Michelle is a certified group fitness instructor with more than 35 years of teaching experience. In 2013, the same year she retired from American Airlines, she earned her 500-hour yoga certification. Since 1999, she has taught part-time at the YMCA, leading yoga, pilates, chair yoga, and SilverSneakers classes. As a Healthy Lifestyle coach for the Arlington-Mansfield YMCA, she also facilitates diabetes prevention classes and Lunch & Learn nutrition workshops.
In 2014, Michelle discovered Retreat in the Pines through Yoga Journal magazine. She attended her first retreat in 2015 with her two sisters, and the following year realized her calling to lead weekend retreats for like-minded women from all backgrounds who seek nurturing in nature and a nonjudgmental space. Her passion lies in mindfulness, breathwork, and supporting healing for yoga students at every level.
Michelle also volunteers at Sherrod Elementary School as an assistant coach for 3rd-5th grade girls through Girls on the Run, an organization that helps girls build self-esteem, healthy habits, and a positive impact in their community. The program ends with a celebratory 5K.
She enjoys yoga, traveling to spa destinations, cooking, cruising, hiking, cycling, reading, and spending time with family. Michelle lives in Arlington with her husband Darryl. They are empty nesters, and she has three grown children and five grandchildren.
Join Michelle for a weekend of relaxation and connection.