Meet The Team
Eric Torres
Executive Director
Our Executive Director leads Elevate Bridgeport with 19 years of educational experience. Seven of those years were devoted to the Bridgeport Public Schools as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher. He then became the Assistant Principal for a PreK through 12th grade charter school in New Haven, CT. Eric holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Service, a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, and an 092 Intermediate Administration and Supervision certification from Sacred Heart University. He was also the founder and Executive Director of the Greater Bridgeport Respite Care for Children, providing at-risk youth who had difficulties thriving in a traditional after-school program with after-school care that met their academic, social, and emotional needs through mentoring, life skills, and character building.
Marcella Cox
Program Director
Johanna Lopez
Administrative Assistant
Bridge Academy Pipeline
Benjamin McCullough
Pipeline Coordinator
Jessica Jackson
Teacher-Mentor
I’m Jessica Jackson, a Teacher-Mentor at Elevate Bridgeport. What inspires me most about my role is the opportunity to empower and support students in our community. Building personal relationships with our students brings me immense joy. A few fun facts about me: I’m a professional makeup artist with a passion for travel, interior design, and renovation projects!
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Kyle Jordan
Teacher-Mentor
My name is Kyle Jordan, and I’m a Teacher-Mentor at Elevate Bridgeport. What brings me the most joy in my role is working alongside the incredible team at Bridge. My coworkers are amazing, and we genuinely support one another—it’s a privilege to be part of such a fantastic group. I love teaching students lessons that inspire and transform their mindsets, encouraging them to grow and thrive. Mentoring my students in the afternoons is a true blessing, whether it’s taking them to Chick-fil-A or exploring a college campus together. I deeply cherish being part of those meaningful moments in their lives. A fun fact about me: I’m an avid reader, and I hold a degree in "cookieology." I can inspect a cookie and instantly tell whether it’s worth buying or not!
Bassick High School Pipeline
Vicky Kalala
Pipeline Coordinator
Gisela Taveras
Pipeline Coordinator
Harrison Tagnidoung
Teacher-Mentor
​As a Pipeline Coordinator at Elevate Bridgeport, I have the privilege of working with youth and participating in adventurous activities that allow me to laugh, play, and explore with our youth. This keeps my energy youthful and my spirit light. A fun fact about me is that I’m inspired by trying new things and love experiences that engage all five senses. This role not only keeps me vibrant but also aligns with my life’s purpose of helping and supporting others—whether students or staff—to become their best selves.
My name is Victoire Kalala, and I’m a Teacher-Mentor at Bassick High School. I’m originally from the Congo and moved to the U.S. from Africa when I was 12 years old. A fun fact about me is that I never attended 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade. Growing up with a unique background, I’ve noticed how different my experiences were compared to the challenges our youth face today. I’m passionate about helping students develop discipline in academics while also discovering their sense of identity. Many students struggle with self-identity, leading to choices that can harm themselves, others, and their future. My goal is to show them there’s a better path forward!
My name is Harrison Tagnidoung, and I’m a Teacher-Mentor for Elevate Bridgeport, serving at Bassick High School. This role has been an incredibly rewarding experience, from building strong connections with my team to mentoring students through academic challenges, personal growth, and relationship-building. It’s been a true blessing, keeping me engaged and fostering my own personal development.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at home—whether it’s watching movies, hosting game nights, or experimenting in the kitchen. Elevate has also inspired me to read more, from the Bible to informative content, which equips me to better guide my students on the right path.