Michelle’s calling to work in veterinary medicine was evident from a young age. While in the second grade, during a trip to their veterinarian for her dog Charlie’s annual exam, she was allowed “in the back,” where she was able to gaze upon a preserved heart that was infested with heartworms. Shortly after this adventure, she declared she would grow up to be a veterinarian! Upon turning 15, she started working as a kennel hand in a large Chicagoland veterinary clinic, where she was then cross-trained into a customer service role as well as received on-the-job training as a veterinary technician.

After moving to Minnesota to attend college, Michelle graduated from North Dakota State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology, in 2002. During her college years, she worked in a mixed animal practice, gaining experience in large animal medicine to complement her small animal background. She received her credentials as a Certified Veterinary Technician from the state of Minnesota in 2003 with transition to Licensed Veterinary Technician in 2026.

In 2009 Michelle received her Masters of Business Administration, with an emphasis in Veterinary Medicine Management, from Minnesota School of Business. During this time, Michelle continued to work as a CVT in various aspects of companion animal medicine but spent the majority of her time working in veterinary technology education.

Michelle’s experience spans general practice, academia, specialty and referral medicine, urgent care, emergency services, and more than a decade in veterinary technology education, complemented by expertise in business plan development, implementation, operational execution, and organizational rollout. Michelle is proud to be the founder of Vet Teams, LLC, Minnesota’s first certified veterinary technician relief organization that now focuses on practical consulting and tailored training that strengthens communication, maximizes team utilization, and supports sustainable organizational profitability through empowered veterinary teams. She has also served on the executive boards of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys raising hens, all things Boxer dogs, learning about beekeeping, and traveling to warm, tropical destinations.