Marina Peshterianu joined Bridge Refugee Services Chattanooga in 1999 transitioning from the career in education. Before joining Bridge, she taught in an inner-city magnet school focusing on environmental and global issues.
During her time at Bridge, Marina participated in resettlement of refugees from Vietnam, Bosnia, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Liberia, Sudan, Burundi, Tanzania, Congo, Chad, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Cuba and Colombia and performed a variety of job responsibilities such as case-manager, job developer, Early Employment (MG) program coordinator, sub-office coordinator, and became Associate Director in 2014.
“I am honored to have an opportunity to help refugees from all over the world to make a transition into their new life in our community and reclaim their freedom and independence. Their achievements are an everyday affirmation of human capacity to survive, rise and step forward”
(423) 954-1911
mpeshterianu@bridgerefugees.org
Joellen Banks is a California native who moved to Chattanooga in December 2022 to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA, coordinating the Youth Mentoring Program at Bridge. After completing her service year, Joellen stayed on as a Case Manager. While studying abroad in England, Guatemala and Sicily during her undergraduate career, Joellen developed a passion for engaging with international communities. After graduating from the University of Redlands with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, she worked for a federal grant program at a middle school. She then moved to Latin America to earn her TEFL certificate and went on to teach English as a foreign language for 3 years in Peru and Guatemala. Joellen is grateful for the ongoing opportunity to learn from the positions she has held at Bridge. In her free time, she enjoys reading, doing yoga, playing tennis, and hiking.
Sarah Copeland joined Bridge in August 2021 as an AmeriCorps VISTA, coordinating the Youth Mentoring Program. After completing her AmeriCorps term, Sarah accepted another position with Bridge as a Program Specialist. From hosting exchange students throughout her childhood and being exposed to displacement living in Turkey and Spain during two of her summer breaks, her desire to learn about people and serve people from different countries grew. She graduated from Covenant College with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, with a focus on migration, and is eager to continue learning more through Bridge and the people it serves. In her role, Sarah works with special populations (or Ukrainians) determining eligibility, scheduling appointments, and referring clients to services prior to their meetings with case managers. In her free time, Sarah enjoys cooking and being outside as much as possible.
Jennifer Croxall has traveled extensively and has a passion for other cultures. She has been volunteering with Bridge Refugee Services in various capacities since 2000, when her church co-sponsored a refugee family. Jennifer became a Pre Arrival Specialist at Bridge in 2015. Her responsibilities include securing affordable housing for refugees, preparing apartments with community volunteers for newly arriving refugees, and providing them with housing orientation to assist them in their transition into their new home. Jennifer graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a B.S. in Psychology.
(423) 355-5969
jcroxall@bridgerefugees.org
Angel Daugherty is our Tennessee Office for Refugees Liaison/Senior Case Manager. She is responsible for enrolling clients into appropriate TOR funded programs, managing cash and medical assistance eligibility, and timely reporting for all programs. TOR provides state administered refugee resettlement programs providing assistance (cash and medical) and social services to refugees with the purpose of increasing refugee prospects for early employment and self-sufficiency. She is responsible for providing Health Literacy Training (general health, nutrition, mental health, and other special topics) to all newly arriving clients, as well as assisting case managers with medical case management for clients with ongoing or more serious health concerns. Angel works closely with program staff to provide ongoing support and/or training as needed.
(423) 355-5969
adaugherty@bridgerefugees.org
Wies de Laat joined Bridge in August 2022 as a Programs Support Specialist. She was born and raised in The Netherlands where she graduated from Radboud University Nijmegen with a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology and a Master’s degree in Human Geography: Globalization, Migration and Development. Her interest in topics related to migration started when she lived a year in Mexico, where she learned more about undocumented migrants and migrant caravans passing through the South American continent. Having studied migration, she is excited to put her knowledge into practice at Bridge and assist those who come to this country through the refugee program. Her responsibilities include locating appropriate and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees, managing in-kind donations, and coordinating apartment set up with volunteers and Bridge staff. She will also provide clerical and administrative support for all Bridge’s programs.
In her free time Wies enjoys traveling, ballet classes, and going for a hike with her dog Cindy.
Isabella Eklund is a Maryland native who moved to Chattanooga to pursue her education in social work. She pursued her Bachelor of Social Work in 2023 and is working toward her Master of Social Work emphasizing in Crisis and Emergency Management. Isabella has spent the last two years gaining experience in community empowerment in multiple agencies, developing skills in case management and advocacy for various vulnerable populations such as unhoused individuals, and families in transition. Growing up in a household with an immigrant parent taught to Isabella the importance of supporting migrants. Her passion grew upon learning more about global conflicts, developing the hope to support refugees and ensuring that all people have a place to grow as part of the Chattanooga community.
In her free time, Isabella spends much of her time with her friends and her dog. She enjoys getting coffee, visiting antique malls, and spending time outdoors hiking or swimming on the weekends.
ieklund@bridgerefugees.org
Morgan Garcia holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree and is on track to receive her Master of Social Work degree in August 2024. Morgan is deeply passionate about uplifting individuals facing the challenges of adapting to a new country. Her experiences and dedication to social justice drive her to continuously seek out new ways to support and empower those around her.
In her spare time, Morgan enjoys traveling to new destinations, exploring the outdoors, or reading a book.
mgarcia@bridgerefugees.org
Marina Ghani moved to the US in 2017 from Brazil where she worked as an Occupational Therapist in the mental health field. She assists vulnerable populations since 2008. Her experience spreads through non-profit organizations and government institutions at municipal and federal levels. Before she joined Bridge her work focused on community health programs, client-based interventions, and the National Professional Rehabilitation Program in Brazil.
