Deb Coldren Murphy is a self-proclaimed Southern-bound Jersey Girl. She has spent most of her life in Charlotte, NC, which she feels now designates her as a Southerner. Mrs. Murphy graduated from East Carolina University with a B.A. degree in Art and taught art for a brief time. She moved to N.C., and her enthusiasm for teaching evolved; she then received a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from the University of NC at Charlotte. After this transition, Deb decided to return to school once more and obtained her M.Ed. degree in TESL, which now meant that she would teach ESL students. This is where her work with limited English speakers became her passion. Mrs. Murphy continued to teach in CMS schools for more than 25 years. Next, she decided to become a part of the Bradford family and has enjoyed the shift to the world of Charter Education. Mrs. Murphy continues to live in Charlotte with her husband and daughter Peyton (2020 Bradford Alumni) and their canine fur baby Mila.