School Leadership Team

Natalie Blackington

Principal

Natalie Blackington joined Strafford during the 24-25 school year, bringing over ten years of dedicated service to students throughout Maine. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine, a B.S. in Special Education from Saint Joseph's College, and is a proud alumna of Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth. As a former special education teacher and instructional coach, she has held various leadership roles, promoting positive and holistic approaches in schools and classrooms. A highly skilled and collaborative leader, Natalie has experience leading MTSS, PBIS, and SEL teams. She is passionate about creating learning environments that uphold high standards for all learners and help students envision the possibilities for their future. Additionally, Natalie has served as the President of her previous district's teachers' association and as an advisory board member at Great Bay Community College. She is particularly proud of being honored as the 2016 Outstanding National Service Member of the Year in Maine for her service to the students of the REAL School AmeriCorps program. Outside of school, she enjoys singing with her local choir, serving as an adjunct professor at GBCC, discussing all things sharks and Broadway, and exploring Maine and New Hampshire with her family, especially her son, Finnegan, and husband, Christopher.