Michelle is a dedicated professional in the field of addiction and mental health, currently serving as a full-time faculty member and program coordinator in the Addiction and Mental Health Worker Program. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Toronto Metropolitan University earned through the advanced standing program, as well as a Master of Social Work degree from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Michelle is a proud alumna of Centennial College, where she completed the Social Service Worker Diploma Program.
With over 10 years of experience in diverse frontline settings, Michelle has honed her expertise in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, trauma, substance use, and addiction service settings. Her roles at Centennial College have included Success Advisor, College Field Supervisor, and Field Placement Coordinator. Michelle's commitment to education extends beyond her primary program, as she has also taught in the Community and Child Studies Foundations Program and the Social Service Worker Program. Michelle's academic interests are broad and reflect her dedication to understanding and addressing complex social issues. She focuses on trauma in its various manifestations, sexual violence, post-traumatic growth, domestic human trafficking, as well as harm reduction, mental health, substance use, addiction, and recovery. Her commitment to the field is rooted in anti-oppression and trauma-informed frameworks, recognizing and addressing intersecting social determinants of health that profoundly impact individuals and communities.
As a lifelong learner and registered social worker, Michelle recognizes and understands the complex and varied ways in which mental health, substance use, and trauma intersect and influence community members' and students' lives. She strives to validate and facilitate the 're-storying' of a person's experience, aiming to help individuals see that something happened to them, rather than internalizing that something is “wrong” with them. Michelle believes that trauma has an impact but need not become the totality of their identity. An integral aspect of Michelle's approach is compassionately integrating core principles of safety, trust, collaboration, choice, recovery, and empowerment in a non-judgmental way while facilitating trauma-informed approaches to her teaching and professional practice. By doing so, Michelle empowers community members and students to navigate their experiences, fostering hope, resilience, growth, and transformation.
While all of her professional experiences have motivated her, it is the students she works with who inspire her every day. As a college instructor, she enjoys the privilege of gaining an intimate understanding of her students' goals, journeys and lives. She has learned that through education, empathy, and compassion, students have the potential to foster their capacity to reach their personal, academic, and professional goals. Her students were the inspiration behind ‘The Rose That Grew From Concrete’, a $1000 scholarship that she co-established to acknowledge a deep admiration, respect, and love for all students who, despite facing barriers, obstacles, and life challenges, have found the courage to pursue their dream of post-secondary education. She wanted to find a way to celebrate their resilience, strength, and success.