Michelle is a graduate of a Masters in Counselling and Art Therapy from the University of Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
Before becoming an art therapist, Michelle completed an undergraduate degree in Art Education and a Masters in Early Childhood Education. Michelle has more than 10 years experience teaching art to children from K-12.
As an art therapist, Michelle has worked with groups of teens within shelters and in private practices, helping them cope with anxiety and social concerns. Michelle also has experience working with the elderly, both individually and in groups at Long Term Care facilities.
Open art studios and art hives are familiar to Michelle as she has worked within communities across the city working with homeless teenagers and women and children. Michelle also spent time in Thailand in 2019, working with children ages 4-18 who were at high risk for trafficking.
Michelle’s theories of choice include; mindfulness and acceptance cognitive behaviour therapy. Staying present and focusing on one thing at a time is how Michelle works best. Michelle believes encouraging clients to be more self-aware and self-accepting will foster growth and healing.