Blaine holds an undergraduate degree in Biology from Meredith College and a Graduate Certificate in College Student Services Administration from Oregon State University. Originally from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Blaine has a background in science and environmental education, academic advising, salmonid habitat restoration and 14 years working with oyster aquaculture breeding and research programs at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and OSU. Blaine previously managed the Molluscan Broodstock Program at the Hatfield Marine Science Center for nine years, where she formed deep-rooted connections with shellfish growers, Tribal partners, state and federal agencies and researchers in Oregon, Washington, California, Hawaii and Alaska.