Michele was born in St. Louis, Missouri during the 1950's baby boom. She was the youngest child of brothers. Being the youngest taught her to be quiet and observant. Michele contributes these observational skills as the catalyst for her art.

Michele's formal art education began in Champaign Illinois. She attended art classes at Parkland Community College, graduating with an AA in painting and then transferring to the University of Illinois where she finished her B.F.A. in Painting. After graduation Michele took a two-year break from her education to immerse herself in painting. But soon this utopia ended and the realization that a single mother of three children needed to become fiscally self reliant became quite apparent. Michele then enrolled in graduate school where she received her Master's in Art Education.

In 1999 Michele moved to Santa Cruz, California. After moving to Santa Cruz she gave up teaching full time to focus on her career as a painter.