Murray Howard joins Oceanside Collegiate Academy as a School Counselor, bringing a unique blend of clinical mental health experience, educational leadership, and a deep passion for supporting students academically, emotionally, and personally.
Originally born in San Diego, Ca., Murray is a twin who entered the world more than three months early. The daughter of OCA Athletics Director and Girls Soccer Coach Mark Meyer, she was raised in a close-knit, sports-loving family that emphasized faith, structure, service, and strong relationships. Those values continue to shape both her personal and professional life today.
A standout soccer player, Murray attended Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke, Va., where she participated in varsity soccer, the Olympic Development Program, club soccer, Young Life, and TOPSoccer. She went on to play NCAA Division II soccer at Mars Hill University, serving as team captain and a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee while earning a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences in 2017.
Although Murray originally planned to become a nurse, a career-ending leg injury during college changed the course of her life. As she worked through the challenges of recovering physically and redefining her identity beyond athletics, she discovered a calling to help others heal emotionally. Following a service trip to the Life Unlimited orphanage in Guatemala, she realized her passion was caring for hearts and minds rather than the body.
Murray earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2020 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has worked as a mental health counselor since 2018 and continues to serve clients through her private practice, Mind and Body Counseling. Her professional experience also includes serving Oceanside Collegiate Academy in several roles, including bookkeeper, business manager, Human Resources specialist, and assistant girls soccer coach.
As a counselor, Murray strives to create a safe, welcoming environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported. She describes her approach as direct, honest, compassionate, and motivating, believing that meaningful relationships are the foundation for student growth and success.
Murray was drawn to Oceanside Collegiate Academy because of its strong sense of community and family-centered culture. She finds the greatest joy in being a trusted resource for students as they navigate life's challenges and celebrate their successes.
Outside of school, Murray's greatest accomplishment is being a mom to her son, Huggins Hugo Howard. She also enjoys spending time with family, cheering on athletes, listening to everything from Tom Petty and Foo Fighters to Lauren Daigle and Noah Kahan, and making memories with her French Bulldog, Bailey ("Bae Bae").
Murray looks forward to partnering with students, families, and faculty to help every Landshark thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
She and her son live in Mount Pleasant.
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