Michelle is a second-grade teacher at a local elementary school and a mother to a 3-year-old girl. She learned the value of hard work from her own mother, who balanced multiple jobs to support three children. Growing up just two blocks from Habitat Seminole-Apopka’s new 19-home neighborhood, Legacy Square, Michelle spent much of her childhood visiting the nearby park after school and building a deep connection to the community around her. Now, she’s excited to raise her daughter in the same neighborhood that helped shape who she is today.
For the past two years, Michelle has been working with a realtor in search of a forever home. However, due to rising housing costs and limited affordable options, she has been unable to find a home within her price range.
Michelle first learned about Habitat’s program through her childhood best friend, Jasmine, who is currently a Habitat Homebuyer. At first, Michelle did not think she would qualify, but after learning more about the program’s requirements from her principle, she realized her income met the criteria. She decided to pursue her dream of homeownership in the community she loves and applied to become a future Habitat homeowner.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Michelle is currently studying to earn her real estate license. She hopes to one day purchase, renovate, and sell homes. She is especially excited about the opportunity to help build her own home and eventually decorate and personalize her space, which she believes is both meaningful and valuable preparation for her future career.
Michelle recently began completing her sweat equity hours by volunteering at the 2026 Habitat Achievement Awards, where she felt a strong sense of pride in working toward her goal of homeownership. She looks forward to the stability and peace of mind that owning a home will bring and remains hopeful and determined as she builds a brighter future for herself and her daughter.
