Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy
Michele Burgess’ career has been all about children and change. From an early age, Michele knew she wanted to work with children, and she followed that dream. She began working in a Maine day-care system immediately after high school and didn’t see college in her future.
Like most plans, however, this one changed.
In pursuit of personal and professional growth, Michele enrolled at the University of Maine and completed her bachelor’s degree in Child Development/Family Relations. She then transitioned into the mental health field – working with at-risk school children as an Education Support Specialist. After a few short years, she became a Targeted Case Manager at Spurwink.
Yet another change.
Although it’s a constant, managing change isn’t easy. That’s why Michele is thankful the resources at Spurwink that help her navigate the change: “Having my colleagues to talk to and learn from is the support I need, and Spurwink is great about providing that.”
In her current role, Michele helps children and families find the resources and connections they need to make positive changes in their lives. She helps them realize the tools and supports they have but don’t see – often a simple change in perspective. And she finds even the smallest change worth celebrating: the child who makes it through a day of school, the youth who connects with friends in a new activity, or the parent who makes a positive life choice for the first time.
By pursuing change in her own life, Michele has helped hundreds of children and families realize positive change in theirs.
In her own words, “Every day is different – that’s the constant – every day is different.”