About Me
I am a New York City native, born to Jamaican parents, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over nine years of experience supporting adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds. My personal and professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to community, cultural awareness, and personal growth.
Throughout my education and career, I have had the opportunity to integrate my interest in advocacy into my clinical work. I began by interning in a New York City Council member’s office, followed by working as a family rights advocate within a public defense setting. I later provided mental health support in a correctional facility, where I worked closely with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and trauma. These experiences ultimately led me to private practice, where I continue to support clients in meaningful and transformative ways.
Across all of my roles, I have come to realize that while our individual stories are unique, our human experiences are deeply connected. We all encounter hardship, grief, and moments of anxiety, and we are shaped by our relationships and life circumstances. I believe that when we create space to explore and process these experiences, healing and growth become possible—allowing us to move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and purpose.
Specialties
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Arizona, qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat a range of mental health concerns through evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Anxiety and Depression
Michelle has extensive experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety and depression across a variety of settings, including inpatient and residential programs, correctional facilities, public defense, and private practice. She also has experience facilitating group therapy, creating supportive spaces for shared healing and connection.
Trauma-Informed Care
Michelle utilizes a trauma-informed approach in her work and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through EMDR Consulting. EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to reduce the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories through the use of bilateral stimulation.
Training and Continuing Education
Michelle is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and client-centered therapy. Her approach is tailored to meet the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each client. She is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly participates in workshops, trainings, and conferences to stay current with best practices and emerging therapeutic techniques.
