Meet The Team

At Elevate, our team is made up of passionate, purpose-driven individuals who are committed to walking alongside students every step of the way. From mentorship and programming to operations and partnerships, each team member plays a vital role in helping young people rise, thrive, and realize their full potential. Get to know the hearts behind the mission!

Executive Director

Eric Torres

Our Executive Director leads Elevate Bridgeport with 19 years of educational experience. Seven of those years were devoted to the Bridgeport Public Schools as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher. He then became the Assistant Principal for a PreK through 12th grade charter school in New Haven, CT. Eric holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Service, a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, and an 092 Intermediate Administration and Supervision certification from Sacred Heart University. He was also the founder and Executive Director of the Greater Bridgeport Respite Care for Children, providing at-risk youth who had difficulties thriving in a traditional after-school program with after-school care that met their academic, social, and emotional needs through mentoring, life skills, and character building.

Program Director

Marcella Cox

As Elevate’s Program Director, Mrs. Cox brings a deep passion for youth development and community impact. She oversees program implementation, mentor support, and student engagement to ensure every young person in Elevate is empowered to reach their full potential.

Marcella Lawson Cox is a leader, mentor, facilitator and friend. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and has served and loved families in multiple countries. As a Bridgeport native one of her greatest goals is to provide opportunities for students to be exposed to greatness so they can emulate greatness in their own lives.

Administrative Assistant

Johanna Lopez

Mrs. Lopez keeps Elevate running smoothly behind the scenes. As our Administrative Assistant, she supports day-to-day operations, coordinates communications, and ensures our team and students have what they need to thrive.

Development Coordinator

Gisela Taveras

Gisela Taveras is the Development Coordinator at Elevate Bridgeport, where she leads community partnerships and fundraising to support underserved youth and families. With experience in social work, education, and youth development, she is passionate about building strong relationships that create lasting opportunities.

Outside of work, Gisela enjoys spending time with her daughter, baking, and bringing joy to others through her event décor business. She chose Elevate Bridgeport because of its mission to walk alongside youth long term, offering not just resources but meaningful relationships that inspire hope and growth.

Bridge Academy Pipeline

Pipeline Coordinator

Benjamin McCullough

Born and raised in Philadelphia with a strong Christian background, Mr. McCoullough is driven by purpose and faith. As a graduate of the University of Connecticut, he has a passion for education and community service. Since moving to Bridgeport Mr. McCullough has dedicated himself to shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation. Benjamin helps students navigate their path toward success. He builds strong relationships with both our community partners and students, providing opportunities for young people to grow, learn, and step confidently into their futures.

Mr. McCoullough is a Pipeline Coordinator, who brings both experience and empathy to role in guiding students with wisdom and love. Mr. McCoullough’s goal as leader is to empower students to believe in their potential and use their voices for positive change in our community.

Teacher Mentor

Kyle Jordan

Kyle Jordan is a Teacher-Mentor at Elevate Bridgeport. What brings him the most joy in his role is working alongside the incredible team at Bridge. He values his coworkers’ support and considers it a privilege to be part of such a fantastic group. Kyle loves teaching students lessons that inspire and transform their mindsets, encouraging them to grow and thrive. Mentoring his students in the afternoons is a true blessing, whether it’s taking them to Chick-fil-A or exploring a college campus together. He deeply cherishes being part of those meaningful moments in their lives.

A fun fact about Kyle: he’s an avid reader and holds a degree in “cookieology”—he can inspect a cookie and instantly tell whether it’s worth buying or not!

Teacher Mentor

Zamyrah Regouis

Zamyrah Regouis is a UConn alumna with a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. She is passionate about content creation and loves connecting with others through networking. What excites her most about Elevate is getting to know the kids and being part of their journey as they grow.

Bassick High School Pipeline

Pipeline Coordinator

Victor Dawson

Victor Dawson Jr was raised in Stratford, Connecticut, with a lifelong passion for mentoring and leadership. With a background in education and creative writing, he is committed to helping students discover their voice and purpose. He believes in meeting students where they are—offering guidance not just academically, but in character and life skills. His experience in youth services and education has shaped his focus on building strong classroom culture and helping students step confidently into their futures. He is driven by his faith, always seeking to lead with patience, empathy, and integrity. His goal is to empower young people to recognize their God-given potential and to encourage them to impact their community in meaningful, lasting ways.

Teacher Mentor

Harrison Tagnidoung

Harrison Tagnidoung is a Teacher-Mentor for Elevate Bridgeport, serving at Bassick High School. This role has been an incredibly rewarding experience for him, from building strong connections with his team to mentoring students through academic challenges, personal growth, and relationship-building. He considers it a true blessing that not only keeps him engaged but also fosters his own personal development.

Outside of work, Harrison enjoys spending time at home—whether it’s watching movies, hosting game nights, or experimenting in the kitchen. Elevate has also inspired him to read more, from the Bible to informative content, which equips him to better guide his students on the right path.

Teacher Mentor

Mandy Cherry

Mandy Chery is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she earned her degree in Political Science and Africana Studies. Her professional background includes program management, student support, and community engagement, with a focus on creating opportunities that foster growth, leadership, and connection.

Outside of work, Mandy enjoys expressing her creativity through writing, fashion styling, graphic design, and photography. She is also deeply committed to her church community, where she serves on the worship and marketing teams.

Mandy’s “why” for choosing Elevate Bridgeport is rooted in her own journey as a first-generation college graduate and nonprofit professional. She understands the importance of having caring mentors and advocates who provide not just academic support, but also a sense of belonging and purpose. She is passionate about walking alongside students as they discover their potential, pursue their dreams, and develop into leaders who will, in turn, uplift others.