At twelve years old, Michelle endured fifty days of captivity in a wooden box—a box of darkness that would have shattered most spirits. But even in that suffocating tomb, she was not alone. What seemed like abandonment was actually preparation; what looked like the end was truly the beginning.

Michelle's story begins in California's Central Valley, where a childhood marked by instability took a devastating turn when her mother's boyfriend groomed, kidnapped and imprisoned her. What followed was a harrowing journey through teenage pregnancy, homelessness, group homes for unwed mothers, the foster system, and the seemingly impossible challenge of raising a child while still a child herself.

Yet through every trial, every moment when hope seemed lost, God's sovereign hand was weaving a story of redemption that Michelle couldn't yet see. In the darkness of that box, she discovered her own strength and the presence of a God who specializes in bringing beauty from ashes. When she gave birth to her son David at twelve, she held in her arms not just new life, but living proof that beautiful things are often birthed from dark places.

Each placement in foster care, each night of uncertainty, each moment of feeling forgotten—all were threads in a tapestry of purpose that would later comfort countless others walking similar paths. The God who never left her side in that wooden box was preparing her heart to be a voice of hope for others.

Michelle's transformation from victim to overcomer wasn't achieved through her own strength. It was the result of divine grace meeting human resilience, of a love that pursued her even when she couldn't understand it. In her lowest moments—scared, pregnant, and judged by a world that couldn't comprehend her pain—she found a Savior who saw not her circumstances, but her worth.

Today, Michelle is a living testament to the truth that God wastes nothing—not our pain, not our tears, especially not our darkest hours. Her upcoming memoir chronicles this extraordinary journey from captivity to freedom during those 50 days in the box and the moments she was finally set free both physically and spiritually. The same God who sustained her in that box now uses her story to unlock hope in others.

Married for 33 years to her best friend, Michelle and her husband Keith have nine children—eight through adoption—and three beautiful grandchildren. Keith is a retired California law enforcement officer of 27 years, holds a BA from Moody Bible Institute and an MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Together, they are still raising four of the nine children while enjoying the Texas life.

Through her podcast, Michelle creates sacred space for authentic conversation about faith, spiritual growth, and the beautiful mess of life. With scripture-based encouragement and raw vulnerability, she shares over three decades of walking with Jesus through mountain-top moments and valley experiences. Her heart is to encourage women through both the joy and pain of real life—imperfect, learning, and growing together in grace. She believes in the power of God's Word paired with coffee and the healing that comes when we share our stories honestly.

Michelle's story whispers hope to every survivor: your pain was not wasted, your tears were not ignored, and your story is not over. In God's hands, even the most broken beginnings can become the most beautiful testimonies.

Michelle's first memoir will be released sometime in 2026, and her podcast launches July 2025. She is only available for speaking engagements in the greater Houston, Texas area, at this time, sharing the hope that can only come from experiencing God's faithfulness in the darkest valleys.