Mrs. Mandy Murphy, Co-Principal

Hey there everyone! 

A red pen, a spelling test, and my second grade teacher. Those were the sparks that ignited my passion for education and my determination to “be a teacher when I grow up.” Fast forward to high school in Mr. Daubney’s Project Adventure course and the importance he placed on building trust and strengthening human connection, and you can see the seed that was planted in me for my educational philosophy.  I have been an educator for about twenty years as an elementary classroom teacher, a professional development instructor, an intern supervisor, a middle school counselor, an assistant principal, an athletics coach, and a principal. Although I do aspire to be a photojournalist for National Geographic someday (no joke), I love what I do and enjoy all the ways my work makes me a better person.

In addition to being a proud principal at EES, I am an over-the-moon mother of two kiddos and wife to a supportive, always makes me laugh, kind husband. My son, Michael will be 5 this October and is full of energy, curiosity, loving hugs, giggles, and potty talk! My beautiful daughter just turned 7 this past July and is in 2nd grade. She is empathetic, full of love, smart, artistic, curious, silly, and will beat anyone at a race! We have a 3 year old boxer named Daisy who completes our family with that kind of love only a dog can give!

At EES, we have a Co-Principal model, which affords me the opportunity to do what I do best - COLLABORATE! I am an identical twin, which I think is why collaborating is one of my favorite things to do. Growing up - I had no choice!! I have fun and learn so much working alongside Chris Sousa, and as we look to our second year together, we anticipate even more positive growth that only consistency can provide.

Entering my 4th year at Epping Elementary School, I am energized and motivated! I feel very proud of how far EES has come in the last few years, and I am grateful for all the ways I have grown as an educator, not to mention all the things I have learned from the staff, students and families. EES is an incredible community both inside and out, and it is exciting to be a part of something so great.

Anyone who knows me will tell you, I love to smile. I try to see the good in all situations, but I am not afraid to “embrace the suck,” and grow from the tough times. I am a human through and through and I don’t pretend to be perfect. I do the best I can with what I have and I will continue to work hard to help others do the same. 

I am always available to answer any questions, hear feedback, or just chat!  I can be reached via email at mandy.murphy@eppingsd.org or by phone at 603-679-8018.

Take care,

Mandy Murphy 
Co-Principal

Education:
B.A. - English
M.Ed. - Elementary Education
M.Ed. - School Counseling
CAGS - Educational Leadership

Certifications:
Principal, K-12
School Counselor, K-12
Classroom Teacher, K-8

Contact:
mandy.murphy@eppingsd.org
(603)-679-8018 x3221

 

 
Mr. Chris Sousa, Co-Principal

Everyone chooses their own path.  Some paths wind around obstacles, go over them, or sometimes simply wind around a bend to take in a view.  Most are filled with many up-hills and downs, but all paths eventually lead to a destination you chose to walk in.  My path was no different, and while I tried to choose my path, I had a lot of help from the people around me.  

Career-wise, the first decade or so of my time as an educator was spent working with kids in “front of the desk” teaching predominantly math and social studies, the second decade was spent working “behind the desk” serving as a middle and high school administrator. Then, after some deep reflection, I found myself back in the classroom for three incredible years where I renewed my sense of why education is so important to me, then with that renewed sense of clarity (being in the classroom again was such a great experience that I believe this is something every administrator should try) I returned to the role of Principal for the past 9 years at a small PreK-8 school before landing here, in my hometown of Epping, as Co-Principal of Epping Elementary School.  

Over the past twenty plus years I have taught a variety of ages, from middle school to college, and been an administrator for elementary, middle, and high school students. During that time, while many things have changed, my belief that students and staff must feel cared for and appreciated before they will appreciate and care about learning/teaching, has not. This sentiment is clearly valued by the Epping schools, as my own children have always felt supported and cared for by their teachers. This is one of my reasons for wanting to be part of this incredible team of educators.  

I truly love education. It is the great equalizer and working and living in NH is a source of pride as our educational systems continuously rank among the nation’s best. I find myself interested and invested in the significant turning points in students’ careers, such as those first steps in learning to read, entering middle school, and graduating high school. Early literacy is probably the most important thing schools can focus on, as it lays the foundation for greater skills and opens the doors for deeper learning.  Working with early adolescents has been closest to my heart for most of my career, as I have served as a consultant and board member for a variety of state and regional middle school groups, such as the New England League of Middle Schools and the New Hampshire Association for Middle Level Education. Having a daughter who just graduated from high school really highlighted for me the importance of how a competent nurturing high school experience can create a solid foundation for our youth to move toward adulthood.  Overall, ensuring that students have a solid Pre-K through 12 experience is important to me as it serves as a launching pad for their future.  

My family and I have lived happily in Epping for the past 16 years. My interests and hobbies have changed much over the years, and while golf, guitar, photography, biking, and fishing still remain close to my heart, I try to spend most of my free time with my son, Tiernan, and my daughter, Olivia. My family is rounded out by my wonderful wife Colleen (a fantastic middle school Art teacher) and our new puppy, Calli.

Thanks and take care.

Chris

Contact:
chris.sousa@eppingsd.org
(603)-679-8018 x3221