Michelle tortured herself for years with self-destructive behavior, suicidal thoughts, bad relationships with men, and that’s just what she did to herself.

The anger that she unleashed on those around her was epic. No, it really was epic! It was talked about in her friend group. They were like, “let’s back out of the bar slowly and nobody look her in the eye.”

Her favorite line when she saw a friend was, “you know what your problem is?” It was a desperate call for help but Michelle didn’t want help. She wanted justification. She wanted an endorsement that her behavior was understandable because she was dealt the losing hand in life. She drew the short stick! She didn’t realize that the act of forgiving could begin her journey to healing.

Once she made the decision to release the anger towards her dad, truly forgive, her life changed for the better. Her quality of life improved. Her professional career advanced. Her relationship with her friends changed. Her ability to care for and embrace others transformed her life. Her relationship with her family, especially her father, developed into a loving and caring world.

She was free! Forgiveness to Freedom!

Michelle helped to make sure the swimming public was safe by serving the mission of the National Swimming Pool Foundation for 13 years.  She was the Mission Development Director for the last 7 of those years.  In 2019, Michelle took on a new role as the Executive Director of the California Pool & Spa Association.  Her journey continues in the swimming pool world as she strives to help the aquatics industry in CA, the largest pool and spa market in the U.S. 

She served as an officer for three consecutive terms, including President, of Pikes Peak Toastmasters in Colorado Springs.  She spent many years empowering women of domestic violence at TESSA of Colorado Springs as well.  For Michelle, helping women who have a similar story is something she is very passionate about.