Bridge Department
Ms. Lisa Stephen, Bridge Program Coordinator email
Welcome to a new school year! I have spent most of my career at Briggs Chaney MS. This is year twenty-nine for me at BCMS. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Human Development with a focus on Adolescent Development, and a Certificate in Administration and Supervision. I look forward to working with students, parents, and staff toward maximizing student potential and cultivating excellence through a focus on equity, access, and relationships.
Gabriel Bellagamba, School Psychologist email
Welcome to the 21-22 school year! This is my 16th year working for MCPS. Within my time at MCPS, I have worked as a school psychologist and as a school administrator. This school year, I will be supporting Briggs Chaney Middle School and Paint Branch High School. I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist with a Masters Degree and Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology. I also hold a Graduate Certificate in School Administration and Supervision. I am excited for the start of our new year and to get to know everyone!
Mr. Michael Bokal, Science email
Hello Briggs Chaney! This is my third year at BCMS in the Bridge Program and 17th teaching Special Education (10th with MCPS). I hold a Master's Degree in Special Education from Loyola College. I am an avid outdoorsman, I love fishing, sports and my family. I am also the boys’ basketball coach and I am looking forward to having a great year and working with the students and staff here at Briggs Chaney.
Mr. Kevin Burroughs, Paraeducator email
Ms. Janet Chad, Paraeducator email
I am happy to say that I have been working at Briggs Chaney Middle School for 20+ years. I am looking forward to a GREAT school year. I have two roles in the Bridge Program. I am the Bridge Secretary and also a Paraeducator. I grew up in Rockville and attended Montgomery County Public Schools. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Michelle Chao, Social Worker email
Hi Everyone! I’m in my 2nd year as the part-time Social Worker who supports the Bridge Program at Briggs Chaney Middle School. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) and have been working in schools, the mental health field and/or private practice for over 20 years. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. I embrace the chaos that is my family and love spending time with family, friends and neighbors, reading and being outside. I’m excited to start this school year in person!
Ms. Brenda Conley, Paraeducator email
Mr. David Chrismer, English email
My name is David Chrismer and this is my sixth year teaching at Briggs Chaney Middle School. This is also my sixth year in MCPS after spending six years teaching in Baltimore City Public Schools. I am certified in Special Education with additional certifications in Secondary English and History. I have also had experience serving as an IEP Chair and a Transition Monitor. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family & pets, reading, following my Baltimore sports teams, DJing and playing music.
Ms. Suzanne Davidson, Paraeducator email
My name is Suzanne Klein Davidson and I'm excited to return for my third year as a paraeducator on the Bridge Team at BCMS and my fourth year with MCPS. I have my bachelor's degree from The American University and two Masters Degrees from Towson University, in Jewish History and Jewish Education. In addition to my work at BCMS, I teach Hebrew classes, Comparative Religions and Holocaust Studies. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, ballet classes, yoga, walking our dog Spencer and traveling with my family. I am looking forward to a terrific school year.
Ms. Lindsay Jones, Math - email
My name is Lindsay Jones. I have worked in Montgomery County for nine years and this is my eighth year at Briggs Chaney Middle School. I have my bachelor's degree from Utah State University and a Master's Degree from The George Washington University both in Special Education. I look forward to working with all of my students to make this a successful year for everyone!
Mr. Matthew Krichbaum - email
Welcome back Briggs Chaney! My name is Matt Krichbaum, and this is my second year teaching, second year at Briggs Chaney, and 8th year in MCPS. I have 3 beautiful children who are my world, and another baby girl on the way in January! I love sports, especially the Washington Football Team and the Duke Blue Devils basketball team. This is my 10th year also coaching high school football in Montgomery County. I am currently the Defensive Line coach at Sherwood High School, my alma mater. I am looking forward to a great school year!
Mr. Jason Schmorr, Paraeducator email
Hello! My name is Jason Schmorr and I am a Paraeducator at Briggs Chaney Middle School. This is my third year working as a Paraeducator in MCPS. I am originally from Rye, NY. I relocated to Maryland three years ago. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education at St. Andrews Presbyterian University in Laurinburg, NC. I am married to my beautiful wife Jenn, who is an ESOL teacher in MCPS. In my free time, I enjoy sports, traveling, hiking, attending concerts, and spending time with my family.
Ms. Rachel Smith, Paraeducator email
Hi there! I am a 2011 graduate of Allegheny College where I earned degrees in both History and Women's Studies. I am a self-proclaimed “cat lady” and all-around animal lover who also makes music and plays the saxophone in a band 🙂 This is my 8th year working for MCPS and my 5th year working in the Bridge Program here at Briggs Chaney. I am excited to be back in person and ready for a great year of fun and learning!
Ms. Teresa Wellens, Paraeducator email
Hello! This is my 6th year here at Briggs Chaney Middle School and my 11th year in MCPS. I grew up in Montgomery County and raised 3 children who attended MCPS schools. I enjoy spending time with my grand baby, walking, and going to the beach any chance I get. I attended Montgomery College in Rockville and earned my certification in Human Resources. I’m looking forward to a wonderful new school year in person!