Melissa Michaels
Founder / Director of Educational Programming
Wild Life Productions
Boulder, CO USA
“I managed to transform a certain amount of suffering into gold.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationMelissa Michaels
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
She was always drawn to people younger than herself; when she was 12 years old, she ran a summer camp for her fellow neighborhood kids.
Her brand of education focuses on "rites of passage," giving youths significant experiences that help them mindfully transition into adulthood.
When she was growing up, she was surrounded by alcoholism; as a result, she harbored a lot of anger.
People suggested that she meditate to deal with her frustrations, but she never had success with meditation-she always had trouble sitting still.
Finally, she found her source of true peace: dancing.
She knew that there were others out there, like her, who could benefit from the healing power of dance.
Decided that at 30 years old, she would go back to school and get her Ph.D. in education so she could make the greatest impact possible.
Says her bout with alcohol and drugs caused her to lose sight of her "glory," so now her goal is to help kids harness and hold on to their own glory.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Founder / Director of Educational Programming
I'm creating a movement of global leaders dedicated to creating a world that is just and sustainable.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Art
Education
Helping People
Day to Day
My brand of education focuses on "rites of passage," giving youths significant experiences that help them mindfully transition into adulthood. I work to help students and young people know themselves more fully.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
There is something specific within each of us that has to be excavated and explored before we can do what we are meant to do. Figure out what you need (or want) to explore and do that. To get what you desire, it just takes one right step at a time.
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
Drugs / Addiction
Young Parenthood
Interviewed By
The Road to TEACH
Teaching takes many forms
