Who we are
The Murrell Youth Development Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing youth development, mental wellness education, resilience-building, and preventative interventions for children and adolescents. The Foundation primarily operates through two core initiatives: the Resilient Minds Project and the Dream Academy.
The Foundation serves students in public and private schools, community organizations, and underserved populations across North Carolina, with plans for statewide expansion.
About the Founder
Dr. Monica Murrell, PhD
Founder & Director
Dr. Murrell is a forensic psychology and trauma-informed educator with specialized expertise in developmental resilience, stress adaptation, and youth mental wellness. Her research and professional work focus on how stress and adversity impact identity development and long-term outcomes, and how resilience can be strengthened through education and early intervention.
She is also a nationally registered child forensic interviewer and trained in crisis response and de-escalation practices.
Dr. Murrell brings both research-based credibility and compassionate delivery.
Board of Directors
President- Dr. Monica Murrell, Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Treasurer- Judy Poole, Business Marketing and Licensed Massage Therapist
Secretary- Julie Wojcik, Bachelor’s of Arts with a minor in Education and Business Management
Board Member: Director of Program & Impact - Heather Hunter - BS in Recreation Management/ Sociology and Criminology
Board Member- Director of Clinical & Community Strategy - Michael Tui - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, National Certified Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, NCC
Board Member- Director of Youth & School-Based Strategy - Molly Monette - Masters in Social Work
A message from our founder
Resilience is not something we are simply born with. It is something we build, often in the midst of challenge.
As a young person, I understood early what it felt like to navigate stress, instability, and environments where emotional support was not always consistent. I also experienced the profound impact that even one safe adult, one opportunity, or one moment of encouragement can have on a developing life.
Those experiences shaped me.
They shaped my academic path, my professional calling, and ultimately the creation of the Murrell Youth Development Foundation.
Through my work in psychology and youth advocacy, I have seen how unaddressed stress and adversity can disrupt development, but I have also seen how preventative education, mentorship, and community support can strengthen identity, confidence, and long-term outcomes.
This Foundation was created to be the support I once needed.
Through the Resilient Minds Project, we bring trauma-informed, evidence-based mental wellness education into schools so students learn how to regulate emotions, manage stress, and build resilience before crisis occurs.
Through Dream Academy, we provide leadership development and enrichment opportunities that help young people discover their strengths and believe in their potential.
Our work is preventative. It is proactive and deeply personal.
I believe that when we invest in youth, not only academically, but emotionally and developmentally, we change trajectories.
Thank you for being part of that change.
With gratitude,
Dr. Monica Murrell, PhD
Founder & Executive Director
Murrell Youth Development Foundation
Contact us
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