The Bridge

Mindy McConnell, Principal

Ms. Mindy is a passionate special education leader who is committed to ensuring that all students with exceptionalities receive a high quality and individualized education. When she is not geeking out on reading laws and policies, Ms. Mindy can be found on a fun adventure with her son or planning her fantasy football line-up. She is a native New Orleanian and alumna of Northwestern State University and Thomas Cooley Law School. Ms. Mindy is honored to be a founding member of the Bridge Middle School and looks forward to providing a safe, caring, and meaningful educational experience for our students.

Cortland Henry, Assistant Principal

Mr. Cortland holds a BS from Mississippi Vally State University and in his spare time is a professional football player with the Louisiana Lightning. He enjoys the opportunity to build relationships with students and help them reach their goals.

Audie Cerrato, Classroom Counselor

"The teacher is no longer merely the-one-who-teaches, but one who is him/herself taught in dialogue with the students, who in turn while being taught also teach. They become jointly responsible for a process in which all grow." --- Paulo Freire

Mr. Audie is passionate about reading, Arsenal football club, and Saints football. He wants to travel the world and someday get a PhD in psychology.

Dominique Elphage, Therapist

"Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself."

Mrs. Elphage studied psychology and school counseling, and she has the pleasure of helping our students grow academically and focus on their social emotional needs. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and playing board games.

Darryl Evans, Assistant Dean

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." Walt Disney

Mr. Evans is a New Orleans native who's dream is to see the world. So far he's off to a good start.

Ranatta Harris, Classroom Counselor

"Work hard, stay positive and be kind."

Ms. Harris was born and raised in New Orleans. She has been an educator for over 10 years, and she is a mother (of three) a wife and a woman of God. She loves reading, taking walks on the beach or riding jet skis, and of all she loves crafting. Fall is her favorite time of year but Christmas is her favorite holiday because of all things she loves spending time with family and friends.

Donna Jackson, Therapeutic Director

"It always seems impossible until it's done!"

Jade Johnson, Classroom Counselor

"Children must be taught how to think, not what to think"

Marti Kohl, Teacher

"Those who love to teach, teach children to love to learn."

Ms. Kohl was born and raised in New Orleans and she loves her city! She has over 20 years of teaching experience and she is looking forward to creating new relationships at the Bridge. In her free time, she loves to cook, garden and read!

Gil Lofton, Classroom Counselor

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

Working with our future is Mr. Lofton's passion. He has worked with at risk youth for over 20 years. The last 7 years he has taught students who have dealt with much trauma. He is very excited to bring his passion to the Bridge and continuing on this journey of serving students in New Orleans.

Kristin McConnell, Lead Teacher

"My hope emerges from those places of struggle where I witness individuals positively transforming their lives and the world around them. Educating is a vocation rooted in hopefulness." - bell hooks

Ms. Kristin has taught 7th & 8th grade since 2014, in Panola County, Mississippi and New Orleans. She has a Masters in Biology from Northern Illinois University and in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Mississippi. Her favorite part of her job is listening to her students and helping them recognize and embrace their own greatest qualities. She's known for living with a lot of animals, her dramatic storytelling, and her love of Little Richard.

Bernette Tolston, Teacher

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." -- Malcolm X

Ms. Tolston is a fun-loving person that believes life is what you make it.