Meet The Team

Dr. Sherry Pinto

I have been a principal for over 20 years and am honored to be in my fourth year here at Bridgewater Academy. 
Bridgewater families are committed to the students - as are we!

Ms. Carin Grissett

I have over 20 years of experience in customer service and office management, working in diverse environments. I am the president and co-founder of Sista’s United Social Club in Myrtle Beach; dedicated to supporting communities, the elderly, and youth. I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music, and spending time with family.

Mr. Daryl Rupnik

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology in 1994. Over the past 30 years, I've supported children, adults, and families. I joined Bridgewater Academy in 2022 and am thrilled to be a part of it. In my spare time, I enjoy family time, sports, and golf.

Mrs. Nicole Summers

I’m from Central Wisconsin and moved to the beach 14 years ago. I've been an RN since 2007, with experience in various medical settings. As a proud mother of a 6-year-old daughter and a devout Christian practicing Parish Nursing, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and photography. Fun fact: I was born on February 29th! ​​

Mrs. Emily Henchey

Ms. Henchey is originally from Massachusetts, but she moved to the Sunshine State and finally to Myrtle Beach. She has been teaching since 2018, and this will be her third year at Bridgewater Academy. She loves Disney, reading, turtles, crafts, music, and teaching!

Ms. Caronda Butler

I was born and raised in South Carolina and have had the privilege of working at Bridgewater for the past 16 years. I greatly appreciate the supportive and nurturing environment fostered by both the students and staff.

Mrs. Ashley Pellecchia

This is my second year teaching at Bridgewater Academy. I love working with children. I have lived in the Myrtle Beach area for over a decade. I enjoy going to the beach, spending time with my husband and daughters, reading, and listening to podcasts.

Ms. Lauren Shinton

I graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor's in Liberal Studies, focusing in Early Childhood Education. This is my second year teaching at Bridgewater Academy, and I aim to create a welcoming classroom where every student feels loved and comfortable. Teaching is my passion and I am excited to see each student grow!

Ms. Aron Ellisor

Ms. Elllisor graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Francis Marion University and worked closely with Kappa Delta Sorority on campus. I have lived in Florence, SC, my whole life, but just recently moved to the Myrtle Beach area. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and arts and craft activities.

Mrs. Anne Marie Toler

This is my 9th year teaching at Bridgewater Academy. I’ve been married to my husband, Shawn, for almost 27 years, and we have three kids. We moved to Myrtle Beach in 2017 to be closer to family. I love sports, spending time with friends and family, and watching our daughter play golf. 

Ms. DeAnna Mason

I am a Myrtle Beach native and CCU Graduate! My favorite subject to teach is social studies because students get to learn about the world we live in.  

“What is done in love is done well. -- Vincent van Gogh

Mrs. Nicole McDowell

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Ashford University and a Master's in English from Southern New Hampshire University. I've worked at Bridgewater for 9 years, starting as a substitute and then as a teacher's assistant. I'm a parent to an 8th-grade daughter and a 7th-grade son. I love Bridgewater Academy!

Mrs. Cynthia Erickson

​I'm starting my 11th year of teaching and hold a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics with a minor in Criminal Justice from Georgian Court University. I moved to Myrtle Beach in 2017 from New Jersey and have taught from 4th grade to High School Geometry. This is my 3rd year at Bridgewater, and my son is in the 3rd grade.

Mr. Richard O'Leary

Mr. O’Leary, originally from Boston, MA, moved to Murrells Inlet, SC, in 1989. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in History (2016) and a Master's Degree (2018) from CCU, where he served as a Graduate Assistant and president of the Phi Alpha Theta honor society. In his free time, he enjoys reading, music, and spending time with friends and family.

Mr. Logan Sherry

I began teaching at Bridgewater in 2022 after earning my Bachelor's in Exercise Science from CCU in 2019. I’m passionate about encouraging students to enjoy physical activity and lead healthy lifestyles. I coach the boys' team at Thomas Gymnastics and love spending time with my wife Jess, and our 2 dogs.

Ms. Alexandra Martinez

Ms. Martinez is a native Spanish speaker who has been working in language acquisition for over 10 years. She has spent five wonderful years at Bridgewater Academy, and her daughter is thriving in the fourth grade.  She loves soccer, bats, and the color green. 

Ms. Angela Capone

Ms. Capone has been at Bridgewater Academy since 2015. A graduate of CCU, Ms. Capone enjoys helping others and stays active in our community. She loves her friends and considers Bridgewater as an extended family.

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Ms. Bonnie Felder

I was born and raised in South Carolina and hold a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Clemson. This marks my 5th year at Bridgewater. I feel fortunate to work at such an amazing school with a dedicated team that prioritizes our students' academic growth and well-being!

Ms. Tara McNeil

I grew up in Iowa and moved to South Carolina in July 2015. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Stephens College. I am dedicated to nurturing students and celebrating their growth. Approaching my 10th year at Bridgewater, I value the significance of effective leadership and collaboration.

Ms. Diane Eliason

I am blessed to have 2 amazing children and a grandson. I am a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience with a strong belief in empowering students to reach their full potential through a variety of teaching methods and a nurturing, inclusive classroom atmosphere.

Mrs. Rebecca Fish

Mrs. Fish is in her 10th year of teaching. She has been at Bridgewater Academy for 3 years and has found her passion in math intervention.  She loves to spend time with her family, play games and read. She loves helping her students become the best mathematicians they can be!

Mr. Bryce Alexander

Mr. Alexander has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Forensic Psychology and Developmental Psychology, respectively. I have previously worked in child protection as well as mental health services. I have enjoyed working in the special education field and look forward to developing a bond with everyone at Bridgewater. 

Mrs. Diane Thompson

Mrs. Thompson is excited to join the BWA Eagles family and will serve as a part-time special education teacher. I am semi-retired and have worked for six years as a special education teacher, 20 years as a principal, and seven years as a Special Education Director. I also teach part-time at CCU in the Spadoni College of Education.

Mr. Royce Franklin

Navy veteran who served on the USS America during the Gulf War. A certified Automotive, RVIA, and Industrial Maintenance Technician, I honed my skills through training at Florence-Darlington Technical College. My commitment to excellence fuels my passion for technical work.

Mr. Manuel Perry

Mr. Manny moved from New Hampshire to Myrtle Beach in April 2020. After retiring from the Hospitality/Food and Beverage industry in January 2021, he returned to work just 2 weeks later, finding a home at Bridgewater Academy in May 2021.

Mr. Gilson Da Silva

I share in the joy of everyone in the Bridgewater family, and my dedication to our school is unwavering—100 percent committed! It's truly the most wonderful place to work, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of it.