Michelle was born and raised in Santa Clarita, California. She completed her undergraduate degree at University of California Santa Barbara with a double major in Psychology and English Literature in 2016. She worked in behavioral analysis with pediatric populations in home health and school districts in the Pasadena area where she embraced the impact of occupational therapy to improve the quality of life of her clients’ lives. She worked as a rehabilitation aide at an outpatient pelvic floor clinic in West Los Angeles while she completed her Master’s at University of Southern California OT program in 2022. She completed adult rehabilitation rotations in diverse settings including UCSF Medical Center, Keck Hospital, and Skid Row Housing Trust. The following year she completed her post-professional doctorate at USC in 2023 in clinical research while working as a graduate facilitator and TA for an undergraduate USC health and wellness course. While participating in research with Cedars’-Sinai Medical Center synthesizing risk factors and outcomes of individuals with young stroke, she became passionate about neurological conditions, quality of life outcomes, and the continuum of care.
Michelle is a dedicated and compassionate occupational therapist with a passion for enhancing the lives of individuals facing neurological conditions. With a focus on patient experience, she strives to create a positive and supportive environment for those under her care. She believes in the potential of occupational therapy to empower individuals, helping them regain independence and achieve meaningful milestones in their lives.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Michelle finds joy in the simplicities of life. She has a deep love for camping in the mountains or by the sea, and has traveled to over 20 countries. Balancing her dedication to her work with a vibrant and enjoyable personal life, she can often be found spending quality time with friends or family, painting, or tending to her many plants.
