As one of RILA’s founding members, Michelle has spent the majority of the past decade working as a legal advocate to help asylum seekers navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. She also works with RILA’s Client Advisory Board to ensure that our work is shaped by the people most familiar with it—current and former clients.

Originally from Ohio, Michelle studied international development at the Ohio State University before moving to Arlington, Virginia, in 2007 to pursue her master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University.

Michelle is passionate about walking with clients through their most difficult moments and reminding them that they are more than their case as they find security in the U.S. She gets excited about building community and the upside down kingdom of God that places the poor and the vulnerable at the seat of honor.