Ms. Blake is a 2nd grade classroom teacher with 20 years of teaching experience.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota, where she competed on the Women's Gymnastic Team.  Then, after a career as a customer service representative at The Pillsbury Company, she earned her Elementary Teaching License from Augsburg College in Minneapolis.  In addition to teaching 2nd grade, Ms. Blake has taught early Pre-K, 3rd grade, 5th grade, and Gifted & Talented math.  Ms. Blake has also received extensive training in SIOP - Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol.  SIOP is a lesson design framework that maximizes students' opportunities to build social and academic language skills through peer interaction.

One of Ms. Blake's favorite things to do is spend time outdoors.  She loves hiking, camping, biking, gardening and exploring city parks with her grandson.  Ms. Blake also loves all animals including reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects. Her favorite subjects in school were science and math.

Saint Paul has been Ms. Blake's home for 30 years.  Ms. Blake and her husband, Steve, have two adult children and a 4 year old grandson.  Steve is a jazz piano player, piano teacher, and an artist.  They feel blessed to have their children living close by, in Saint Paul.  Many pets have shared the Blake home over the years including a hermit crab, cats, fish, mice, hamster and a pet rat. 

Ms. Blake is honored to work with the exceptional staff members at Vento and to serve the children in her community.  Ms. Blake loves the uniqueness of all children.  She works to foster a classroom environment where children can safely express themselves, support each other, and celebrate each others' accomplishments.  She wants students to remember that they're growing their brains even when they make mistakes, so don't be afraid to try something new.