Michelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus, and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University, with an emphasis in education. She also holds specialized certifications in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Special Education. Michelle is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has worked in both clinical and school-based settings, supporting children and families across a range of developmental and behavioral needs since 2009.

In addition to educational advocacy, Michelle provides behavioral consulting services grounded in evidence-based practice. She collaborates with families and school teams to assess challenging behaviors, identify underlying functions, and design practical, data-driven interventions that promote meaningful skill development. Her experience includes conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), developing and reviewing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), strengthening measurable IEP goals, and ensuring that behavioral supports are implemented with fidelity.

In her clinical work, Michelle has provided intensive behavioral programming and consultation for children and adolescents with significant emotional and behavioral needs. Her experience includes working with students identified with Emotional Disturbance, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and other complex behavioral profiles requiring structured, safety-centered, and skill-based intervention. She provides programming and consultation for high-risk cases involving severe aggression, high-intensity behavior escalation, and significant self-injurious behavior, with a focus on stabilization, regulation, and long-term skill acquisition.

Michelle also has experience supporting individuals with Fragile X Syndrome, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other developmental or neurological conditions that impact behavior and learning. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed practices that prioritize relationship-building, nervous system regulation, environmental modification, and dignity-centered care. She believes that effective behavior intervention must account for both skill deficits and lived experiences.

Her background in both clinical and educational environments allows her to bridge the gap between behavior science and school systems. She understands how interventions are designed in theory — and how they must function in real-world classrooms. Whether consulting on behavior escalation, supporting discipline cases, guiding intervention design, or preparing families for high-stakes meetings, Michelle’s approach is strategic, collaborative, and solution-focused.

Beyond her professional training, Michelle is deeply connected to the special needs community. She has an adult stepbrother with extensive support needs and an adult cousin with nonverbal autism. These personal experiences have shaped her perspective and strengthened her commitment to ensuring families feel informed, supported, and respected throughout their child’s educational journey.

Michelle believes effective advocacy and behavioral consulting go hand in hand. When families understand both their rights and the science behind intervention, they are better equipped to advocate with clarity and confidence. Her goal is to help families feel empowered — not overwhelmed — while building productive partnerships that lead to meaningful progress for their children.

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