Michele believes that effective fundraising is rooted in genuine relationships—understanding what people care about and helping them translate their passions into meaningful, value-driven philanthropy. Grounded in Jewish values, she guides leaders and donors alike toward philanthropic practices that are intentional, ethical, and deeply connected to the community.
As a former Director of Development at small non-profits, Michele understands the challenges of working with a modest staff and tight budget. This experience shaped her philosophy: it's critical to effectively use the tools you have readily available. With more than 20 years of experience, Michele has worked with a wide range of organizations including colleges, Jewish Federations, synagogues, community centers, food pantries, and social service organizations.
As a development consultant, Michele brings expertise in fundraising CRMs including Bloomerang, Little Green Light, Easyshul, ShulCloud, Temple Tools, and others. Known for her collaborative, hands-on approach, she helps organizations build fundraising systems that continue to thrive long after the consulting engagement ends, increasing their fundraising potential for sustainable impact.
Michele holds a B.A. in Sociology from Brandeis University and an M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from the University of Georgia. She lives in Westchester, NY with her family and her large Bernadoodle!
When I was a little girl, my grandparents taught me a valuable lesson about giving and receiving. Every time I saw my grandparents Max and Flo, they would give me $5.00, but it was the smile on their faces that showed me it made them far happier to give than for me to receive. My grandma Lucille demonstrated through action—Tikkun Olam (repairing the world)—that volunteering brings as much happiness as money, and those relationships help turn us into the best donors. My earliest lesson in fundraising came from a wise teacher who said, "Giving makes people smile."