Meet Our Founder & Visionary
Monique Strachan-Murray
Christian Transformational Empowerment Specialist | Relational Educational Leader | Certified Heart Healer
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1
Monique is the Founder and Visionary of RISE Christian Academy, a Kingdom
education movement rooted in the prophetic mandate of Isaiah 60:1.
Called to Re-ignite, Inspire, Support, and Empower through the uncompromising truth of God’s
Word, she is devoted to building Christ-centered environments where students,
families, and educators alike can arise into their God-given identity and purpose.
As a Christian Transformational Empowerment Specialist, Monique carries a
mantle to lead with both spiritual authority and compassionate understanding. She
brings over 15 years in Christian leadership, school administration, instructional
leadership, and inner-healing care. Her professional journey has been marked by a
deep commitment to academic excellence, equity, and whole-child development.
Monique is also a Certified Heart Healer, equipped to walk individuals through
inner healing and spiritual restoration. This unique gifting allows her to cultivate
safe, Spirit-led spaces where brokenness is exchanged for wholeness, and pain is
transformed into purpose.
With a heart for the underserved and a vision for generational impact, Monique
established RISE Christian Academy to be more than a school—it is a healing
ground, a training center, and a launching pad for children to shine in the fullness
of Christ’s light. Her unwavering commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom
through education continues to empower students to rise above limitations and live
boldly for the glory of God.
Meet the Principal
Principal Sherece Buchanan, M.Ed.
Organizational Leader | Special Education Advocate | Instructional Innovator
Sherece Buchanan brings over a decade of dynamic educational leadership and classroom experience to her role as Principal at RISE Christian Academy. A dedicated educator with deep roots in psychology and pedagogy, Ms. Buchanan’s academic and professional journey spans several states and specialties, all united by a passion for student achievement, inclusive learning, and data-informed instruction.
Originally from Connecticut, she began her academic pursuits in psychology and education in Casper, Wyoming, later moving to Kansas, where she deepened her expertise in elementary education and earned a Master’s degree in Special Education. Her commitment to advancing equitable education brought her to Florida, where she stepped into leadership roles while pursuing doctoral-level studies in Organizational Leadership, with a focused emphasis in Special Education.
Throughout her career, Ms. Buchanan has held diverse and impactful roles:
Educator (Teacher): Known for designing engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans and implementing differentiated instruction to reach diverse learners. She excels in classroom management and student engagement while promoting a positive, inclusive environment.
Behavior Specialist: Expert in developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and providing direct support and training to teachers and families to manage challenging behaviors constructively and consistently.
Vice Principal: Adept in school operations, student discipline, staff supervision, and stakeholder engagement. She has led initiatives to improve instructional quality, promote a safe learning environment, and build strong relationships with families and the community.
Curriculum Director: Led curriculum alignment across grade levels, integrating data analysis and instructional coaching to improve student performance. She ensures that teaching strategies reflect the latest educational standards and best practices.
Instructional Facilitator: Provided coaching and professional development for teachers, supported PLCs, and drove the integration of innovative teaching strategies, including educational technology.
Educational Data Analyst: Transformed raw data into actionable insights, empowering school teams to make informed decisions about instruction, intervention, and resource allocation. She is a firm believer in using data to drive continuous improvement.
Today, Principal Buchanan leads with a clear vision: to cultivate a thriving, academically rigorous, and spiritually grounded school culture. Her leadership is guided by compassion, accountability, and a deep understanding of students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.