My Story
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Hello and welcome to my website. My name is Michelle and I hope to get to know you better. My journey as a small business owner started because I was a parent of young children and a full time college student.
When my daughter was 18 months old, I wanted her to have everything: music classes, dance classes, art classes, foreign language and international studies, access to sports teams and all the math, science and literature education her mind wanted. This is when I started working as a Kindermusik instructor at a local school of performing arts. It was a great arrangement because she could take classes for free as long as the group classes weren't full. At the same time I was taking classes at the local college in corporate accounting. I managed to find a job at a public accounting firm prior to graduating. By then I had three children. On the day of graduation, however, I was in the hospital. My youngest had been diagnosed with a kidney disease - Minimal change disease (now known as nephrotic syndrome - it is incurable). I was there for two weeks while my husband at the time went to work. My son was 2. I knew I would not be able to spend the required 2800 hours a year at a public accounting firm, so I opened a Montessori like day care in my home. This eventually turned into a nonprofit cultural education community center and I leased a studio. I became very involved in the community at that time and learned all about business as well as the best and worst of people. Fast forward 11 years and I continue to have a passion for nonprofits which my current business model is based off. Today I use my education, skills, and experience to help health and wellness, wilderness and wildlife conservation, animal welfare not for profit entities and small businesses, as well as individuals achieve their goals. Please reach out and let me know how I might be able to assist you in your next project whether it's for your passion, person, or business. My email is [email protected]. Kind Regards,
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Education
Current Certificates
Interests, Hobbies and Additional Information
Recommendations:
Lanette Oliver, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VALDEZ ADVENTURE ALLIANCE
I can't say enough praise about Michelle. Exceptional in every way. Very responsive, good communication (even if you are like me and don't have the right lingo), timely work, attention to detail, knowledge in broad range, can analyze all parts of your organization, research things she thinks might be helpful, and gives good recommendations. I can't think of even one thing she could do better. Knows a ton about non-profits.
Kate Mason, MANAGER, ABHYAASA YOGA
“Michelle's boundless energy and vision have always amazed me. I have collaborated with her professionally, and my family and I have enjoyed the programs offered at the Naperville Cultural Center. In wearing her many hats, Michelle is a true leader in promoting a healthy, educated and diverse community. She is determined, committed, generous and full of talent.”
Carla Mayer, Founder, Get Fit Naperville
“Michelle is someone who makes things happen!”
Hunter B. Lyon, Project Manager, Sharkey’s Karate Studio
“Michelle has exceeded our expectations and gone above and beyond to help not only our company but the Naperville community!”
Joe Gosselin, President, Hipp temporary
“Michelle invited me to participate in her organization's seminar for people in career transition. The turnout for the event was fantastic. She assembled a diverse panel of folks involved in the hiring process and expertly led a productive, lively discussion of all things career-related. Michelle's efforts to help bring business, art and culture together are contagious and the city of Naperville is better for them.”
Kenn Miller, Councilman, City of Naperville
“Michelle has great ideas and experience to create programs and activities that deal with diversity and culture. One interest that I worked with Michelle is to create the "culture identity" of the City of Naperville and I have appreciated her dedication and commitment to this goal.”
Pete Ellman, VP, Ellman’s Music Center
“Michelle is a very good organizer and a great promoter. You can count on her to get things done.”
Jeremy Talbott, Program Director, Sharkey’s Karate Studio
“I have had the honor of working with Michelle on many projects. She is very well organized, energetic and enthusiastic about accomplishing any goal she sets for the project. She exceeds any expectations set upon her and goes above and beyond that which is needed to complete the job.”
Dom DeBellis, President, Debellis Communications
“Michelle is a very conscientious, civic-minded person. Her professionalism is enviable, as I have observed in my brief exposure to the Naperville Cultural Center. She is able to balance strategic vision with project-level achievements. I'm impressed to see what she has developed in such a short time in her capacity as the Founder of the Naperville Cultural Center. The community is lucky to have her!”
Jason Altenbern, Community Relations Coordinator, Indian Prairie School District
“Michelle served in an impressive capacity with regard to the planning and preparing dozens of different children’s activities over the past couple years at Naper Days. She is a kind, caring individual who is passionate, talented, and creative in all that she does and has done as a dedicated volunteer in the Naperville community.”
Debbie Grinnell, Director of Preservation Services, Naper Settlement
“Michelle is an enthusiastic and energetic individual who brings her passion for art, culture and people into all that she does. Her volunteer contributions to a large-scale event at Naper Settlement (Naper Days) certainly were an example of her organizational abilities, follow-thru and dedication to community.”
- North Central College, Bachelor of Arts, Corporate Accounting
Current Certificates
- Nonprofit Accounting - AICPA
- Accounting & Reporting - AICPA
- NFP & GAAP - AICPA
- CPR/ AED/ First Aid, American Red Cross
- Certified League Cycling Instructor, League of American Bicyclists
- 200 HR - Power of Your Om, Baptiste
- 200 HR - Lakulish Institute, Spontaneous Hatha Yoga
- Acro Fit Certificate, Acro Yoga International
- Yoga Life Coaching Certification, Wild Abundant Life, Debbie Williamson
Interests, Hobbies and Additional Information
- Outdoor Writers of America Association member
- The outdoors, Nature, and Wildlife
- Climbing and Mountaineering
- Cooking and culinary arts
- Cycling, Triathlon, Fitness and Nutrition
- Board of Directors, Violet Crown Sports Association, 2018-2020
- Bicycle Advisory Council, full voting member, 2018-2020
- Board of Directors, Naperville Bicycle Club, 2015-17
- Board of Directors, Naperville Art League Fine Art Center and Gallery, 2011-2014
- Activities Chair for events at Naper Settlement: Naper Days, Oktoberfest 2007-2012
- Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy, 2006
Recommendations:
Lanette Oliver, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VALDEZ ADVENTURE ALLIANCE
I can't say enough praise about Michelle. Exceptional in every way. Very responsive, good communication (even if you are like me and don't have the right lingo), timely work, attention to detail, knowledge in broad range, can analyze all parts of your organization, research things she thinks might be helpful, and gives good recommendations. I can't think of even one thing she could do better. Knows a ton about non-profits.
