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KRISTINA MURFIN-HIGEL
Atlanta,GA
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Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridSummary
Seasoned program leader with 18 years in youth-focused initiatives across education, athletics, and behavioral health, excelling in multi-site program operations, staff leadership, grant acquisition, and mission-driven program expansion. Proven track record in securing funding, enhancing collaboration, and achieving measurable outcomes for diverse youth. Skilled in building scalable systems, evaluating program impact, and fostering partnerships to boost access and participation.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Recreation Therapy Manager
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Services
Kennesaw, USA
10.2022 - Current
- Leads multi-site program delivery for recreation therapy serving 100+ youth across all Devereux GA locations.
- Directs a team of professional recreational therapists; establishes performance expectations, training, and quality standards.
- Designs and implements evidence-based, youth-centered programs aligned with therapeutic goals and organizational impact metrics.
- Secured $635,000+ in grants and philanthropic revenue since 2023 to expand programming, facilities, and community engagement initiatives.
- Develops and manages the department’s operating budget; ensures resource alignment with program priorities.
- Partners with Marketing and Development department to strengthen visibility, partnerships, and donor engagement.
- Creates and enforces policies and procedures ensuring safety, compliance, and consistent program delivery.
- Facilitates the Developing Leaders workshop series to build internal leadership capacity across the organization.
- Serves on senior-level committees including Senior Leadership Team, Performance Improvement Council, and Cultural & Engagement Council.
Educator- Health and Physical Education (Virtual Learning Program)
Clayton County Public Schools
Jonesboro, USA
08.2022 - 10.2022
- Delivered virtual instruction for grades 6–12 using Google Workspace, Canvas LMS, and Zoom.
- Designed digital learning experiences supporting student engagement, health literacy, and physical well-being.
Athletic Director
Baldwin Middle-Senior High School
Jacksonville, USA
06.2020 - 06.2022
- Directed all operations for the middle school athletic program, including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and compliance.
- Increased athletic staff retention through targeted training and professional development.
- Built community partnerships and fundraising initiatives that strengthened program visibility and resources.
- Ensured compliance with Title IX, DCPS, and FHSAA regulations.
Educator–Health & Physical Education; Leadership Skills & Development
Duval County Public Schools
Jacksonville, USA
01.2013 - 06.2022
- Taught grades 6–12 in health, physical education, and leadership development.
- Designed curriculum for a Leadership Skills & Development course focused on teamwork, communication, and goal-setting.
- Collaborated on School Improvement Plans and community engagement initiatives.
Head Athletic Coach/Program Director
Baldwin Middle-Senior High School
Jacksonville, USA
08.2013 - 05.2022
- Directed multiple varsity athletic programs, including coaching, scheduling, budgeting, and community engagement.
- Built program culture emphasizing academic success, leadership, and athlete development.
- Managed booster clubs, fundraising, inventory, and assistant coaching staff.
Assistant Athletic Director
Baldwin Middle-Senior High School
Jacksonville, USA
02.2018 - 06.2020
- Managed game operations, overseeing ticketing, staffing, and event safety to create a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees.
- Coordinated travel logistics for 32 athletic teams, ensuring timely arrivals and optimal arrangements across multiple seasons.
- Supported compliance and policy development, enhancing student-athlete conduct standards to promote a culture of accountability.
Education
MASTER OF SCIENCE - SPORT ADMINISTRATION
12-2011
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
05-2008
Skills
- Youth Development
- Program Delivery
- Program Operations
- Budget Management
- Program Evaluation
- Team Leadership
- Policy Development
- Community Engagement
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partnership Development
- Microsoft 365
- Google Workspace
- Zoom
Certifications And Leadership
- Florida & Georgia Professional Teaching Certificates
- Adult CPR/AED, Child CPR & First Aid
- In Progress- Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist
- DBT Consultation Team- Devereux GA
- Environment of Care Committee- Devereux GA
- PBIS Leadership Team -Devereux GA
- Cultural & Engagement Council- Devereux GA
- Performance Improvement Council- Devereux GA
- Senior Leadership Team – Devereux GA
Timeline
Recreation Therapy Manager - Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Services
10.2022 - Current
Educator- Health and Physical Education (Virtual Learning Program) - Clayton County Public Schools
08.2022 - 10.2022
Athletic Director - Baldwin Middle-Senior High School
06.2020 - 06.2022
Assistant Athletic Director - Baldwin Middle-Senior High School
02.2018 - 06.2020
Head Athletic Coach/Program Director - Baldwin Middle-Senior High School
08.2013 - 05.2022
Educator–Health & Physical Education; Leadership Skills & Development - Duval County Public Schools
01.2013 - 06.2022
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY - MASTER OF SCIENCE, SPORT ADMINISTRATION
TROY UNIVERSITY - BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION