Bridge the Gap Learning Systems

Ida M. Flanders, Founder/CEO

of Bridge the Gap Learning Systems, Inc., a 501C3 Corporation. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she is recognized as a provider of innovative learning tools. Mrs. Flanders worked with the YWCA, Heavenly Hall, Covenant Leadership Academy and Preschool and To our Children's Future with Health to provide many effective learning environments.

The founder's Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education allowed her to teach in many of the City's public schools. Her last tenure of 7 years was in a Charter School. She also taught in The founder's Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education allowed her to teach in many of the City's public schools. Her last tenure of 7 years was in a Charter School. She also taught in schools in Chester, PA and Williamstown, NJ for a total of two years out of State. read more

Rev. Calvin B. Rooks, Treasurer

was born on September 7, 1962 in Franklin, VA to the late Mr. and Mrs. Ben and Mary Rooks. As a child he was kept in the house of God by his grandmother and was made a lead singer of the Galilee Baptist Church Male Chorus at the tender age of ten. Even at that young age, the calling he had upon his life for ministry/preaching was noted by the leaders of the Youth Ministry.

At the age of sixteen, he graduated from Southampton Senior High School with honors and was accepted to Virginia State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. While in attendance at Virginia State, he joined the Army National Guard and eventually became a full-time soldier in the United States Army serving a total of ten years. read more

Tony Belardino, Marketing

served as the director of marketing and community outreach for Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia, Bucks and Delaware Counties and the Main Line. He was directly responsible for the overall day-to-day marketing function for the company, including the direct supervision of the external marketing force. In addition, he managed special projects and oversaw all community relations events and activities.

Prior to serving as director of marketing and community outreach, he was employed as the director of operations for the company. Before he joined Always Best Care Senior Services in 2010, he had a successful 20-year career in the real estate industry as a Pennsylvania licensed real estate agent serving the Philadelphia and Bucks County marketplaces. He is a graduate of Bensalem High School.

Neil A McNair, Branding/Design

is the Co-Owner and Creative Director of McNairCreative. With over 20 years of graphic design and communications experience, Neil got his start in the Graphic Media Center at Temple University, where he was often called upon by friends to create logo designs, flyers and promotional materials. In March of 1999, he graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia majoring in Graphic Communications and with a focus on Branding and Magazine design/redesign.

Shortly after graduation he landed the position of graphic designer at AAA Mid-Atlantic where he was responsible for design and production for 5 of the AAA World’s Publications. He also designed advertising and promotions for the AAA Driving School and AAA Products Shop.. read more

Deborah M. Baker, Secretary

is a Customer Service Representative for Social Security Administration. Ms. Baker has worked in the field of public service for many years: Secretary for the School District of Philadelphia, and Paralegal for Litigation Attorneys. She is the proud mother of two sons and five grandchildren.

Ms. Baker is pursuing an Associate Degree in Health Care Administration. Her desire to travel and provide wholesale travel for others lent itself to her operating a home based travel business – Starr Journey Travel.

Jacqueline Fortson, Asst. Treasurer

is a retired Educator. She received an Associate Degree in Early Childhood at Guildford Technical Community College and a Bachelor Degree in Business Management & Ethics from John Wesley University. She developed her passion and compassion to educate youth over thirty years ago while serving as an assistant to a child psychologist at Head-Start.

Presently, Jaqueline is an Executor of “Joyce Haywood Scholarship Foundation.” The mother of 5 children. who were all able to attend the university of their choice. Three graduated debt free. After losing one of there daughters to breast cancer in 2005, they were led to start the “College Funding System.” - A program geared towards training parents and students to search for scholarships and grants to attend higher educational institutions. Our goal is for students to graduate from a college or university debt free. read more