Who We Are
The philosophy of The Bridge is rooted in the firm belief that students are unique individuals, created in the image of God, and therefore, capable of self-learning once shown how. Students are not containers into whom we pour knowledge. Instead, they are filled by the Creator with unique abilities and interests that influence how and what they learn.
Parents hold the ultimate authority in directing the education of their children. Considering this, we at The Bridge strongly urge parents to seek God for an understanding of their child’s calling. When families aim to understand a child’s passion and purpose before high school, they can better prepare the child for the great things God has planned. Our mission is to partner with families in achieving their academic goals by providing a high standard of excellence in accountability. Our staff has over 80 years of combined homeschooling experience. We have assisted families in every stage of homeschooling, so no matter where you are in your journey, we are confident that we can assist, support, and encourage you.
Our Tri-fold Ministry
Through our tri-fold ministry we are able to assist families in all aspects of homeschooling. Each ministry program operates independently but all three are available for all families.
Private school
Our private school allows families to continue homeschooling with the added assurance and accountability of The Bridge’s covering. We work with parents to create or to fine-tune their homeschool program while providing a private school covering. We strive to give parents peace of mind while encouraging and assisting them in their homeschool endeavors.
Academy Classes
Our Academy Classes allow families the opportunities for their students to interact with other homeschoolers in a classroom setting. We are a co-op style program with parent teachers and also bring in inspiring teachers from our community. Our classes range from core academic classes to elective classes. Students can take as many classes as they desire, all in a Christ-honoring environment.
Support Group
Our support group allows parents and families to come together and encourage one another. Parents can find answers to questions they have, encouragement they need, and assistance from other home educating families. Our support group offers quarterly events for parents and/or families. In the past we have had speakers such as Pam Tebow and Steve Demme.
Our Staff
LYNNE HARTSHORN – Founder & Support Director I am a homeschool mom of four, three of which have graduated. Shelby, Shiloh, Heston, and Griffin. I have been married to my husband for 25 years. It has been a blessing to homeschool all of my children from birth. I grew up in West Bloomfield Michigan and moved to Colorado in 1982. I graduated from The University of Colorado with a degree in Dental Hygiene. I enjoyed my career a great deal but after the birth of my second daughter Shiloh, I moved into my next chapter of my life… home schooling and being a “stay at home mom.” We moved to Sarasota in 1995 and other than missing the beautiful mountains of Colorado and members of my family… this is home! I am passionate about homeschooling and have been honored to serve the home school community for many years. I served as President of Learning and Families for two and a half years. At LAF, I had the opportunity to launch many programs for homeschoolers such as the Home School Expo and the Learning and Families High School and Elementary Co-ops, where I served as Director for three years. I am excited to be among the visionaries for this opportunity to serve homeschoolers. The Bridge is about building relationships and nurturing the hearts of our children while providing the academic excellence that we seek. I will serve with love and respect, and rise to the calling that has been asked of me.
MARIA WHITE – Administrative Director & Treasurer I grew up on a small farm in upstate New York, where I learned the value of hard work and living a frugal life. I milked cows, drove a tractor and worked in the fields. I’m a Navy veteran, and my military service and training led to my career as a professional full-charge bookkeeper, which allowed me to work remotely from my home office while caring for my family. I run, bike and occasionally roller skate. I am a bargain-hunter and a DIYer – there isn’t much I won’t tackle if the need arises. If you need a tool, it is probably in my purse, car, kitchen or garage. I am a Florida notary and loan signing agent, and also the office manager for Harbor Community Church. Although I’m amazingly blessed to be Mom to four adult children, I’m even more blessed with the joy of being known as Babci (Grandma). I’ve been teaching and leading in homeschool co-ops and church ministries since the early 90’s. I truly enjoy helping students discover new things. I look for ways to show them biblical truths and help them see the evidence of His intricate design in their lives. It is a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of The Bridge as we strive to be encouraging and supportive for every family.
TANYA RANNEY – Elementary Classes Director Hello Bridge families! I am blessed to be leading the Elementary program again this year! I live in Palmetto with my husband and two boys (ages 16 and 8) and we have two older boys (ages 25 and 18) off in the military as well as a sweet puppy named Gunner along with 7 chickens! I was born and raised right here in Southwest Florida. I graduated from Community Christian School in 1997. Our older children were blessed to be part of a small Christian school until it closed in 2018 forcing us to make some hard decisions. It took two years of the Lord working on my heart to help me see the value in homeschooling. Even though I am considered a newbie, I feel like I am ready for the challenge and have found so much strength in the support I have received from my husband and The Bridge Sarasota! I have worked in ministry at our church with the youth for over 20 years and I’m experienced with children of all ages. We have a responsibility to bring our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Eph 6:4) As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of the youth. (Psalm 127:4)
AMY WOTRING – Administrator I have had the wonderful privilege to homeschool both my children. My oldest is working on his Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Liberty University. My daughter, Brooke, is a rising eleventh grader and attends academy classes at The Bridge. My husband and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an Accounting concentration from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC. I worked for over ten years in Human Resources and Accounting. I have worked in executive staffing as well scientific recruitment for large pharmaceutical companies. I have experience training recent graduates from top universities on everything from resume writing and interviewing to lab and bloodborne pathogen safety. I have experience teaching and tutoring all levels of math including Middle School, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra. I look forward to teaching Personal Finance/Consumer Math this year.
We are a 501(c)3 organization. The Bridge Sarasota admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.