Educators and mentors committed to helping young people feel seen, supported, challenged, and equipped to thrive.
Eden S. Buba is an educator, speaker, youth advocate, and founder of Bridge to Hope Academy with more than a decade of experience serving diverse learners, families, and communities. As a first-generation Ethiopian-Eritrean raised in Northern Virginia, Eden is passionate about building bridges across cultures and generations and creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, challenged, and empowered to discover their God-given identity and purpose.
Eden earned her bachelor’s degree in English: World Literature and Linguistics from George Mason University and holds two graduate degrees: a master’s in Multilingual/Multicultural Education from George Mason University and a master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision from Liberty University.
Throughout her career, Eden has taught and supported students in ESL, English, Algebra, College & Career Preparation, and AVID. Her work has allowed her to serve students from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, academic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, with a particular passion for immigrant and first-generation youth and families.
Eden’s passion for young people is deeply rooted in her own story of redemption. Her adolescence included struggles with substance abuse, involvement with the juvenile justice system, and a life-altering accident that required months of physical recovery.
Rather than allowing those experiences to define her future, Eden’s journey became one of transformation. Through faith, perseverance, education, and motherhood, she began turning pain into purpose and developed a passion for helping young people recognize that their past or present circumstances do not have to determine what comes next.
Becoming a young mother further shaped her perspective and strengthened her commitment to building a different future for herself and her daughter, Lydia, while helping the next generation discover their own potential and purpose.
Today, Eden brings together her professional expertise and personal testimony through Bridge to Hope Academy, helping young people grow academically, personally, and as leaders while reminding them that their story is still being written.
Bridge to Hope was born from the belief that a young person’s circumstances do not have to determine their destination. Sometimes, what a student needs most is someone willing to see their potential, walk alongside them, and help build the bridge between where they are and where they are capable of going.
Our team brings professional experience, strong community connections, and a shared commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them move forward.
Elysha is passionate about helping young people recognize the gifts and potential within themselves. She is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and plans to continue her studies in Special Education. She hopes to positively shape young minds while bringing encouragement, care, and light to the students she serves.
Mary brings strong community roots and a genuine passion for helping young people thrive. An Ethiopian-American and Alexandria native, she first worked with Ms. Buba during her own high school years and now brings that connection full circle through Bridge to Hope. Mary creates a supportive, high-energy environment where students can feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn. She enjoys turning students’ natural curiosity and energy into meaningful progress while making learning both impactful and engaging.
Dr. Lem is an educator and scholar with more than 20 years of teaching experience across Africa and the United States. Specializing in English Language Arts, she helps students think critically, communicate confidently, and discover their unique voices. Currently a 6th-grade Language Arts teacher in a local public school, Dr. Lem brings creativity, cultural awareness, and real-world perspectives to her work. She is passionate about using her extensive experience and education to help Bridge to Hope students thrive academically and beyond.
Mr. Thomas brings more than 24 years of international teaching experience, with expertise in middle school mathematics and supporting neurodivergent learners with diverse needs. Currently an 8th-grade teacher at a private school, he is known for building meaningful relationships and taking time to understand each student’s individual learning style and potential. Mr. Thomas combines strong instructional practices with personal connection to make math more accessible, build confidence, and help students recognize their strengths.
With an educational background in science and experience in marketing and technology, Ruth brings creativity and curiosity to Bridge to Hope. As a tutor and mentor, she encourages students to think critically, explore their ideas, and recognize their potential. Her involvement reflects B2H’s belief that everyone has gifts to share in helping young people thrive. She also works alongside Eden in supporting with administration and communication to keep our students, families, and team connected. Outside of B2H, she enjoys motherhood and spending time in nature.
With a creative eye and a passion for technology, Moses captures the moments that tell the Bridge to Hope story. Through visual storytelling, he highlights the people, connections, and everyday experiences that show the heart behind who we are and what we do. His creativity helps our community see and celebrate the stories unfolding at B2H!
Our strength is not simply in what we teach, but in how we connect. We believe students grow when caring adults take time to understand their strengths, needs, experiences, and goals.
Together, we are building a community where young people are supported academically, encouraged personally, and empowered to move forward with confidence and purpose.
Tell us about your student’s strengths, needs, and goals. We’ll create a personalized Student Support Plan designed around them.
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