Michele grew up in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Upon graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, she spent the next year working in Cape Town, South Africa for the Pediatric Aids Treatment for Africa where she hosted the PATA 2012 sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria Regional Forum. Afterward, she returned to the U.S. and earned her Master of Public Health focusing on global health from Boston University School of Public Health. During this time, she conducted a research study in the Loitokitok District of Kenya for the Kenyan Ministry of Health assessing effectiveness of community health workers. Michele enjoys reading, swimming, traveling, watching tennis, and spending time with her three nephews.