Michelle graduated from UT Austin with a BA in English and began her career performing research, analysis and project management work for private sector firms, with an emphasis in affordable housing development and government contract consulting.  Michelle earned an MS in Community and Regional Planning from UT Austin and worked for local affordable housing non-profits, implementing shared equity housing finance programs and managing an affordable rental housing and community development program in East Austin. Most recently, Michelle worked for the state’s Community Development Block Grant Program, helping communities improve or provide first-time access to water, sewer and road infrastructure and emergency services throughout rural Texas.

She is delighted to be able to combine her personal interest in food and nutrition with her commitment to working with underserved communities, in her role as Program Manager for WFM.  When she’s not working, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, going to Barton Springs with friends, doing acro-yoga, dancing and collecting plants.