Our Staff

Staff members of Building a Bridge come from all walks of life to live with, work for, and learn from people with disabilities. They believe strongly in the ideal of service and in the mission of The Bridge. They want to integrate the values of their personal lives with the ideals of their working lives.

Heinz Kramp, Founder
In 1958 I immigrated from Germany to a research post at the State University of Iowa. Through my commitment to persons with disabilities I founded Innisfree in 1971 and Building a Bridge in 1991 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Daniela Pretzer, MD, PhD, Executive Director
I obtained my medical degree in Germany and then pursued a clinical career, teaching, and research. A dedication to helping people, along with my interest in organizational development, brought me to Building a Bridge in the beginning of 2007. My commitment is to support everyone in Building a Bridge in any way I can to enable them to live their lives to the fullest.

Amber Critchley, CBIS, Resident Counselor
I have worked with people with disabilities for the past 5 years in Seattle, where I studied American Sign Language. I then recently moved here to Virginia and was very excited to become part of Building a Bridge. I love helping people and am very blessed to work in such a wonderful program. I am looking forward to many experiences here at The Bridge.

Beth Elliott, Resident Counselor
I have a M.A. in Counseling Psychology and am also a former social worker. I have worked with people with disABILITIES for over twenty years. I am proud to be a part of The Bridge which recognizes everyone’s unique abilities, talents and interests. My interests include creative writing, reading, sports and outdoor activities. Through the Bridge’s wonderful community, I am able to share my interests and find joy in the interests of others.

Christen Sonders, Resident Counselor
In 1978 I met Heinz at Innisfree were I volunteered for two and half years. I then pursued a teaching career in Northern Virginia. For twenty-five years, I worked with special needs young adults training them for jobs, the most rewarding time of my teaching career. I retired in November last year and decided to join the Bridge because I love helping others. I am looking forward to new experiences with the Bridge.

Joan Bullard, Staff Aide
I met Heinz over 30 years ago and worked with him before at Innisfree. When he founded The Bridge, I chose to join this community. Now, I enjoy helping the houses while spending time with the other “Bridgers.”

Jaehyeon Kim, Residential Volunteer
I joined just recently Building a Bridge as a volunteer. I am from Japan where I worked in Orthopedics as a physical therapist. I am interested to live together with the residents and to learn the various ways to support them. I believe this work and living here will be a valuable experience in my life.

Andrew Perkins, Finance and Bookkeeping
I joined Building a Bridge in 1996 with the original intent of working part-time for only one year. Ten years later, I am still here because I believe in the mission of Building a Bridge. Although most of my work is done remotely I always look forward to meeting Heinz and Daniela at Park Street because it gives me the opportunity to interact with our residents.

Patricia Moore, MA, ATR-BC, Art Therapist
I have been fortunate to know Heinz for twenty years, and to see the development of this organization. The art program encourages everyone to express themselves creatively, to catch up with each other’s week, to share feelings, concerns, and successes. Each person is eager to learn and develop their skills, and to challenge themselves. They enjoy the art process and are proud of their completed projects.