Our Team

  • Fr. Matt Himes

    Chaplain

    Fr. Matt is a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He grew up in Perry Hall / Baltimore and received a Bachelors of Science in Education from Mount St. Mary’s University and Masters of Education at Boston College before entering St. Mary’s Seminary & University where he graduated with a Masters of Divinity and was ordained a priest in 2019. Fr. Matt became the chaplain of the Catholic Retrievers and Associate Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Baltimore in July 2022.

  • Aaron Belmonte

    Campus Ministry Assistant

    UMBC Alumnus C’25 // Major: Psychology

    Aaron grew up in Germantown, Maryland.

    Fun Fact: Aaron used to live in Japan.

    Favorite Catholic Retriever's memory: "The yearly retreats with the community to grow and bond with each other."

    Advice for new students: "Manage your time wisely, but always make time for the Lord."

  • Timothy Shaia

    President

    Senior // Economics

    Timothy grew up in Gambills, MD

    Fun Fact: Timothy plays Magic the Gathering (deck-building game)

    Favorite Catholic Retriever’s memory: “My first game night at Catholic Retrievers.”

    Advice for new students: “Be open to new experiences and spiritual commitments.”

  • Roxy Romero

    Vice President & Women’s Freshman Bible Study Leader

    Senior // STEM Education

    Roxy grew up in Mt. Airy, MD.

    Fun Fact: Roxy has chickens and loves to swim

    Favorite Catholic Retriever’s memory: “Making friends at fall retreat”

    Advice for new students: “Get involved! Come to events and you will make friends.”

  • Galen Bourciquot

    Treasurer & Men’s Bible Study Leader

    Junior // Computer Science

    Galen grew up in Beltsville, MD.

    Fun Fact: “Jupiter”

    Favorite Catholic Retrievers memory: "The mission trip to Guatemala."

    Advice for new students: "To obtain requires sacrifice, question whether what you’re obtaining is worth the sacrifice."

  • Genevieve Chery

    Secretary & Women’s Bible Study Leader

    Junior // Mechanical Engineering

    Genny grew up in Ellicott City, MD.

    Fun Fact: Genny is double jointed in her shoulders!

    Favorite Catholic Retrievers memory: “My first retreat in Spring 2024.”

    Advice for new students: “Always surround yourself with others who also love the Lord!”

  • Gavin Carson

    Liturgy Chair

    Sophomore // IS

    Gavin grew up in Fallston, MD.

    Fun Fact: Gavin has known Father Matt for 8 years!

    Favorite Catholic Retrievers memory: Seek 2025

    Advice for new students: “Come to as many events, masses, and social gatherings as possible”

  • Brandon Jacobs

    Evangelization Chair & Men’s Freshman Bible Study Leader

    Sophomore // Biology

    Brandon grew up in Burtonsville, MD.

    Fun Fact: In high school Brandon was certified as a clinical medical assistant

    Favorite Catholic Retrievers memory: “Trip to Rome”

    Advice for new students: “You cannot give up when it gets hard!”

  • Annamarie Walther

    Communication Chair & Women’s Bible Study Leader

    Senior // Financial Economics

    Annamarie grew up in Ellicott City, Maryland, not far from UMBC.

    Fun Fact: Annamarie has a striking resemblance to St. Jacinta (one of the children of Fatima).

    Favorite Catholic Retrievers memory: "Leading a women's bible study."

    Advice for new students: "Make sure you make time in your schedule for mass, daily prayer, and bible study."

  • Henry Merkel

    Hospitality Chair & Men’s Bible Study Leader

    Sophomore // Emergency and Disaster Health Services

    Henry grew up in Ellicott City, MD

    Fun Fact: Henry is a geography and history buff

    Favorite Catholic Retrievers memory: “Being Baptized and Confirmed!”

    Advice for new students: “Don’t let academics consume you. Know where your priorities lay.”

  • Chiamaka Irika

    Service Chair & Women’s Bible Study Leader

    Junior // IS

    Chiamaka grew up in Greenbelt, MD

    Fun Fact: Chiamaka grew up in Washington DC and Greenbelt MD.

    Favorite Catholic Retrievers memory: “The Papal Audience at the Vatican in late May.”

    Advice for new students: “Try your best and give it to God.”

  • Joe Anderson

    OCIA Coordinator

    Joe is a great support to our ministry as the coordinator of our OCIA formation for students who want to receive sacraments / enter the Catholic Church.

  • Dcn. (Dr.) Chuck Bieberich

    Professor of Biology & Permanent Deacon

    Dcn. Chuck works as a biology professor at UMBC but also serves the Catholic Retriever community primarily by serving our daily Masses. His offices is in ILSB.

  • Dr. Tara Carpenter

    Faculty Advisor

    Dr. Carpenter is a great support to our ministry and an active member of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Arbutus. She is the Principal Lecturer of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Her office is in MEYR 112.