While directing Ballet and Beyond NYC, Michelle also teaches in the Pre-Professional Program, the Conservatory Program, and the Open Program at Steps on Broadway in New York City and at Marymount Manhattan College as adjunct faculty.
Born in California, Michelle received her early ballet training at the Sacramento Ballet School, was awarded summer scholarships to the San Francisco Ballet School, and attended the Royal Ballet Upper School in London. As a professional, she performed with Sacramento Ballet, Western Ballet, Ballet Internationale, New Jersey Ballet, and Classics Dance Theatre, among other companies, and as a guest artist while she was pursuing her academic work. Michelle earned a BA in International Relations, an MA in International Policy and an MBA, all from Stanford University, and she worked for more than ten years as a fixed income research analyst on Wall Street. Michelle has taught ballet to children and adults for more than 30 years.