The Bridge Board Members

Mary has always been a strong advocate for youth and education. She has spent years supporting students and families through substituting, PTA leadership, volunteer service, and involvement in youth sports. Her work has consistently reflected a deep commitment to helping young people grow, succeed, and feel supported in every stage of their journey.

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Now serving full time with The Bridge: Kaua‘i to College, Mary is dedicating her time and energy to helping grow the organization and expand its impact across the island. She works closely with scholars and families, especially those in underserved communities, to connect them with resources, encouragement, and meaningful opportunities. Mary believes deeply in the mission of The Bridge and is passionate about creating pathways that better prepare every Kaua‘i scholar for higher education and future success. She is committed to helping each student feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Kevin McPhee, originally from the island of Bermuda, is a hospitality and education professional. Kevin received his Masters degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Cornell University, and has held various executive management positions in the hotel, resort, private club, and restaurant industries.

Kevin has also been involved with the field of education through University of Phoenix for ten years. He currently serves as a substitute at local schools and as a business school lecturer at Kauaʻi Community college. Kevin's love for both Kauaʻi and the education and growth of island kids was what attracted him to The Bridge, where he is a mentor and board member for The Bridge. Now, he serves as our President.

Chelsea studied secondary education and quickly discovered a passion for serving the wider community.

She currently serves as Director of Growth and Marketing for a growing restaurant group, where she helps lead brand strategy, community engagement, and business development initiatives.

Chelsea also serves as an Executive Consultant for Catholic Volunteer Network and is the Executive Administrator, Board Secretary, and Bridge Mentor for The Bridge: Kaua'i to College. In these roles, she supports organizational operations and leadership with care and commitment.

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She has been an active PTA member for eight years, serving in multiple leadership roles, and has supported students as both TA and substitute in Frisco ISD in Texas.

Becky Evans brings more than three decades of financial and nonprofit accounting experience to The Bridge: Kaua‘i to College. A graduate of the University of Washington and a former IRS Enrolled Agent, Becky co-founded Meadowdale Accounting Services, Inc. with her husband, where they supported small businesses and nonprofit organizations for over 30 years.

After retiring in 2019, Becky and her husband made Kaua‘i their forever home. She enjoys being part of the island’s close-knit community and remains actively involved in volunteer work, including supporting student tutoring programs and community outreach for kūpuna.

As Treasurer of The Bridge, Becky provides thoughtful financial stewardship and is passionate about helping local students pursue opportunities beyond high school.

Art Stipanovic , Ph.D. is an Emeritus Professor and past chairman of the Chemistry Department at the S.U.N.Y. College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, N.Y. where he also received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees. In addition to his academic experience, Dr. Stipanovic spent almost 20 years working in industrial research and development on projects ranging from energy conserving lubricants to biodegradable composite materials.

Art's extensive background in education and academia have made him a vital part of the Bridge, both as a board member and a mentor to STEM-oriented students. 

Tari Vickery is the founder of Life Matters Financial Group and has more than 25 years of experience helping clients manage their financial lives. Originally from Oklahoma, she has lived in California for nearly 30 years and on Kauai for the past five. She is also the author of the upcoming book The Emotional Side of Money: A Roadmap to Financial Wellness.

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Tari holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Sociology from Stanford University, where she focused on organizations. She has helped launch several Silicon Valley startups and has served on school and civic boards in both Oklahoma and California. Passionate about education and mentorship, Tari supports scholars through the college application process and serves as Board Liaison for the Parent Advisory Council.

John Etherton has been a mentor with The Bridge: Kaua‘i to College for three years and is deeply committed to supporting local students as they pursue opportunities beyond high school. During his time with the program, he has mentored Kaua‘i High School students who have gone on to attend colleges in Wisconsin and California, helping them develop scholarship search strategies that led to summer educational experiences in Spain and Italy.

John holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and retired to Kaua‘i in 2022 after a career as a Senior Safety Research Engineer with the U.S. Public Health Service. He remains active as a consultant and volunteers in church and community programs. As a Lead Mentor with The Bridge, John also supports fellow mentors and encourages students to stay focused on their academic goals while exploring opportunities that broaden their horizons beyond the island.

 Yuri came to the United States on an IREX (International Research and Exchange) grant.  He has a degree in Economics from the University of Skopje, No. Macedonia, and a masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington.  Yuri retired after a successful career in business and is an advocate for cross cultural learning for people of all ages. Yuri's diverse background make him a highly effective member of The Bridge.

Arianne Johnson is a first-generation college graduate who is deeply committed to expanding access to higher education and helping students navigate the path after high school with confidence. She previously served as Assistant Director of Admission at Carnegie Mellon University, where she guided thousands of students through the college application process.

With experience in college admissions and enrollment management, Arianne is passionate about supporting students as they explore meaningful post-secondary pathways. Her dedication to mentorship and opportunity strongly aligns with the mission of The Bridge.

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