Staff Members
William Washington, Founder and Executive Director
Founded the Bridge Ministry in 1996
Author of His Grace is Sufficient, An Autobiography and People, Places, & Things: A Guide to Overcoming Addictive Behavior
Ordained Minister/Counselor
Over 30 years of experience working with addiction and addictive behavior
Received the “Distinguished Dozen” award in 2001 by the Daily Progress, a local newspaper that recognizes twelve people each year who are leaders in the community.
Received the Bridge Builders award given by the City of Charlottesville in 2006 and had name placed on the Drewary J. Brown Memorial Bridge “in honor of those people who succeeded in building bridges in our community.”
Jay James, Assistant Director
Began working at the Bridge Ministry in 2009
Host of WINA Morning News
Sports Director at Charlottesville Radio Group
Associate Producer for the Virginia Sports Network
UVA football sideline reporter
BA in Religion from University of Virginia
Jerod Patterson, Program Manager for Behavioral Health Services
Began working at the Bridge Ministry in 2021
MA in Human Services Counseling: Criminal Justice from Liberty University
Certified clinical trauma specialist for addiction
Certified alcohol and drug counselor
Crisis Intervention Team instructor
Charlie Towler, Director of Employee Operations
Began volunteering at the Bridge Ministry in 2019 where he is the Director of Employee Operations and teaches a weekly class
Owner of C. E. Towler, Inc. Home Builder
Commercial Electrical Contractor
Metal Building Contractor
Business and Life Coach
Joyce Washington, Administrator
Oversees the administration at the Bridge Ministry
Realtor at Keller Williams Realty
Ellie Craddock, Administrator
Began working at the Bridge Ministry in 2015
Oversees the administration, accounting, and grant writing at The Bridge
BS in Engineering Sciences and BA in Mathematics from Sweet Briar College
ME in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia