Michelle was born in The Pas, Manitoba, oldest of 5 brothers and 4 sisters. She learned early in life to lead and mediate. Michelle comes from a long line of “unionized” employees, one grandmother was a civil service worker almost all her life, the other was a health worker, one grandfather was an engineer with CN Rail when he returned from WWII. Her father was once a postal worker and her mother was an RN. Michelle was raised with the recognition to value and respect the labour movement.
She began her working career as a Health Care Aide (HCA) in the nursing home in Vita in 1976. Michelle met her husband of 33 years, Roman and together they raised four wonderful, supportive children, Jolene, Josie, Joe and Josh. Unfortunately Michelle lost her husband to cancer in November 2009.
Michelle began her Union activism in the 1980’s as most people do…she had a boss that was not “fair, reasonable” nor did he “act in good faith”. She decided to stand for her rights and filed her first grievance with her staff rep. Little did she know, it would very quickly become a lifelong passion.
Michelle was employed at the Vita nursing home; injury forced her to change her career from an HCA, EMS Coordinator and Paramedic to an Activity Director. Instead of giving physical support she now provides the emotional and mental support to the Residents. Michelle joined the Homecare team in Vita in 1981 and she is still employed as a HCA in Homecare.
Michelle is a very strong believer of ‘Community” and is very proud to take part in hers. Along with assisting in the Federal Elections, beginning in 1998 to last November she proudly assisted her husband with his Municipal campaigns and ultimately successful elections. The following is some of the community organizations Michelle has been or is presently involved with:
1979 – 4-H Leader
1985 – Member of the Vita Figure Skating Club
1995 – Chair of the Parent Graduation Committee
1998 – Founding member of the Vita Canada Day Celebrations Committee
1998 – Chair of the Parent Graduation Committee once again
1999 – Parade Organizer for Canada Day Celebrations
1999 – Again Chair of the Parent Graduation Committee
2000 – present – Volunteer for the Vita Arena
2001 – Secretary of the Vita & District Health Centre Foundation Inc.
2004- Major Organizer, Fundraiser and Secretary of the Vita Canada Day Committee
2004 – Founder of the Vita Christmas Festival
2006 – Volunteer for the Organization of the Vita Day Care Centre
2006- Chairperson of the Vita & District Health Centre Foundation Inc.
2009 – Chairperson of the Vita Canada Day Committee
2010 – Elected to the Southeast Labour Council
Michelle’s life has been dedicated to advocating for others. As her children have become adults she has even more time and energy to follow her beliefs…the belief that everyone deserves VOICE!