Michele Rivers Murphy, EdD

Associate Director

Michele serves as the Associate Director of Heart Centered Learning at the Center for Educational Improvement (CEI). A seasoned consultant, presenter, and educational leader, she brings over two decades of experience driving meaningful change in some of the nation’s highest-needs schools and districts. Her work has helped transform learning environments by strengthening student engagement, fostering positive school culture, and improving academic outcomes.

Michele’s organizational research focuses on the effects of childhood trauma and stress on learning and teaching. She empowers educators to create compassionate, supportive school communities where social-emotional well-being and academic achievement are in balance.

Throughout her career, Michele has served as an educational leader across all grade levels. As an administrator, she pioneered an innovative disciplinary model that replaced traditional suspension systems—completely eliminating in-school suspension and reducing out-of-school suspension by 75%. She also expanded programming for high-needs students within mainstream settings, emphasizing real-world learning, service, and community connection. Her 21st Century School Community model was presented to the Massachusetts Secretary of Education as a blueprint for holistic school reform.

Michele earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership (K–12) from Northeastern University and holds multiple certifications in both regular and special education. Passionate about equity and student well-being, she continues to advance CEI’s mission of cultivating compassionate, resilient, and thriving school communities.