Staff Directory

My name is Andy Abernathy. I have taught 8th grade science at BMS for 11 years and coached baseball at BMS for 6 years.

Hello, my name is Tomiah Allen. I serve as a Teacher Assistant in the CDC classroom and joined the Bridgeforth Middle School team in August 2023. I also have the pleasure of assisting as the cheer coach. I’m excited for the opportunities and experiences the new school year will bring!

I have been teaching at Bridgeforth Middle School my entire career of 25 years. I teach Physical Education and hold a Masters degree in Physical Education from UNA and I have an EdS in administration/supervision from MTSU. I have coached every year in some capacity in either football or basketball since day one.

I started teaching at BMS in 2014. I teach 6th and 8th ELA and am the RTI Facilitator.

Hi! My name is Karen Bobbitt. I am extremely excited to become the School Counselor at Bridgeforth . I have taught elementary & high school as well as been a school counselor in different grade levels & settings. I have a master’s degree in School Counseling & Elementary Education. I am so thankful that I continue to have a passion for School Counseling! My husband & I are both part of the Bridgeforth family. We are very blessed with four adult children & four precious grandchildren. I am super grateful for the opportunity to work with & get to know all of the students, teachers, & parents!

Hello!!! My name is Michael Bobbitt; I started at Bridgeforth Middle in September of 2023.  This is my 30th year in education. I spent my first 25 years in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator in  Alabama. I have a Bachelors Degree in Special Education and Physical Education from Jacksonville State University and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University. I also drive a school bus for Giles County BOE. My lovely wife & I are both part of the GREAT Bridgeforth family. We are very blessed with four adult children & four precious grandchildren. GO BOBCATS!!!!

I was hired as a teacher in the Giles County School System in the fall of 1997.  I spent my first 19 years in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator at Giles County High.  I began as the assistant principal at BMS in the fall of 2016.  I married my wife Allison in 1996.  We have two sons, Sam and Jake Cardin.  I attended Pulaski Elementary, Bridgeforth Middle, and graduated from GCHS in 1992.  Have an Associates degree from Columbia State CC, a Bachelors degree from Lipscomb University, and a Masters from Tennessee State University.  Played baseball for Columbia State and Lipscomb.

My name is Sarah Chambless. I am the band director at Bridgeforth. I have been teaching at BMS since 2021. I teach 6th-8th band, as well as RTI. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Alabama. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Music Education from University of Georgia.

Classroom Library

I joined the BMS family as the librarian in 2022. Prior to coming to BMS, I taught at Southside for five years and was a Special Education Assistant at PES for 7 years. I graduated from UT-Southern in 2017 with my Bachelor's in Elementary Education. I received my Masters in Library Sciences from MTSU in 2023. I am the Beta Club sponsor and serve as the Curriculum Materials/Chromebook Lead for our school.

I am Lesa Edde. I am your Secretary and Attendance Clerk at Bridgeforth Middle School. I have been at BMS for 15 years. I studied Business Management at Columbia State Community College.

My name is Jon Eubank. I am the 6th and 7th Grade Keyboarding Teacher and 8th Grade Computer Science Teacher. My wife, Tracy, teaches 7th and 8th Grade ELA also at Bridgeforth. I have a daughter, Mary Bryant Boyd and her husband Aaron, two sons, Carson and his wife Alexa, Camden, and three grandchildren, Reed, Riley, and Rhett. I have a Business Degree and a Business Education license from UT Southern (formerly Martin Methodist College). I have been teaching since 2010 and have spent my whole teaching career at Bridgeforth.

I have taught 7th and 8th Grade ELA at Bridgeforth since 2015. I have a Master's Degree in Administration and Supervision and an Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I also assist with social media for BMS.

Classroom Library

I began my teaching career in 2001 and am highly qualified and licensed for PreK - 8th grade. I graduated summa cum laude in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education along with a minor in Early Childhood from Athens State University. I've spent over two decades teaching 1st and 6th grades. I absolutely LOVE watching my students’ interest in world history grow each day and am passionate about reading instruction. I create a classroom environment in which history comes alive! Outside of school, I’m a mom to three wonderful children that keep me on my toes and that I’m immensely proud of. However, my kids will tell you that my favorite child is my beagle, Millie. You’ll often see me in the stands watching some kind of sporting event or working in my yard at home. I love to read, decorate, the smells of fall, spend time with my family, and Sun-Drop. Christmas is my absolute favorite and my (very fitting) nickname is Kristi Kringle. I presently serve as the Instructional Technology Teacher Leader, serve on the School Leadership Committee, and am the Scholastic Bowl coach. BMS holds a special place in my heart as both a teacher and a parent. Not only do I have my dream job here where I teach what I love and build relationships with my students, but all 3 of my children also blossomed in this school! Once a bobcat, always a bobcat!

Classroom Library

Hello, my name is Christie Glover and I am a SPED Assistant. I started at BMS in 2021. I am married and have 6 children and 4 grandchildren. My hobbies are crafting, reading, swimming and going to sports events. 

I have my Master of Education in Mathematics from Lipscomb University and started teaching at BMS in 2019. I am married to Brent, and we have two wonderful children, Emma and Baylen. We stay busy on our farm and love to go camping whenever possible. I am currently one of the Student Council sponsors at BMS and am always looking for fun and energetic students to join in on all the fun!

 I am blessed to be part of the BMS family. I am certified to teach all subjects in 1st through 8th grades. I have been with  Bridgeforth since 2016 teaching 7th and 8th grade Math and Science. I love helping students realize their potential. I also enjoy music, nature, hiking and camping.  I graduated from  UAH  in 1987 and taught third grade  for five years before retiring to raise a family.  We moved to a farm in Giles county in 1994.   I taught all subjects and all grades while home schooling our four children and led the Pulaski Homeschool Group. We joined every activity we could over the years in our awesome community:  scouting, robotics, RC,  4-H, dance, Pony Club, piano lessons, and Lions Club.  I taught  storytime at the Giles County library after the famous “Miss Donna,” and ran many Summer reading programs.  I substituted  at GCHS and tutored many Giles county students in all subjects.   My girls graduated from GCHS and we were an integral part of the band for many years.  It takes love and commitment to help students succeed and that’s how I roll!

I have been in GCSS since 2021 and at BMS since 2023! I am currently a Special Education Assistant in the general education classes, but I will graduate with my Bachelors in K-8 Special Education in December 2025. I hope to start my career soon after. I have been a cheer coach for 5 years now and love every bit of it. My husband, Payton, and I got married in March 2022 and welcomed our first child, Cooper, in January 2025. We are obsessed with him and couldn't love him any more. We also have two fur babies, Pico and Milo, who I love. My hobbies include playing any type of games, hanging out with friends and family, and watching movies.

They say do something you love and you'll never work a day in your life... working at BMS is amazing and our faculty is more than just a bunch of coworkers, we are family! 

Mrs. Herd began teaching kindergarten at Pulaski Elementary School in 1995. She taught there for two years and then moved to Neely's Bend Elementary School, where she taught 4th grade for two years. In 1999, she moved back home and began teaching at Bridgeforth and has been here for 22 years. In 2021 she became the principal. She loves BMS and considers it her home.

Mr. Hollister began his teaching journey after retiring from 20 years of active and reserve military service in the fall of 2008. He received his BA in Social Studies Education with an emphasis on Sociology and U.S./World History from Western Governors University in 2012, and after working as a Sales Manager for GNC for 4 years, began teaching 8th Grade U.S History in the fall of 2016. Mr. Hollister was the head coach of the Bobcats football team until 2023 when he stepped down to pursue his doctorate in Literacy Studies through Middle Tennessee State University. Mr. Hollister is married with 7 children/stepchildren, one granddaughter, and two grandsons, and lives with his wife, his youngest son, three dogs, a cat, and 14 chickens in the countryside of southern Middle Tennessee. He can be contacted at ghollister@gcboe.us for any questions.

