BRIDGE Team
The BRIDGE team at the Rutgers University Center for Effective School Practices (RU-CESP) works with the New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of Special Education (NJDOE-OSE) to help districts, educators, families, and SEPAGs share what they know, work as partners, and put research and guidance into everyday practice. BRIDGE builds on what NJDOE and its partners already offer rather than running alongside it, so everyone’s work reaches more families.
Rutgers BRIDGE Team
- Cynthia L. Blitz, Ph.D., Program Director
- Vivian Allen, Program Manager
- Taylor Clough, Family Engagement & Technical Assistance Coordinator
- Iman Basit, Data and Technology Specialist
- Colin Sullivan, Web and Arch Development Specialist
- Monique Dujue Wilson, Family Engagement Specialist
- Leslie Ponzo, Family Engagement Specialist
- Anna Lasek, Communications Specialist and Blog Writer
Rutgers Expertise
BRIDGE also draws on the knowledge of faculty, researchers, and colleagues across Rutgers University and the Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE). Their expertise helps keep BRIDGE’s resources and support accurate, practical, and grounded in research.
Working Group
The BRIDGE Working Group is made up of parents and SEPAG leaders who advise the BRIDGE team. Members meet about every two months during the school year to share what families and SEPAGs need, give feedback on BRIDGE resources and tools, and suggest what BRIDGE should build next. Some members also help review, research, or co-create resources between meetings.
Current Members, 2026-27
- Jennifer Hanson, Parent, SEPAG Leader, and Teacher’s Aide
- Katy McDermott, Roselle Park SEPAG Co-Leader and Parent
- Dori-Ann Newton, SEPAG Co-Chair
- Jeanette Palermo, DNP, RN, SEPAG Leader
- Leslie Ponzo, SEPAG Co-Chair