Michele has been a professional artist for 30 years working in the field of Graphic Design and Photography. Additionally, she has over 25 years experience as an educational leader and an art educator. In 2010, 2012 and 2021, Michele was nationally recognized and awarded a Gold Medal by Scholastics Incorporated for Excellence in Teaching. She has worked as an independent designer contracted to General Electric and Stellar Technologies. Michele holds a BFA from Alfred University, A Teaching Certification from Moore College of Art and Design, A Masters in Education from Southern CT State University, two Masters equivalents from the College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Massachusetts and holds an Administrators Certification from Sacred Heart University. Michele is also a certified FAA Drone Pilot and President and Founder of the Joshua Hermsen Heart Fund, a 501-C3 Non for profit organization.