Our People

Michael Highfill - Director
Michael has been directing Bridge Idaho's programming since 2005. Originally from Springville, California, he received a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Liberal Studies from the University of Montana before earning his Master's in History from University of Idaho. Michael has worked with his team to create and develop Bridge Idaho in order to address college access and attainment issues for Idaho's citizens and serve as a signaling device to our institution regarding the importance of supporting low-income and first generation students. Michael is a member of the President's Diversity Council focusing on Student Recruitment and Recreation.
» Contact Michael Highfill

Stacey Smith - Assistant Director
Stacey began working for Bridge Idaho in the Spring 2007 as a project specialist and later as the Administrative and Retention Coordinator. Stacey is the advisor to The Alliance for Low-Income Students, and is a member of UI ACADA and the President's Diversity Council. Originally form Crawfordsville, Indiana, Stacey earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Idaho, and is pursuing a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Being the first in her low-income family to attend college, Stacey maintains a very personal connection to Bridge Idaho's mission and is dedicated to helping low-income, first generation students succeed in achieving their educational aspirations.
» Contact Stacey Smith

Ryan Bender - Program Coordinator
Ryan began working for Bridge Idaho in the fall of 2007. He has spent the last five years as Coordinator for Orofino and Kooskia and is now dedicated full time to Orofino. Originally from Shoreline, Washington, Ryan earned a B.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis on teaching from Lewiston Clark State College. He enjoys his position because he has the opportunity to help high school students reach their goals.
» Contact Ryan Bender

Randall Bennett - Program Coordinator
Randi began working for Bridge Idaho in the winter of 2006. He's a graduate of the University of Idaho with a B.A. in Secondary Education. Randi has worked in the communities of Lapwai, Kamiah, Orofino and Kooskia and is now dedicated full time to Lapwai, serving the community where he grew up. He has been instrumental in providing dual enrollment opportunities for Bridge Idaho students through a partnership with the Nez Perce Tribe. Randi has also spent the last two seasons serving as an assistant basketball coach for the Lapwai Boys Basketball team.
» Contact Randall Bennett

Megan Bircher-Craviatto - Program Coordinator
Megan was born and raised in Idaho’s beautiful Silver Valley. After graduating from high school she attended North Idaho College and received an Associate of Arts Degree before continuing her education at the University of Idaho where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Communications. During this time, she worked with youths with developmental disabilities, focusing on teaching social, communication, and life skills. After graduation, she continued in this field as a Program Coordinator for Tesh Inc. further developing her passion for working with children and families. Megan returned to school to enhance her skills by earning a Master’s of Social Work Degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Through this program, she continued working with youths and their families in a variety of contexts including spending a summer assisting in an orphanage in China. In her spare time, Megan enjoys travel, hiking, camping, and yoga.
» Contact Megan Bircher-Craviatto

Teara Lyons - Mentor & Administrative Assistant
Teara has worked for Bridge Idaho since 2009 when she first enrolled at the University of Idaho. Prior to that she was a student participant from Kamiah High School and, therefore, has a deep understanding of where Bridge Idaho’s students are coming from and what it takes to be successful in higher education. She is currently pursuing her degree Architecture and really enjoys mentoring students, providing an environment where they can be themselves and helping them take advantage of opportunities.
» Contact Teara Lyons