Prior to joining the XML team, she worked for Merrill Lynch and U.S. Trust (both entities are now owned by Bank of America) as a Director, helping high-net-worth clients design and update their estate plans. She also had the responsibility of educating over 650 financial advisors on estate planning and trust services. Before starting her career at Merrill Lynch in 1996, she worked as an attorney specializing in tax and estate planning for the law firms of Ralph R. Polachek & Associates and Joseph, Gajarsa, McDermott & Reiner, P.C.

Michelle recently wrote a book called I’ve Still Got Me – A Widow’s Journey to Love, Happiness & Financial Independence. In this book, Michelle shares her personal story of resilience after the sudden loss of her husband to suicide. By sharing her journey and the life lessons learned along the way, she hopes to empower women to become more active and involved with their finances and estate plan so they can live more healthy and secure lives. Michelle has been featured on several local and national media outlets and was recently named one of JWI’s 2019 Women to Watch.

Education

Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science in business from Miami University. She then attained her Juris Doctor and Master of Business from Capital University, with honors. She is admitted to the bars of the State of Maryland and Washington, DC.

Philanthropy

Michelle is a proud board member of So What Else, a grassroots charity helping at-risk youth with after-school and summer programs. She is also a member of Women Who Care and supporter of JWI, KEEN and BREM. She is married to Paul Cooper and they have five incredible children together. She enjoys yoga, traveling, a good bottle of wine and helping women thrive!