Ms. Higgins earned a B.S. degree in English and Education at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland.  She began her teaching career in Prince Georges County, Maryland, and joined Prince William County Schools in 1979.  During her teaching career, Ms. Higgins earned her M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Prior to becoming an administrator at Godwin, Ms. Higgins taught English and Language Arts at Gar-Field High School, Potomac High School, Graham Park Middle School, and Hylton High School, where she also served as teacher on administrative assignment.  In addition, Ms. Higgins has served as a summer school principal for seven terms.