About

Since 2012 I have helped people hone the stories they want to tell, whether as public speakers or writers, capturing the imagination of the listener or reader. Along the way, I have coached over 100 humanitarian service workers to effectively relay the stories of their work with partners around the world through speaking, letters, and articles, helping to garner financial support for their service.

"The best analogy I can think of to describe Michelle's role during our time working together is as a 'story artisan'. As needed, she accompanied our colleagues to help them chisel and carve a "block of wood" and turn it into a piece of art. The words were theirs; Michelle simply coached them so their stories could be clear and engaging while highlighting the work of the global partner with which they were serving."

Ellen Sherby, associate director

Global Connections, World Mission

Presbyterian Mission Agency

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

ellen.sherby@pcusa.org

In 2020, I began editing case documents for the Standardized Patient Program at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky, offering creative content editing, proofreading, and copy editing for patient/physician scenarios to assist medical students and other healthcare professionals in practicing crucial skills of communication through role-playing. Hundreds of students have since graduated and moved into positions as physicians, audiologists, dentists, dental hygienists, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists where these scenarios prepared them to build trust and rapport with their real-life patients.

"Michelle has done extensive work for our program, advising us on improved organization, ensuring internal consistency, and refining language in our program documents. This has resulted in products that are easier for our team to navigate and an overall clarity that keeps us on the same page. Michelle’s secret sauce lies in her means of communicating with clients – she gives counsel gently and incorporates feedback flawlessly. Our work is undoubtedly better thanks to her expertise!"

Carrie Bohnert, MPA, CHSE she/her

Director, Standardized Patient Program

School of Medicine

University of Louisville

Carrie.Bohnert@louisville.edu

"Having Michelle edit Standardized Patient cases with me has been a total game changer. She has picked up on inconsistencies in the patient's story that had long been missed. She keeps the users (standardized patients) in mind during editing which has played a vital role in improving the flow and organization of each case."

Jennifer Stiff, MD, FAAP she/her

Associate Professor

Interim Division Chief – General Pediatrics

Co-Course Director – Introduction to Clinical Medicine

University of Louisville

Jennifer.Stiff@louisville.edu

I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, where I began writing puppet plays at the age of six. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration from Butler University, I worked for Actors Theatre of Louisville in Public Relations, Development, and Festival Coordination. Later, I became the submissions coordinator at Anchorage Press Plays, reading and assisting in the selection of play scripts for publishing. Coming from a background of storytelling through live theatre, my passion is helping people bring their own stories to life and tell them in the most effective way possible.

"Michelle has done both content and copy editing work for me for several years. She helped to organize pieces of writing for me in ways I could not do. She knew better wording as well as how to make my messages more effective. I am extremely grateful for all that she has done for me over the years."

Dr. Jennifer Elam, author, Hillbilly Quaker

Pendle Hill Publications

Wallingford, Pennsylvania