My name is Jen Murphy, and I am so excited to be part of the Yates Mill Elementary School community for the 2025–2026 school year as a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant. I grew up in western New York and have called North Carolina home for almost 20 years. I love being outdoors and in nature, traveling and exploring new places, enjoying music, and spending time with friends and family!

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Frostburg State University and have worked with children and families for over 17 years in various mental health and early childhood education settings. While I’ve gained so much from formal education, certifications, training, and continuing education, I’ve found my greatest learning comes from daily opportunities working directly with children.

I want every child I work with to feel heard, understood, supported, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential. I am excited to contribute to the amazing work being done at Yates Mill and am always looking for ways to learn, explore, be creative, problem-solve, and have fun while supporting students. It is truly an honor to work with and learn from the students, families, and staff at Yates Mill Elementary!