Michelle Calhoon Halm Ma., M.ed. Pel, Ft

Michelle Calhoon Halm, MA., M.Ed. PEL, FT has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. Michelle is currently the Director of Buddy's Place and School-Based Partnerships at Pillars Community Health, where they provide support and education to individuals navigating grief journeys and collaborates with schools and stakeholders. Michelle has been in this position since March 2022. Before that, they served as the Director of Buddy's Place at Pillars Community Health since July 2014, where they led the bereavement support program for children, teens, and their families.

Additionally, Michelle has worked as an Instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing since October 2020. In the past, they served as a Counselor at Chicago Public Schools from July 2008 to June 2009. Michelle also worked as a Graduate Student at Loyola University Chicago from August 2007 to May 2009.

Michelle has experience in teaching as well, having worked as a Teacher of High School Social Studies at both Walter Payton College Prep (Spring and Summer 2009) and Manley Career Academy High School (August 2002 - August 2007) in Chicago Public Schools. During their time at Manley Career Academy, they held various leadership roles, including Freshman Academy Lead Teacher, World Studies Course Team Leader, and Lead Teacher for UNA-USA Global Classrooms Model U. N. Michelle was also involved in committees and extracurricular activities such as the Leadership Council, Student Development and Advisory Committee, and Girls Bowling Team.

Furthermore, Michelle has held positions in event planning and education coordination. Michelle worked as a Meeting and Event Planner for a government contract position at CHP International from January 2001 to July 2002. Prior to that, they served as an Education Coordinator at SmithBucklin from June 1998 to January 2001, and at the International Warehouse Logistics Association from 1996 to 1998.

Michelle also has involvement with Truman State University, where they served as the President of the Alumni Chapter from 2000 to 2003.

Michelle Calhoon Halm, MA., M.Ed. PEL, FT has an extensive education history. Michelle earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Truman State University, graduating between 1992 and 1995. Later, they pursued their Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Secondary Education at Truman State University, completing their studies in 2001-2002.

Michelle further enhanced their academic qualifications by obtaining a Master of Education in Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, where they attended from 2007 to 2009. This degree allowed their to specialize in counseling and broaden their knowledge in the field.

Recently, Michelle has been pursuing additional education at the University of Southern California, starting in 2019. Although the specific degree and field of study are not mentioned, it indicates their ongoing commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

In addition to their formal education, Michelle has obtained several certifications that complement their educational background. These certifications include Mental Health First Aid Instructor - Youth from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, which they received in October 2020. In January 2017, they earned a Certificate in Thanatology from the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). Furthermore, Michelle obtained a Grief Support Specialist certification from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in October 2014.

Overall, Michelle Calhoon Halm has demonstrated a dedication to education and professional growth through their diverse educational background and certifications.