Bridges Out of Poverty training is based off the work of Dr. Ruby Payne and provides insight to the "hidden rules" of different socio-economic classes.  The City of Dubuque partners with Jim Ott, National Consultant for aha! Process, to provide opportunity for organizations, individuals and institutions to learn more about the Bridges model.  Trainings are held annually at Loras College. 

Bridges Out of Poverty Training
	Jim Ott is a school psychologist with Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency serving schools in Jackson County. He has lived in Dubuque for the past 27 years and he and his wife, Teresa, have four children who are "native" Dubuquers! Jim was certified in Ruby Payne's Framework for Understanding Poverty in 2006 and a year later in Bridges Out of Poverty. Since that time, Jim has become a self-described "Bridges Evangelist" speaking to any group that will listen about the possibilities of addressing poverty through Dr. Payne's lens. For the past three years, Jim has been active in facilitating Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin' By World.
	Carroll Clark is the Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator for the City of Dubuque Housing & Community Development Department.  Carroll has a Bachelor degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.  Carroll's hard work and dedication behind the scenes makes the Bridges Initiative run like a well-oiled machine.  If something happens in this program, you can bet Carroll had a hand in it's development.  Carroll is available to do trainings for departments and activities under the umbrella of the City of Dubuque.
	Ermina Soler is the Circles Coach for the City of Dubuque.  Ermina began studying Bridges Out of Poverty concepts during her AmeriCorps term with the City of Dubuque in 2009.  Ermina facilitated her first Getting Ahead class in 2010 and was also trained as a Circles Coach.  Ermina is a dynamic presenter bringing real-life experience, and a little Brooklyn attitude, to the team.  Ermina is available to do trainings for departments and activities under the umbrella of the City of Dubuque.
	Want to hear from a real expert on poverty?  Why not speak with someone who has lived it!  Matthew Murray, Shannon Backeberg, Linda Saroka and Theresa McDonough are just some of the Getting Ahead graduates who make themselves available as poverty experts during our full-day trainings.  Poverty experts donate their time and agree to get up in front of the Bridges audience and share their personal journeys.  Matt and Shannon are a couple, living here in Dubuque raising their two children.  Both work part-time and are Circle Leaders.  Linda has just completed her AmeriCorps term with City of Dubuque Housing and Community Development Department.  Theresa is a Loras College graduate and is working as a substitute paraprofessional for the Dubuque Community School District.