Michelle is an alumnus of Vancouver Island University, where she earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership and a bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Care. With 20 years of experience working with children and families in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Michelle looks forward to collaborating with students, staff, and faculty through shared experiences and knowledge.
Michelle is passionate about helping adults and children use empathy as an effective and efficient intervention for dysregulation. She believes that children need to feel securely connected to the adults caring for them and that the child’s experience of that connection is paramount. As a published author, consultant, and speaker, her research and writing center around relational connection-based practices. She values diversity and creativity and strives to amplify the voices of individuals who are often marginalized by systemic oppression.
Michelle is honoured to join the CYC Faculty as a sessional instructor and to positively contribute to a culture of learning that prioritizes human connection and emotional engagement.