Staff and Board of Directors
Wakisha Briggs, MAED
President
Kshbriggs@gmail.com
Ms. Briggs currently serves as a Director of Continuing Education at Park University. As a leader, she has been an advocate for reconditioning the way society views education and life. She is the designer and inspiration for the implementation of the Bridge Leadership Academy, Inc. Ms. Briggs works with a team of higher education developers who provide non-transitional educational services to adolescents and non-traditional students. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas City Missouri. Ms. Briggs has been a college basketball coach for over 10 years; coaching male and female student athletes’ since 1998 where she began her career at Penn Valley Community College. Along with her partner Clyde Harvey, Sr., she help developed a basketball training and leadership program called Shooters Touch20 Academy, which successfully places student athletes at some of the nation’s leading universities. Currently she resides in Kansas City, Missouri and is a member of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the American Council for Higher Education (ACHE).
Special Projects:
Urban League Kansas City, Missouri ACT Preparation Workshop;
2007-2008
2008-2009
Kansas City Kansas Foundation for Excellence
Life after Athletics Symposium
2007-2008
Park University
Coordinated Superintendent Symposiums
2007-2008
2008-2009
Metro Sports
Coaches Corner Videos
Staff
Kim M. Smith, MAED/CI
Program Director
Ksmith@bridgeleadershipacademy.com
Mrs. Smith currently serves as a Senior Career Advisor and Adjunct Professor who teaches Critical Thinking and Problem Solving and Career Development courses for a proprietary university in Kansas City, Missouri. For over 20 years, Kim has held roles in enrollment management, academics and career services departments. Mrs. Smith’s passion is in college teaching, career and academic advising, training and development. As a student advocate, she remains grounded in the philosophy that all students can learn and achieve their goals and supports the student’s freedom to explore options and look beyond the obvious. Mrs. Smith assisted in the development, implementation and training of a faculty advising program and developed a faculty advising handbook, web page and advisor protocols. Mrs. Smith has facilitated Time Management Strategies and Academic Advising workshops and published a web-based article entitled “Tips for Juggling the Classroom, Family Room and Conference Room.” Mrs. Smith earned a Master of Arts in Education Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University and an Associate of Arts from Longview Community College. Mrs. Smith resides in Raymore, Missouri and is a member of the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) and a former member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).
Deah Robinson, M.S.
Counselor
Msdeah@bridgeleadershipacademy.com
Ms. Robinson currently serves as a Counselor as well as an Adjunct Psychology Professor at Metropolitan Community College-Longview. In both roles, Ms. Robinson is able to guide students to learn more about themselves in different capacities. Her primary role as a counselor and educator is to provide students with a secure, stimulating, and motivating environment where they are inspired and challenged to grow intellectually and personally. Before her current position, Ms. Robinson worked in the field of Human Services for several years, and has over 8 years of experience in Higher Education. Ms. Robinson earned a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology from Kansas State University. The concept of service permeates throughout Ms. Robinson’s life. Through her work she serves her students and after hours she serves the community through community based organizations that provide assistance and financial support to women and children, civil rights organizations and victims of domestic violence. Ms. Robinson brings a breath of experience in the areas of counseling, leadership training and workshop facilitation to the Bridge Leadership Academy and looks forward to continue to give back to the community that has given so much to her.
Tika Cole
Executive Administrator
Tika D. Cole currently is a Certified Paralegal at Richard T. Bryant & Associates, P.C. She has worked in the legal field for over eight years. She earned her Paralegal Certificate from Rockhurst University and aspires to earn her bachelor’s degree in Organization Leadership Skills from Rockhurst. Tika currently serves on the Board for Bridge Leadership Academy, Inc. and works as an Executive Administrator part-time. She is the mother of both Ragan and Orion who attend Briarcliff Elementary. Currently she resides in North Kansas City, Missouri.
Board of Directors
Wakisha Briggs | President | Bridge Leadership Academy, Inc.
Tika Cole | Certified Paralegal | Richard T. Bryant & Associates, P.C.
Dr. Jennifer Malone | Principal I R.J. Delano Alternative School
Christine Schlomann | Partner | Armstrong Teasdale
Shelly Weatherford | Manager I McGilley & Sheil Funeral Home
