Michelle Thall

Michelle Thall, PhD, is a self-described “kaleidoscope-shifting meaning seeker” on a lifelong journey of self-discovery. She spent 15 years in corporate finance before realizing that her destiny lay elsewhere. She went back to school twice, first earning a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and then a PhD in Exercise Psychology. It was Michelle’s dissertation studies that brought meaning to her work when she explored the relationship among self-compassion, movement, and body image in middle-aged women.

She taught at Bastyr University before returning to her roots in Chicago to found The Whole Wellness Project, LLC, a collective of women working toward multi-dimensional wellness in community. The final piece of the Michelle puzzle fell into place when she discovered Parker Palmer’s work and The Center for Courage and Renewal. She now grounds her wellness model in spirituality, the core of making meaning of our lives, bridging our inner and outer worlds.

Michelle is good at numbers, words, research, and kitchening, and is a certified dog lover. She believes in the Oneness of all things, and in serving the world to the best of her ability.

Michelle is currently an apprentice in the Center for Courage & Renewal Facilitator Preparation Program.