Bethanie Simon is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with clinical and professional experience in both academic and community settings. Bethanie earned both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Louisiana State University. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, as well as the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA), and she presented at the LCA conference in 2016. Bethanie has worked with clients ranging from ages 5 to 65 and has been working with Brighthouse Learning Academy for two years, assisting students with a range of social and emotional needs. She has over five years’ experience working with students to help them identify their academic and personal strengths, explore different majors and career paths, and support students with academic, social, emotional, and adjustment-related challenges. Bethanie enjoys working with students individually and in groups using strengths-based and solution-focused techniques. Bethanie’s goal as a Counselor is to work collaboratively with her students to educate, listen, and build the skills and confidence her students need to feel successful in their academic and personal lives.

Ashley Mentel is the Spanish Language and Culture instructor who became a part of the Brighthouse Learning Academy staff in the fall of 2022. She graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in December of 2021 with two bachelor’s degrees in World Languages and Cultures with a concentration in Spanish, as well as TESOL (degree/certification- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and a minor in Psychology. Ashley also operates her own business, La Tribu 985 Translation/ ESL Services (teaching English as a Second Language program.) Her mission as an instructor is to unify the linguistic divide in our community. By introducing linguistic and cultural topics to the students, we can break the language barrier that divides our society. Aside from her academic/professional life, Ashley enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, spending time with her family, painting/drawing, working with nonprofit organization Peace Makers based in El Salvador, and the organization CCNIS (Consejo Coordinador Nacional Indígena De El Salvador- organization that assists and promotes the conservation of indigenous heritage in El Salvador).

Brandy graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology in 2010. Since graduation she has done an array of work in multiple areas as well as owned a couple of her own businesses. Brandy has been a preschool teacher, worked as a Behavioral Line Therapist with children with Autism, as well as started a clothing business for Mental Health and was named 2019 Women's Northshore's Best. Brandy has many interests which include exercise, reading, writing and being outdoors. Due to her extensive range of education and experience this had led her to be very kind, soft spoken, detail oriented, organized, and very determined. She has a never give up attitude, and this is what makes her perfect for this position.

Jess Blanchard graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor degree in Fine Art and a concentration in painting and drawing. She has 3+ years’ experience exploring art with children and teens of all ages. Before Jess started working with Brighthouse at the start of the 2022 – 2023 school year, she worked as an art education coordinator for a children’s museum and then as an art teacher at an elementary school. Everywhere she goes she strives to bring an environment where creativity, problem solving, and communication thrive. Jess stays inspired by her students’ courage to create, and she continues to create art herself. She paints, draws, makes collages, and loves to jump into new things like sewing. It is her goal to spread the love of art and to help build confidence in young artists while they explore the many ways of expressing themselves.

Jonnie Tinker has two years experience working as a teaching assistant for Brighthouse Learning Academy. He has a knack for learning his students’ stories and personalities, making them comfortable and at ease, facilitating a positive learning environment, and he even takes students out for bike rides that they earn with positive behaviors! Jonnie has a vast array of interests that include health and fitness, geography, chess, computers and technology, and much more. He also has four years of experience lifeguarding at neighborhood pools, Franco’s, and the LSU Recreation Academy. Jonnie loves working with kids while having a positive, patient, and reinforcing attitude. He is dedicated to set our students up for a lifetime of success and happiness!

Kearies Mays is a teacher who came to Brighthouse for the start of the 2022 – 2023 school year. Kearies received her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Mississippi State University. Kearies has taught 5th, 6th, and 8th grade, and she has tutored 2nd grade through college level students. She loves to share her passion for literature and world events with her students. She also enjoys traveling, yoga, playing trumpet, and reading. Kearies hopes to inspire students to be more involved with what is happening in the world and how history can impact our present and future.

Rebekah graduated from Northshore Technical Community College with a Technical Degree in Drafting & Design. Since then she has held jobs in many different fields, but her best role has been raising her own child with learning disabilities. This has given her the experience and patience to work with BLA’s twice exceptional students. In her spare time Rebekah enjoys gardening, swimming, biking and fishing. Rebekah’s calm demeanor, perseverance, and problem-solving skills make her a great fit for teaching math in a simplified and creative manner so that it clicks.

Sarah McNeil came to Brighthouse at the end of the 2020-2021 school year to teach our students Physical Education (PE) and Nutrition. Sarah received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University and her Master of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Akron. Sarah has worked as a Fitness Director, Fitness Studio Manager, Personal Trainer and owns her own company helping people from all ages and walks of life reach their fitness and health goals. Her approach is to make fitness and nutrition fun and to help students create sustainable, active, and healthy lifestyles. She enjoys traveling the world, paddleboarding, swimming, hiking and running for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her hope is to inspire the kids to find their passion and use it to find ways to incorporate activity into their lifestyle.