Michelle aspires to “provide my children with a bright future, while also helping other children and families achieve a better future for themselves.” 

Even as a child, Michelle Matthews was curious about our inner lives, and they recall that the sweater-clad Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood first sparked their interest in social-emotional learning. Now a parent of three, Michelle is earning their Master of Social Work in order to become a child and family therapist. In their words, Michelle aspires to “provide my children with a bright future, while also helping other children and families achieve a better future for themselves.” 

Michelle’s professional journey has not been traditional. They became pregnant at seventeen and raised their first child while earning their associate and bachelor’s degrees. As a young parent, Michelle focused on learning what children need to feel nurtured and accepted just for being themselves. They took child psychology courses that sparked their initial interest in pursuing a career serving children. Tragically, Michelle and their children became trapped in a domestic violence situation in 2012. They spent much of their time caregiving for their children, and trauma symptoms left them unable to work outside of the home.

In 2019, Michelle and their children broke free from their abuser. About surviving domestic violence, Michelle writes, “I have much more understanding for struggling parents now because I know firsthand that there can be a lot going on ‘behind the scenes’ that others might never see.” Despite ongoing challenges, Michelle writes, “Most of our days are now filled with love, joy, and safety in our relationship with one another.” Since 2019, Michelle has become the Lead School-Age Teacher at a nonprofit childcare center, where they have helped students resolve conflicts and foster a culture of harmony and respect at school. After receiving their MSW, Michelle looks forward to continuing to help children along their life journeys, whether in a school setting or a therapeutic one.

CEW+ applauds Michelle’s empathy and names them a Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar.