About Michelle
Michelle is an author, award-winning speaker and teenage expert
who has presented to over 200 000 people in her career to date.
Michelle started her career as a teacher.
In 2000 Michelle left teaching and founded Youth Excel, a charity which has
supported thousands of young people and their families with mentoring and psychological services.
Michelle’s hands-on experience and passion for ‘all things young people’ has made her a sought-after and entertaining speaker. She has a unique ability to transfer years of knowledge to a wide range of audiences.
Michelle presents to parents, primary and high schools, business and mental health professionals
on topics of well-being, family and connection.
Michelle’s innovative work has been featured on the TODAY
Show, Channel Ten Morning News, Today Tonight, 96fivefm, ABC radio
and in countless print media including The Age, Dolly Magazine, Australian Women’s Weekly and the Courier Mail.
Michelle’s books and resources have been called an ‘encouraging and
guiding light’ for parents and professionals. She has a marvelous way of speaking truth in a way that all appreciate.
She lives in Brisbane with her husband and two teenagers.
Everything Michelle does aims to empower families and advocate for those without families.
Her key messages to parents include -
“You are your child’s GREATEST advantage”
and “Parenting WELL is all about perspective.”
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