Manager, Creative Services – Banfield Pet Hospital (A Mars, Inc. Company), Vancouver, WA | 2013-Current
“I was lucky to have Michelle as part of my team during my time at Banfield. Michelle has strong creative skills and cares deeply about doing great work. I was impressed with Michelle's ability to lead her team and balance their work load with increasing client requests. She works well with internal clients to ensure quality work is delivered - doing what's right for the brand. Michelle's creative skills, team leadership ability, and client-first mindset made her a pleasure to have on my team!”
– Lani Lorenz Fry, Former Supervisor at Banfield Pet Hospital“Michelle is a truly passionate creative force that is incredibly effective at elevating the performance of those around her. In the time that Michelle and I worked together, she managed to build a high performing team of designers that trusted her leadership and were inspired by her creative and strategic thought leadership. Michelle is a habitual collaborator that is open to and interested in hearing many perspectives and learning new things. She knows how to partner with others to find the best possible solution to any challenge and as a result, her work is consistently spot-on. Michelle is dedicated, caring and kind. Most importantly, she is relentless in the pursuit of her craft and in the development of those around her.”
– Maureen Pimbley Flaherty, Former Supervisor at Banfield Pet Hospital“What a privilege to work with someone so talented as Michelle. We worked together for 5 years during my tenure at Banfield Pet Hospital. She is a strong leader that inspires her team to their best work. I watched her move from an individual contributor to a leader of a small design team that became one of the more productive groups within the Marketing team. She is not afraid to speak her mind; however she does it in a way that’s very professional, tactful, and influential. I welcome the opportunity to work with Michelle anytime!”
– Jeannine Taaffe, Former Supervisor at Banfield Pet Hospital“Its rare to find a manager who cares so much about her direct reports. I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle for the past two years and it was apparent from day one that she is sincerely invested in the well being and progress of the members of her team. I have been impressed with her hands on approach as a manager and her constant enthusiasm for my personal growth and the evolution of our team as a whole. She is fun to work for, easy to get along with and sports a pink hair color that is always easy to spot across the room and find in a crowd. I look forward to the next few years as a part of her team and think that anyone would be lucky to experience the sincere support that Michelle has to offer as a manager.”
– Bryan Wolf, Direct report at Banfield Pet Hospital“As a creative, Michelle is adept at understanding the business and project challenges at hand, conceptualizing impactful design strategies, and working with her team to execute well-crafted deliverables that meet and exceed the client’s goals. She effortlessly guides others through the creative strategy and direction in a way that puts them at ease and fills everyone with confidence. As my manager, she is great at identifying and helping build on my unique strengths that allow me to do my best work. Her teaching experience shines through, creating a working environment that fosters both personal and professional growth and fun creative opportunities.”
– Jake Givens, Direct Report at Banfield Pet Hospital“I can’t think of a better person to co-lead Banfield’s Pride Network with. Michelle understands the importance of inclusion within the workplace. She is passionate and driven to make the working environment open for everyone. Michelle has this amazing way of delivering on business objectives in a creative way that also incorporates Banfield’s focus on culturally competent care. Michelle has become a great mentor to me as we built the Pride Network together. Not only has she been a great partner in Inclusion and Diversity, she’s been instrumental in my professional development over the time that we’ve worked together.”
– Kristen Pelenskij, Co-chair of the Pride Network and Coworker at Banfield Pet Hospital“On the first day we met, I knew Michelle was going to be my mentor. Her creative experience and natural tendency to teach others is undeniable. The cross-functional partnership and understanding we have been building has strengthened the brand by ensuring brand consistency across internal and external platforms. Her event designs have inspired hundreds of associates with a theme that is consistently on point and I look forward to future collaborations with her.”