Kate Mason, MANAGER, ABHYAASA YOGA
“Michelle's boundless energy and vision have always amazed me. I have collaborated with her professionally, and my family and I have enjoyed the programs offered at the Naperville Cultural Center. In wearing her many hats, Michelle is a true leader in promoting a healthy, educated and diverse community. She is determined, committed, generous and full of talent.”
Carla Mayer, Founder, Get Fit Naperville
“Michelle is someone who makes things happen!”
Hunter B. Lyon, Project Manager, Sharkey’s Karate Studio
“Michelle has exceeded our expectations and gone above and beyond to help not only our company but the Naperville community!”
Joe Gosselin, President, Hipp temporary
“Michelle invited me to participate in her organization's seminar for people in career transition. The turnout for the event was fantastic. She assembled a diverse panel of folks involved in the hiring process and expertly led a productive, lively discussion of all things career-related. Michelle's efforts to help bring business, art and culture together are contagious and the city of Naperville is better for them.”
Kenn Miller, Councilman, City of Naperville
“Michelle has great ideas and experience to create programs and activities that deal with diversity and culture. One interest that I worked with Michelle is to create the "culture identity" of the City of Naperville and I have appreciated her dedication and commitment to this goal.”
Pete Ellman, VP, Ellman’s Music Center
“Michelle is a very good organizer and a great promoter. You can count on her to get things done.”
Jeremy Talbott, Program Director, Sharkey’s Karate Studio
“I have had the honor of working with Michelle on many projects. She is very well organized, energetic and enthusiastic about accomplishing any goal she sets for the project. She exceeds any expectations set upon her and goes above and beyond that which is needed to complete the job.”
Dom DeBellis, President, Debellis Communications
“Michelle is a very conscientious, civic-minded person. Her professionalism is enviable, as I have observed in my brief exposure to the Naperville Cultural Center. She is able to balance strategic vision with project-level achievements. I'm impressed to see what she has developed in such a short time in her capacity as the Founder of the Naperville Cultural Center. The community is lucky to have her!”
Jason Altenbern, Community Relations Coordinator, Indian Prairie School District
“Michelle served in an impressive capacity with regard to the planning and preparing dozens of different children’s activities over the past couple years at Naper Days. She is a kind, caring individual who is passionate, talented, and creative in all that she does and has done as a dedicated volunteer in the Naperville community.”
Debbie Grinnell, Director of Preservation Services, Naper Settlement
“Michelle is an enthusiastic and energetic individual who brings her passion for art, culture and people into all that she does. Her volunteer contributions to a large-scale event at Naper Settlement (Naper Days) certainly were an example of her organizational abilities, follow-thru and dedication to community.”
Work History / Clients
- Hedge School Cooperative, Austin, Texas 2022 - Current
- High School Math and Science Instructor
- Vegan Nom, Austin, Texas 2022 - Current
- Celebrating Vegan Food Every Gosh Darn Day!
- Valdez Adventure Alliance, in Valdez, Alaska 2019 - 2022
- CFO. Creative Director, Interim Sports Director for the Valdez Ice Climbing Festival and Fat Bike Bash
- After Hours Film Society in Glen Ellyn, IL from 2013 - current
- Webmistress
- Great Central Steel in Bridgeview, IL from 2017 - current
- Webmistress
- Ghisallo Cycling Initiative in Austin, Texas from 2018 - 2019
- Community Educator
- Bike Austin Education Fund in Austin, Texas from 2017-2018
- Director of Education
- DKM Insurance Advisors in Naperville, IL from 2015 - 2017
- Insurance reporting for clients including monthly bills
- Hot Yoga Naperville in Naperville, IL from 2012 - 2017
- Yoga, AcroYoga and Bootcamp instructor; Workshop facilitator
- Live, Work, Yoga in Chicago, IL in 2016
- Guest yoga instructor
- Sense of Samadhi in Yorkville, IL from 2012 - 2016
- Yoga and AcroYoga instructor
- Run coach
- Administration: web, mindbody, billing, staff coordinator and fundraising
- Lifetime Fitness in Warrenville, IL from 2013 - 2015
- Yoga instructor
- Abhyaasa Yoga Studio in Naperville, IL in 2012
- Yoga instructor
- Sundari Power Yoga in Naperville, IL in 2012
- Yoga instructor
- Partners Wealth Management in Naperville, IL from 2014 - 2015
- Client platform conversion administrator
- Central DuPage Hospital in Wheaton, IL in 2013
- Reporting and reimbursements
- Naperville Art League, North Central College and Naper Settlement in Naperville, IL from 2010 - 2017
- Art instructor
- Naperville Sun in Naperville, IL from 2009 - 2011
- Writer, freelance and Get Fit Naperville columnist
- Glancer Magazine in Naperville, IL from 2009 - 2011
- Writer, fitness and health
- Naperville Cultural Center in Naperville, IL from 2005 - 2010
- Director
- Education & healthy lifestyle based Child Care Services in Naperville, IL from 2001 - 2005
- Sikich Gardner, Public Accounting in Aurora, IL 2001
- Corporate and individual taxes
- Governmental auditing
- School of Performing Arts in Naperville, IL from 1996 - 2000
- Kindermusik teacher and staff administrator