Michelle is an advanced Spanish teacher at Boulder High School and directs the ¡Adelante! program for first-generation Latino students. In this role, she plays a vital part in increasing graduation rates and student academic achievement, securing grants, and expanding educational opportunities to facilitate student success throughout high school and beyond. She is actively involved in advocating for social justice for her students, especially first-generation high school graduates.

Michelle holds a bachelor's degree from Boston College, a master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and a postgraduate specialization in education from the University of Colorado Denver. She earned her National Teacher Certification in 2007. Michelle has served on the boards of the Rotary Club of Boulder, Share-A-Gift, Frequent Flyers Productions, the Milagros Scholarship Fund, and the Boulder County Latino League. She has received recognition from the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, Zonta Foothills, the YWCA, the Rotary Club of Boulder, and Impact on Education. She is proud to be the mother of Sarah and Tim, both graduates of the University of Denver. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, practicing yoga, and skiing.