Special Education
Vision
The vision of the Learning and Academic Disabilities Department is to develop and empower students to become good self-advocates and independent learners through utilizing technology, building personal toolboxes of strategies, and accessing all available resources. We will achieve this through fostering positive relationships and open communication with staff and parents.
Ms. Kimiko Scott, Resource Teacher for Speical Education - email
Kimiko Scott is the current Resource Teacher for Special Education at Briggs Chaney Middle School. In her time in MCPS she has taught Reading, Resource, and cotaught all grade levels of English. Kimiko enjoys playing and watching sports, in particular basketball. Over the years in MCPS she has coached soccer, basketball, and softball. One of Kimiko's past employers includes DC's Children's Law Center, and she believes in strong advocacy for all children.
Ms. Evelyne Awundaga, English - email
I am so excited to be teaching as a Special Educator here at Briggs Chaney Middle School. My experience in teaching spans from middle to high school level and I’ve been teaching for over 13 years. I’m a former parent of BCMS and I’m so proud to be here, giving back to the community that trained and shaped my children. I will be co-teaching 8th and 7th grade English Language Arts this academic year. I look forward to working with your children and to collaborate with you in order to make this academic year a successful one for your child.
Ms. Kimberly Bet, Math and Resource - email
I grew up in Northern NJ with four brothers and extended family as my neighbors. I completed my Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary & Kindergarten Education with Pennsylvania State University and my Master’s degree in Special Education with Towson State University. I started my career in Baltimore City teaching first grade, then moved up to second grade. I taught in Baltimore City a total of four years before transferring to MCPS. I have spent my entire MCPS career, starting year 26, at Briggs Chaney MS. I have had the opportunity to co-teach with many different talented teachers in all three grades and in all the core academic subjects. I believe it’s important to give our young people a chance to have a variety of experiences and activities outside of academics in order to help them grow as well rounded individuals; I have sponsored the Chess and Board Games Club, Tennis Club and coached the Girls Softball Team for students to participate in after school.
Ms. Lisa Bligen, Paraeducator - email
Mr. James Blount, Paraeducator - email
Hi my name is James D. Blount Jr. I am a Paraeducator at Briggs Chaney Middle School. I have an 11 years old daughter who is the “apple of my eye”. I am a graduate of Montgomery College with an Associate of Arts degree. I went on to University of Maryland where I achieved my Bachelor’s degree in Afro-American Studies. I worked many jobs until I found my way into education. I was an At-Risk counselor, coach, and Mentor in some high crime neighborhoods in Washington DC and Maryland for many years. “ It is not where you are from, it is where you're going.” This is a saying my parents would always tell my sisters and I when we were younger.
I also worked in the same Jazz club for 29 years. I learned a lot about business skills and people skills. It was a great experience. I really like working in education and coaching sports because I was taught and coached by some great teachers and coaches. I’d like to pass on these experiences and share that having an education can bring more opportunities in the future. I am a former athlete and I feel that sports are very helpful in personal health, confidence building, and team building.This can be carried on in the professional world. Sports and exercise is a great outlet for a lot of things relating to the real world.
Mr. Isaiah Chambers, Alternative 1 - email
Greetings, and welcome. I have the honor to teach and support your child this academic year. I am a Prince George’s County native and a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where I played baseball for 4 years. Some of my hobbies include exercising, listening to music and coaching baseball. This school year I will be co-teaching Math 7 as well as teaching Math 180. In addition to my Resource class. I am also the school's Athletic Coordinator for the 2020-2021 season. I can’t wait to see what the year has in store for us.
Mr. Andre Frazier, Paraeducator - email
Ms. Cindy Fuentes, English and Math - email
Hello, my name is Cindy Fuentes and I am so excited to return to Briggs Chaney for a second year as a Special Education Teacher. I was born and raised in Montgomery County and I’m a graduate from the University of Maryland where I studied Family Science and Special Education. Go Terps! I have worked with kids in different capacities and for MCPS for the past 13 years. My passion has always been working with kids and their families. I have been married for 9 years and we have a 4 year old daughter named Dylan and a 9 month old son named Carlos who are both the light of our lives. It is truly a pleasure to have the opportunity to teach the wonderful students of Briggs Chaney for another amazing year!
Ms. Julie Johnson, Speech Pathologist - email
Ms. Cynthia Kelly, SPED Math - email
Mr. Steven Kundrat, Paraeducator - email
Ms. Sultana Mahmoud, Paraeducator - email
Hello everyone! Welcome to the new academic year 2020-2021. My name is Sultana Mahmoud. This is my 3rd year in Briggs Chaney. My experience in teaching spans from elementary to high school level, and I’ve been teaching for over 10 years. I look forward to working with my students and making this academic year a successful one.
Ms. Susan Martin, Paraeducator - email
I have been with Montgomery County Public Schools for 24 years, and have been at Briggs Chaney MS for 22 years. I love providing support for student success. I live in Montgomery County and my two children are proud graduates of MCPS. Previously I served as the Executive Director of a women's political group. I have a business degree and I attended the University of Maryland. In my spare time, I'm involved in several service organizations and love my work serving homeless veterans and Wounded Warriors. I’m the proud grandmother of a future MCPS student!
Ms. Cecily Williams-Blijd, Reading Teacher - email