Michelle brings a rich and wide-ranging background in education, writing, and editing, shaped by decades of work with students, schools, and creative projects. She earned her B.A. and Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and her M.A. from the University of Chicago. With professional experience as an editor, tutor, writer, and program builder, Michelle offers students both intellectual depth and a clear, practical sense of how to shape strong, meaningful writing.
Michelle is especially skilled at helping students clarify what they really want to say and develop essays with substance, voice, and intention. Her background includes publishing educational books for children, writing for local and online publications, and creating original creative work across genres, including short films and scripts. She brings a thoughtful, experienced eye to the writing process and is especially good at helping students move from scattered ideas to focused, compelling essays.
Michelle lives in Northern California and has spent much of her life in and around education, both in formal academic settings and in the broader creative world. She is a devoted anime fan, never misses a chance to say hello to a cat, and brings a dry wit and strong sense of perspective to her work. Her proudest and most meaningful role is being a mother to her daughter, with whom she shares a very close bond.
Best match for: students who are intellectually curious, students who need help organizing and deepening their ideas, writers who want thoughtful but direct feedback, and students whose essays benefit from reflection, nuance, and strong structural guidance.