With a background and experience rich in corporate sales and management as well as national and international travel, Michelle brings solid business acumen, sound marketing skills, multi-cultural sensitivity and sophistication to her position as a respected Santa Barbara and Montecito realtor. As a Santa Barbara resident for over two decades she has acquired in-depth knowledge of the area, its services, neighborhoods, schools and people.
Michelle, raised in upstate New York and no stranger to travel, spent a portion of her college years studying abroad. Graduating with a degree in Psychology and History, she taught tennis in the Bahamas before heading west and falling in love with Santa Barbara.
Finding her passion in sales, Michelle began her career in retail management; swiftly ascending to the position of Regional Manager for the locally-owned national retailer Big Dog Sportswear. She maintained responsibility for over 100 stores earning close to $100 million in annual sales.
Departing her highly rewarding high-profile job after nearly a decade, and as a devoted single mom, Michelle focused her attention on her young son, Ryan. Recognizing the importance of his early childhood years and how quickly they pass, she spent the next year with Ryan; home-schooling him while they traveled and lived in Italy and throughout Europe.
Returning to Santa Barbara, Michelle entered the real estate profession; committing to "paying it forward," so to speak, as she brought her own personal joy of home ownership to the process of assisting her clients in realizing their real estate needs and desires. She enjoyed immediate success by capitalizing on her business and social skills, boundless energy and enthusiasm, and has built an impressive referral-based portfolio of satisfied clients.
Michelle's level of performance has continued to transcend the norm. "I'm proud to say my clients appreciate how I go above and beyond to exceed their expectations," she says, "And frequently we stay in touch long after the transaction is finished." Consistently referring to Michelle's "professionalism" and "work ethic" in their glowing testimonials, clients as well as colleagues also acknowledge her integrity, perseverance and negotiating skills.
When her attention shifts from her clients' priorities, Michelle focuses on her own "Santa Barbara Beautiful Award" -winning home.She also enjoys golf, photography and the myriad of additional activities Santa Barbara offers.Ryan, now a teenager, remains her most intense passion, however, along with a very special Golden retriever named Hannah.
Michelle is a member of the Santa Barbara Board of Realtors, California Associations of Realtors and National Association of Realtors, and the Santa Barbara, Ventura and Ojai MLS Services.