Learning Support Specialists

Hello! I’m Morgan Joiner, and I’m excited to be in my fifth year of teaching at Blackmon Road Middle School. I earned my Master’s in Special Education in May 2023, and I’m passionate about helping every student reach their full potential. I truly love sharing my enthusiasm for learning and creating an environment where all students can thrive.

 In addition to teaching, I’m the Head Girls’ Soccer Coach and Co-Sponsor of the Girls with Pearls club, which I absolutely love being a part of. Originally from Roswell, GA, I moved to Columbus for college in 2017 and graduated from Columbus State University in 2020.

 Outside of school, I’m a proud cat mom Gracie and Biscuit, and I’ve recently discovered a love for cooking. Traveling—especially to the beach—is one of my favorite ways to unwind. I’m looking forward to this school year and can’t wait to meet all of you! Go Eagles!

Hi, my name is Elisia Emberton. I have been teaching for 20 years. For the past 11 years, I have been teaching at Blackmon Road Middle School. I graduated from the University of Montevallo with a degree in Deaf Education. I am certified to teach students in Special Education and students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I grew up moving around due to my father being in the military. I have lived in Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia and I also spent several years living in Germany. Growing up my family liked to travel via camper, so I have been fortunate to see most of our country as well as many countries in Europe. To this day I have a passion for traveling. I have two boys, William (15) and Rogan (4). I am looking forward to seeing all my new students for the 2020-2021 school year.

• Class website

Hello, Eagles!

My name is Kenisha Huff and I am one of several fabulous learning support specialists at Blackmon Road. I work collaboratively with general education teachers and students to help students reach their fullest potential in and outside of the classroom. My role is to encourage, support, and facilitate academic excellence. However, I believe that building character is just as important as academics. I have been working at Blackmon Road since 2019 and recently graduated with my Masters in Teaching Special Education from Columbus State University. My undergraduate degree is in Sociology and I am currently pursuing my specialist degree in Special Education. I believe that building relationships with students is critical to addressing their needs in the classroom. Education is activism!

I have two children, Elijah (12) and Nylah (9) with my long-time partner. I am from Harris County, Georgia.

Just a few FUN facts about me:

I LOVE hot Cheetos!

My favorite beverage is Cherry Coke.

One of my favorite movies is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

I love the show, The Golden Girls.

If I could sit at the table with 5 people (dead or alive) it would be Frederick Douglass, my maternal grandmother, my paternal grandmother, Malcolm X, and Tupac Shakur.

My favorite color is green.

Hi! My name is Kristin Riddell. I am an Educational Interpreter here at Blackmon Road. I grew up in Columbus and I have a Bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language/Interpreting from Valdosta State University. I have been working for MCSD for 11 years. Ten of those were at the high school level and last year was my first here at BRMS. My husband and I have been married for 7 years and we have a 3 yr. old son and a 7-month-old daughter.  In my free time I enjoy reading, biking and spending time with my family. I love working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and being a part of their education!

Greetings! My name is Mrs. Vickea Lockhart-Moore and I have taught within Special Education for the last 8 years. I received my bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from Valdosta State University 2006 and later a Masters in Special Education from Columbus State University. This is my 4th year here at Blackmon Road, and I’m excited about what I’m positive will be another wonderful year! In my free time I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with my husband Darren and family. It’s great to be an Eagle and I look forward to a fantastic school year!

Hello!  My name is Jessica Andrade. I am the Moderate Intellectual Disabilities (MOID) Teacher here at Blackmon Road Middle School.   I have been working here in Columbus, GA for 5 years, this past year was my first year at BRMS and I am so blessed to be here.  I have a Bachelors Degree in American Sign Language / Interpreting from Gardner-Webb University in NC and I am currently working on my Masters in Teaching at the University of West Georgia.  I love working with students with special needs and students who are deaf and hard of hearing.  I recently got engaged over Christmas and will be getting married in November.  I also teach the color guard at Northside High School and Hardaway High School and I am the director of Renegade Independent Winter Guard here in Columbus.  I have a pet pig named Rootie and a cat named Oscar.

• Mrs. Andrade’s Class

I have been in Special Education for over 20 years. I love working with children that need a little something extra to reach their goals.  It is the greatest feeling, to see their eyes light up when they realize they CAN do it, no matter what IT is.

I was blessed in 2019 with my first grand baby.  I am super proud to be part of his world, as I am a stage 3 cancer survivor.

My name is Ellen Posey, I am one of the many hard-working Learning Support Specialists at Blackmon. I have completed 30 years in education as of December 2023, however, I am currently part-time and loving it!   

I am married and we have 3 grown children that we are extremely proud of. One has a doctorate in education, one has followed his dad’s trade doing electrical work in Hawaii, while the youngest is in Vermont as a partner in an environmental company.  

We like to travel on a cruise ship as often as we can. It is a terrific way to see the world! Give me an enjoyable book and I will read all day, especially on my back porch during the cooler temperature days.  

