Chief Operating Officer (COO)
HENRY J. NICOLS, M.S.

M.S. from Buffalo State S.U.N.Y.
Current affiliation: Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity

Henry (Hank) Nicols is a retired adjunct professor from the International Graduate Program for Educators at Buffalo State SUNY.  He spent nearly twenty years teaching graduate students in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central, and  South America.  He has conducted significant social and emotional research and was the recipient of two U.S. Department, Office of Overseas School Grants to develop materials for International Schools.  He is a popular and sought—after keynote speaker and workshop leader at conferences and symposiums.  As a former hospital administrator and retired Chief of Police, he has significant organizational and leadership experience.

Areas of Expertise:  Research, Social and Emotional Needs, Conflict Management, Leadership, and Organizational Improvement. 

STEPHANIE COXON, B.A.

Registrar
B.A. from New York University
Current affiliation: Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education

Stephanie Coxon received her bachelor’s degree from New York University in 2018, where she studied Linguistics, American Sign Language, and dance. After graduating she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to teach English in the American Studies department at Ovidius University in Constanta, Romania. Upon returning home, she assisted Dr. Robin Schader in organizing the 2e Symposium held in October 2019. She currently serves as the registrar of Bridges Graduate School where she earned a Certificate in 2e Education. She is an avid dancer and traveler. She completed her registrar training through the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

BARRY GELSTON, M.Ed.

Co-Director of Institutional Research & Evaluation
M.Ed. from Cambridges College
Current affiliation: Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education

Barry Gelston is a Doctoral student at Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education and a private math teacher working with gifted & 2e homeschool students who struggle with learning math in traditional settings. He was also the Board President of a non-profit organization, GHF, whose mission is to empower every gifted family to make strategic, proactive, and intentional educational choices. Barry has a strong interest in the social and emotional needs of gifted students and focuses on helping them form a positive gifted learning identity.

GRACIELA LIVAS, Ed.D.

Co-Director of Institutional Research & Evaluation
Ed.D. from Bridges Graduate School
Current affiliation: Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education

Bringing over 17 years of experience, she is currently serving as a LIM teacher and the Ballet Coordinator at ASFM. The creator of both of these programs attempts to enhance student learning by infusing motion, creativity, and cross-curricular instruction into the classroom. Passionate about creating environments where learning is equitable for all, unique learning profiles and neurodiversity are celebrated, and awe, excitement, and student’s voice are brought back into learning. She holds a BS in Finance, a BA in Classical Ballet, a Master’s in Education, and earned her doctoral degree in Cognitive Diversity at Bridges Graduate School in 2022.

MARY O’DELL, M.A.

Librarian
M.A. from University of Central Florida
Current affiliation: Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education

Mary O’Dell is Bridges Graduate School’s Librarian. With over 30 years of experience as an educator, and over 20 years teaching adults, she enthusiastically helps adult students locate online library resources, conduct research, and find information to help them on their academic journey. Mary has extensive knowledge of LIRN, our online library at Bridges Graduate School and can assist teachers, students and staff with the many advantages to using this great collection of resources. Mary has also taught information literacy courses, English Composition, and Classroom Technologies. She’s authored several online courses as well. Mary’s bachelor’s degree is in elementary education and her master’s degree is in educational media/educational technology. Both degrees are from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, where she resides.

KIM VARGAS, M.A.

Director of Admissions
M.A. from California State University, Los Angeles
Current affiliation: Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education

Kim Vargas is the admissions director for the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education and the Bridges Academy Online High School. She is a trained facilitator of SENG Model Parent Groups for parents of twice-exceptional children. She received her bachelor’s degree from USC Rossier School of Education and holds a master’s degree in Special Education for the Gifted and Talented from the California State University of Los Angeles. Kim earned a credential in mild/moderate learning disabilities from California Polytechnic University at Pomona. Kim’s teaching career spanned 26