Learning Support Specialists

Hi, my name is Elisia Emberton. I have been teaching for 26 years. For the past 17 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 (21) and Rogan (10). I am looking forward to a great school year. 

• Class website

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.

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 Paula Strong and I am an ASL interpreter here at Blackmon.  I have a bachelor’s degree from Troy University in Educational Interpreting. I have been involved in our local Deaf community for over 25 years.  I love being a part of the DHH team in the Muscogee County School District and am passionate about what we do!