What in your background serves you best in the office you’re running to hold?
I think I am supposed to tell you about my experience — where I’ve worked, or how long I’ve volunteered in local government — but the most important part of my background is all of the people who instilled in me the importance of trying to understand what it’s like to live in someone else’s shoes.
What do you think are the most important traits necessary for anyone running for office to do a good job in the role of public servant?
In my opinion, the best public servants are the people who really enjoy working with other people to solve and prevent problems for the good of the community.
How do you work with those who don’t share your views to find common ground?
One of the things I really like about serving in elected office is how the rules create space for different perspectives to be heard. There are clear rules that guide how we conduct meetings, and those rules make sure everyone has a chance to speak and be respected. Plus, open meeting laws require that the public have access to the process. I’ve found that when people’s perspectives are respected and taken into account — even when we don’t all agree — our community comes out stronger.
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Experience:
Michelle has volunteered in schools, for non-profits, with statewide organizations, for state government, and in Newtown government since moving to Newtown 16 years ago. She brings a combination of team leadership and legislative skills to the role. Her experience as a chairperson on boards and commissions, as well as her determination to get things done for the residents of Newtown have prepared her to serve Newtown on the Legislative Council again.
• Newtown Legislative Council (2021-2023)
• Bethel Workspace Advisory Committee (since 2021)
• Newtown Board of Education (2013-2021, Chair 2017-2021)
• Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Board of Directors (2013-2021)
• EdAdvance Regional Education Service Center, Board of Directors (2013-2020, President 2020, Vice President 2018-19)
• Representative to CSDE/RESC Alliance Regional Advisory Team to examine return to school during COVID (2020)
• Co-Chair of the State of Connecticut General Assembly’s Task Force to Study Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools (2016)
• Member of Newtown Charter Revision Commission (2012)
• Newtown Volunteer Task Force
• United Way (2012-2013)
• Middle Gate PTA – Library Volunteer Coordinator (2010-2015)
Education:
Brown University, PhD in Biology
Cornell University, BS in Animal Sciences