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, 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.

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!