Christy Rutherford

As a former coach, teacher, and education manager, Christy Rutherford brings a wealth of professional expertise to her role as the Director and Head of Academics for TPH Academy Kansas City. Notably, she possesses a personal connection to the program as a hockey mom and parent of a current student-athlete within the academy. Because she offers 24 years of diverse student-centered experience, she remains uniquely qualified to lead both the academic and athletic initiatives for the region. Furthermore, her firsthand perspective as a TPH parent underscores her deep commitment to the long-term success of every student under her guidance.

Rutherford is certainly no stranger to preparing student-athletes for real-world leadership and academic excellence. Over the last two and a half years, she served as the Education Manager for DECA, a nonprofit organization focused on business and career readiness. In this capacity, Christy ensured that all programs aligned with national standards while shaping the curriculum to prepare students for professional success. Additionally, her extensive teaching career spans sixteen years across two states and multiple school systems. Consequently, student-athletes at TPH Academy Kansas City will benefit from a mentor who understands the nuances of diverse educational environments.

Beyond her classroom experience, Christy spent two years as the Assistant Director of the Cass Career Center in Harrisonville, Missouri. During this time, she gained the unique perspective of guiding teachers and administrators who impact students on a daily basis. She currently holds teaching certifications in both Missouri and Pennsylvania and earned her Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Central Missouri. Ultimately, her blend of administrative leadership and classroom expertise ensures a high standard of academic accountability for all athletes. As a result, she continues to foster an environment where student-athletes can thrive both in their sport and in their future professional endeavors.