Dr. Aimee L. Blackham, a licensed counseling psychologist and long-time Lincoln Parish resident, has announced her candidacy for the Lincoln Parish School Board in District 12.
Dr. Blackham has called Lincoln Parish home since 2000 and has raised two children in the local public schools, one a Ruston High School graduate and the other a student who struggled to obtain appropriate services in the special education system. These personal experiences, combined with her professional training, give her a deep, first-hand understanding of both the strengths and the gaps in how local schools support students and families.
A 2013 graduate of Louisiana Tech University’s Counseling Psychology PhD program, Dr. Blackham completed her predoctoral internship at the Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development in Cleveland, Ohio, where she focused on early childhood development, trauma, and emotional functioning. She went on to serve for seven years as a Families in Need of Services (FINS) officer with the 3rd Judicial District Court, helping youth and families navigate the juvenile justice system and stay connected to school.
She currently consults with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on parenting and custody matters and continues to work in private practice in Ruston specializing in youth and adolescent care.
“I am running for Lincoln Parish School Board to strengthen how our schools support students’ learning, behavior, and mental health,” Dr. Blackham said. “Drawing on my clinical experience as a licensed counseling psychologist specializing in youth and adolescent care, I understand how trauma, neurodevelopmental differences, and chronic stress affect children in the classroom, and how thoughtful, evidence-based interventions can turn things around.”
Dr. Blackham’s platform centers on practical, student-focused reforms:
• Promoting fair and consistent school discipline that keeps students engaged in learning rather than pushing them out.
• Ensuring that special education services are appropriately identified, implemented, and monitored so that students receive the support they are legally and educationally entitled to.
• Expanding support for student mental health through collaboration with families, teachers, school-based professionals, and community providers.
“I am also committed to supporting teachers, who are on the front lines of mental health needs every day,” she added. “I will advocate for practical training, clear procedures, and access to professional support so they are not left to manage complex challenges alone. I will champion data-informed decisions, transparent communication, and policies that recognize each child’s strengths and needs, so every student in Lincoln Parish has a real opportunity to succeed.”
The Lincoln Parish School Board is charged with setting policy, overseeing budgets, and ensuring that public schools in the parish provide a high-quality education. Dr. Blackham invites community members to learn more about her campaign and priorities by contacting her at ablackham1@mac.com or 318-2430465.
The above information has been provided by a political campaign. Unless otherwise noted, the Lincoln Parish Journal publishing staff does not endorse specific candidates or ballot measures.
