Asking for help is a brave and vulnerable step. Michelle strives to come along side people as they work to understand themselves and others. Her therapeutic process is based on her developmentally informed, trauma-aware perspective. She has a strong understanding of attachment theory and an understanding of trauma’s impact on functioning. She has a passion around supporting parents, she is a member of Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Minnesota, and a registered facilitator for Circle of Security Parenting. She also has interest in Poly Vagal Theory and the tools of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Michelle started her career as a home visitor. Working with new parents as they figured out their parenting journey. She has continued been working in the infant mental health field for over 15 years. This experience has giving her a foundation in understanding early experiences and their influence on who we are and how we interact with people.
Michelle is a licensed clinical social worker. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. She also received a certificate from the University of Minnesota in infant and early childhood mental health. She is endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Specialist be the Minnesota Association of Children’s Mental Health-Infant and Early Childhood Division.
Michelle, MSW, LICSW, IMH-E® (III), is also an instructor at the University of Minnesota for an online course RIOS 1: Using the RIOS Framework for Reflective Supervision. She also authored their self-study module Wondering with Purpose: Reflection in Any Setting.
River Valley Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, PLLC is an LGBTQ+ affirming clinic.