Michelle Berzack

Michelle Berzack has over 20 years of professional experience in a variety of roles. In 2000, they began working as an Environmental Biologist for Mill Creek Environmental, LLC, where they were responsible for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Soil Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution Control Plans as well as Stormwater Management Plans. Michelle also monitored numerous petroleum release investigations, remediation projects for oil companies and Environmental Site Assessments (both surface and subsurface). In 2011, they became the School Director for CONGREGATION CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, where they hired, trained, and managed 25+ teachers throughout their tenure, with emphasis on recruiting upstanding and passionate educators within a limited pool of Jewish community members. Michelle also coordinated and budgeted events and activities such as holiday celebrations, formal congregational services for student engagements and retention with an annual budget of $55,000. In 2012, they began working as the Farm Coordinator for The Veggie Patch at Bouchard Farms, where they managed and coordinated several different aspects of the business which included coordinating tours, working with farm to school programs, attending and participating as a spokes person for sustainable and organic farming, and coordinating the CSA (community supported agriculture). From 2015 to 2018, Michelle worked as a Middle School Science Teacher for Clarke County School District. In 2018, they began working as a Middle School Science Teacher for Asheville City Schools, where they managed 80+ students while teaching 6+ subjects across Life Sciences (weather and atmosphere, cell biology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, and physics). Michelle also served as the Restorative Practice Team Lead, managing a team of 6 educators to combine project based learning with restorative practices (behavior management) to provide a supportive and dynamic environment for students to improve themselves, learn and grow. In 2022, Michelle began working as a Human Resources Assistant for HIVE Talent Acquisition Firm Inc., where they assisted with the daily functions and operations of multiple clients and performed detailed oriented tasks from recruitment to onboarding and supporting employers so they have high employee retention. Michelle also began working as a Client Success Manager for Luma "Brighter Learning"\u200b the same year. Additionally, since 2004, Michelle has been self-employed as a Private Chef and Culinary Instructor, where they designed, planned and prepared meal plans for clients with a range of dietary needs and culinary preferences. Michelle also taught detailed courses across the United States and Europe to 100+ individuals and groups on how to prepare, organize, and eat energetic foods, and educated clients and students on nutritional values, tips and tricks for everyday health and wellness.

Michelle Berzack obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology, General from the University of North Georgia in 2000. Michelle then went on to obtain a Master's degree in Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education from the University of North Georgia in 2011. In 2021, they obtained a Certificate in Equity in Education from Western Carolina University. Additionally, they have obtained certifications in Yoga Instructor Certification - Level I from the Asheville Yoga Center in 2020, and Holisitc Chef from the Kushi Institute in 2004.