We are pleased to announce and introduce a new member to our Board of Directors, Ms. Claytisha Walden. Claytisha, recognized as a leader in childhood education and youth development, sought out The Bridge when she learned about our mission and services. We are fortunate that her passion for our work and desire to contribute to the achievement of our mission brought her to our agency.

Claytisha is a principal at Frederick Douglass Academy Secondary School in Brooklyn and has over fourteen years of experience in the education field and youth development. She has worked with young people from early childhood to young adults as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. She has expertise in child and adolescent development, instructional technology, and organizational change. Claytisha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Purchase College; Master of Science in Urban and Multicultural Education from College of Mount Saint Vincent and a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision from Baruch College. She is presently pursuing her Doctorate in Education as well as National Certification as a Principal Mentor.

Claytisha is a change agent in the field of education and hopes to apply this experience as The Bridge faces future challenges.. She was the first female principal of William J. Gaynor Middle School since its opening in 1936. Under her leadership, the reading and math proficiency rates were the highest in nearly a decade. She developed innovative programs through the integration of instructional technology into every classroom. As first place winners in the Citywide 2008 NBC Digital Media competition, William J. Gaynor students wrote, directed and produced their own film.

Claytisha is a member of several national organizations including The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum and Development, National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, and the Association of Black Educators of New York, where she was recognized as the 2008 Women’s award recipient. Claytisha speaks before many audiences – serving as keynote speaker at graduations as well as lead presenter at national conferences.

Welcome to The Bridge Claytisha!