Michaela earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addiction Counselor in Colorado. She has several years of experience working with adults navigating substance use, trauma, and co-occurring mental health disorders, with a strong focus on attachment, relational dynamics, and sense of self. Michaela has primarily worked in residential treatment settings, supporting clients through early recovery and the emotional and relational patterns that often drive substance use, including avoidance, disconnection, and difficulty tolerating distress.

Her approach is both direct and warm, helping clients build awareness of their internal experiences while also challenging them to take accountability for their behaviors and relational impact. She integrates CBT, DBT, EMDR, and attachment-based approaches, and is IFS-informed, often incorporating schema and parts-based work to help clients understand the deeper "why" behind their patterns. She works with clients to identify emotional and behavioral cycles and move beyond surface-level coping into real, lasting change. Michaela also works closely with families, focusing on communication, boundaries, and accountability within relational systems.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Arthur, and her cat, Eleanor. She is often involved in adult recreational sports (arguably to the point of it being a personality trait).