MEET THE TEAM
The staff at Bridgewater Academy are dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each student and helping them grow academically. Each staff member is focused on the success of each and every student.



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


Ms. Carin Grissett
Front Office Manager/Data Clerk
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
Student Support Specialist & Testing Coordinator
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
PT School Nurse, BSN
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
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. 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 fourth year at Bridgewater Academy. She loves to read and to encourage everyone to find a story that they fall in love with, plus coffee!


Ms. Caronda Butler
Kindergarten Assistant & Title I
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
1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Pellecchia has been at Bridgewater Academy since 2024. She is a Coastal Carolina graduate who loves working with children. She has lived in the Myrtle Beach area for over a decade. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, spending time with her husband and daughters, and reading.


Mrs. Lia Fusaro
2nd Grade Teacher
I am joyfully entering into my fourth year of teaching. I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Myrtle Beach last summer with my husband. I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in kindergarten, so everyday feels like my childhood dream coming true! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy scrapbooking, playing pickleball, and cooking new recipes.


Ms. Aron Ellisor
3rd Grade Teacher
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
4th /5th Grade Math & Science Teacher/ GT Teacher
This is my 10th year teaching at Bridgewater Academy. I’ve been married to my husband, Shawn, for almost 28 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.


Mrs. DeAnna Brown
4th /5th Grade ELA & Social Studies Teacher
Previously known as Ms. Mason before getting married over the summer, Mrs. Brown is a native of Myrtle Beach and a CCU graduate! Her favorite subject to teach is social studies, as it allows students to learn all about the world around them.
“What is done in love is done well. -- Vincent van Gogh


Mrs. Nicole McDowell
Middle School Science Teacher
I've worked at Bridgewater for 9 years, starting as a substitute and then as a teacher's assistant, and now in my 3rd year as the full-time science teacher. I have a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's in English from Southern New Hampshire University. I'm a parent to a 9th-grade daughter and an 8th-grade son. I love Bridgewater Academy!


Mrs. Madison Walker
Middle School Math Teacher
I am originally from Pennsylvania and moved to South Carolina three years ago with my husband, Paul. We have two dogs, Aerie and Charlie, who keep us busy! This will be my third year teaching and my first year at Bridgewater Academy. I'm so excited to be a part of the Bridgewater community!


Mr. Richard O'Leary
Middle ELA & Social Studies Teacher
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
PE & Health Related Arts Teacher
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.


Mrs. Yesennia Cabral
World Language Related Arts Teacher
A Puerto Rico native and Golden Apple Award-winning Spanish educator, I have 17 years of experience teaching from elementary to college levels and developing specialized curricula. My goal is to foster cultural appreciation and a love for learning in a positive, engaging environment. Outside the classroom, I am a proud mother and grandmother who enjoys reading, surfing, and the beach.


Ms. Cecilia Kirkman
Media & STEM/STEAM Related Arts Teacher
I received my bachelor's degree in English with a minor in French and education from the University of South Carolina. Since then, I have substitute taught all over Horry County. I'm overjoyed to have found a home at Bridgewater Academy. In my spare time, I play bass in a jazz band and teach cello lessons.


Ms. Bonnie Felder
Reading Coach
I was born and raised in South Carolina and hold a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Clemson. This marks my 6th 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
Reading Interventionist (Grades K-2)
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 11th year at Bridgewater, I value the significance of effective leadership and collaboration.


Ms. Diane Eliason
Reading Interventionist (Grades 3-8)
I am honored to be entering my 12th year at Bridgewater Academy where I serve as a Reading Interventionist. My goal is to help students build confidence, strengthen their reading skills, and reach their full academic potential.
I have two amazing kids and one grandson. My family is a source of joy and inspiration. I bring that same care, patience, and encouragement into my work with students.


Mrs. Rebecca Fish
Math Interventionist (Grades 3-8)
Mrs. Fish is in her 11th year of teaching. She has been at Bridgewater Academy for 4 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!


Mrs. Lauren Shinton
Special Education
I’m thrilled to start my third year at Bridgewater Academy! Originally from New Jersey, I’ve called South Carolina home for three years. A Stockton University graduate in Early Childhood Education, I’m excited to transition from two years of 2nd grade teaching to Primary Special Education. I look forward to building strong, supportive relationships with my students in this new setting. Outside of school, I enjoy family time, my dogs, travel, and exercise. Here’s to a wonderful year!


Ms. Melissa Current
Special Education
I am thrilled to join Bridgewater Academy as a Special Education teacher! With 28 years of experience and a BFA in dance from UNC Charlotte, I am passionate about helping students reach their full potential. Outside of school, I am a proud parent of two recent college graduates. I look forward to this new chapter of my life and career in Myrtle Beach!


Ms. Savannah Smith
Special Eduation
I’m excited to join Bridgewater Academy! With a degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and 3 years of high school teaching experience, I’m passionate about fostering a supportive classroom where every student thrives. In my free time, I enjoy the beach and true crime documentaries. I look forward to a great year with my students!


Mr. Manuel Perry
Cafeteria Manager
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. Joshua Meyer
Facilities Manager
Josh, originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, moved to Myrtle Beach after retiring from the U.S. Navy with 26 years of service. He is married with three children and a dog. With his background in engineering and facilities management, he is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for everyone at the school.
