PE Staff

• My name is Rachel Blakely and I am thrilled to be the full time physical education and adapted P.E. teacher at Duke Elementary. The primary goal of my physical education program is to improve your student’s health and fitness, motor skills and socialization skills. Another goal is to encourage students to apply the knowledge and skills they learn in physical education and to seek opportunities to be active outside of school.

 The Marine Corps has offered our family many opportunities.  I have taught physical education in Florida, California and Maryland.  This is my  14th year of teaching elementary school physical education. I have a Bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida in HLES/Physical Education and recently earned my Advanced Professional Certificate. 

 In my free time I enjoy exercising, equestrian riding, Virginia Tech sport events and spending time with my son, husband and our four legged animals. 

• Hello from Mrs. Wood.  In addition to teaching physical education for over 20 years I am both a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer.  I believe that fitness incorporates more than just the physical but also the social, emotional, spiritual and cognitive domains. I am a passionate advocate for wellness and am currently pursuing certification in Tai Chi Flow.  I love teaching physical education and helping students find fitness activities that inspire them to move towards healthy life-long habits.