About Michelle
Founder Youth Excel Author and Speaker
Michelle worked as a teacher before establishing Youth Excel in
2000, a charity which helps young people make positive choices
during difficult times. Youth Excel’s innovative work is dedicated
to enhancing the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents through psychology, counselling and life skills education. Her team
of twelve are committed to early intervention and prevention, with
a focus on supporting families.
As a thought leader and national speaker, Michelle is highly
passionate about inspiring parents, schools and community
leaders to invest into the next generation. She has a unique
ability to transfer years of knowledge and experience in a grass
roots and relatable way. In 2013 Michelle was awarded
Inspirational Speaker of the Year by the Queensland State
Government.
Michelle is recognised as a teenage expert. Her work is regularly
quoted in the media and she has been featured on the TODAY
Show, Channel Ten Morning News, Today Tonight, 96.5fm and
ABC radio and in countless print media including The Age, Dolly
Magazine, Women’s Weekly and the Courier Mail.
Michelle’s two parenting books are known for their down to earth
and practical approach to parenting teenage girls.
She lives in Brisbane with her husband and two teenagers.
What people are saying about Michelle
Michelle’s insight and knowledge about teenagers and their experiences are invaluable for parents. Her ideas are practical and sensible while being loving and understanding. I highly recommend Michelle’s expertise to parents who are embarking on these challenging years.
Carmel Nash
Executive Director - Queensland Parents & Friends Federation, Catholic Education
Michelle has a way of telling parents how it is, why it is and what to do about it! This practical empowerment guide is essential reading for every parent with teens and pre-teens, especially girls. The passion poured into this book should be enough to get every parent inspired to not just survive, but thrive through the Twilight Zone years!
Dr Robi Sonderegger – Humanitarian Activist and Clinical Psychologist
Michelle has a marvellous way of speaking the truth in a way that parents can all appreciate. Sometimes shocking, yet straight from the heart. Parents will know they are not alone in the battle.
Dale Dearman – Guidance Office
Student Counsellor, Grace Lutheran College
I stand in awe of Michelle’s incredible energy, passion and relentless desire to empower our girls. Her latest book contains real life stories, relevant advice and researched facts that will assist parents in the roller coast ride of parenting a teenager. As a mother of girls and a women’s health care professional for over twenty years, Michelle’s book is one you do not want to miss.
Karen Spatuzzo - Registered Nurse / Mother of Teenage Girls
The teen years can be a daunting and confusing time for parents. Thank you Michelle for giving us such insight into some very complex issues and for helping us to build resilience into our children. Your work on the frontline of youth issues is to be highly commended.
Joanne Hobbs
Executive Director of Teen Challenge QLD