My name La'Tobia Howard, but I go by Chanel. I started at BMS in 2023. I am the School Bookkeeper. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services.  I have two handsome little boys. I am excited to be Bridgeforth Bobcat, and I look forward to the years ahead! In my spare time, I love doing Crafts/decorating  specifically tshirts, door hanger/ welcome signs.

Hello, my name is Hannah Huntley. I have been at Bridgeforth Middle School since August 2024, teaching math and science. I graduated from the University of North Alabama in May 2023 with a Bachelor's Degree. I am so excited to help students grow and learn throughout their time here at Bridgeforth. Go Bobcats! 

Valerie Manning, I'm a Speech Pathologist, I received my Bachelors and Masters degree in communication disorders from Tennessee State University.  I've been at BMS for 3 years. 

Coach Maxwell. I started at BMS in 2023. I am the 7th and 8th grade Social Studies Teacher. I coach the baseball team here at BMS and I am very involved in all sports. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in sports management from the University of Tennessee Southern, and also have a degree in Education with licensure with an emphasis in history from the University of Tennessee Southern. I am excited to be a part of this staff and am ready to make history exciting and fun for my students. 

I began teaching in Giles County in 1999. I grew up in Giles County and enjoy making a difference in children's lives.  I teach Career Exploration and am so excited to be part of this fabulous adventure with my students, school, and community. I have a BS degree in Elementary Education K-8 and a Masters Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. I am also a co-advisor of our yearbook and a Teacher Leader in our school. My husband and I are the proud parents of 1 daughter, Jasmine. 

RN, School Nurse 12 years

My name is Robin Neely. I have been teaching since 2012, with all of my teaching career being at BMS. I have a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Learning Technology. I am a Math Teacher Leader, a member of the Leadership Committee, and Football Homecoming sponsor. I love music, spending time outside and being creative. 

Hello, my name is Mrs. Perry. I have been at BMS since 2022. I teach physical education, and I am the head softball coach. I graduated from UNA in 2021 with a bachelors degree in Exercise Physiology. I love staying active and being outdoors. I am so glad to be a part of the Bridgeforth family. Go Bobcats! 

My name is Christine Priolo and I teach art. You can call me Mrs. P! I have been at BMS since fall of 2019. Prior to that I taught photography at a high school in South Florida. I have a Bachelors of Fine Art from Florida Atlantic University, where I majored in photography. I am married and have two amazing kids, a son named Rosario and a baby girl named Alessandra.

Classroom Library

Laura Jane Reynolds is a Reading Interventionist. She earned her Master’s Degree from University of North Alabama, and has been at Bridgeforth since 1997. Reynolds serves as a Yearbook Advisor.

What subject(s) you teach: 7th & 8th Grade Science How long you've been at BMS: 4 years What degree you hold: Bachelors in Animal Science and Masters of Operations Management Any club/sport you sponsor: Assistant Coach in Girl's basketball and Co-Sponsor of Student Council 

I have been at BMS since 2022. I am an 11 year teaching veteran who specializes in teaching special needs students. I have a passion for communication for all, and life skills. In my personal life I have a Husband of 12 years, and an 11 year old daughter who attends MHS. 

I am a 7th grade ELA and Social Studies Teacher. I have been at Bridgeforth my whole teaching career. I have been teaching for 25 years. My degrees are from MTSU and TSU. I have a Masters of Ed from TSU and an EDU Specialist degree from MTSU. I am the soccer coach for the girls and boys at BMS. My son helps me coach.

Welcome to a New School Year!

Hello everyone! My name is Mrs. Samantha Wiser, and I am so excited to begin another wonderful year at BMS, where I’ve had the privilege of teaching since 2011.

A little about me—my husband, Phillip, and I are blessed with three children, Gray, Sydnie, and Josie, and we’re overjoyed to be grandparents to our sweet grandson, Easton. Family is very important to me, and I love bringing that same sense of care and connection into my classroom.

Each school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and create lasting memories together. I look forward to getting to know each of my students and helping them discover their strengths and passions.

Here’s to making this year one filled with curiosity, laughter, and success. Let’s make it a great one!

I started in 2015 at BMS Teaching Special Education 7th and 8th grade Bachelor of Science Intervention Specialist K-12