Michelle has both a Bachelor of Science in Archaeology degree (1992) and a Bachelor of Education degree (1994), both from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Michelle studied piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM)Toronto program and has completed the Elementary Piano Pedagogy Certificate with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). In addition, she is a certified teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music, holding both an RCM Beginner Certification Certificate and an RCM Intermediate Certification Certificate. In 2016 Michelle was awarded a "Top Teacher" award by Steinway and Sons.

Michelle has a special interest in teaching piano to children with various developmental and learning challenges. She has successfully prepared students for exams, festivals, recitals and post secondary education programs. Her piano teachers have included Joan Rainforth and Darlene Dusevic in Calgary.