Michelle Mannino Purkey received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Purdue University and her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Purdue University Calumet. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Michelle's areas of interest include medical family therapy and bereavement. Specifically, Michelle completed her master's thesis on the effects of cancer on the family. She compiled information about cancer support centers throughout the United States and the types of services they offer to people affected by cancer.

Michelle works from solution-focused approach and believes that people are the experts on their lives. She views her role as someone who can offer support and empathy as well as someone who can challenge and encourage people to find new solutions. Michelle believes that discussing and highlighting a person's strengths and prior successes is a critical part of therapy.