Michelle received her undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in 1993 and a masters degree in Communication Disorders in 1995 from the University of Texas at Dallas. She completed her internship at Medical City Dallas Hospital and earned her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in 1996 from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Her most memorable case of therapy involved "Kay" - a two year old found a the bottom of a swimming pool. Seeing the dedication of Kay's mother to the recovery of her severely brain damaged child, Michelle developed an early and profound respect for all Mothers. In 2000, Michelle took a break from working to start her own family, having three girls in five years. Immersed in all things "Mommy", Michelle decided to write a book dedicated to people just like her: confused, amazed, exhausted, guilt-ridden, and baffled on what-to-do-next. Journey with her as she writes with empathy ("..while I write this very sentence, my child is trying to tear her crib apart in a raging, screaming, fit..."), dedication to getting tough ("Throw that guilt monster out the window, girlfriend!") and a professional eye for what really works in toddler discipline. Teaming up with Dr. Rita Chandler, a Nationally Certified expert in behavior, Michelle decodes the technical aspect of steps to improving problem behavior, but stays devoted to teaching discipline techniques with the emotions of caregivers in mind.
Poppy Smith is a violinist and artist who spends her free time drawing anime and studying French and Japanese.
