Chief Operating Officer (COO)
HENRY J. NICOLS, MS
M.S. from Buffalo State S.U.N.Y.
Current affiliation: Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity
Henry (Hank) Nicols is a retired adjunct professor from the International Graduate Program for Educators at Buffalo State SUNY. He spent nearly twenty years teaching graduate students in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central, and South America. He has conducted significant social and emotional research and was the recipient of two U.S. Department, Office of Overseas School Grants to develop materials for International Schools. He is a popular and sought—after keynote speaker and workshop leader at conferences and symposiums. As a former hospital administrator and retired Chief of Police, he has significant organizational and leadership experience.
Areas of Expertise: Research, Social and Emotional Needs, Conflict Management, Leadership, and Organizational Improvement.
STEPHANIE COXON, BA
Registrar
B.A. from New York University
Current affiliation: Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education
Stephanie Coxon received her bachelor’s degree from New York University in 2018, where she studied Linguistics, American Sign Language, and dance. After graduating she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to teach English in the American Studies department at Ovidius University in Constanta, Romania. Upon returning home, she assisted Dr. Robin Schader in organizing the 2e Symposium held in October 2019. She currently serves as the registrar of Bridges Graduate School where she earned a Certificate in 2e Education. She is an avid dancer and traveler. She completed her registrar training through the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
GRACIELA LIVAS, ’22 EdD
Planning & Accreditation Coordinator
Ed.D. from Bridges Graduate School
Current affiliation: Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education
Bringing over 17 years of experience, she is currently serving as a LIM teacher and the Ballet Coordinator at ASFM. The creator of both of these programs attempts to enhance student learning by infusing motion, creativity, and cross-curricular instruction into the classroom. Passionate about creating environments where learning is equitable for all, unique learning profiles and neurodiversity are celebrated, and awe, excitement, and student’s voice are brought back into learning. She holds a BS in Finance, a BA in Classical Ballet, a Master’s in Education, and earned her doctoral degree in Cognitive Diversity at Bridges Graduate School in 2022.
KIM VARGAS, MEd, ’23 EdD (expected)
Director of Admissions
M.A. from California State University, Los Angeles
Current affiliation: Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education
Kim Vargas is the admissions director for the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education and the Bridges Academy Online High School. She is a trained facilitator of SENG Model Parent Groups for parents of twice-exceptional children. She received her bachelor’s degree from USC Rossier School of Education and holds a master’s degree in Special Education for the Gifted and Talented from the California State University of Los Angeles. Kim earned a credential in mild/moderate learning disabilities from California Polytechnic University at Pomona. Kim’s teaching career spanned 26