Traveling worldwide with my family during my husband's military career has enriched my outlook on diversity and helped me to appreciate differences and recognize similarities in people and cultures. Although my husband is now retired, we still enjoy the sights and flavors of experiencing new places. When we are at home here in the New River Valley, our activities range from gardening, reading and hiking to sponsoring international students.

My career as a special education instructional assistant began in 1990 with Fairfax County Public Schools, where I took advantage of training opportunities offered by the county and by the Virginia Department of Education. When my family relocated to the NRV in 1995, I joined the staff at Price's Fork Elementary. I continue to update my skills through conferences offered by the Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC), Montgomery County staff development workshops, and classes at New River Community College. Most recently I have successfully completed the Praxis ParaProfessional Assessment in compliance with the "No Child Left Behind" legislation.

Elaine Blackford
			Traveling worldwide with my family during my husband's military career has enriched my outlook on diversity and helped me to appreciate differences and recognize similarities in people and cultures. Although my husband is now retired, we still enjoy the sights and flavors of experiencing new places. When we are at home here in the New River Valley, our activities range from gardening, reading and hiking to sponsoring international students. My career as a special education instructional assistant began in 1990 with Fairfax County Public Schools, where I took advantage of training opportunities offered by the county and by the Virginia Department of Education. When my family relocated to the NRV in 1995, I joined the staff at Price's Fork Elementary. I continue to update my skills through conferences offered by the Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC), Montgomery County staff development workshops, and classes at New River Community College. Most recently I have successfully completed the Praxis ParaProfessional Assessment in compliance with the "No Child Left Behind" legislation.