Michelle Morton is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and the Founder of As She Speaks Coaching, a dynamic initiative dedicated to empowering women through the fusion of mental health support and the performing arts. A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, Michelle earned her BA in Mass Communication with minors in Journalism and Interdisciplinary Studies. She later pursued her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, equipping her with the tools to provide transformative mental health services to individuals in need.
Michelle’s passion for advocacy and mental health awareness began early in her career. During her time at FGCU, she worked for a Human Trafficking Agency and was an active member of the Human Trafficking Board in Fort Myers, FL. She further honed her skills through an internship with Roll Call TV in Washington D.C., where she gained invaluable experience in politics, laws, and advocacy. Her commitment to community service deepened when she worked at a local group home for young mothers in the foster care system and continued through her roles in nonprofits such as Pace Center for Girls and drug treatment facilities for youth.
In 2016, Michelle relocated to Tampa, FL, where she further expanded her work as a Mental Health Advocate, Trainer, and Speaker. She has extensive experience working in the school system, jail system, and inpatient treatment settings, offering her expertise to those who need it most. In 2018, Michelle founded As She Speaks Coaching, a platform that empowers both young and adult women to find their voice through mental health coaching, mentorship, workshops, and community events.
As She Speaks has been featured on ABC Action News, Bay News 9 and in Creative Loafing Tampa, reflecting its growing impact. Michelle also founded the first-ever all-women’s Open Mic, As She Speaks Open Mic, which was nominated as one of the top open mics in Tampa by Best of The Bay. In 2019, she created Poet’s Meet Mental Health, a monthly workshop that combines performing arts and mental health awareness.
Michelle’s work continues at the University of South Florida, where she serves as an Embedded Mental Health Therapist, and she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Black On Black Rhyme. Through her multifaceted approach to advocacy and mental health, Michelle is committed to helping women become healed, whole, and empowered.
As She Speaks Coaching 