Board of Directors
At Bridges of Norman, we are proud to have phenomenal board members who make sure we serve our students and community at the highest possible standard. This dedicated group of individuals go above and beyond to care for our students and staff, and we couldn’t be more grateful to them.
Gail Blaylock
"I serve on the Bridges Board because every young person deserves to have an opportunity to obtain their public education and to have a safe supportive environment to call their home. As a Bridges Board member I have the honor of continually witnessing young people's lives being transformed by the support and tools Bridges provides each student towards a brighter future!"
Gail is an Associate Judge for the City of Norman.
Joan Costello
"I’ve been involved with Bridges for about 20 years. I started helping by bringing food and toiletries for the pantry, then by serving in and chairing the student activities committee so students could participate in 'regular'’ activities like high school proms, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, lake days, pool parties and graduation celebrations. Joining the board enabled me to help support these wonderful kids’ efforts to complete their high school education, and to go on to continue their educations, whether in college, vo-tech, the military or other ways. I consider their successes and futures part of my personal success and future."
Joan is a retired entrepreneur.
Lisa Dionisio
Finance Chair
"I serve on the Bridges board because I believe that education paves the path to success. There are many obstacles to education that our youth face that most people are not even aware of. I feel honored to be able to serve an organization that works alongside the youth to help remove those obstacles and ensure their future success."
Lisa is Owner of Paxus CPA Group
Michael Eastmond
I first became involved with Bridges by attending the Prom 2.0 fundraiser, almost on a whim. As I learned more about its cause and developed relationships with board members and staff, the more I wanted to deepen my involvement beyond simply making monetary contributions. The kids at Bridges are working so hard to overcome obstacles life has placed in their paths, and they deserve all the help we can give them, which really struck a chord with me. I’m extremely proud to be involved with this organization.
Michael is an Audit Partner at Grant Thornton LLP in Oklahoma City
Marcy Fleming
"It is very difficult to be your better self when you're hungry, scared, or in need of a shower or clean clothes. Students in family crisis often can't meet these basic needs, but Bridges fills this gap and gives students a chance to find their own path and succeed. I serve because of that look in a student's eye when they realize this is for them, they are safe, and that they are cared about- for real. We mean it."
Marcy is the Director for HR Systems, Communications, and Data Solutions at the University of Oklahoma.
Ronald Grant
"I am honored to serve on the Bridges board because growing up, my family benefited greatly from the generosity and kindness of many organizations. Serving on this board allows me to pay it forward, and make a difference. I believe in making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time."
Ronald is Director of Student Programming for Oklahoma City Public Schools
Douglas Haws
"I have the honor of serving on the Bridges board for over a decade and I am still in awe of the tenacity these students show and the way this organization changes and saves lives. Bridges’ mission is to empower high school students in family crisis to pursue education without obstacles. That empowerment might be as simple as removing a few obstacles that most of us take for granted. However, with a safe place to live, a staff that supports them and, potentially for the first time, a chance to dream about their own future, these students go on to achieve great things. Bridges is an organization that is truly saving lives, changing destiny, and improving the community we live in."
Douglas is a Vice President & Portfolio Manager at Tom Johnson Investment Management, LLC
Kitrena Hime, M.Ed
"Helping young people navigate barriers and roadblocks has been my life's work. I am honored to serve on the board for an organization that does exactly that for those in our community while learning in the process. Coordinating the efforts of our programs makes us a stronger community with a larger impact."
Kitrena is the Director of Counseling and Advocacy for Norman Public Schools
Deborah Binkley Jackson
"The work Bridges does with some of Oklahoma's most underserved youth has proven monumental in disrupting cycles of poverty, various forms of abuse, and scholastic dropout. I am proud to spend just a portion of my time as a member of the board in effort to continue the excellent governance of this mission."
Deborah is the Director for Project Threshold at the University of Oklahoma
Ali Jaffery
I work closely with youth in my current assignment at the police department. I have seen an increase of students who are unhoused and without resources. Before becoming a board member, I worked closely with Bridges to find housing for youth in need. Similar to Bridges, my goal is to invest in our youth to provide pathways to success.
Ali is a Norman Police Department Lieutenant and School Resource Officer Supervisor
Alex Linton
"No family crisis should prevent a child from dreaming. It’s our job as a community to lend that helping hand to future generations, and show that we believe in them."
Alex is a Commercial Loan Officer at First United Bank.
Bryan Lynch
"Having been on the receiving end of the generosity of so many individuals and organizations at a young age, I know firsthand the difference you can make in the life of a child by giving them the stability required to pursue to their education. I am honored to help Bridges provide a safe space for students to succeed and pursue their dreams."
Bryan is an Attorney for Hall Estill Law Firm
Brian McPherson
"Every kid deserves a shot at 'normal.' I have served with Bridges to see that happen for our Norman high schoolers. Witnessing their rise, success, and the promise of a chance to thrive is my why."
Brian is an Insurance Agent for Shelter Insurance
Holly Nevels
"Having worked in different roles in the public schools for over 25 years, I have seen the profound and positive impact of Bridges. The Bridges program and staff make an immeasurable difference in the lives of our high school students. In addition, the partnership between Bridges and Norman Public Schools has long-ensured that many young adults’ basic needs are met in order for academic success, positive connections and important life skills to become their priorities. No matter the lens, seeing our students thrive is the most inspiring and rewarding endeavor."
Holly is Associate Superintendent, Chief Human Resource Officer for Norman Public Schools
Sarah Smith
"I serve on this amazing board to help students have a better chance to succeed in high school, work, and life. I love that we can provide a safe and supportive environment for young adults to live on their own, but for them to have access to resources and caring adults that they need. I think it is so amazing that they can learn life skills, go to school, work, and graduate all with the help of this organization."
Sarah is a CPA at Classic Vision and a contractor for Armstrong Bank.
Julie Tate
"Bridges empowers high school students in family crisis to pursue education without obstacles. I can think of no better way to donate my time than working on the Bridges board to assist these students so that they may complete their education. I want every student to have a roof over their head, feel safe, be fed, and to know we honestly care about them! Once their basic needs are met, they can concentrate on their education as high schoolers are meant to do."
Julie is the Director of the Office of Contract Administration and an Attorney with the Office of Legal Counsel at the University of Oklahoma.
John Verbick
"I'm excited and honored to join the Bridges board! A good friend of mine invited me to volunteer at Bridges and the mission and overall impact on students was inspiring to me. When an opportunity to get more involved presented itself, I jumped at the chance. I look forward to connecting dots, listening and learning about ways I can better serve the Bridges community."
John is a Senior Business Analyst for Love's Travel Stops
Candice Young
I joined the board because I want the students who are a part of Bridges to know they are supported. We are out in the community advocating for them and creating a network of resources they can connect with, making their experience more likely to be successful.
Candice is a Trae Young Family Foundation Executive
