Executive Director and Head of School
English Language Arts Faculty

Erin Bernard (B.A. Journalism, M.A. History, M.A.T. English Grades 7-12) joined The Bridge Way School in February 2023. With an array of experience in secondary education, postsecondary learning, and public history, Erin is devoted to serving our city’s youth and addressing issues of urban crisis with the core values of love, action, resilience, and empathy. She is a seasoned teacher leader, grassroots humanities innovator, published poet, and trauma-informed educator who enjoys problem solving, building with communities, and service learning. As a woman in mental health recovery, Erin is a fierce advocate for people experiencing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Her nationally-recognized and award-winning project, The Philadelphia Public History Truck, remains a driving inspiration in her development of rigorous, project-based learning connected to immediate issues of communities of memory. Erin’s family has deep roots in all corners of Philadelphia, including Kensington, Fairmount, Mayfair, South, and West Philly. In 2024, Erin completed Certified Peer Specialist training through the Department of Behavioral Health, bringing a peer mindset to her work as a leader in recovery education. She believes that discursive spaces such as gardens and art workshops are key in engaging youth and healing.

Erin is a proud mom of three children engaged in Philadelphia’s public school system. She loves listening to vinyl records, gardening, singing, watching stand up comedy, watercolor painting, sitting under beach umbrellas, and eating John’s raspberry chocolate chip ice cream with her fam.

STEM Interventionist
Mathematics Faculty

Silas Nelson joined the Bridge Way School in the Fall of 2023 after working with the Big Picture Learning organization for 5 years. During this time, he has been dedicated to creating inquiry-based learning in math that allows for students to transfer academic skills into real world application. Silas has spent years in project-based learning environments at alternative schools, finding ways to make education accessible and relevant to all students. He has a passion for working with any and all students, and is currently pursuing his masters in Special Education. Bridge Way offers the perfect opportunity to support Philadelphia’s most vulnerable and important students, and ensure they have their own path to graduation and further success. He has two amazing cats and a deep appreciation for music of all genres. He is always ready to share his latest recipes with students and staff— leading our Friday community meal initiative.

Social Studies Faculty

Aaron Cordell (B.S.Ed.) has been an educator since 2015 with a well-rounded experience in rural, suburban, and urban schools. Aaron moved to Philadelphia in 2018 and has taught in public, residential placement, and alternative school settings in and around the city. Since moving to Philadelphia, Aaron has found his passion in teaching our city’s underserved youth and prides himself on being able to build strong, meaningful, connections with his students. His educational experience is primarily in social studies, and he loves helping students get engaged in government and politics, as well as make connections between our nation’s past and issues we’re dealing with today - placing complex histories in contemporary context with particular attention to marginalized voices. Aaron currently resides in East Kensington with his fiancée, Hannah and their dog, Ruby.

English Language Arts Resident Teacher
Arts Support

Larry is an enthusiastic, adventure-seeking, space-holding creator of art. They began working with Bridge Way students in the fall of 2023 facilitating anti-violence workshops that focused on building healthy relationships. They became the Artist-in-Residence in the spring using their classroom as a space for healing. Art was used as a practice in letting go of perfectionism, a space for play as a tool to learn about living multifaceted lives, and a place to put/explore grief or trauma.

Larry believes that non-traditional education is key in our collective liberation. With this mindset, they practice as an educator by meeting students where they are in their learning and taking into account their full lived experiences. 

Coming on as a full-time Resident Teacher this fall, Larry brings expertise from the past ten years of working in trauma stewardship, applying antiracist frameworks to support and guide individuals through challenging experiences. Based in West Philadelphia, Larry enjoys immersing themselves in water, exploring forests, and eating culinary creations made by others.

Recovery Artist-In-Residence

Lisa Kelley(she/her/hers) is a trauma-certified artist/advocate who is committed to building community through art-making. Lisa was born and raised in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, and had no formal opportunities to learn about art there, but knew it was something she loved to do and wanted to pursue. Lisa currently makes art in community with people who use drugs and who are experiencing homelessness in Kensington. These connections and relationships often inform her personal artwork.

Her work consists of large painted murals, weavings, printmaking, installations and textile pieces. She enjoys working collaboratively with various groups, such as schools, people experiencing homelessness, community members, families and other artists.

Lisa earned her BFA from Moore College of Art and Design, where her daughter is currently attending. She lives in Elkins Park with her husband and daughter.

(Photo credit: Cindy Fatsis)

Resiliency Support and Administrative Specialist

Luis Rodriguez joined Bridge Way in August 2023 as the Administrative and Resilience Support Specialist. Luis grew up in the Frankford area of the city and is a proud product of the Philadelphia public schools. He is 2022 graduate of El Centro de Estudiantes. He assists with the day to day operations of the school including student support. Luis likes to read, play video games, and spend time with friends and family. Luis is also continuing his education at Community College of Philadelphia in the evening to eventually fulfill his dream of becoming a High School English Teacher. He is excited to work with the students, staff, and families of The Bridge Way School. He is well loved by all who meet him and the first staff member to call family members when a student is late to school!

Provided by The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania