The Cedar Hill CDC Staff and Board
with Director Biographies

Bio: John T. O'Donnell, Executive Director

With the exception of his five years in Africa, Tim spent most of his life in northern New Jersey. For three years Tim was a Science/Math Instructor and Director of Athletics at Chaminade Secondary School in Malawi, Africa while serving with the Peace Corps.

He spent his last two years abroad in Kenya, East Africa as a Lay Missionary with Marianist Brothers. He was also founder and Director of the Industrial Education Department at Mangu Secondary School.

When Tim returned to the United States he spent five years with the Mountain Lakes High School as an Instructor in American Studies, Journalism and English in addition to being Mountain Lakes High's Tennis Coach.

In the early sixty's Tim graduated cum laude from Seton Hall University with a B.A. in Classical Languages, and a B.S.in Secondary School Education. His studies included Metallurgical Engineering at Lafayette College, and Secondary School Education at Columbia University

From 1977 to 2005 Tim began to develop his corporate career in Sales, Marketing and Administration. He became a National Account Manager with a manufacturer and importer of Dutch chocolate and cocoa for companies such as Entemann's, Sara Lee and Duncan Hines.

Tim was next National Sales Manager for the largest division of a mini-computer and software supplier. For the next eight years, as Owner and CEO of TOD Educational Services, he supplied computer classes and seminars to companies such as Novartis, Picatinny Arsenal and AT&T.

For the next four years, Tim was National Sales Manager providing custom computer software for the woodworking industry. Tim returned to his entrepenurial roots as a partner in The Cobre Group developing, producing and marketing custom computer software.

In 2005 Tim became Executive Director of Cedar Hill CDC. Tim had worked with the CDC as a volunteer and was President of the Board of Directors for several years. Using his experience and his remarkable social networking base and skills, Tim has managed to keep the CDC functioning extremely well throughout this very financially challenging period.

Bio: Bridget Burke-Weiss, Program Director

While living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bridget was a professional stand-up comedienne in addition to being a teacher in Montessori schools. During one of her stand-up performances she caught the eye and ear of New Jerseyan Micah Weiss. We don't know if Micah expected to hear the usual jokes about New Jersey from Bridget, but he loved her routine. True love soon blossomed and Micah convinced Bridget to marry him, and leave her heart in San Francisco heading east to Micah's home state of New Jersey—the jokes about the Garden State proved unfounded and they have never left.

Bridget attended New York University where she received her Montessori teaching credentials. She is a past Board Member of the Boonton Historical Society and is a Trustee of The Barn Theatre in Montvile where she frequently continues her acting. Bridget is currently very active in community theatre. In case you may be confused by her photo with her furry friend at the beginning of this brief biography, Bridget is also a professional puppeteer. She has been very active performing her original shows for area children including the CDC. On or before January 1st 2010, video excerpts of this past Halloween's delightful show will be posted on the Field Trips and Special Events page of this website.

Among her many talents, Mrs. "B" is also a talented artist, and our children benefit significantly from her very strong Art Program at the CDC. During the past year or so Mrs. "B's" students have gained significant poise, self-confidence and self-esteem through an active Performing Arts Program culminating in an annual fashion show and talent show.

Last spring Bridget took on expanded, full time responsibilities including directing the CDC's six week Summer Camp Program, and increased staff and administrative responsibilities. The CDC and especially our children are fortunate indeed to thrive under the care and leadership of the multi-talented Mrs. "B."