Mrs. Russell was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She and her husband, Patrick, have two children. She is a graduate of St. Raphael Catholic School and St. Petersburg High School. She earned a B.B.A. with a major in Marketing from Stetson University in DeLand, FL. Prior to her current position with the Office of Catholic Schools and Centers, she was employed for 10+ years as a Middle School Teacher Assistant for St. Paul Catholic School in St. Petersburg, FL and is also a former Vacation Bible School Director at St. Paul Catholic Church. Mrs. Russell has been a current member of the Office of Catholic Schools and Centers since 2021.