Hello, parents and guardians!

I’m Coach Ballard, and I’m thrilled to be a part of your child’s experience here at Blackmon Road Middle School. I’m the BSP teacher, athletic director, and Girls Head Basketball Coach. I earned a Master’s degree in Sports Administration from Liberty University, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from South University, and I’m currently pursuing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

At home, I’m the proud father of two sons and two daughters, and I’m fortunate to have a devoted wife. My family and I enjoy our time together, and outside of school, I’m passionate about the University of Alabama football—ROLL TIDE! I’m also a huge fan of Kobe Bryant, who is my favorite person in the world of sports.

I’m dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging environment for your child, and I’m here to help them succeed. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. I’m looking forward to a great year working with you and your child!

My name is Thomas Kersey, and I’m excited to be a part of our learning community. I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) in Special Education from Georgia Southern University. My passion for teaching and supporting students with diverse needs drives me every day. That passion has taken me across the United States supporting both youth and adults with developmental disabilities.

Originally from Griffin, GA, I grew up in Thomaston, where I developed a love for the outdoors. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me enjoying activities like hunting and fishing. I’m also an avid golfer with a 7 handicap, and I cherish every opportunity to hit the course.

At home, I’m kept busy by my two loyal dogs (Rosie and Samwise), who bring joy and energy to my life. With that being said, I am also an avid reader with my favorite series being the Lord of the Rings. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you just want to chat about golf or the great outdoors!

I will be graduating in Spring of 2025 with my Masters in Special Education and then I will be starting on my Specialist in the summer. This is my 3^rd year at Blackmon Road, 1^st as a teacher, as I was a Para my first 2 years. I made the switch to teaching after working at an accounting office for over 11 years and it was the best decision I have made in my career (I wish I did it sooner). Along with teaching these wonderful kids, I have a love for sports and I love coaching them in soccer.

I am a mother to 3 beautiful girls, 16, 4 and 3. When I have free time, I love running with my kids, riding my bike, swimming and riding motorcycles with my husband. I have completed a marathon, 3 half Ironman and 1 full Ironman. Before I got into that, I played soccer from 5 years old through college and for fun, until my knee told me to stop. I am a big Alabama fan, even through the tough years.

Hello everyone,

     I am Barbie Clement, a retired teacher. It is my 37^th year teaching! Wow, where did the time go? Education has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started my career at the Alabama School for the deaf in 1987. I have worked throughout the state starting with Griffin-Spalding, Upson, Pike, and Henry Counties. Planting my feet in the West Central Georgia area with Troup, Harris and Muscogee Counties has been one of my greatest blessings. I received my bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University in deaf education, master’s degree from University of West Georgia, and a specialist degree from Columbus State University in special education leadership.

     I have been married 32 years to Michael and am the proud mother of two daughters, Emily (26) and Hannah (22). I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family. In the fall, and throughout the season, you will find me glued to the T.V. on Saturdays watching football. I am a serious SEC fan and have loved football since I was a little girl.

I often share this perspective with young people. “Discover what you love, do it well and you will never work a day in your life!” I appreciate teaching and Blackmon Road Middle School. I am grateful for such an opportunity.

Hello! My name is Allison Joiner, and I am so excited to be a BRMS Eagle this year!

This is my 12th year with Muscogee County, and my ninth year teaching. I have a B.S. in Sociology from CSU, and a M. Ed. in School Counseling from Troy University, but found a passion for special education while working as a paraprofessional in the Autism program at Double Churches Middle School. I enrolled in the GATAPP program, and began teaching at Double Churches in 2017, before transferring to Aaron Cohn for the last four years. To now be working at Blackmon Road is an extra blessing to me, as I am able to carry on the legacy my father, Coach Yarbrough, left when he retired from the school in 2019.

Outside of school, I spend time at home with my husband, Joshua, our three dogs (Carl, Coco, and Sirius), and two cats (Thor and Lilly). We attend River of Life Church in Hamilton, and love to treasure hunt at estate sales and thrift stores. I love all kinds of music, and go to as many concerts as I can with my best friend, Lauren. I also love to travel, and plan to visit all 50 states. My first time out of the country was my dream trip to Rome for my 30th birthday, with my soul sister, Jeanne Morgan, who I am THRILLED to be coteaching with this year! If I’m not here, you can probably find me at Disney World.

Hello Eagles! I earned my bachelor’s degree in Special Education and my master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. For 13 years, I had the privilege of teaching high school students in special education, and for the next 14 years, I served as an administrator—both roles filling my life with incredible experiences and memories. After retiring from the Florida education system, I moved to the Columbus area to embrace one of my favorite roles yet—being a full-time grandfather. A few years later, I found myself drawn back to the classroom, teaching special education at Allen Elementary for three years. Now, I’m excited to be part of the Blackmon Middle School family, and I look forward to making this my home until my “second” retirement.