Michelle first learned BASIC programming in grade school where she spent hours and hours writing seemingly endless GOTO and IF/THEN statements building little games on a Commodore 64 at school and a Texas Instruments TI-99/4A at home.  Since then, she has found ways for computers and programming to play important roles in just about everything she's done.  Her degree in music engineering technology was focused on the intersection of music and computers/digital technology.  While earning her graduate degree in sociology, she became involved with the development of a qualitative data analysis application.

Currently, Michelle is a Senior Content & Community Lead in Community Help and Learning at Adobe.  In this role, she develops and maintains help documentation for ActionScript, Flash Player, and AIR and works with the community to include real world examples in the docs. Yes, you can talk to her about any questions, comments, or problems you have with the documentation.

Prior to joining Adobe, Michelle was an Assistant Professor of Web Design & Interactive Media.  Although she taught a variety of classes, she focused on teaching object oriented programming using ActionScript 3, rich internet application development with Flex, portfolio development, and the process/management of software development (mostly Agile/SCRUM).  She was also the co-manager of the Boston Flash Platform User Group and an Adobe Community Professional.

In 2011, Michelle is scheduled to speak at 360|Flex, D2W, Adobe MAX, and RIAUnleashed. In the past, you may have seen her present at Adobe MAX, RIAUnleashed, FlashForward, Flash on the Beach, and Flash on Tap. She has taught workshops on OOP in ActionScript, RIA development with Flex, Joomla!, Moodle, and physical computing.

When not in front of a computer, she is a clarinetist and dancer. You might also find her on the race track - 2010 was her rookie season racing sports cars in the SCCA!