ABOUT MICHELLE

Having worked in long-term care, the gender-based violence sector and more recently in integrated youth services, Michelle's experience and expertise in supporting individuals spans more than 25 years. Building on a foundation of safety and trust, providing space for individuals to get curious, to explore and to be exactly as they are in any given moment is truly at the core of all offerings. She has also spent more than a decade actively working on her own healing and recovery journey. She truly understands that the path is not linear, nor is the recovery process. There is also no "one right way". It is a lifelong learning, unlearning and relearning.

You see, in 2013 Michelle developed symptoms of delayed onset Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of sexual violence in her adult life, and in childhood.

She spent some time as an in-patient at the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, ON in 2014 and in 2018 at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's (CAMH) Women's Unit in Toronto, ON. Both have been tremendously helpful, alongside other forms of support and treatment. However, there were no aftercare programs in her city when she returned home where she could be in a peer-community and practice the tools in a space that she considered to be safe.

OWL'S NEST is bridging that gap - because you don't have to go through your experience alone.

Other Fun Facts...

Most days you can find me pondering the meaning of life and taking plenty of notes in one of the many journals I keep. I am mostly known for my love of the natural world. No such thing as too many snapshots where bright green velvety moss is the subject matter.

Connection is something I value greatly! And I am most passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for people to come together. I love serving the world from a place of compassion and kindness. I practice BEing in the present moment, although I can sometimes get caught up in the thoughts in my head. Thankfully, practicing mindfulness helps me to notice what I am noticing in order to PAUSE, make space for what is coming up and intentionally consider what comes next. It hasn't always been easy. I have spent a lot of time practicing the tools. I even "lost the keys to my toolbox" on more than one occasion! (A participant at my first intimate gathering shared this with the group.)

I now speak about my recovery journey with the hope of inspiring others to recognize that healing is possible and that they do not have to go through their experience alone. I also speak to people who are interested in gaining a better understanding of the impacts of trauma and share how somatic, mindfulness and creative practices can help to support folks.

When I am not working, you can find me practicing yoga, mindfulness, meditation, listening to a podcast or audiobook, creating art, volunteering in community or out on the trails with friends and my furry companion Koda!

Still reading... and eager to learn more? Here are 5 RANDOM THINGS about me:

1. I write haiku poetry.

2. Neuroscience fascinates me (brain/body connection), and I love to learn about the latest discoveries.

3. I have a deep love for all things OWL-related.

4. I am enthralled by moss (oh wait, you knew that); and,

5. "UNIQUELY WEIRD" is totally my vibe (shout out to M. who coined this).