– Linda Lee, Former Coworker at Banfield Pet Hospital“Michelle and I worked together for years and she comes with equal parts talent, passion and work ethic. She was my partner in developing a creative strategy to liven up what one might think are "boring" topics, always willing to bring her best self to the table and deliver quality, engaging work. She is no stranger to long hours if it means a quality product and is extremely strong in organization and seeing value in it for the sake of all who depend on her to feel that their work is in good hands that won't drop the ball. There is huge peace of mind in having a good creative partner, and Michelle is one that I trust wholeheartedly!”
– Roz Gorski, Former Coworker at Banfield Pet Hospital“Michelle was a valuable partner of mine at Banfield Pet Hospital for various Benefits team projects. Throughout all the projects we partnered together on, Michelle was a thoughtful and creative thinker who proved to be collaborative and communicative on what she delivered while meeting deadlines. Our team was always successful, in large part because of Michelle’s commitment to partnership and quality. She’s wonderful to work with!”
– Christopher Murphy, Former Coworker at Banfield Pet Hospital
Design Instructor – The Art Institute of Charlotte and The Art Institute of Silicon Valley, Charlotte, NC 2003 and Sunnyvale, CA 2011 - 2013
“Michelle is an excellent teacher who went above and beyond to help me to become a better designer, student and potential employee. Michelle always had great patience and always gave very constructive critiques. Her experience in the design field was motivating and exciting. Above all else, as a student it was apparent that she took a great personal interest in my future. I looked forward to coming to class each session. I can’t remember having a better instructor.”
– Frank Nye, Former Student at the Art Institute of Silicon Valley“I had the pleasure of having Michelle as my teacher for a couple of design classes. She was one of my favorites because she never sugar coated anything and always told you the truth. As a student I found her knowledge and expertise extremely helpful and I wish I had more teachers like her. Michelle pushes all of her students to their creative max and never lets them slack. I am the designer I am today because of her.”
– Tiffani Price, Former Student at the Art Institute of Silicon Valley“Michelle was one of my favorite/best professors back in school. She is one of those rare kinds that actually pours themselves into their students. Her passion was to see the best come out of her students and then pushes them further. I think a lot of students took it for granted, and that can put a strain on anyone, but she still carried on like a superstar. I liked what she made out of me.”
– Vivian Johnston, Former Student at the Art Institute of Silicon Valley“I took several classes with Michelle, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her as an instructor. She is passionate about her field and it shows in her interaction with students. Michelle’s classes helped me expand my design and conceptual skills. I also learned quite a bit about the business side of design from her. I’m still applying many of the skills I learned in Michelle’s classes in my dayto- day work life. She’s engaging, knowledgable, and enthusiastic. Any student would be lucky to have her for an instructor.”
– Emily Doliner, Former Student at the Art Institute of Silicon Valley“Easily one of my best instructors at the Art Institute of Charlotte. She had so much heart, expected greatness, and genuinely cared about our success. When she moved on from AiCH, she got me an internship at the company she worked for and continued to mentor me, there. I can only hope that our paths cross again, one day. It is rare that you find someone so willing to invest so much of themselves into others.”
– Devin Smith, Former Student at the Art Institute of Charlotte“I worked with Michelle for a number of years, and from my experience she was very conscientious, detail oriented, and extremely motivated to do the best work she could, not only for the benefit of the students, but for her colleagues and the University as well. She is someone you can always count on to think of the best possible solution to any problem.”
– Julia Pfefferkorn, Former Coworker at the Art Institute of Charlotte
Creative Director – Google with HH Global, Google HQ, Mountain View, CA 2011-2012
“Michelle delivered world-class creative services for several executive keynotes and presentations that I led over the past year. I’ve come to admire her proactive communication and project management as well as her skills in creative ideation and graphic design. I enthusiastically recommend Michelle and look forward to working with her again in the near future.”
– Benjamin Chung, Former Client – Product Marketing Manager, Performance Ads at Google“Michelle a bright, engaging and highly organized individual, who has a flexible and open-minded approach, and a natural ability to adapt and understand customer/client needs in any given situation. Her natural communication skills and ability to effectually transform creative conception and ideas has enabled her to quickly establish the client’s business requirements and desires, consistently and effectively. This has proven to be true whether adhering to a strict format, short lead times or ever changing and adapting needs.”
