Michelle Rhode has dedicated her career to women’s advocacy and has served the women and children of Saint Martha’s for over two decades. As our Senior Program Director, Michelle is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of our shelter program, including its policies, procedures, and overall operation.

She started working at Saint Martha’s as an Advocate/Volunteer Coordinator in 1997 after receiving her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2000, Michelle earned her clinical social work license and became a Support Group Facilitator. She then moved to Kansas City where she worked for several years as a Domestic Violence Therapist at the Rose Brooks Center for Abused Women and Children. In 2007, Michelle came back to Saint Martha’s as Program Director and was promoted to Senior Program Director in 2022.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead