Ashley Gabriele
President
Founding Brat
Ashley is a Founding Brat and is the daughter of our late Founder, Cathy Lee. She grew up in Pennellville, NY and is a 2002 graduate of Phoenix. While growing up she participated in our Bridge House Brats program, participated in several sports, attended Teen Institute, volunteered at local homeless shelters and nursing homes, and completed over 500 hours of community service. She has earned the Presidential Award for Community Service and numerous other awards.
After high school Ashley attended Mohawk Valley Community College and SUNY Oswego. She has an Associate’s degree in computer science and is a Department of Financial Services licensed property, casualty, and life insurance representative. She is currently an Office Manager with State Farm Insurance. Ashley is dedicated to keeping her mom’s legacy alive for future generations to come.
Jeffrey Kilts
Vice President & Treasurer
Founding Brat
Jeff is proud to serve as Vice President and Treasurer of Bridge House Brats, where he combines a passion for the organization’s mission with years of experience in financial and business management. A graduate of Phoenix, Jeff first got involved with the organization through his Godmother, our Founder, Cathy Lee when he joined as one of the Founding Brats. He later expanded his volunteerism through Cathy’s numerous charitable and community service endeavors (Youth to Youth, Teen Institute, Buddies, etc.) earning the Presidential Award for Community Service along the way.
Jeff holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a Master’s degree from Syracuse University focused on financial and strategic management and international business. Currently residing in Houston, Jeff’s primary job is directing global purchasing, trading, and other commercial activity in the commodity and specialty chemicals markets. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys volunteering, hiking, camping, and spending time with his family.
Courtney Mercer
Secretary
Founding Brat
Courtney is an accomplished business owner, dedicated mother, and passionate community leader. A 2002 graduate of Phoenix, Courtney is also a Founding Brat, bringing invaluable insight and commitment to its mission. As the board’s secretary, Courtney ensures effective communication, organization, and support for the program’s growth and success.
Outside of her professional and board responsibilities, Courtney is involved in coaching youth wrestling and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, fostering leadership, discipline, and personal development in others. Balancing a fulfilling career with a busy family life, she is dedicated to giving back to the community and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Kathy Lathrop
Director of Operations
Kathy is a lifetime Phoenix resident. She graduated from Phoenix and has worked for Phoenix Central School District for 35 years. In addition to her professional experience working with children, she’s raised 3 children and is grandmother to 6 grandchildren. Kathy has 38 years experience volunteering alongside our Founder, Cathy Lee, and also led the local Girl Scout Troop. Kathy retired in 2025 and is continuing her participation in the organization as Director of Operations.
Timothy Barnhart
Board Member
Founding Brat
Tim grew up in Phoenix, NY and received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oswego State University.
Tim has been active in his community and is an active alum of Oswego State University. A highly sought after industry speaker, Tim has spoken to over 20 Northwestern Mutual offices across the country as well as several regional and annual meetings, covering a range of topics.
He has served on a number of boards including the March of Dimes, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Pass Da’ ROCK, and the Oswego Alumni Association. Tim currently serves on the Board of Directors for Oswego Health and is the President of the Baldwinsville Pop Warner.
Tim proudly established the Tim ’02 and Andrea Barnhart Emerging Leaders Scholarship at Oswego State University in 2014 and was a founding member of the Syracuse University Legends Society.
Tim is married to Andrea and resides in Baldwinsville with their daughter Lindsay, son Kyle and their Bichon, Spencer. They are Syracuse University sports enthusiasts and enjoy spending time with their friends and family. Tim’s values are Family, Fun, and Legacy.
Brian Borchik
Board Member
Honorary Brat
Brian grew up in Baldwinsville and is actively involved in charities and giving back to the community. In 2016, Brian began volunteering with the Bridge House Brats with his first project being the planning and building of the Little Free Library.
He is dedicated to helping build the Bridge House Brats program and keeping things fun. As Mayor of Pheonix he has helped to ensure the Bridge House Brats program continues indefinitely by working with village administration, original Brats, and family members to ensure Cathy’s legacy and vision continue to inspire the youth of the region.
Bridge House Brats holds a special place in his heart: “no organization has been more meaningful to me than this…I can’t wait to see where this program goes in the future, and I definitely look forward to continually being a part of it.”
Anthony Furco
Board Member
1st Generation Brat
Anthony is a lifelong Phoenician and brings a unique blend of personal experience and community commitment to his role on the Bridge House Brats board. His journey with the organization began at age five, working alongside founder Cathy Lee, and continued through high school as an Americorps leader for the program. The skills, life lessons, and connections gained have profoundly shaped him. As the owner of Tone’s Cones, he is passionate about supporting the Bridge House Brats Program and offering a welcoming space for anyone in need.
Benjamin Manzer
Board Member
1st Generation Brat
Ben graduated from Phoenix and is a lifelong Phoenix resident. He spent many years being mentored by Cathy Lee. Ben joined the Bridge House Brats in 2005 and spent every summer there, even serving as an Americorp Member for the summers of 2010 and 2011. He’s been a member of the Phoenix Enterprise Fire Company #1 since 2009. Ben is dedicated to helping the Bridge House Brats program, and keeping Cathy’s vision and legacy alive.
Lawrence Provost
Board Member
Founding Brat
Larry is a Founding Brat and graduated from Phoenix where he played Varsity Baseball. After graduation, Larry attended SUNY Oswego where he holds B.A.’s in History and Political Science. He also holds several Master’s degrees including an MDiv from Liberty University, M.P.S. in Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University, and an M.A. in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
Larry previously worked at The American Legion Headquarters as Assistant National Security and Assistant Legislative Director as well as Director of Commuter Affairs at Liberty University.
In the military, Larry worked search and rescue at the World Trade Center and later served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He was named as one of HillVets’ 100 most influential Veterans in Washington, D.C. in 2019, a 2021 America’s Future Writing Fellow, and a 2025 Fellow of the Economic Club of New York. His writings have appeared in FoxNews.com, Newsmax, The Daily Caller, Townhall.com, and other outlets.
Larry works in Washington, D.C. and also serves as a Chaplain in the Army National Guard. Larry and his wife Lori are proud adoptive parents
Megan Swidowski
Board Member
Founding Brat
Megan is a Founding Brat and has completed over 500 hours of community service earning many awards such as Youth of the Year and the Presidential Award for Community Service.
After high school, Megan completed her Bachelors and Master’s in education at SUNY Oswego and is currently in her 10th year of teaching 5th grade at Syracuse Academy of Science.
In Megan’s free time, she loves spending time with her four nieces and nephew, her husband, and 4 fur-children. Megan also enjoys interior design, shopping, going to the beach, and reading.
Megan was the Director of Operations for the Bridge House Brats in 2024 and is dedicated to ensuring Cathy’s legacy lives on.