– Nick Turner, Former Coworker, Northern Purchasing Team Manager at HH Global
Art Director – CKR Interactive Advertising Agency Cupertino, CA 2007-2011
“Michelle is a pleasure to work with, very responsible and a hell of a designer. She brings a light to the agency that is seldom found. We are very fortunate to have her here at CKR Interactive.”
– Curtis Rogers, Former Supervisor – President/CEO at CKR Interactive“Michelle has been a real asset to CKR Interactive. Her design abilities continue to expand as well as her duties we rely on her for. She is passionate about her work, and really strives to bring success to the company. She is a great team player.”
– Craig Freitag, Former Supervisor – President/CEO at CKR Interactive“Michelle is an amazing designer and a true team player. Never one to turn down a challenge, she continually impresses colleagues and clients with her designs and strategies. Her drive, creativity, sincerity and passion are inspirational. Additionally, she has a great sense of humor and is a joy to work with!”
– Skye Callan, Former Coworker at CKR Interactive“Michelle is the type of person who gets the job done, period. This is a fast-paced industry, and she is no stranger to tight deadlines and demands. No matter what unique request comes her way, Michelle is able to create magnificent designs and really understand what you are looking for, even if you do not. Her laugh, smile and infectious personality makes even stressful times seem fun, and I cannot express enough my confidence in and appreciation for her.”
– Katie Kent, Former Coworker at CKR Interactive“Michelle is an absoulte creative powerhouse. She makes producing award-winning work look easy, delivering vibrant ads and consistently coming in before deadline. It is a total pleasure to work with Michelle.”
– Mitch Kocen, Former Coworker at CKR Interactive“Michelle is truly one of the best designers I’ve worked with in my career. She’s fast, accurate, thorough and creative. Most importantly, her approach to any project is extremely efficient and leaves very little room for error. She is an asset to our agency as I often call her a well-oiled machine. I can count on Michelle for any type of challenge and she always delivers with eagerness and a positive energy. It’s pretty simple. If you have Michelle on your team...you simply have one of the best out there.”
– Christina Teav, Former Coworker at CKR Interactive
Creative Director – LegalVision San Francisco, CA 2007
“Michelle is one of the friendliest personalities I know in the workplace. She loves interacting with her coworkers and will always help out when needed. She's eager and quick to take on new tasks. She's a quick learner. Besides being creative, she's good at client interaction, client management and managing the workflow between the creative staff. She has integrity, good work ethics, is fair and trustworthy. Michelle is the type that will take a project to successful completion with limited direction.”
– Nelson Hee, Former Direct Report at LegalVision
Creative Director – CleanSlateCreative, Sunnyvale, CA 2006-2014
“Michelle did the brand guidelines, logo design, web banners and documentation design for my startup in 2008. Having worked at HP, I was used to high-end agency support, and I was totally satisfied with the work Michelle provided. She understood our needs, delivered high quality designs, and was a joy to work with. She gets my unqualified recommendation, and I'd work with her again in a heart beat.”
– Chris Pedersen, Former Client at CleanSlateCreative“Michelle is a Godsend to anyone in a design dilemma. Our organization's image was very amateur at best until Michelle gave us a completely fresh design; up-scaling our logo and creating a design concept that would be repeated in all future collateral for the NGO. Her fresh, sophisticated approach to our design needs made a major impact in overall communication success to our donors and I know it helped increase the overall donations as we no longer appeared to be a new kid on the block, but a seasoned and respectable organization which valued our look. Furthermore, her ability to do layouts for newsletters which were beautiful as well as being easy to read turned the chore of writing articles every few months into a delight as I knew that no matter how difficult the task that she would work with us to ensure that it was completed with the most professional appearance without sacrificing content. I highly recommend Michelle to any company, organization or individual seeking high quality designs at a fair rate.”
– Duston Barto, Former Client at CleanSlateCreative