Bridge to Success Staff

Billie J. Bailey serves as Director of Bridge to Success. Mrs. Bailey is a proud Kean University alumna with two degrees: Master of Public Administration (Class of 2002) and Master of Arts in Counselor Education (Class of 2006). She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Thomas Edison University. 

Prior to becoming Director, Mrs. Bailey was an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Counselor at Kean University. She served in this role for 16½ years. She is very proud of the legacy she left behind in the EOF Program. She is extremely passionate about serving Opportunity and First Generation populations. Her scholars/students graduate and become educators, politicians, lawyers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs and so much more. She is an adjunct instructor teaching in two disciplines, Public Administration and Counselor Education. She serves as an advisor to two Greek organizations, Zeta Lambda of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is also a Hearing Officer for Community Standards and Student Conduct.

Billie spends her free time with family, friends and her sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She enjoys singing, cooking, baking and sharing her gifts/talents with the community.

Christina Reilly is Acting Associate Director for the Bridge to Success Program. Christina currently holds a Master's degree from Stockton University Advanced Standing Program, a program which she completed in 2017. Christina oversees the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society as the Chapter Advisor as well as coordinates Bridge to Success programming for Juniors and Seniors.

Prior to joining Bridge to Success, Christina Spent 3 years working for an educational development program for at-risk youth, assisting adolescents between the ages of 16-23 to reach their academic and career goals. Christina has also worked in a variety of other settings such as prisons and -public schools which lead to her increasing interest in improving the access to higher education.

Hiba Khalil serves as the Program Coordinator for the Bridge to Success program. She is an alumna of Montclair State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy as well as her Master of Arts in Higher Education. Hiba has a passion for advocating for underrepresented populations and enhancing the academic and career development of college students. 

Prior to joining Kean University, Hiba held multiple positions while in school. She was a graduate assistant for the Department of Educational Leadership at Montclair State University, where she supported her graduate program in recruitment and programming initiatives. She was also a graduate assistant for the Dean’s Office and conducted research. Hiba spent some time interning and then working as a legal assistant throughout college and graduate school for an immigration attorney. Additionally, she was a practicum student in the summer of 2022 for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Stevens Institute of Technology. 

Hiba’s goal is to advance the self-efficacy of her students and to motivate them to succeed, despite the barriers in their path to earning a degree. She takes on a compassionate approach to serving students and preparing them for life after college. She aims to uplift them and help them recognize their strengths and talents.

Tushawn Jernigan serves as a Student Development Specialist with the Bridge to Success Program at Kean University. He was a Presidential Scholar and graduate of William Paterson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a teacher certification in Secondary Education. He then went on to earn a Master of Education degree at Montclair State University. A believer in social justice and equity, Mr. Jernigan holds two certificates in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) from the University of South Florida: (1) DE&I Inclusion in the Workplace and (2) Inclusive & Ethical Leadership.

Prior to joining Kean University, Mr. Jernigan served as a Student Development Specialist with the Educational Opportunity Fund Program at Ramapo College of New Jersey,  where he worked closely with undergraduate students, facilitated initiatives, and coordinated programs geared toward supporting students in their efforts to persist to graduation and achieve their goals. While at Ramapo College, Mr. Jernigan also held a number of part-time positions, including Alternative Testing Proctor, Assistant Title IX Investigator, and Writing Consultant. 

Before transitioning to higher education, Mr. Jernigan taught English Language Arts at a New Jersey high school for over ten years and also served as an Advocate/Counselor to aspiring college students in Seton Hall University’s Upward Bound Program. In all of his years and various roles as an educator, Mr. Jernigan’s goal has been to help his students develop into responsible, accountable, self-sufficient adults with a healthy sense of self and compassion for humanity.  

Vincent Guarnere serves as a Student Development Specialist for the Bridge to Success Program. He had received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Temple University in Philadelphia, followed by a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Student Affairs Leadership, also from Temple University.  In addition to managing his caseload, he oversees Bridge to Success programming for Juniors and facilitates and acts as lead advisor for the NSLS (The National Society of Leadership and Success) for Kean University’s chapter, helping young scholars push to their drive towards great achievement.

Before joining Kean University, Vincent has over 6 years of higher education experience, cultivating and developing versatility within both community college and private university settings in a variety of roles, such as veteran education benefits, medical school scheduling and advising, and financial aid counseling, to name a few.  Inspired by his students every day, he uses this as motivation to become and master the art of being a holistic advisor.  With his skillset, he hopes to be able to be a continuous advocate for those students in need of it most to complete their studies and flourish at Kean. Outside of work, Vincent enjoys karaoke, dancing, and spending time with his beloved girlfriend.

Angelica Villalta serves as a Student Development Specialist for the Bridge to Success Program. She is a first-generation college graduate from William Paterson University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders, followed by a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration with a Leadership concentration. In addition to managing her caseload, she oversees Bridge to Success programming for Sophomores and assists with assessment outcomes.

Before joining Kean University, Angelica spent over 4 years at Hudson County Community College where she worked for Enrollment Services, taught first-year seminar classes, and served as an Academic Counselor for Advisement and Transfer. She has learned the struggles students face, especially those from marginalized communities, and is passionate about teaching students how to advocate for themselves and find their voice. Outside of work, Angelica enjoys photography, sunsets and spending time with loved ones.

Ryanne Boyer serves as a Student Development Specialist in the Bridge to Success Program at Kean University. She was a graduate of Seton Hall University(SHU) where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations. She then earned a Masters of Public Administration from Seton Hall University as well. During her time at SHU, she served as the President and Graduate Advisor of the Black Student Union as well as an active member in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. During her senior year, Ryanne was also invited to the highly selective Leadership Fellows program at the university. 

Prior to Kean University, Ryanne was the Chair of Special Projects as well as a Resident Director in the Office of Residential Education at Stevens Institue of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. In this role, she coordinated Resident Assistant Selection for both new and returning staff as well as managing two first-year residence halls. She served as a Hearing Officer for the Office of Community Standards for residential infractions as well.

Ryanne is currently a doctoral student at Seton Hall University in the Higher Education program where she researches the effectiveness of diversity efforts in colleges and universities.