Michelle Strain, LPC-C,  is the Executive Director of Prevention and Intervention Services at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Michelle leads crisis response at the OSDE, as well as the OSDE Crisis Response and Recovery Team. Her team also includes those working in school climate transformation, multi-tiered systems of support, alternative education, prevention, and trauma. Michelle has a special interest in crisis and trauma after her 12 years as a school counselor. She has trained thousands of people in working with people who have experienced trauma and in hope.

Michelle was formerly the Crisis Team School Counselor and the Director of Prevention Services at the OSDE. She has also served as the district leader over counselors in a large suburban district. At Norman Public Schools in Oklahoma she served as a middle school counselor, high school counselor, and Student Advocacy Coordinator. Michelle additionally worked part time for the Oklahoma School Security Institute as an instructor. She also has served on the Oklahoma School Counselor Association Board of Directors.

Michelle has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master’s Degree in Human Relations Counseling. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. All her degrees are from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to receiving her master’s degrees and entering education, she was a journalist who worked as a newspaper reporter. She also worked for the American Red Cross as the Emergency Services Director, and she worked at Oklahoma City University as the Coordinator of Student Activities and Yearbook Advisor. She taught journalism part time at OU, as well. 

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