Bridget Sampson—trained as a writer at University of Virginia and at Syracuse University—taught writing at the  university level before joining her husband full-time as co-owner of The Dogwood. Working in the restaurant business  for over 15 years as a bartender and server, she saw the restaurant business as a way to subsidize her writing and  teaching, but soon became both a fan and a professional.  Her last teaching job before taking on The Dogwood was  teaching a family literacy program in the Women’s Detention Center, while an Open Society Community Fellow.  Inspired to action—as a couple—by this experience, Bridget and Galen founded the restaurant’s culinary and hospitality  apprenticeship program for individuals in transition.  As The Dogwood’s Maitre’ d, she loves welcoming guests to the  restaurant along with The Dogwood’s outstanding staff.