Co-Founders and Co-CEOs
Erin Nealy and Abby David are dynamic leaders in the field of special education and nonprofit organizational leadership, with a shared passion for serving their community.
Erin, a licensed music therapist, embarked on her journey with a bachelor’s degree from The University of Dayton and further honed her skills with a Master’s Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Administration from The Ohio State University. She began her career by founding a private music therapy practice in Columbus, Ohio in 2001.
Abby David, a licensed speech therapist, is equally accomplished, having earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and Speech Pathology from the prestigious University of Wisconsin-Madison. Abby began her career in the public schools in Central Ohio, and then in private practice.
Together in 2005, Erin and Abby worked to co-found a private, nonprofit school and therapy center, now two entities: Bridgeway Academy and Bridgeway Therapy Center which serves individuals with autism and other disabilities in Central Ohio. The dynamic duo has led Bridgeway to remarkable success, earning accolades such as the Columbus CEO’s Top Workplace Award for five consecutive years and the title of Columbus’ Best Nonprofit in 2019
Their dedication to the well-being of children in central Ohio is evident not only in their professional achievements but also in their advocacy efforts. Recognized as influential voices in their community, Erin and Abby have been honored with prestigious awards including Business First, Forty Under 40 in 2013, NAWBO’s Visionary Leadership Award in 2018, and Smart Business’s SMART 50 Leaders in Central Ohio Award in 2019.
Their commitment to making a positive impact through their work at Bridgeway and their advocacy for children’s welfare continues to inspire others, leaving a lasting legacy in central Ohio and beyond.
Bridgeway Academy Leadership Team
Executive Leadership
Abby David (Co-Founder/Co-CEO)
Erin Nealy (Co-Founder/Co-CEO)
Administration
Sharee Brandler (Director of Business Operations)
Advancement
Janelle Maur (Director of Advancement)
Human Resources
Lorna Whyte (Director of Human Resources)
Facilities
Mike Ryan (Director of Facilities)
Academy
Sarah Curd, M.A., BCBA, COBA (Director, Early Childhood Program)
Beth Stuecher, M.S. Ed., BCBA, COBA (Director, Elementary Program)
Alyssa Hatton M.A., BCBA, COBA (Director, Academic Program)
Lindsay Imagie-Douglas, M.A. Ed., BCBA, COBA (Director, Applied & B.R.I.D.G.E. to Adulthood Programs)
Therapy Center
Lindsey Paden Cargill, M.A., CCC-SLP (Director of Therapy Services)
Ann Shipley, MSEd, BCBA, COBA (Director of Program Development)
Bridgeway Academy Board of Trustees
Dave Moffatt, Prentke Romich, Board of Directors – Chair
Andrew Vennemeyer, Dwell Construction – Vice-Chair
Jocelyn Armstrong, Ohio State Bar Association – Secretary
Robert Shenton, Plante Moran – Treasurer
Chair – Finance Committee
Rick Schostek, Honda North America, Inc., Retired
Chair – Governance Committee
Christopher Moran, 5/3 Bank
Chair – Advancement Committee
Dan Gore, The Pizzuti Companies
Chair – Facilities Planning Committee
Michelle Croft
Christopher Capotosto, Capco
Sarah Elek, Huntington
Bailey Hanley, Transform Labs
Kimberly James, Schneider Downs
Bart Keyes, Cooper Elliott
Lori McCarthy, Precision New Media
Carissa Perry, Wright-Patt Credit Union
Michelle Umali, Ernst & Young
Steve Zvonek, White Castle Management Company
Board Involvement
Bridgeway Academy is always looking for qualified corporate and community members to join our Board of Trustees. If you are interested in learning more about Board membership, please contact Erin Nealy at enealy@bridgewayohio.org