School Speech 

Mrs. Blakeslee grew up in Fairfax, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. She enjoyed mud walks, exploring the creeks, bike rides, badminton, and ping pong with her brothers and neighborhood friends. She received her undergraduate degree in communication disorders at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. After working a few years at the State Department and local schools, she went back to school at James Madison University to obtain her master’s degree in Communication Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology. In her spare time, she likes to garden, read, explore and play with her two grandchildren.

My Play-losophy:

Working with young people is very rewarding, humorous and just plain fun! Growing up, I looked at life as an adventure, finding “fun” as we investigated the outdoors. I want children to be excited about their learning and the opportunities around them. Play, makes learning “stick”, providing opportunities to work, invent and play together, sharing varying ideas and opinions, growing in confidence, having a voice and remembering the things that you’ve learned.

Occupational Therapist

Ms. Durdon is excited to continue to be a part of the Powell team as the occupational therapist! She grew up in upstate NY and moved to Raleigh 3 years ago to try out something new. Jessica has been a school-based occupational therapist since 2020. She helps students strengthen skills like handwriting, self-regulation, organization, and motor coordination so they can be successful and confident in the classroom. Ms. Durdon enjoys working alongside teachers and families to find fun, creative strategies that support each child’s unique learning style! Outside of school, Jessica enjoys Disney, crafting, traveling, and hunting for treasures while thrifting. 

My Play-losophy:

Play is more than just fun! It’s the foundation of learning and development. Through play, children build essential skills like problem-solving, coordination, social interaction, and emotional regulation. It provides opportunities for practicing motor skills, fostering creativity, and developing confidence in a natural, motivating way.  In OT, we see play as a child’s “work”—a meaningful occupation that supports growth across every area of life!

Physical Therapist

Cross Categorical Resource (CCR) Teacher

Anson Millard is a dedicated and passionate Cross Categorical Resource Teacher at Powell Elementary. Born and raised in Youngsville, North Carolina. Mr. Millard earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He holds certifications in Elementary General Education, Special Education, and Reading Education, allowing him to provide comprehensive support and instruction to students with diverse learning needs. During his time at UNC Charlotte, Mr. Millard chose to pursue a minor in Urban Youth & Communities to gain a deeper appreciation of the unique challenges faced by students in urban settings. Additionally, he minored in Reading, recognizing the crucial role literacy plays in empowering students and fostering their academic growth. He is committed to creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. Mr. Millard is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of his students, and is thrilled to be a member of the Powell family!

My Play-losophy:

Play is a way to understand the world around us. Play motives creative exploration of the rules and limits of our environment, and helps us to exercise our minds. Play teaches us how to collaborate with others, and provides opportunities to strengthen our connections with friends!

Cross Categorical Resource (CCR) Instructional Assistant

Cross Categorical Resource (CCR) Teacher