Meet Michelle

A longtime educator with 14 years of service to the Tulsa community, Michelle was elected to represent the Oklahoma House of Representatives for District 72 in June 2024.

At 15 years old, Michelle gave birth to her daughter and soon after obtained her GED. Michelle worked hard to support herself and her child, eventually becoming a Teacher Assistant in Tulsa Public Schools. While attending Tulsa Community College for her associate’s degree, she had a son. While working and raising her children she continued to pursue her education and received her bachelor’s degree in 2014 and master’s degree in 2018. 

Michelle's participation in the 2018 Oklahoma Teacher Walkout led her to become more active in the local party and her teachers' union, the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association. Michelle became her building's union representative in 2018, leading her to join the executive board for the union in 2022. She became a frequent voice for educators and began volunteering for local and legislative campaigns. Michelle has been awarded Teacher of the Year at McLain High School in 2020-2021. This year she was awarded Teacher of the Year at Traice Academy, an alternative school in Tulsa Public Schools where she serves as the librarian and teaches high school English. 

Michelle is a vocal advocate for public education, LGBTQ+ students, teachers’ rights, and marginalized communities. She regularly speaks at Tulsa Public Schools Board meetings to call out anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and attacks on diversity. She provides information for families and community members to assist them in actively engaging with elected officials around public education, LGBTQ+ issues, and diversity. She hopes to continue to be a strong voice for all in the Oklahoma Legislature.