Michelle serves as the Director of Youth Programs, responsible for Reading Rock Stars, Real Reads, and Library Grants programs. She received both her master’s degree in education and bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas State University. Prior to joining Texas Book Festival, Michelle worked in various roles in K-12 education, including 11 years as an elementary school teacher. Her love of children’s books, and their authors and illustrators, started in the classroom while engaging with stories and poems with students. Michelle enjoys exploring Austin with her husband and daughter, checking out local restaurants, and reading literary fiction, YA, and memoirs.