Since she moved to the US she has volunteered at several organizations including Bridge Refugees Services, continuing to be actively involved in the improvement of people’s quality of life and empowering them to be independent. Marina loves working with people in a collaborative team-based environment.
She likes arts projects, painting, crocheting, meeting new people and visiting new places. She is a volunteer who raises dogs for Smoky Mountain Service Dogs in Lenoir City. But most of all Marina enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.
Kendra Hoogland joined Bridge in June of 2024. She was born and raised in Southern California before calling Chattanooga her home. Her love for culture, language, and travel was sparked by her first trip overseas when she was in high school. She went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from California Baptist University. Kendra has enjoyed numerous trips abroad, including a year-long residency in Southeast Asia.
She is passionate about connecting with people and welcoming refugees into the community. She firmly believes that there is so much to learn from other cultures, experiences and worldviews. Outside of the office, Kendra’s favorite activities include spending time with friends, being outdoors, film photography, and
writing music.
khoogland@bridgerefugees.org
Peyton Jocsing is native to Chattanooga and graduated from UTC with a double major in International Studies and History, and minor in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. In addition to her BA degree, she is TEFL certified and has taught English in Europe and Southeast Asia. She has dedicated the past five years of her career to nonprofit work and has over four years of case management experience. Peyton first joined Bridge in March of 2022 as a Case Manager & Wilson Fish TANF Liaison and was fortunate enough to take a six month break to teach English in Thailand. After completing her recent term teaching, she was rehired in April 2024 to her original position and is happy to be back helping refugees in Chattanooga!
Sarah Pedersen is passionate about helping others and learning new cultures. After growing up in New York around many diverse cultures and around family members who worked with refugees and non-profit agencies, Sarah has always had the desire to use her talents to serve her community and make it a welcoming place for all people. She joined Bridge in January 2022, after teaching second grade for 4 years, and made the transition out of serving children through education into serving families with Bridge Refugee Services. She works to ensure refugees integrate into the community by providing social adjustment and employment services while orienting them to their new community. She will also be a school liaison, helping students and families navigate the education system. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.
Jess Rodriguez Potter joined Bridge in August 2024 as an Eligibility Case Manager. Hailing from the Chattanooga area, she received her B.S. in Child Psychology from East Tennessee State University in 2023. Following her graduation, she spent two months living in Tanzania and learning Swahili as one of the recipients of the Critical Language Scholarship before returning to Clarkston, GA for an academic year as a resident fellow with Friends of Refugees. With a commitment to the empowerment and flourishing of more vibrant and cohesive communities, Jess is eager to connect to ongoing efforts in the local area.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, staying active outside, learning about global affairs, having adventures with loved ones, and exploring new hobbies.
jpotter@bridgerefugees.org
Megan Revis joined Bridge Refugee Services in February 2022 as a Case Manager. She graduated from Liberty University with her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Public Health. Megan’s desire to work with refugees began when she had the opportunity to work with refugee and migrant centers in Europe during an internship. As a Case Manager, she is passionate about helping refugees resettle and integrate into Chattanooga. Megan enjoys a good book, a long walk, and kayaking in her free time.
Ben Stocksdale joined Bridge in September 2023 as a Program Specialist. He grew up in Kenya which sparked his passion for meeting people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and assisting displaced peoples. He graduated from Covenant College with Bachelors of Arts in Economics and Community Development with a focus on international development.
At Bridge he works with humanitarian parolees to connect them with public benefits while also assisting with case management. Outside of work Ben enjoys soccer, Chattanooga’s beautiful outdoor areas, and spending time with family and friends.
Thomas Totherow joined Bridge in November of 2024 as a Tennessee Office for Refugees Case Manager. He graduated from Toccoa Falls College with a Bachelors in Cross-Cultural Studies and a Minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in 2018, going on two internships to Bangkok, Thailand and Clarkston, GA. He later received his Masters in Ministry Leadership from Crown College. Thomas has been working with and serving refugee populations since 2017 through volunteer coordinating, teaching English, community integration, and case management. He served as a Reception and Placement Case Manager in Omaha, NE from 2022 to 2024. Thomas desires to empower refugees to thrive in their new communities through the support of Bridge and their partners. He is excited to help his new neighbors find “dignity, hope, and opportunity” through employment in Chattanooga. In his free time he enjoys hiking, trying new food, reading, learning about culture, and spending time with his family and friends.
Nathan Walker hails from Birmingham, AL but has gladly called Chattanooga home for a number of years. He joined Bridge in October 2022 as our new Volunteer and Co-Sponsorship Manager.
Nathan’s experience managing volunteers for nonprofits, undergraduate degree in Community Development from Covenant College (‘16), and drive to empower marginalized and at risk communities are all pieces that helped him find us. He enjoys the chance to facilitate our clients’ successful integration into Chattanooga through the invaluable aid of our volunteers.
Nathan’s passion to travel the world and see other ways of life developed his global perspective.
His travels took him to 15 different countries over the years; he hopes to see more in the future. “Everyone should practice being a minority in a different culture at least once in their life. When I intentionally invest time in this type of experience, it always positively changes the way I view the world and how I treat everyone around me.”
When Nathan is out of the office, you’ll most likely find him on the side of a cliff rock climbing or hugging his roommate’s dog Fozzie.