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About the Founder of Opportunity Acres

Michelle has been working with individuals with developmental disabilities since 1990. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michelle has provided treatment for children, adolescents and adults with a variety of developmental disabilities. 
 
Michelle founded her first business, Advance Kids, Inc. in 2000 providing in home services to consumers with autism. After 25 years in business, Advance Kids now provides in- home and clinic-based services for young children, crisis intervention for all ages and operates three Community Crisis Homes. 

Expanding her passion to help others, Michelle ventured out of her comfort zone and founded the program now known as Opportunity Acres in 2013.  The Adult Day Program provides an environment where young adults diagnosed with Autism and other disabilities can find their own voice, build their skill set and find their
confidence to go out into the world with greater independence. The Non-Public School provides teens with an educational program that focuses more heavily on communication, self-regulation, and job skills than academics.
 
Michelle's love of horses began when her youngest child began riding lessons at the age 6. As her daughter grew more and more involved in riding and competing, Michelle finally decided to join her daughter in the sport and the rest is history. Time with horses, whether riding, feeding, grooming or just hanging out in pasture has proven to be therapeutic respite for Michelle and she wants to share that joy with others. Opportunity Acres is the marriage of her passion for helping those affected by autism and her love of horses and large animals. As a horse owner, she quickly came to recognize how much horses can do for a human being, providing a sense of calm when you need it most, and confidence to do the things you never imagined you could do.
 
Michelle has been featured in The Business Journal and was also awarded "Business Woman of the Year" by the National Association of Woman Business Owners in 2008 and "2012 Small Business Person of the Year for the Sacramento Region" by the Small Business Administration.
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