describe me is: Dependable
Greta Wilburn
GED Instructor
With BRIDGES since: 2005
What brought you to BRIDGES? I came to Bridges for the position as a GED teacher.
The best part of my job is: The best part of my job is to see the GED graduates received their diploma.
One word to describe me is: Passionate
Shunta Williams
Employment Counselor
With BRIDGES since: 2008
What brought you to BRIDGES? Wanting to help those who just needed a little lift.
The best part of my job is: Knowing that I am helping making the world a positive place one person at a time.
One word to describe me is: Compassionate
Dana Wilson
PeaceJam Director an Curriculum Coordinator
With BRIDGES since: 2008
What brought you to BRIDGES? I watched BRIDGES from a distance for years while I was living abroad; and when I saw a position open up to lead PeaceJam, I jumped at the opportunity.
The best part of my job is: Watching young people learn and discover new things about themselves and the world.
One word to describe me is: Energetic
Tenisha Wren