Teacher Directory

Mr. Bridgewater is in his eleventh year as the band director at Tse Bit Ai Middle School.  He is originally from Hershey, Pennsylvania and holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Music Education from Penn State University. In addition to his music degrees, Mr. Bridgewater also has his principal certification through the ALD Leadership Program. He enjoys sharing his passion for music with his students and hopes to provide many musical experiences that will enhance their learning. When he is not teaching Mr. Bridgewater enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, hiking, swimming, and cheering on his Steelers and Nittany Lions!

Hi all! My name is Ms. Brooke Charley and I am SO excited to be teaching P.E./Health this school year. This is my first year with Tse Bit Ai Middle School. I was born in Shiprock, NM. But, I mainly originate from Tulsa, OK, where I was raised for the majority of my life. I graduated from Jenks High School in 2017. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a major in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Psychology from Fort Lewis College in 2020. I live in Farmington, NM, with my two kids and our dog “Bella.” In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, Zumba, and traveling back home to OK as much as possible. I am happy to be part of the Tse Bit Ai family. Go Warriors!

Hooghanlani nishli, Tlizilani bashichiin, Tsenahabilni da shichei, Ashiihi da shinali. I graduated from Newcomb HIgh School in 2002. I have a Master's Degree in Special Education from Eastern New Mexico University. Go Tse Bit Ai Warriors!

Hello! My name is Cheyenne Keams. I am Tangle clan born for Bitter water clan. My maternal grandparents are Mexican People clan and my paternal grandparents are Manygoats clan. I was born and raised here in Shiprock, NM. I received my Bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Anthropology at Susquehanna University. I teach Media Literacy here at Tse’ Bit’ Ai Middle School. I love giving our students the tools and academic language they need to successfully navigate the world. Outside of teaching I enjoy traveling, attending poetry/book readings, and visiting the planetarium. I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the youth in our community. Go Warriors!

BA: Fort Lewis College
MA: Tiffin University
I have taught for 28 years and am equally passionate about teaching and creating art. I am so proud of our art students that challenge themselves to create and be their best each day. I really do believe we are the finest middle school art program in New Mexico. Shine on Warriors!!  I enjoy nature, travel, faith, and a good steak. The Denver Broncos and Nuggets are my teams. I’ve been married for 32 years, have a son who is 27 and a daughter of 24.

Ya'at'eeh! Shi ei Todich'ii'nii nishli, Ozeii Tachii'nii bashischiin, KinLichii'nii da shi chei doo Hashk'ann Hadzohi ei da shi nali.  My roots grow deep in Shiprock, NM. It has always been home for me and I attended Tse'Bit'Ai Middle School in my middle school days. :) I graduated high school as a Shiprock Chieftain and most recently added a Masters Degree in Special Education from Fort Lewis College. I am proud to be part of the Warrior Family as the Extended Resource Teacher.

My name is Marichelle Saga, married with three children. I am a Special Education Resource teacher at Tse Bit Ai Middle School. I have been teaching in the Philippines for 23 years before I joined the BridgeUSA program or the Exchange Visitor Program last September of 2022. I finished my Bachelor in Elementary Education and took up a Master of Arts in Communication at Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan. Graduated Master of Education, major in Social Studies at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Holds a Diploma in Teaching Special Education at the University of Science and Technology  of Southern Philippines and a Doctorate degree in Philosophy of Education at Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan. I feel very blessed to be part of the TBA Warrior Team and teaching has always been my passion.

Hello my names is Chuck Thomas. I am edgewater born for Black streak tree people . Cheii is towering house nali is navajo Mexican people. I come from 25 plus years of real life construction experience.  Please feel free to email mail or stop by classroom if you have any questions.  

 I am from Shiprock, New Mexico and graduated from Shiprock High School in 2015. I hold an M.A from UCLA and teach 8th Grade Early United States History.

Mr. Miguel Roque Velarde, “Rocky”, is the Lead Safety Advisor at Tse Bit Ai Middle School, for Central Consolidated School District.  Mr. Velarde is a retired Police Officer, who served for 21 years at the Farmington Police Department. During his time as a Police Officer, he served as a Patrolman, a School Resource Officer, a Narcotics Agent, a SWAT Commander, and a Supervisor.  He is a Father and Grandfather who enjoys spending time with his family, the outdoors, and participating in Rodeos, where he rides bulls.