Hello! I’m Michele, (she/her), a University of Chicago trained licensed clinical social worker in the states of Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. Born in Chicago, I grew up in an interracial family and as a young white girl became attuned to the vastly different ways people were treated because of their skin color. Through my childhood, I learned the importance of self-exploration and awareness and became committed to challenging oppression and dominance in its many forms. Throughout my life and career I have sought out opportunities where I could talk with people about their identities and lived experiences through a lens of power, privilege and oppression and explore the way things like perfectionism, productivity, individualism, and fear get in the way of self-compassion, community, healing and change. 

I share these parts of myself with you because any work I do is informed as much by my personal experiences as it is by my professional ones. When I work with individuals, groups and organizations to close the gap between who they are and who they aspire to be, I believe in bringing our whole selves.

Here are a few other things to know about me: I was a first-generation and low-income college student and competitive soccer player until my third knee surgery forced me into retirement. I am a queer introvert who is always seeking opportunities to learn. I find joy in long walks along Lake Michigan, listening to podcasts, cookie decorating classes, and music festivals.