Michelle was born in Mississauga, Ontario.  She moved around a lot with her family thru the years.  Her mom and dad now live in Florida, and her sister lives in Washington.  Michelle went to Ohio University, and graduated in 1999 with a bachelors in Geography and Environmental Studies.  She traveled around during her summers while at college, and worked in different National Parks, one being Denali.  After graduating, she moved up to Alaska with her boyfriend, Robert.  Doing seasonal work for some years up in Alaska, she had the opportunity to have a lot of long winters off.  She had time to take some pottery, glass bead making, stained glass, and fused glass classes.  After taking her first stained glass class, she felt a connection to the glass world right away.  In November 2003 she decided to start her own business doing glass work.  Her boyfriend Robert, started building Denali Glass Studio in March of 2004.  Denali Glass Studio opened up for business in May of 2004, for the season! 

Michelle spends her days making stained glass, fused glass, and glass beads, and crocheting by night.  Her artwork is inspired by the nature of Alaska and the natural world around her.  

In her spare time during the winter months she enjoys cross country skiing, and walking with her two dogs, Clyve and Chugach, snow machining,  knitting nights, and just hanging out. In the shorter summer seasons she enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, and fishing!