Michelle Mendes

Michelle Mendes began her career in Early Childhood as a teacher of young children across multiple settings including childcare programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers and as an elementary school substitute teacher. Her interest in child development led her to the field of Early Intervention where she supported children birth to age three and their families in Hampden and Hampshire Counties for 15 years. She is joining CES from Family Empowerment (a program of Pathlight) where she managed two Family Support Centers serving families connected to the Department of Developmental Services in Hampshire and Franklin Counties. Her responsibilities there included: program development, organization, budgeting, and assuring adherence to state policies and regulations; staff supervision; hosting workshops, trainings and family events; establishing collaborations and relationships with outside agencies, community partners; leading the advisory council; assisting families in identifying needs and resources, and more. While not working, Michelle enjoys traveling, walking along the oceans’ shores, and spending time with family and friends.