Staff

Jackie Ross
Interim Executive Director
Jackie joined The Bridge Center in May of 2016. Prior to being the Program Coordinator, Jackie was a Recreation Therapist in the Recreation Department at the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children (formerly Massachusetts Hospital School). Jackie brings experience in program development, event planning, therapeutic recreation, and traveling with people with disabilities.

Jackie graduated Springfield College, where she earned a degree in Sport Management as well as Recreation Management with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. Jackie has developed a passion for sports, inclusive services, and traveling with children and young adults with disabilities. She gained knowledge in adapting sports and recreational activities and planning community, and out-of-state trips for people with disabilities. Jackie was able to experience traveling down to Disney World with patients for their Senior Class trip. Disney has never been so magical!

Jackie is excited to be a part of The Bridge Center and bring her experiences with her! She looks forward to creating high quality programs with the goals of inclusion, development of community, outdoor experiences, and to increase all participants quality of life.

ext. 23  |  JRoss@thebridgectr.org

Karen Ellis
Finance Coordinator
Karen has been involved with The Bridge Center since the early 1980s, first as a volunteer and now as a full-time staff member. She has served The Bridge Center in every possible way, from providing direct services for our children to overseeing the office operations. No matter the role, Karen’s favorite moments come from seeing joy on the children’s faces. In her spare time Karen enjoys knitting and spending time with her family.

Contact Karen with questions regarding payments, scholarships, and billing concerns.
ext. 10  |  KEllis@TheBridgeCtr.org

Laurie Kalivas
Registration Coordinator
Laurie is responsible for coordinating the Registration Process at The Bridge Center. Laurie has been part of the Bridge Center Family since 2005 when she enrolled her son Zachary in horseback riding lessons. Laurie started with us as a volunteer at the barn and joined the staff in March of 2009.

Contact Laurie with questions about program registration, CampMinder account set up, and facility rentals.




ext. 17  |  LKalivas@TheBridgeCtr.org

Abby Ross
Year Round & Summer Camp Program Coordinator
Abby has been part of the Bridge Center team for six years, and is now joining us as the Program Coordinator!
Starting as a camp counselor, Abby quickly was promoted into leadership roles; specifically the co-director of our Saturday Recreation Program, and our co-director of Camp Discover.
Through her time here, Abby has continually seen the positive impact that therapeutic recreation can have in the lives of people with disabilities.

Abby graduated from Bridgewater State University with a degree in Special Education with a focus in educating those who have significant needs. Through this program Abby gained a greater understanding
and passion for educating, creating inclusive opportunities, and developing friendships with people of all abilities. Abby has spent the past three years working at North River Collaborative as a teacher's assistant,
and as an in-home ABA Therapist.

Abby is dedicated to working with this population, and feels grateful to be continuing to do so at The Bridge Center.
ext. x12  |  aross@thebridgectr.org

Lauren Gately
Riding Center Barn & Herd Manager
Lauren started as a volunteer at The Bridge Center in 2012 and worked her way up to Weekend Barn Manager. Lauren has been a rider and horse owner for the past 15 years and comes to us with years of experience caring for horses. Lauren attended Norfolk County Agricultural High School where she studied Equine Science, and went on to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Business Management from Mount Ida College. She also comes to us with years of experience working as a Summer Camp Unit Head Counselor as well as experience working in an after-school program that served school age children.

Contact Lauren regarding donations of horses, tack or animals.
ext. 15  |  LGately@thebridgectr.org

Jaycie DiCarlo
Assistant Barn & Herd Manager
Jaycie started as a volunteer at the Bridge Center in 2014, working with the many students and horses before she was hired as the Weekend Barn Manager/Barn Assistant in 2015. Jaycie has ridden and worked with horses for the past 12 years. She plans to obtain an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology from Massasoit Community College to further her experience and knowledge in Equine and Animal Sciences. Jaycie also has many years of experience and a passion for working with children of all ages and abilities, and worked as a Horse Camp counselor for the many camp sessions held here at The Bridge Center.