Michelle was born in the Land of Enchantment and raised in the Chandler/Gilbert area in the Valley of the Sun. With educational interests in mind, she naturally found herself at Northern Arizona University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Following her degree, she’s worked extensively in the field of substance use treatment.  She was employed by The Guidance Center for 13 years followed by 4 years at Northern Arizona Healthcare, where she was the lead counselor and liaison to the Coconino County Recovery Court team. During her time at NAH, she returned to school and earned a Masters degree in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2021.

 

Michelle is a Licensed Associate Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. Her approach to therapy is anchored by the close attention she pays to the therapeutic relationship. In therapy, she uses a process that is informed by person-centered, cognitive behavioral, dialectic behavioral and mindfulness-based philosophies and techniques. She works with a variety of conditions including substance use, trauma in its many forms, anxiety, and depressive related disorders. Michelle loves to work with people who are ages 14+ and treats both individuals and couples. She also loves working with people who are LGBTQ+, first responders, people working in the criminal justice system, and veterans. 

 

Outside of counseling, Michelle loves to experience culture, paint, salsa dance, and spend time by the water. She states, “the water is where my soul feels at peace.” She also loves a good meal and spending time with her family, which includes her treasured canine, Moose.