Our Team

“Our teen peer counselors eventually go on to serve on nonprofit boards, work in health care and make a difference in their communities. Watching these teens grow throughout their time at Teen Lifeline is my greatest joy.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Executive Director

ROLE | As executive director, Michelle oversees all day-to-day operations, improving performance, developing organizational culture, reporting on revenue, and directing organizational strategy. She works with the Board of Directors, donors, stakeholders, staff, and volunteers to prevent teen suicide by enhancing resiliency in youth and fostering supportive communities.

CONTACT FOR | Compliance, finance, organizational strategy, board governance, and agency management.

You can reach Michelle by email at michelle@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Involved in the research and creation of Teen Lifeline in 1986. Hired as the training and prevention specialist in 1988 and has been the Executive Director since 2000. Nearly all of Michelle’s more than 36-year career has focused on leading the movement to prevent teen suicide.

EDUCATION | Master’s degree in professional psychology with an emphasis in adolescent psychology from the University of Northern Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Michelle and her husband Jeff love to travel, especially to see one of their favorite country bands. They have two grown sons. Michelle graduated from Tolleson Union High School and was involved in student government including Senior Class President and Flag line.

THE BIG 3 | Three words that describe Michelle are: maternal, compassionate, and dedicated.