A Career Rooted in Care

Michele’s career in complex rehab began with a defining moment. While finishing her Mechanical Engineering degree at Michigan State University, her cousin was paralyzed in an accident. The experience had a profound impact on her and her family, shifting her focus away from an internship with Ford Motor Company and toward a career dedicated to helping people with disabilities live more independent lives.

That decision led her to pursue Biomedical Engineering with a focus on rehabilitation. Michele earned her master’s degree at the University of Virginia, where mentorship from Dr. Sprigle opened the door to an internship with a Complex Rehab Technology provider in Colorado.

From the start, she knew this was the work she wanted to do.

After seven years as an Assistive Technology Professional in Colorado, Michele became a Regional President in 2000 and joined Numotion through a merger with her previous company in 2013. She was excited to continue as part of the leadership team, recognizing the opportunity to expand resources, support, and care for customers through a unified organization. “I was very excited when Numotion was formed,” Michele shared. “I immediately saw the value of coming together as one organization to expand support, resources, and care for our customers.”

Although her role has evolved, Michele’s foundation as an ATP continues to guide her work. Early in her career, she built close relationships with families and children, designing mobility solutions and supporting hundreds of pediatric customers through Children’s Hospital Colorado. One relationship that remains especially meaningful is with Kylie.

Kylie was very young when Michele first met her and immediately lit up the room. Designing a system that reduced tone while still allowing Kylie the freedom to drive her chair and communicate independently was a challenge, especially while navigating funding barriers. As Michele transitioned into leadership, she continued advocating for Kylie and her family by helping streamline processes and overcome those challenges. She credits Kylie’s mom, Chele, as a fiercely supportive mother and advocate whose determination has influenced system change and created broader awareness and support for others. Michele explained, “Chele has a unique ability to inspire people to rally around her and Kylie. She is relentless in her pursuit of system change, influencing leadership, and creating awareness and support—not just for Kylie, but for others facing similar challenges.”

Today, Kylie lives a full life. She participates in horseback riding, theater, art, travel, and time with family and friends, all made possible by her mobility equipment. “She is always surrounded by people who love her and is constantly on the go—made possible by her

mobility equipment. And thank goodness for that, because when you’re with Kylie and she flashes that unforgettable smile, you feel genuinely blessed to know her,” exclaimed Michele.

Now serving as Director of Sales Operations for the Denver branch, Michele finds the greatest fulfillment in supporting others.

For Michele, the heart of the work remains unchanged. “I feel honored to play a role in giving people peace of mind, freedom, and the ability to fully participate in life with their families and friends.”