LM April 2024

Dr. Bridges poses with fifth grade students on the playground.

before later becoming the superintendent of

look like by incorporating more wraparound services.” Before her time at Right

Darien SD #61. Throughout that

formative year, she developed a close connection with Ms. Kelly, who was the first teacher to make her feel that she could achieve anything she set her mind to. Mr. Johnson also played a pivotal role in her desire to become a lifelong educator because of the support, love and care he showed her younger sister, who was born with Down Syndrome. Growing up with a sister with Down Syndrome fueled Dr. Bridges’ lifelong passion of inclusivity and equitable programming for all students, especially kids with special needs. “My educational mission has always been around leveling the playing field for all kids and providing them the resources and support they need in order to be successful,” Dr. Bridges continued...

at School, Dr. Bridges served as Director of Professional Development for Discovery Inc., a worldwide edtech leader. The job put her in touch with school leaders from all types of school settings. “Our focus was on how you can improve instruction at the classroom level and build professional development pathways and opportunities for staff within districts,” Dr. Bridges said. Educational Mission Growing up in Darien, Illinois, Dr. Bridges attended Darien SD #61 and later Hinsdale Twp HSD #86. During her fourth grade year, she was inspired to pursue a career in education due to the influence of two significant figures in her life—Ms. Kelly, a teacher, and Mr. Johnson, who was then the principal

Dr. Bridges loves the opportunity to talk about her sister, Renee (above left) who was born with Down Syndrome; the sisters presented together (above right) at the recent District Administration conference.

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LM April 2024