Meet Murray Christiansen- College Park Administrator/Educator at Monarch and Mom
I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia. I met my husband, Josh
Christiansen, at Florida State University, and he is from Orlando
(College Park), so we ended up here in his home town. We have two children, Mary Reed, who attends Samford University, and Noah, who
attends Edgewater High School.
Q: What do you do for work, and what do you love most about what you do?
I work at Monarch Learning Academy, which is located on Edgewater Dr.
And I’ve been with this wonderful school since it started 12 years
ago. We are a Christ- centered school and what I love most is that
our entire faculty strives to pour out the love of the Lord on our
students each day.
Q: If a neighbor is hungry in College Park, what local restaurants would
you refer them to?
Armando’s is a favorite, specifically the salmon salad.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in College Park, in the same house, for 22 years.
Q: What is your favorite thing about College Park?
I love how friendly the community is and how well we look out for one another.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met in College Park?
Stephanie Bowman, the founder of One Heart for Women and Children.
She’s doing so much to help people in need in our community and
beyond. Her personal story is incredibly inspiring to so many. She
literally wakes up each day and embraces each person the Lord puts in
her path. I feel privileged to be a fellow member of the College Park Rotary Club alongside Stephanie.
Q: What advice, thought, or quote would you share with the community?
Ephesians 2:10- For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to
do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want my whole family to go to Israel. We had this trip planned years
ago and had to cancel, but I feel sure we will be able to do it one
day.
Q: Do you have any College Park businesses who aren't here anymore that
you wish would come back?
Paxia- remember that Mexican restaurant on Edgewater that was here
years ago? So delicious!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In College Park, as empty nesters!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
I’m a really big Dave Matthew’s Band fan. I would like to jump on the
hippie bus and follow him around to every show. People that know me
are not surprised by this!
Q: Outside of the 32804, what is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
My Husband and I met when we were studying abroad in college and our
favorite place that we visited was Nice, France. We want to go back
someday!
Q: What is your favorite month? Favorite holiday? And best single day on
the calendar?
My favorite month is June. I know it’s hot, but I love summertime! My
favorite holiday is Christmas and my favorite day is December 25.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband, Josh, inspires me to be better. He’s a Pastor and he
reminds me to always lean in to the Lord’s plan. When I’m filled with
the peace of the Lord, I experience the most joy in my life.
Q: What three words come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, peaceful, happy
