Michelle is originally from Wyoming, where she developed a deep love for the outdoors and sports. She played basketball for two years at Casper Community College, highlighting her passion for athletics early on. After college, Michelle spent nine years living in the Houston, Texas area. During her time there, she graduated from Houston Community College, earning her degree from the Physical Therapist Assistant Program in 1999.
With 27 years of experience in her field, Michelle has worked with a wide variety of patients and diagnoses. Her professional background includes treating individuals with orthopedic issues, geriatric conditions, spinal problems, autoimmune diseases, sports injuries, wounds, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and pediatric conditions, among others. She has practiced in diverse settings such as orthopedic clinics, home health care, and aquatic therapy environments. In 2014 she received the Utah Physical Therapist Assistant of the Year award.
For over 20 years, Michelle has specialized in aquatic therapy. She has been instrumental in starting two separate aquatic therapy programs in Utah, serving numerous patients. Michelle is passionate about the personalized approach that aquatic therapy allows, enabling her to develop a deep understanding of her patients and their individual challenges. She applies this philosophy to all aspects of patient care, believing strongly in the importance of physical touch, active listening, and compassion. Michelle recognizes that healing involves addressing not just physical impairments but also the mental and emotional components that contribute to a person’s well-being. She is known for her ability to build trusting relationships, which helps her support her patients in their healing journeys and improve their quality of life. Michelle finds great fulfillment in helping her patients progress and reach their personal goals.
Outside of her professional life, Michelle has raised three sons, all of whom are now adults living independently. She has spent many years training and coaching athletic teams and has a strong passion for team building. In addition to her work in therapy, Michelle is also an uncertified massage therapist and personal trainer.
Her hobbies include weight-lifting, hiking, and participating in a variety of outdoor activities. Michelle enjoys spending time with her sons, friends, listening to music, attending sports events, reading, drawing, photography, and serving others in her community.