Meet Michelle: Candidate Biography

Growing up in Providence in a single-parent household, I learned the value of hard work watching my mom work tirelessly to provide a stable home for my sister and me. Family was everything to her, whether it was the family you were born into or the family you chose. Family meant love, dedication, and showing up for one another. 

Watching my mom, I learned some of life's most valuable lessons starting at an early age. She taught us to stand up for what was right, especially for those who struggled to speak up for themselves. She demonstrated the importance of kindness, empathy, and compassion, reminding us that we never truly know what someone else might be going through unless we’ve walked in their shoes. She also taught us to appreciate acts of kindness, no matter how small. 

The most important lesson of all came from a simple saying she repeated throughout my childhood: “You can be whatever you put your mind to; there are no limits.” It was a saying that ignited my sense of adventure and desire to serve others. 

A product of the Providence school system, I attended Hope High School and LaSalle Academy. As a Rhode Island girl, I naturally attended Rhode Island College, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Business Management. As important as my education was to me, it was a friendship I made in an elementary schoolyard that had the biggest impact on my life. 

I met my husband when we were nine years old while playing double-dutch during recess. We were both new to the neighborhood and quickly bonded. Living one street over from each other on Providence’s East Side, our paths continued to cross as we navigated our teenage years and early adult life. During that time, our childhood friendship would grow, and we were married in October 2007. Together, we have two sons, Al and Trevor, who keep us busy in the best of ways, and motivate me to work in the community. 

Professionally, I work for Grey Ledge Medical Management, where I oversee medical billing and credentialing departments. My work requires organization, accountability, attention to detail, and collaboration with people from many different backgrounds. These experiences have strengthened the practical leadership and communication skills I bring to my community involvement and public service. My husband, Al, also believes deeply in serving others and works in constituent services for the Rhode Island Senate, helping residents navigate challenges and connect with the resources they need. We are a family dedicated to the community and service.

Giving back to the community has always been important to me. When our oldest son was preparing to enter kindergarten, I became involved in our local PTO and school community after becoming frustrated with a lack of timely communication about the kindergarten school day schedule. As a mother whose child was starting school for the first time, I shifted my work schedule to be around for dismissal and school events. What began as a desire to support my children’s education quickly became a passion for community involvement. 

Since moving to Warwick in 2021, my family (including our rescue pups Phinn and Jazzie) has proudly called this city home. Our sons attend Tollgate and Warwick Vets, and naturally, I once again became active in the PTO organizations, working alongside the community to support students, teachers, and staff.

Over the years, I became more involved as my boys grew and began playing sports. When my youngest son, Trevor, signed up for soccer and struggled to feel comfortable on the field, I volunteered to coach. Today, I coach a U16 team for the Warwick Firefighters Club and have been fortunate enough to coach many of the same players for 4 seasons now. Watching the players learn and grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. 

In addition to coaching and school involvement, I serve on local neighborhood association boards and the Warwick Health Equity Zone (HEZ), which works to identify and address health disparities in Warwick to foster a healthy environment. These experiences have allowed me to meet many incredible people who care deeply about Warwick and who dedicate their time and energy to making our city stronger.

All of these experiences have led me to my decision to run for City Council in Ward 6. I believe that leadership starts with listening, validating individuals' presence, and showing them that they matter. Meaningful change happens when residents are engaged and included in the process. 

As a parent, volunteer, coach, board member, and community advocate, I have spent years listening to people, bringing them together, and working towards solutions. I am running because I believe every resident deserves to feel valued, respected, and represented. 

Warwick is a wonderful community, and I look forward to working alongside my neighbors to ensure it continues to be a place where families can grow and call home.