BIOGRAPHY
Michelle Gauthier, MSW (she/her), is a nonprofit and philanthropic professional with over 15 years of experience advancing community-centered initiatives at the intersection of grantmaking, behavioral health, education, and Indigenous self-determination. An enrolled member of the Menominee Nation who also honors her Ho-Chunk, Oneida, and Stockbridge heritage, Michelle brings a deeply grounded, culturally responsive approach to leadership, operations, and program strategy in Indigenous and underserved communities.
Michelle previously served as Grantmaking Associate Officer at NDN Collective, supporting Indigenous-led grantmaking through strategic planning, operational oversight, grants review, and outcomes evaluation in close collaboration with cross-departmental teams. Her work focused on strengthening internal systems, stewarding resources with accountability, and translating data and community narratives into clear, accessible reporting. She also held program development roles at First Nations Development Institute, contributing to national initiatives that strengthened Tribal and community institutions, invested in Native youth, and advanced Indigenous arts and language revitalization. Earlier in her career, Michelle worked within the Florida Seminole behavioral health systems as a clinical associate, school social worker, and exceptional student education teacher for the local school district. Across her work, she consistently centers equity, cultural resilience, trauma-informed practice, and community- defined outcomes.
Michelle holds a Master of Social Work in Administration Advocacy Practice from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Haskell Indian Nations University. She brings additional expertise in trauma-informed care, facilitation, Indigenous public health, and multilingual support. Known for her thoughtful leadership, operational rigor, and relational approach, Michelle remains committed to advancing Indigenous-led solutions and sustainable systems that honor community knowledge, sovereignty, and well-being.
