Michelle is a Medical Retired Sergeant who served as a 19-D Cavalry Scout, Recon, 19-K Tanker, and Armor in the U.S. Army. As a disabled female veteran, she finds crucial support through Robin’s Home.

In her free time, Michelle enjoys playing Star Trek Fleet Command, where she’s known as DemonikUnikorn (level 39) on Server 53 for over five years. She’s proud to be the first in her family, both biological and adopted, to achieve the B.S.A. Eagle Scout Rank. Michelle loves classic muscle cars from 1965-1974 and describes herself as trustworthy, loyal, and dependable. Her favorite food is Surf and Turf, and if she could have any unconventional pet, she’d choose a big cat like a Lion, Tiger, or Leopard.

Michelle’s journey to Robin’s Home Certified Peer Specialist Program began when she moved from Missouri to Pennsylvania a year and a half ago due to safety concerns. She packed her car “Cherry Bomb” with what she could fit and left behind much of her life, including her friends in the L.G.B.T.Q. community, where she was known as the “Face and Voice” of the Transgender Community in Columbia (CoMo) and Jefferson City, Missouri. After facing homelessness, Michelle found herself in a transitional housing program and discovered Robin’s Home through a Women Supporting Women Weekly Group flyer. With consistent support and guidance from Karen, her Certified Peer Specialist, Michelle has rebuilt her confidence. She is now permanently housed and thriving, focusing on her recovery.

Michelle values her fellow Veterans, considering them her second family. One impactful moment at Robin’s Home was when Mary helped her retrieve her lost car title, a battle that Mary’s persistence helped resolve. Both Mary and Karen supported her through a tough court case, with Karen being a constant source of guidance.

Michelle wishes more people knew about the resources at Robin’s Home for struggling female veterans and encourages others to get involved, saying, “Veterans served their country, now these same Veterans and non-veterans can serve their community by supporting and helping out in a nonprofit organization to help Veterans.”