Michelle Ness

Michelle Ness MSW, LISW has extensive experience in social work and community leadership. As the Executive Director of PRISM since February 2013, Michelle leads innovative efforts to address suburban poverty and build resilient communities. Previous roles include Social Work Supervisor for LGSWs and LSWs, Chair of the Board of Directors at CEAP during a critical organizational transition, and Cultural Proficiency Facilitator at Neighborhood House, focusing on effective strategies for serving immigrant and refugee populations. Michelle has also held positions at the University of Minnesota School of Social Work and Tubman Family Alliance, managing programs that support women in domestic violence shelters. Michelle holds an MSW in Human Services Management from the University of Minnesota and a BS in Psychology from Western Michigan University, complemented by ongoing training in negotiation.